The Best Haircuts and Hairstyles for Women Over 50

As you get older, there are so many new beauty concerns to consider. You’re faced with changing your skin care routine to combat signs of aging, dealing with gray hair coverage, and finding makeup products that won’t sink into your fine lines and wrinkles. But change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Maybe you’ll find the perfect weightless face powder in the process, or finally master all the best hairstyles for older women. In fact, we highly advise embracing your age as an opportunity to revamp your beauty look. Want somewhere to start? Why not refresh your mane with one of the best hairstyles for women over 50? From pixie cuts to voluminous curls, here are 31 of our favorite hairstyles and haircuts for women 50 and up.

BEST SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50

First thing’s first—let’s cover the best short hairstyles for women over 50!

HAIRSTYLE #1: TEXTURED PIXIE

A pixie cut is one of the most popular hairstyles for older women and with good reason! This timeless cut is seriously low-maintenance—and who has tons of extra time to perfect their mane every day? Not us! Add a fun and flirty twist to this classic ‘do by rocking a textured pixie. Simply grab a hair pomade, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty, and use your fingers to work it through your hair and accentuate your layers. The messier, the better!

HAIRSTYLE #2: SILVER PIXIE

Silver hair is a majorly popular hair color trend for 2020, and a silver pixie is the perfect way to embrace your grays while giving them a major upgrade! Who said getting older meant your hairstyle had to be boring? We say older = bolder! Get the look with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Silver or the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color in Soft Silver Blonde.

HAIRSTYLE #3: UNDERCUT PIXIE

Seeking haircuts for older women that are equal parts bold and sassy? The undercut pixie will never steer you wrong. This cut is all about keeping your strands super short on the bottom with a little length at the top for a play on angles. It’s also suitable for all textures, which makes it an easy pick.

HAIRSTYLE #4: SPIKY PIXIE

Speaking of bold styles, the spiky pixie falls right in line. An excellent option for individuals who love to highlight their texture and enhance their shape, a spiky pixie cut makes for an unforgettable classic. Simply add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel to your strands, and shape your hair upward to create gorgeous spikes.

HAIRSTYLE #5: COPPER BOB

Another popular short hairstyle for older women, we’re huge fans of this trendy twist on the bob. Copper is one of the hottest hair colors for 2020, and it just so happens to be the perfect way to add a lively, youthful touch to your mane. Color your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Power Copper.

HAIRSTYLE #6: LAYERED BOB

Can’t get enough of bob styles? Consider adding the layered bob to your hairstyle lookbook. A step up from traditional bob styles, this haircut offers effortless movement that works to complement the shape of your face. Best of all, you can customize this look with highlights for instant dimension.

HAIRSTYLE #7: GRADUATED BOB

If you’re game to step outside of the box with your layered haircut, the graduated bob may be just the ticket. Flaunting gorgeous long layers at the front that gradually build toward the back, this haircut tops our list of youthful hairstyles for women over 50. An excellent way to frame your face and enhance your gorgeous features, you won’t be able to get enough of this style!

HAIRSTYLE #8: A-LINE HAIRCUT

Do you love to go against the grain when it comes to hairstyles? It’s time we introduce you to the A-line bob. This timeless style features a short, tapered back that gets longer toward the front, sitting between the chin and the shoulders. Capable of adding a modern touch to your look, we have a feeling that this haircut will become your go-to in no time.

HAIRSTYLE #9: SHORT SHAG

Who says that shag hairstyles are only reserved for medium and long lengths? That’s right, the shag cut can be a real showstopper on short hair! A solid choice for those who prefer the look of messy yet stylish strands, this look takes minimal styling to the next level! All you need is a touch of curl mousse to bring this style to life. Start with an egg-sized amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Mousse, scrunch on damp hair, and let air dry. Voila!

HAIRSTYLE #10: CURLY TWA (TEENY WEENY AFRO)

If you’re looking to show your natural strands some love, the curly TWA will certainly make it happen. This look allows you to flaunt your curls while keeping your strands nice and short for easy manageability. Not to mention, this look is super easy to style. Simply wash and condition your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. Follow up with a healthy amount of mousse, scrunch, and air dry your strands. Fluff your mane with a rattail comb, and you’re all set!

BEST MEDIUM-LENGTH HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Prefer a medium-length mane? We’ve got you covered. Here are the best medium hairstyles and haircuts for women over 50.

