As women reach their 50s, they often seek hairstyles that are not only stylish but also easy to manage and flattering to their features. The right haircut can enhance their natural beauty, boost confidence, and give them a fresh, youthful look. Here are some of the best hairstyles for women over 50, considering different hair types, face shapes, and personal preferences.
Short Hairstyles
Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a classic choice for older women. It’s low – maintenance and can add a touch of youthfulness. For women with thin hair, a pixie cut can create an illusion of volume. The short length reduces the weight of the hair, allowing it to stand up more at the roots. A layered pixie, in particular, can add texture and dimension. The layers can be cut in a way that they add lift to the crown area, making the hair look fuller.
This style suits various face shapes. For oval – shaped faces, almost any pixie cut variation will work well. Round – faced women can opt for a pixie with more height at the crown to add length to the face and create a more oval – like appearance. Square – faced women can choose a pixie with soft, curved lines to soften the angles of their face.
Short Bob
A short bob is another stylish and practical option. It typically falls around the chin or just above it. This length is easy to manage and can be styled in different ways. A blunt – cut short bob gives a sleek and sophisticated look. It’s suitable for women with thick hair as it can showcase the hair’s volume without looking too heavy.
For women with fine hair, a textured short bob can be a great choice. The texture can be added through layers or by using texturizing products. This makes the hair look fuller and more dynamic. The short bob also flatters many face shapes. It can balance a long face, making it appear more proportionate. For heart – shaped faces, a short bob with slightly longer sides can help balance the wider forehead.
Medium – Length Hairstyles
Layered Medium Cut
A layered medium – length haircut is a versatile option. The layers add movement and volume to the hair. They can be cut in a way that they frame the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This style is great for women who want to maintain some length while still having a manageable and stylish look.
If you have wavy or curly hair, a layered medium cut can enhance your natural texture. The layers will allow the waves or curls to fall more freely, creating a more defined and voluminous look. For straight – haired women, the layers can add a bit of texture and prevent the hair from looking flat. This hairstyle suits most face shapes. The layers can soften the angles of a square face and add dimension to a round face.
Medium – Length Bob (Lob)
The medium – length bob, or lob, is a trendy and flattering style. It usually falls between the chin and the shoulders. A lob can be styled straight for a sleek look or with gentle waves for a more feminine and soft appearance. For women with thin hair, adding some layers to the lob can create an illusion of more volume.
The lob is a great choice for women with different face shapes. Oval – faced women can rock any type of lob. For round – faced women, a lob with side – swept bangs can help elongate the face. Square – faced women can choose a lob with soft, rounded ends to soften the jawline.
Long Hairstyles
Long Layers
Long – layered hairstyles are suitable for women who want to keep their long hair but still add some style and volume. The layers can be cut at different lengths, starting from the top and gradually getting longer towards the ends. This creates a cascading effect, adding movement and dimension to the hair.
For women with thick hair, long layers can help reduce the bulkiness of the hair. The layers allow the hair to flow more freely, preventing it from looking too heavy. For women with thin hair, long layers can give the illusion of more volume. The different lengths create an impression of a fuller mane. Long – layered hairstyles can flatter many face shapes. They can soften the angles of a square face and add balance to a heart – shaped face.
Soft Waves
Long hair with soft waves exudes elegance and femininity. Soft waves can be created using a curling iron or by air – drying the hair with a diffuser if it has a natural wave texture. This style is great for women who want a more romantic and sophisticated look.
The soft waves add body and volume to the hair. They can also frame the face beautifully, drawing attention to the features. This hairstyle suits oval, heart – shaped, and long faces. For long – faced women, the soft waves can add some width to the face, making it look more proportionate.
Hairstyles with Bangs
Side – Swept Bangs
Side – swept bangs are a flattering option for women over 50. They can add a touch of softness to the face and help cover any forehead wrinkles or thinning areas at the front. Side – swept bangs can be paired with short, medium, or long hairstyles.
When paired with a short pixie or bob, side – swept bangs can soften the overall look. For medium – length or long hair, they can frame the face and add a sense of style. Side – swept bangs suit most face shapes. They can balance a wide forehead and add a feminine touch to a square or rectangular face.
Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs are another great choice. They are light and airy, giving a youthful and fresh look. Wispy bangs are especially suitable for women with fine hair as they don’t add too much weight. They can be cut to different lengths, from just above the eyebrows to a bit longer.
These bangs can be paired with various hairstyles, such as short layered cuts, medium – length bobs, or long – layered hair. Wispy bangs can soften the look of a round face and add a delicate touch to an oval or heart – shaped face.
Updos
Low Chignon
A low chignon is a classic and elegant updo. It’s perfect for formal occasions or when you want to look polished and sophisticated. To create a low chignon, gather your hair at the nape of the neck and twist it into a bun. Secure it with hairpins and you can add some hairspray to keep it in place.
This style is suitable for women with medium to long hair. It shows off the neck and shoulders, giving a graceful appearance. The low chignon can be dressed up with hair accessories like a jeweled hairpin or a silk scarf. It suits oval, heart – shaped, and square faces.
Half – Up Half – Down
The half – up half – down hairstyle is a versatile and easy – to – do option. It involves pulling the top half of the hair back and securing it with a clip or a hair tie, while leaving the bottom half down. You can add some curls or waves to the hair for a more stylish look.
This style is great for women with all hair lengths. It can be a casual everyday look or dressed up for a special occasion. The half – up half – down style can add volume to the hair and frame the face nicely. It suits most face shapes, making it a popular choice among women over 50.
Color Considerations
Hair color becomes crucial as women age. Many over 50 opt to color their hair to hide grays or boost their natural shade. Lighter hues such as blonde or caramel can be revitalizing and impart a youthful radiance. They’re also simpler to maintain since roots aren’t as conspicuous as with darker colors. On the other hand, darker, rich colors like burgundy, auburn, or dark chocolate can be very flattering. They can add depth and dimension to the hair. Some women also choose to blend their gray hair with highlights or lowlights. This creates a natural – looking and stylish effect. The choice of hair color depends on personal preference, skin tone, and the overall look you want to achieve.
In conclusion, there are many great hairstyles for women over 50. Whether you prefer short, medium, or long hair, there is a style that can suit your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. Consider your personal preferences and consult with a professional hairstylist to find the perfect haircut and color that will make you look and feel your best.
Related topics:
5 Best Medium-Length Hairstyles That Are So Flattering For Women Over 50
Top 10 Short Haircuts for Women in 2025
5 Pixie Cuts to Take 10 Years Off Your Face: A Timeless Trend for Women at 50