Hitting 50 is a milestone, a chance to embrace a new chapter filled with confidence and self-expression. It’s a time to celebrate, not change, your personal style. Forget the outdated notion that age dictates a complete style overhaul. Timeless haircuts, like the ever-chic pixie, the endlessly versatile bob, or the always-stylish lob, are just as flattering and relevant as ever. In fact, as you mature, incorporating slightly edgier elements can create a beautiful balance. This is especially true if you’re embracing your natural gray hair. And don’t discount the power of bangs! Wispy, eyebrow-grazing bangs or soft, side-swept styles, like Patricia Arquette’s signature look, can add a youthful and refreshing touch.
1. Long Hair with Curls
Long, straight hair can sometimes elongate the face, making it appear less vibrant as we age. Adding soft, bouncy curls to your long locks can instantly rejuvenate your look, bringing life and youthfulness to your appearance. Curls create texture and volume, framing the face beautifully and adding a touch of glamour—perfect for special occasions. To achieve this look, ask your stylist for long layers to add movement. If your hair is thin, blunt ends will maximize volume. Style with a large curling iron, curling strands away from the face for an open, light finish.
2. Straight Hair with Face-Framing Layers
Straight, long hair can appear severe, but softening the look with face-framing layers creates a polished and feminine appearance. This low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for naturally straight hair, offering a sleek finish without excessive effort. Style with a round brush while blow-drying to add subtle volume and a slight curl at the ends for movement. This look flatters most face shapes and highlights your features, giving you a timeless, elegant aesthetic.
3. Long Hair with Bangs
Bangs are a fantastic way to modernize long hair while adding a playful and youthful touch. Whether you opt for side-swept bangs to blend seamlessly with your locks or full, bold bangs for a statement look, they beautifully highlight your eyes and can help disguise fine lines. For thinner hair, choppy bangs add texture without looking flat. Keep your bangs fresh and bouncy by managing oiliness and avoiding overly heavy styles that may weigh down your look.
4. Medium Layered Cut
As hair naturally loses volume and shape over time, a medium-length layered cut offers the perfect solution. This style provides movement, bounce, and a light, youthful feel while maintaining sophistication. The layers can be tailored to your face shape, with longer pieces grazing the shoulders for added flow and shorter layers discreetly framing the cheekbones and jawline for a flattering, face-framing effect.
5. Medium Length Hair with Bangs
Medium-length hair with bangs is a classic, versatile choice that complements various textures and occasions. To balance the hair’s length and the bangs, ensure your hair finishes just past the shoulders. Light, wispy bangs or side-swept fringes can soften the face, while heavier bangs should be carefully managed to avoid casting unflattering shadows. This cut offers easy styling and timeless appeal, whether worn straight or with loose waves.
6. Lob (Long Bob)
The lob is a universally flattering hairstyle that exudes modernity and sophistication. This medium-length cut falls between a bob and traditional shoulder-length hair, making it ideal for healthy, shiny locks. Enhance the lob with subtle layers or keep it sleek and blunt for a polished finish. Opt for a side or middle part to suit your face shape, and style straight or with soft waves to bring the cut to life.
7. Choppy Pixie Cut
The choppy pixie cut is a fun and flirty option for women over 50, combining boldness with femininity. This style features textured layers that add volume and movement, with wispy bangs for a softer, youthful look. Play with styling by keeping it messy for a modern edge or sleek for a more refined aesthetic. Using a lightweight styling product will help maintain texture and prevent a flat, lifeless appearance.
8. Classic Sleek Bob
The sleek bob remains an iconic hairstyle for women of all ages, and its timeless charm makes it a go-to choice for women over 50. This chin-length cut frames the face beautifully without being too revealing. It’s perfect for creating a polished and chic look. For those with thick hair, ensure the length is carefully tailored to avoid puffiness, and consider experimenting with different parts or subtle layers for added versatility.
9. Curly Bob
The curly bob combines softness with volume, creating a feminine and youthful look. This style adds movement and bounce, especially with curls that fall gently around the neck. To style, blow-dry the roots upward with a round brush for lift, and use a curling wand for loose curls. Curling the strands away from the face opens up your features, while alternating curl directions at the back creates a natural, full-bodied finish.
10. Classic Pixie Cut
The classic pixie cut is a timeless favorite for women over 50, offering practicality and elegance. Featuring short sides and back with longer layers on top, it flatters most face shapes and works well with gray or colored hair. This cut draws attention to your features, such as cheekbones and jawline, making it ideal for showcasing bold accessories like statement earrings or necklaces.
