30 Of The Most Flattering Haircuts For Women Over 50
As we get older, there are a number of changes that happen with our hair. For many of us, our locks lose their color and turn grey. Some of us may even find our tresses become more susceptible to dryness and changes in texture. Don't worry. It's usually totally normal. Over time, the rate our hair grows can slow down, causing our hair to lose its thickness. "The aging process changes the texture of hair so that it appears brittle, wiry, and frizzy," Jonathan Soons, Headmasters' creative ambassador, explained to The Color Bar Hair Salon.
Because of this, though, many of us may find that we need to change up our hairstyle as we age in order to keep our hair looking and feeling its best. After reaching a milestone like 50, you may find that the hairstyle you've rocked for years (and maybe even the majority of your life) just isn't cutting it like it used to (pun intended). In some cases, your classic cut might leave your hair looking thinner than you'd like, or your old style is just too dated and ages you. But it doesn't have to be that way. With all the changes that happen to our hair in mind, we've compiled 30 of the most flattering haircuts for women over 50, which will have you feeling (and potentially looking!) half your age.
The bixie cut
For those unfamiliar with the style, a bixie cut is a hairstyle that's not quite a pixie cut but not quite a bob. It falls somewhere in the middle, so you're getting the best of both worlds. A pixie is great for those with thinning hair (which we know comes naturally with aging) or tresses that are naturally fine, but combining it with a bob is ideal for those who don't want to cut their locks quite so short, offering more wearable and versatile length for all.
Long layers
If you prefer to wear your hair a little longer, one of the best things to do to make the look most flattering after 50 is to incorporate layers into your style. "This will release a lot of the visual and literal weight of the hair," hairstylist Carrie Butterworth explained to Prevention. That will help create extra movement and volume, which is great if you're dealing with dry or thinning hair.
The graduated bob
One of the most flattering hair cuts for women 50 and older is the bob — but it certainly doesn't have to be boring. There are various iterations of the bob you can try, and the graduated bob is one of the most fun and unique. This style involves a cut that's slightly longer at the front than the back, or, if you really want to change it up, you could try making the back longer than the front. The cut gives you all the benefits of a classic bob, but with a little edge.
Braids
Braids can be a great protective style for those with extra curly and coily hair. Along with being a super useful style for those experiencing age-related texture changes in the hair, braids are a solid choice for those who don't want to have to style their hair every day. They also create a more overall youthful look, without overwhelming your facial features. Just remember to get your braids done by a professional to avoid the potential downsides, which can involve braid-induced hair loss (which you definitely don't want if you're already losing some hair naturally).
The shaggy crop
Another way to go shorter without cutting off all your locks into pixie, the shaggy crop offers plenty of volume and styling options. When cut with swooping bangs, it can be incredibly flattering on older faces. "A shorter cut is a non-surgical facelift that draws the eye away from facial imperfections," Carrie Butterworth told Prevention.
The butterfly cut
We love the butterfly cut, and it's a particularly stunning style on those who want lots of volume and movement to the hair. Similar to long, J.Lo layers, this cut works so well on aging hair because it gets rid of the bulk that can make it fall flat. However, this one has slightly more of a graduated shape with face-framing pieces that look effortless. "The layers are all connected, so you get a very layered haircut bringing all the weight back up toward the face, losing those heavy ends," hairstylist Jordan M. explained to Glamour.
The flippy bob
Since short hair requires less time to style, it makes sense that bobs are so popular. The flippy bob, which has been having a bit of a moment in 2024 thanks to Gigi Hadid, is a trendier take on the classic cut. But make no mistake: This look transcends generations. With this chin-grazing length, the ends are flipped-upwards for a quirky and youthful effect. However, the bangs are parted swept to the side, giving it an overall sense of sophistication. This is great for those who want something fresh, but not too out there in their 50s and beyond.