HAIRSTYLE #11: SHOULDER-LENGTH WITH BANGS

A shoulder-length cut is a foolproof option for women over 50—and it’s even better with bangs! Whether you pair your shoulder-skimming strands with curtain bangs or side-swept bangs is up to you; both options make for an easy way to update your hairstyle without committing to a big chop. An added bonus? This hairstyle can be used as a hack to help hide those pesky forehead wrinkles!

HAIRSTYLE #12: ANGLED LOB

As you get older, your hair can become thinner and begin to lack volume—yikes! Counteract these hair aging traits with a lob hairstyle. This ‘do is a modern and youthful way to try out a medium-length hairstyle. Shorter in the back and slightly longer at the front, the cut will also add tons of volume to your mane. Score! Not sure if this is the right look for you? Fake it to find out if it is! Here’s How to Wear a Faux Lob Hairstyle.

HAIRSTYLE #13: WAVY LOB

Medium-length hairstyles always seem to be on-trend, and the wavy lob is one of our favorites. A great way to liven up your look and play with texture, this wavy ‘do will give you beach-inspired strands with little to no effort. Super-flattering and undeniably chic, it’s no surprise that A-listers can’t get enough of this look. All you need is a few minutes and a small amount of curl mousse to get the look.

HAIRSTYLE #14: BLUNT LOB

In case you haven’t noticed, we are totally smitten with lob styles. And we have a feeling that the blunt lob will become your new BFF! Unlike other bob haircuts, this style keeps things simple and practical without skimping on style. An excellent option for those who love to keep their strands at an even length, the blunt cut makes it oh so easy. Whether you’re working with textured hair or a fine mane, this haircut will give your strands the makeover they need.

HAIRSTYLE #15: SHOULDER-LENGTH WITH FLIPPED ENDS

So, you’re not in the mood for layers, but you still want to add some pizazz to your medium-length strands? Say hello to shoulder-length hair with flipped ends. Taking cues from the retro styles that you may have tried back in the day, this hairstyle features ends that flip out to give your mane a gorgeous bounce.

To get the look, start by spraying your towel-dried hair with a heat protectant. Take a small section of your hair and straighten your strands with a flat iron. Once you reach the ends, rotate the flat iron in a curved motion to create the flipped look. Repeat until all of your ends are flipped!

HAIRSTYLE #16: SHOULDER-LENGTH WITH FEATHERED LAYERS

Ready to show off your medium-length strands? You may want to give feathered layers a try! Another stylish way to give your mane a retro look, this ‘70s-inspired haircut leaves your strands with soft layers that add body and movement for a head-turning look. Flattering on all hair textures and face shapes, this look always makes for a stunning pick.

HAIRSTYLE #17: SHOULDER-LENGTH WITH CHOPPY LAYERS

For anyone who dares to take a walk on the bold side, styling your shoulder-length strands in choppy layers will make a bold statement. Designed to give your hair texture, movement, body, and definition, this haircut is all you need to refresh your mane.

HAIRSTYLE #18: V-SHAPED HAIRCUT

If you’re game for a classic haircut that will go the distance, the V-shaped haircut is where it’s at! As the name suggests, this haircut gives your mane layers that fall into a V-shape at the back for a seriously stunning look. The perfect match for straight, shoulder-length hair, this style will add a youthful and playful touch to your look.

HAIRSTYLE #19: BLOW OUT LOB

There is no denying that the blowout is one of the most popular hairstyles for women over 50! This hairstyle gives your mane a bouncy, shiny, and voluminous finish that can’t be beaten. While you may think that you need to book an appointment with your stylist, you can totally score this look right in the comfort of your own home. Head on over to our article, How to Blow Out Your Hair at Home, to score silky strands.

HAIRSTYLE #20: SHAGGY LAYERS

Layers are another foolproof way to add volume to your mane—and shaggy layers happen to be one of the best medium-length hairstyles for women over 50. They’re messy, carefree, and easy to style—all in all, it’s the perfect way to play up your youthful side!

BEST LONG HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Want to keep your hair long? We’re all about it! Give one of these long hairstyles for women over 50 a try.

HAIRSTYLE #21: LONG LAYERS

While people often associate shorter styles with older women, long layers can be extremely flattering on people of any age. The best part is, you have plenty of options, from shaggy to face-framing, when it comes to this style.

HAIRSTYLE #22: VOLUMINOUS CURLS

Voluminous curls are fit for nearly any occasion. This volumized hairstyle will add body and movement to your long hair, which is perfect if your hair has started to look and feel thin. Here’s How to Create Voluminous Curls on Any Hair Type.

