A great hairstyle can enhance confidence, and one of the most versatile options at any age is bangs. If you’re over 50 and considering adding or keeping bangs, you might wonder if they are the right choice for you. The answer is yes! Bangs can frame the face beautifully, bring out your best features, and even help hide signs of aging. With the right cut and styling, you can wear bangs in a way that feels fresh, modern, and age-appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Bangs Over 50?
Bangs can do wonders for your look after 50. Here are some key benefits:
Softening Facial Features: Bangs can soften prominent features such as a strong jawline or high forehead. They can also provide balance to the overall shape of your face.
Concealing Forehead Lines: One of the best perks of bangs is their ability to hide forehead wrinkles and fine lines, giving your face a more youthful appearance.
Highlighting the Eyes: Well-shaped bangs draw attention to the eyes, often considered the most expressive part of the face. This creates a focal point, enhancing your overall look.
Adding Volume: Thinning hair is common as we age, and bangs can help create the illusion of volume and thickness, especially with the right styling.
What to Consider Before Getting Bangs After 50?
While bangs can be a great choice, it’s essential to consider the following factors before getting them:
1. Face Shape
Understanding your face shape can help you choose the most flattering bang style. Whether you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, there is a perfect bang cut for you.
Round Faces: Opt for longer, side-swept bangs to elongate the face and create balance.
Oval Faces: Lucky you! Almost any style of bangs works with an oval face, so feel free to experiment.
Square Faces: Soft, wispy bangs can soften the angles of a square face.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Bangs that are fuller at the center and taper toward the sides are ideal for balancing a heart-shaped face.
2. Hair Texture
Your hair’s natural texture plays a role in how your bangs will look and behave.
Straight Hair: Straight hair is great for blunt bangs or sleek side bangs.
Wavy Hair: Soft, feathery bangs complement the texture of wavy hair, adding movement.
Curly Hair: Curly bangs can be stunning and unique but require a bit more maintenance. Opt for longer, layered bangs to prevent them from shrinking too short.
Fine Hair: Bangs can add the illusion of fullness to fine hair, but it’s important to avoid heavy bangs that may overwhelm your face.
3. Maintenance
Bangs generally require more upkeep than other hairstyles. Regular trims, styling, and possibly blow-drying are essential to keep them looking sharp. Ask yourself if you’re ready to commit to this added maintenance.
The Best Bangs for Women Over 50
There are several bang styles that work well for women over 50, regardless of hair type or face shape. Here are some of the top picks:
1. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are universally flattering. They’re ideal for women who want a softer, more relaxed look. These bangs gently frame the face and draw attention to the cheekbones, creating an elegant, feminine shape.
Best for: Round and square faces.
Styling Tips: To style side-swept bangs, blow-dry them using a round brush, sweeping the hair to one side. Add a bit of volumizing spray to keep them in place and enhance fullness.
2. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are making a huge comeback, and they’re perfect for mature women. This style consists of bangs that part in the middle and gradually taper off to the sides, blending seamlessly with the rest of your hair. Curtain bangs can hide forehead lines while adding a chic, effortless look.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips: Curtain bangs can be styled with a round brush or left to air-dry for a more relaxed appearance. A bit of dry shampoo at the roots can keep them looking fresh throughout the day.
3. Wispy Bangs
If you want a lighter, more subtle bang, wispy bangs are an excellent option. These bangs have a soft, feathered finish that gently frames the face without overwhelming it. They’re perfect for women who want a low-maintenance, breezy look.
Best for: Square and round faces.
Styling Tips: Wispy bangs are best styled with a blow-dryer and a paddle brush for a soft, airy effect. You can also use a lightweight mousse to keep them from getting too flat.
4. Blunt Bangs
Blunt bangs are bold and youthful, making a statement. They’re cut straight across the forehead and work best for women with thick hair. If you want to emphasize your eyes or make a dramatic change, blunt bangs could be the way to go.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips: Blunt bangs require regular trims to maintain their sharp edge. Use a flat iron to keep them sleek and smooth.
5. Layered Bangs
Layered bangs are soft and versatile. They’re longer than traditional bangs and have a layered, textured finish. This style works well with longer hairstyles or bobs, adding a bit of flair and dimension.
Best for: All face shapes.
Styling Tips: Layered bangs can be styled with a curling iron to add soft waves or left natural for a laid-back look.
6. Baby Bangs
For the daring, baby bangs are a unique choice. These ultra-short bangs sit high on the forehead and can create a bold, edgy look. While they require confidence to pull off, baby bangs can be a fun way to shake up your hairstyle.
Best for: Oval and square faces.
Styling Tips: Baby bangs need precise trims and daily styling. Keep them sleek with a fine-tooth comb and some lightweight styling gel.
See Also: How To Wear Bob Hair Up
How to Maintain Your Bangs
Bangs can quickly lose their shape without proper maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your bangs looking fresh and flattering:
1. Regular Trims
To keep your bangs in good shape, you’ll need to trim them every 3 to 4 weeks. You can either visit your stylist or learn to do minor touch-ups at home.
2. Use the Right Tools
Invest in the right styling tools to keep your bangs looking polished. A small round brush, a flat iron, and a good-quality blow-dryer will help you achieve the perfect look.
3. Adjust for Different Hair Days
On bad hair days, bangs can be a bit more challenging. Keep some dry shampoo or a lightweight mousse on hand to manage excess oil or frizz.
4. Experiment with Parting
If you have curtain or side-swept bangs, you can switch up your look by changing the part. A deeper part can give you a more dramatic effect, while a middle part creates a more balanced appearance.
5. Keep Bangs Hydrated
Hair becomes more prone to dryness as we age, so it’s important to keep bangs hydrated. Use a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight serum to prevent them from looking dull or frizzy.
Styling Inspiration for Bangs Over 50
Looking for some inspiration on how to wear your bangs? Here are a few celebrity styles that prove bangs are timeless:
Helen Mirren: Known for her chic, side-swept bangs, Helen Mirren shows that bangs can add sophistication to any look.
Sandra Bullock: With her curtain bangs, Sandra Bullock balances her face beautifully while keeping her look modern.
Viola Davis: Viola Davis rocks short, blunt bangs that frame her face and highlight her stunning features.
Jane Fonda: Jane Fonda’s layered bangs complement her bob, creating a youthful yet elegant appearance.
Conclusion
Bangs can be a fun and flattering addition to your hairstyle, no matter your age. The key to pulling off bangs after 50 is finding a style that works for your face shape, hair texture, and personal preferences. Whether you opt for side-swept bangs, wispy layers, or a bold blunt cut, bangs can help you feel fresh, confident, and stylish. Just remember to keep up with regular trims and styling, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks!
In conclusion, bangs over 50 are not only possible but can be an incredibly empowering choice. With so many options available, you can find the perfect bang style to suit your face, personality, and lifestyle.