11. Backcombed Hair with Bangs
For a retro-inspired look with volume, consider backcombed hair paired with bangs. This style creates height at the crown while soft bangs frame the face, giving a youthful and romantic appearance. Curtain bangs or a side-part fringe work especially well, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. Backcombing also adds texture and is perfect for formal events where you want to make a glamorous statement.
12. Hairstyle with Volume
Big, voluminous hair is a striking way to enhance your look and make a statement. This style highlights your hair’s texture and adds fullness, giving it a healthy and glamorous finish. Heat styling tools and volumizing products can help achieve the desired look, while dry shampoo prevents greasiness and maintains the volume throughout the day.
13. Combed Back Hair with Volume
Combing your hair back is a sophisticated option that opens up your face and highlights your features. The voluminous effect can be achieved with teasing at the crown or using a blow-dryer for lift. This style pairs beautifully with bold makeup, like a statement lip or smoky eye, making it a fantastic choice for formal occasions.
14. Slicked Back Hair
Slicked back hair is effortlessly chic, with a glossy finish that exudes confidence and sophistication. This style works well with short or medium-length cuts and can be achieved with a strong-hold gel. Slicking the hair back opens up the face, drawing attention to the eyes and jawline. It’s a perfect choice for evening events or business settings where a polished appearance is key.
15. Short Wavy Hair
Short wavy hair combines texture with manageability, making it ideal for women over 50. This style softens facial features, adds volume, and works well with various cuts, including bobs and pixies. Letting waves fall naturally around the face can create a romantic and laid-back vibe.
16. Blunt Hairstyle
A blunt hairstyle is all about precision and clean lines. It is perfect for women over 50 who want a polished and contemporary look. The blunt cut can be worn at various lengths, but a blunt bob is especially popular due to its ability to create the illusion of thicker, healthier hair. This style works best with straight hair, emphasizing the sharp edges of the cut. However, it can also be adapted for wavy or curly textures for a softer look. A blunt hairstyle is low-maintenance, with fewer layers requiring touch-ups, making it practical and chic.
17. Messy Spikes
Messy spikes are a bold and playful hairstyle that brings out a youthful and edgy vibe. This modern take on spiky hair involves soft, tousled spikes rather than stiff, gelled strands, creating a more wearable and flattering look. It’s an excellent option for short haircuts, like a pixie or cropped style, as it adds height and volume at the crown. Use a lightweight texturizing product to style the spikes for a natural finish. This is a fantastic choice for women who want a fun, low-maintenance hairstyle with plenty of personality.
18. Short Natural Curls
Natural curls are beautiful and can create a stunning hairstyle with minimal effort. For women over 50, short natural curls are an excellent option because they reduce the weight and bulk of longer hair while showcasing your texture. Keeping curls short can make them more manageable and emphasize volume at the crown. This style is also great for framing the face and highlighting features like the eyes and cheekbones. Letting curls fall naturally around your face adds softness and a youthful glow, while avoiding heat styling and chemicals ensures healthier hair.
19. Bob Haircut for Thick Hair
The bob is a classic and versatile hairstyle, and it’s particularly flattering for thick hair when paired with layers. Adding layers removes excess bulk, making the hair easier to style and manage. The bob’s length can be tailored to suit your face shape, with chin-length or shoulder-length options offering different looks. Pair the bob with a side-swept fringe for a youthful touch or opt for a middle part for a sleek, modern finish. Incorporate highlights to create depth and dimension, adding a touch of sophistication to your thick locks.
20. Middle Parting
A middle parting is a simple yet stylish choice that works well with many haircuts and textures. The symmetry of the middle part can balance your facial features and highlight your natural beauty. It looks especially striking with straight hair, creating a clean and sleek appearance. However, for those with wavy or curly textures, the middle part blends seamlessly, adding softness. While the middle parting complements most face shapes, it works best for women with symmetrical features. For added interest, consider pairing it with layers or bangs.
21. Messy Updo
The messy updo is a romantic and relaxed hairstyle that is perfect for casual outings or formal events. Its deliberately undone appearance gives it a soft, feminine feel that flatters most face shapes. This versatile style works well with varying hair lengths and textures, making it a favorite for women over 50. To achieve this look, gather your hair loosely into a bun or twist, allowing a few strands to fall naturally around your face. Using dry shampoo or texturizing spray can add grit to the hair, making it easier to style and hold.
22. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are a universally flattering choice for women over 50, adding softness to your look while creating a youthful glow. They can balance facial features and draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Side-swept bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly. They are also practical, requiring minimal maintenance compared to full bangs. For a chic, low-maintenance look, consider pairing side-swept bangs with a bob or medium-length hairstyle.
23. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a bold, fearless choice that exudes confidence and sophistication. This ultra-short hairstyle shifts the focus from your hair to your facial features, emphasizing your bone structure. It is an incredibly practical and low-maintenance option, perfect for women who prefer a no-fuss look. A buzz cut can also be liberating, especially if your hair has become thinner or more brittle with age. Before opting for this style, consult with a stylist to ensure your head shape complements the cut.
24. Pixie Cut with Side Part
A pixie cut with a side part combines elegance with ease. The side part adds asymmetry to the cut, creating a flattering and modern look that works well with various face shapes. This short hairstyle is practical and stylish, drawing attention to your features and adding a playful twist to the classic pixie. For a more dramatic effect, keep the length longer on one side, allowing it to sweep across the forehead. This style is versatile and can be worn sleek or tousled, depending on your preference.
25. Ponytail
The ponytail is a timeless hairstyle that suits women of all ages. It is simple to create and can be adapted for different occasions, from casual to formal. For a sleek, sophisticated look, opt for a high ponytail, or go for a low, relaxed ponytail for a more laid-back vibe. Adding bangs or leaving a few loose strands around your face can soften the look and add a feminine touch. A ponytail also draws attention to your neck and face, making it the perfect opportunity to showcase statement earrings or necklaces.
26. Hair Accessory Hairstyle
Hair accessories are a simple yet effective way to elevate your hairstyle while adding practicality. From headscarves to scrunchies, these accessories are ideal for keeping your hair off your face or neck, offering versatility in how you style your locks. They allow you to experiment with bold colors and prints, adding a touch of personality to your look without a dramatic change. Matching your accessories to your outfit can create a chic and coordinated appearance. Whether you’re dressing up for an event or opting for a casual day look, hair accessories can be the perfect finishing touch.
27. Modern Bob
The modern bob is a contemporary take on a timeless classic. This haircut remains one of the most flattering styles for women over 50 because of its versatility and ability to suit various hair textures and face shapes. To modernize the look, consider experimenting with lengths, layers, and bangs. Asymmetrical cuts or blunt edges can give the bob a fresh, edgy vibe, while soft layers add movement and volume. Adding bangs is another fantastic way to refresh the look and create a youthful appearance, highlighting your best features.
28. Natural Long Curly Hair
Embracing your natural hair, especially as it transitions to gray, is a powerful statement of confidence. Long, curly gray hair can be stunning, highlighting your hair’s natural texture and uniqueness. To keep gray curls looking their best, invest in nourishing hair masks and conditioners to combat dryness and frizz. Long layers can enhance the shape of your curls, giving your hair more definition and movement. While many women find shorter hair more manageable as they age, long curls can be a beautiful option for those who want to maintain their length.
29. Pixie Haircut with Bangs
The pixie haircut is a timeless favorite, and adding bangs is a great way to personalize it. Bangs can soften your features and create a youthful glow while framing your face beautifully. Depending on your face shape, you can choose from blunt, wispy, or side-swept bangs. For example, side-swept bangs are ideal for heart-shaped faces, while blunt bangs suit oval faces. Work with your stylist to find a bang style that complements your features and adds a fresh touch to your pixie cut.
30. Strawberry Blonde Hair with Highlights
Strawberry blonde hair is a warm, vibrant color that adds brightness and a youthful glow. Combining it with highlights enhances your hair’s dimension and creates a luminous effect. This shade is ideal for women looking to add a soft yet noticeable change to their appearance. Pairing strawberry blonde with a textured haircut, like layers or a shaggy bob, gives your hair added movement and volume. This look is perfect for refreshing your style while maintaining an elegant and natural finish.
31. Long Straight Hair
Long straight hair can exude sophistication and elegance for women over 50. While sleek, straight hair looks chic, it is essential to address thinning, which often accompanies aging. Adding layers to your long straight hair can create movement and volume, giving the illusion of thicker, healthier locks. Incorporating a gloss treatment can enhance shine, ensuring your hair looks vibrant and polished. This hairstyle works well for both casual and formal occasions, offering a versatile and timeless appeal.