HAIRSTYLE #23: SPIRAL CURLS

When you’re in the mood to sport tight curls, we have to recommend you feast your eyes on spiral curls! This hairstyle allows you to rev up your texture for a full and defined look, which goes hand in hand with having a youthful-looking mane.

To get the look without heat, start by parting a section of your (damp) hair and clip the rest out of the way. Apply a small amount of mousse to your hair, comb through, place a flexi-rod at the end of the section, and start rolling it toward your roots. Secure the flexi-rod in place by bending the ends. Repeat until your head is full of flexi-rods. Cover your hair with a silk scarf and let it dry overnight. In the morning, gently remove the flexi-rods, fluff your curls a bit, and you’re good to go.

HAIRSTYLE #24: SIDE-SWEPT WAVES

Heading to a swanky cocktail event? Then you need a chic hairstyle that will do your look justice. This is where side-swept waves come in handy. Offering the perfect combination of sophisticated and elegant styling, this hairstyle will have all eyes on you. We also dig that it’s super easy to style.

Simply add a healthy amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse to damp strands and let them air dry. Once your hair is fully dry, create a deep side part and add a small dollop of hair gel to the roots. Brush your hair toward either side of your head for a super sleek finish. Tease your strands a bit, and your look is complete.

HAIRSTYLE #25: BRUSHED OUT NATURAL CURLS

Brushed out natural curls are a chic way to soften spirals while enhancing your texture, leaving you with the red-carpet hair of your dreams. To bring this look to life, start by scrunching a bit of curl mousse through damp strands. Once dry, use a boar bristle brush to smooth out your curls from the ends to the roots. Last but not least, mist a strong-hold spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume, all over your strands to lock your look in place.

HAIRSTYLE #26: SIDE-SWEPT BANGS

Another way to add some shape to long tresses is with side-swept bangs. These wispy bangs can help camouflage wrinkles and age spots on your forehead while taking your long hair to the next level.

HAIRSTYLE #27: U-SHAPE HAIRCUT

If you’re running out of ways to work layers into your long mane, the U-shape haircut is a nice change of pace. A more subtle take on the layering trend, this haircut provides your mane with multiple layers while maintaining a more even length throughout your mane. As a result, there is a slight change of length between the sides and the middle that forms a “U” shape. You know what they say, sometimes less truly is more!

HAIRSTYLE #28: CENTER PART WITH PIN-STRAIGHT HAIR

Long hair with a center part makes for a stunning combination. And when you add a pin-straight texture into the mix, you’ll effortlessly tip the style scales. After all, straight strands are always in, and this look is a great way to stay on top of the trend. Sounds like a hairstyle you can get behind? Head on over to our article, Super Straight Strands Are In: Here’s How to Get the Look, to transform your hair.

HAIRSTYLE #29: LOW PONYTAIL WITH CURLS

Give your long hair a glamorous twist with the help of a low ponytail with curls. This gorgeous style is a great fit for a girl’s night out or a brunch date with your beau! A fabulous option to keep hair away from your face while flaunting long locks, you can’t lose with this style.

To get the look, add a bit of hair gel to your roots and brush your hair toward the nape of your neck. Gather your strands into a low ponytail and secure with a hair elastic. Use a curling iron to add a few curls to your mane, and you’re ready to take on your day or night!

Editor’s tip: You can curl your hair before pulling it up too, but this curling technique, with your hair already in your ponytail, will make the whole process way faster!

HAIRSTYLE #30: SLEEK LOW PONYTAIL

For sleek style lovers, this sleek ponytail should definitively be on your must-try list. It’s stylish, sultry, elegant—basically everything you need in a hairstyle. Best of all, you can pull this look together in a matter of minutes. Start by adding a small amount of hair gel to your roots and brush your hair toward the back of your head. Gather your strands at the nape of your neck, form a ponytail, and secure it with a hair elastic. Finish things up with a misting of strong-hold spray for a long-lasting look.

HAIRSTYLE #31: HALF-UP PONYTAIL

Not sure if half-up ponytails make the cut when it comes to youthful hairstyles over 50? Think again! After all, there is a reason why this look can be seen on your favorite Hollywood A-listers. Not only does this hairstyle help to keep your strands stylishly tucked away, but you can also play with your length and texture for a versatile option.

To get the look, simply divide your hair into two even sections and clip the bottom half out of the way. Gather the top section of hair into a ponytail at the center of your head and secure it with a hair elastic. Release the bottom half, and you’re all done!

Next, let’s focus on your makeup! Here are 10 Makeup Tips for Women Over 50.