Sideswept bangs
Despite what Gen-Z has to say about the middle vs. side part debate, we can all agree nothing refreshes a look like some fringe. But instead of going with blunt, straight-across bangs, which may come off a bit too youthful, try a softer, side style.
No matter what overall cut you go for, side-swept bangs can be a flattering, final touch. That's because this bang style can soften a cut and make it slightly more modern. For some people, they may find it brings confidence because covers a number of things on the forehead many of us feel self-conscious about as we age, such as lines, wrinkles, or age spots.
The asymmetric bob with a side-part
An asymmetric bob with a side-part is a particularly fabulous and sassy take on the classic short hair style. Along with being relatively easy to style, it can create the illusion of extra volume to your hair that you may have lost naturally. It will also give you a super chic and timeless look that still comes with a lot of versatility.
The curly afro
If you have naturally curly hair, sometimes, you just can't beat an afro style. If you're over 50, this look can potentially take years off your look because it's so full of volume and bounce. Although afro hair and tight curls require some maintenance to keep them looking and feeling healthy, it's totally worth it when it looks this gorgeous.
The short afro
Similar to the curly afro, the short afro is seen by many as the go-to style for people with textured hair as they get older. According to Jawara, a global ambassador for Dyson Hair, who spoke to InStyle, this style afro is purposefully cut that bit shorter for added structure, which is what makes it so flattering as we age.
The classic pixie cut
If super-short styles are your thing, then an age-defying pixie cut may be the way to go. Though anyone can try this dramatic look, pixies particularly suit those with oval face shapes as they highlight the cheekbones. If you're concerned about the look being too intense or masculine, celebrity stylist Ryan Richman explained to Byrdie a tip to keep the look light and feminine. To soften the cut up a little, Richman suggested, "[Create] texture around the hairline (bangs, sideburns, nape of the neck) by using a razor for feathery softness."
Wispy bangs
Unlike full, choppy bangs, which can be severe and difficult to wear, wispy fringe — such as the trendy Birkin bangs – will add a hint of youth to your look while being easy to style. This is a great option for those who are nervous about committing to a full forehead fringe, as they can easily be swept back or pinned to the sides.
The classic bob with full bangs
A fob (aka the fringe bob) is super-flattering on so many face shapes and more low-maintenance than you might think. Perfect for those in their 50s with naturally straight hair who want a look that screams elegance and sophistication. The fob is one of 2024's hottest styles too, so you'll be rocking something modern but classic at the same time.
The rounded cut
As we age, the face can lose muscle and fat, but a round cut can make your face appear rounder and, therefore, younger looking. This cut's particularly great for those with curly and textured hair, as it's more likely to fall into place with minimal styling.
Curly bangs
Adding bangs to a curly look, no matter what the length or color, is an instant way to age backwards. On a shoulder-length cut, this will create a softer, more lived-in look, which can be more complimentary as we age.
A layered, center part cut
Though middle parts have a bad rep, they can be totally flattering on women in their 50s and over. That's because, as celebrity hairstylist Angelo David, put it to InStyle, "Hair parted in the middle while having layers frame the face [helps] complement the jawline." The length you try is totally up to you, but make sure you get those layers cut in at the front to help add dimension and movement to your tresses.
The boy crop
For those unfamiliar with the boy crop, think of it like a pixie with a bit more volume: super-short on the sides (you could even take the razor to the sides if you're feeling brave) but with longer strands on top — similar to how a young boy might get their hair cut, hence the name. Asking for pieces of varied length around the crown will create a natural volume that draws the eye upward. This look is not quite as short as the classic pixie, so it is a good alternative if you like a bit more length. It also gives more options when it comes to styling.
A bob with layers around the face
Another way to wear a bob that will turn back the years is to go for a super layered version. As Brian Zinno, senior education director at the Antonio Prieto Salon, told InStyle, "The layers around the face keep it soft and flowing without the usual angular lines of a bob, and the layers in the crown or around the perimeter give lift and movement." These layers will stop your bob being too angular around the face, which can be less flattering as we age.