32. Bowl Cut
The bowl cut has evolved from its 80s roots into a modern and edgy hairstyle. This daring cut features uniform length around the head, with contemporary versions adding texture, layers, or a fringe for personalization. The modern bowl cut can suit various face shapes and hair textures, making it surprisingly versatile. For a bold look, pair it with a blunt fringe that skims your brows or incorporate shaved sides for added edge. This style is for women who want to make a statement while embracing their unique sense of fashion.
33. Sophisticated Updo
A sophisticated updo is perfect for formal occasions or moments when you want a polished and elegant look. This hairstyle is defined by its sleek finish and structured appearance, making it an excellent choice for weddings, work events, or dinners. To achieve this look, smooth your hair into a low bun or a twisted chignon, ensuring all strands are in place. Enhance the look with accessories, such as jeweled pins or flowers, for added glamour. Pair your hairstyle with bold makeup for a classic and timeless finish.
34. Asymmetrical Hairstyle
The asymmetrical hairstyle is an excellent choice for adding interest and edge to your look. This cut features uneven lengths, with one side longer than the other, allowing you to play with proportions. Straighter textures enhance the angular contrast of the cut, while curly textures can create a softer, more blended appearance. The asymmetry draws attention to your jawline and cheekbones, framing the face beautifully. This haircut feels modern and fresh, making it a fantastic option for women over 50 seeking a youthful and stylish change.
35. Wavy Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is known for its versatility, and pairing it with natural waves takes the style to another level. A wavy pixie cut adds texture, volume, and a relaxed aesthetic, making it a fashionable choice for women over 50. This cut is also practical and low-maintenance, ideal for those who prefer effortless styling. Keeping the waves soft and tousled gives the look a romantic and feminine feel while highlighting your cheekbones and jawline. For added personality, consider experimenting with subtle highlights or a side-swept fringe.
36. Short Straight Pixie Cut
A short straight pixie cut is sleek, chic, and perfect for showcasing your features. This cut is particularly well-suited for women with naturally straight hair, as it emphasizes precision and structure. Keeping the hair short is a great way to combat thinning and promote a fuller, healthier appearance. Work with your stylist to tailor the cut to your face shape, such as incorporating an angled pixie for round faces or keeping it classic for oval shapes. This hairstyle is practical and stylish, making it a go-to option for women over 50.
37. Short Layered Fine Hair
Short layered haircuts are ideal for fine hair, as they add volume and create the illusion of thickness. Choppy layers bring movement and texture to the hair, making it appear more dynamic. Highlights can further enhance the look, adding depth and dimension. Opt for subtle shades that are only one or two tones lighter than your natural color to keep the look natural. This haircut is low-maintenance and practical, offering a youthful and vibrant finish that suits a variety of occasions.
38. Light Brown Hair Tips
Adding light brown tips to your hair is a subtle yet effective way to refresh your look. This coloring technique brightens your appearance and frames your face beautifully, creating a soft and natural finish. Light brown tips are low-maintenance compared to full-color changes, making them perfect for women who prefer minimal upkeep. This look works best when the tips are just a shade or two lighter than your natural hair, ensuring a seamless and cohesive appearance.
39. Fluffy Short Hair
Fluffy short hair is a soft and voluminous hairstyle that adds charm and character. It is particularly flattering for women over 50, as the fullness at the crown creates a youthful and lively look. This style can be achieved with blow-drying, rollers, or teasing techniques to enhance the hair’s volume. A fluffy pixie or bob is an excellent choice, and bangs can be added to frame the face. This hairstyle complements all face shapes and is perfect for those seeking an easy-to-style and practical haircut.
40. Brown Hair Balayage
Brown balayage is a subtle yet impactful way to add dimension and depth to your hair. This coloring technique involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, resulting in a natural and sun-kissed effect. It is a low-maintenance option, as the highlights grow out seamlessly, allowing you to go months without touch-ups. Brown balayage works well for dark hair, offering a softer alternative to blonde highlights while still brightening the overall look. This style is versatile and complements a range of hairstyles and lengths, making it a fantastic choice for women over 50.
41. Fine Hair with Bangs
Fine hair can be tricky to style as it often lacks volume and texture. However, the right haircut and styling techniques can make all the difference. Bangs are a fantastic addition to fine hair as they create structure and make your hair appear fuller. Opt for eyebrow-grazing bangs for a flattering look that is manageable and frames the face beautifully. Adding highlights and lowlights can also enhance dimension and give the illusion of thickness. Layers work wonders by introducing movement, creating a more dynamic and voluminous appearance.