The heavy side-part bob
We know, Gen Z once declared war on the side-part, but it will always be a classic to us. This style is great for women in their 50s because, not only is a bob easy to maintain, but a side part can help to easily add some extra volume into your locks with minimal effort. It can also bring the look of youth. "[Side-parts] fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance," Natascha Hemple, salon field trainer for the JCPenney Salon, told InStyle.
The buzzcut
You're going to have to be feeling pretty daring to go buzzcut short, but this cut is more flattering than you may think (as these stunning celebs have proven). The reason the short 'do is great for women over 50 is because not only can it offer a great beauty reset and be totally liberating, but it's also recommended for those with thinning hair or a receding hair line, both of which can occur naturally as we age. You'll also be able to seriously cut down on your styling time, which can be a big plus.
Curtain bangs
Adding curtain bangs to your style is another way to soften looks that can be a little more severe and unflattering. By cutting curtain bangs into your hair, no matter how long you decide to go, you're essentially blending your bangs with the bulk of your hair so there's no dramatic cuts that can be too harsh. Not to mention, curtain bangs have been super on trend, so you'll also be rocking a style that's super modern.
The blunt bob
We know, another bob style, but the bob really does have crazy versatility. Another way to rock the not too short but not too long look in a flattering way is to go blunt. Though women in their 50s and beyond should generally avoid cuts that are too sharp with a heavily defined edge, the blunt bob is an exception to that rule because of the way the cut can make your locks look extra thick. That means healthier and more youthful looking hair, as the appearance of more thickness can take years off your look.
The curly shag
Got curly hair and are looking for a cut that's easy to maintain and will keep the hair healthy as you age? Then the curly shag may be for you. We love that this style can simply be left to air dry and still look stunning, while the natural volume and movement it creates will be super flattering for a whole range of different face shapes.
Layered with eyelash bangs
Eyelash bangs will also do the job of making a less flattering haircut that little bit more complimentary. As the name suggests, eyelash bangs is the term used for a longer fringe that just skims the lashes. Not only can it help cover things like lines and wrinkles, like the other bang styles on our list, but keeping your bangs that slight bit longer will add a youthful edge to your style. It's best paired with hair that's also slightly longer for a slightly shaggier, undone look.
Full bangs with face framing layers
One of the ultimate flattering cuts for people of any age is layers that frame the face. For those who want a little more bulk in their locks, hair with layers cut around the face can styled and turned inwards literally highlight the face and elongate it by finishing under the chin. This style is perfect for those not quite ready to say goodbye to long locks into their 50s. Adding full bangs to this look also helps to highlight your features and makes the whole look a little softer and more flattering.
The asymmetric pixie cut
If you like the idea of a pixie but just want something a little different, then give the asymmetric pixie a go. The style is exactly as it sounds, and involves once side of your cut being slightly longer than the other. By changing it up this way, you're getting all the volume-adding benefits of the classic pixie, but with the youthful twist of something a little more out there and different.
The curly mohawk
Another cut to try if you have curly hair is the curly mohawk. This is a style that's on the edgier side, so you'll need some confidence to match it, but it's actually really flattering — especially if you have tight curls. That's because having the majority of your hair on the top of your head will give it plenty of bounce and volume. It will also show that you're not one for shying away from your youth by getting a more traditional cut as you get older.
The lob
For those not ready to make a chop that's quite as severe as the bob, then try the lob. This look got its name from being a long bob, as it's typically a few inches longer than the classic bob. It's still not long enough to drag your hair down though, so you'll still be able to create a good amount of volume with this style. The length will also help draw the face down for that all-important framed face effect.
The voluminous pixie
Another take on the classic pixie cut for women over 50 is a more voluminous version of the look. To get this style, ask for plenty of layers to be cut into your pixie, as this will give you the ability to create plenty of volume. You'll avoid the outdated trope of the older lady with flat, less than exciting hair with this short cut, and instead you'll be showing off a much younger style with an exciting twist.