42. Very Short Bob
The very short bob is an effortlessly chic haircut that is both practical and flattering. This variation of the bob works with all hair textures and face shapes and can be tailored to suit individual preferences. By keeping the length shorter, you can emphasize your facial features and highlight your bone structure. For a polished look, style the hair sleek and straight to showcase the precision of the cut. Adding color, whether through balayage, highlights, or bold streaks, can further elevate the style and make it uniquely yours.
43. Shaggy Bob
A shaggy bob merges the timeless appeal of the bob with the edgy, textured finish of a shag haircut. Defined by choppy layers, this style adds volume and movement, making it ideal for women experiencing hair thinning. The textured appearance of the shaggy bob creates a fuller look, drawing attention to the face and complementing your best features. Personalize this hairstyle with fun colors, such as vibrant copper or pastel tones, or keep it classic with natural hues. This cut works well with all face shapes and hair types, ensuring a fresh and youthful vibe.
44. Bob Haircut with Layers
Layers can transform the classic bob haircut, adding dimension and volume. For women with thin hair, layers can create the illusion of thickness, while for thick hair, they help reduce weight and make styling easier. This versatile cut can be customized with different types of bangs, such as wispy or curtain bangs, to frame the face and highlight your features. Layers also provide movement, making the bob feel more dynamic and modern. Wear it sleek and straight for a polished look or tousled for a more relaxed aesthetic.
45. Long Pixie Cut with Bangs
The long pixie cut with bangs is a fantastic option for those who want to embrace shorter hair without going too dramatic. This cut features longer layers at the top and around the front, providing more versatility for styling. Bangs, whether side-swept or full, enhance the face by framing your features and creating a chic, feminine look. This style suits all hair textures and face shapes, making it universally flattering. It’s also a practical choice, offering a balance of short hair’s manageability and long hair’s styling options.
46. Crimped Hairstyle
Crimped hair, a trend from the 80s, has made a modern comeback with a more subtle and wearable approach. Crimping adds texture and volume, making it a fantastic option for women looking to revitalize their hairstyle. This wavy, zigzag texture can be applied to hair of any length, from pixie cuts to long locks. For a contemporary twist, consider mini crimps for short hair or pair crimping with contrasting elements like shaved sides. Crimped hair is versatile and fun, allowing you to experiment with different levels of texture.
47. Stacked Bob
The stacked bob is a stylish variation of the classic bob, characterized by layers that create volume and dimension at the back while the front sections remain longer. This angular design adds movement and bounce, making it an excellent choice for women with thick or thin hair. For a softer, more romantic look, add wispy bangs or highlights to enhance depth and texture. This cut is both fashionable and practical, offering an elegant solution for those who want a polished yet modern look.
48. Shoulder Length Bob
The shoulder-length bob is a versatile haircut that combines the timeless appeal of the bob with added length for more styling options. This cut is ideal for women over 50 as it flatters most face shapes and is easy to maintain. The added length allows you to experiment with updos, ponytails, or loose waves. Bangs, such as full, brow-grazing styles, can complement this cut by framing the face and creating a youthful appearance. The shoulder-length bob is a classic yet adaptable style suitable for any occasion.
49. Spring Twists
Spring twists are a low-maintenance and feminine protective hairstyle perfect for women over 50. These twists are lightweight, versatile, and created using pre-twisted extensions, making them gentle on natural hair. They reduce styling time while promoting hair health by locking in moisture and preventing damage. Spring twists can be styled in various lengths and colors, allowing you to customize the look to suit your face shape and preferences. This playful and practical hairstyle is ideal for women who want to embrace natural or textured looks.
50. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut is a retro style that remains as popular today as it was in the 70s. Its choppy layers and textured finish create a voluminous and edgy look, making it perfect for women over 50 who want a hairstyle with attitude. The shag works on all hair textures and types, adding movement and fullness, which is particularly appealing for those experiencing hair thinning. Pair it with bangs for a youthful touch that frames the face and hides fine lines, creating a fresh and dynamic appearance.
51. Tomboy Haircut
The tomboy haircut is a bold and androgynous style perfect for women who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish look. Characterized by sharp angles and clean lines, this haircut blends masculine and feminine elements for a modern aesthetic. Variations can include shaved sides, fades, or nape designs to add interest and individuality. Work with a skilled hairstylist to create a tomboy cut that complements your features and suits your personality. This look is versatile and easy to style, making it an excellent choice for women seeking a fresh and fuss-free haircut.
52. Blonde Balayage
Blonde balayage is a stunning coloring technique that creates a sun-kissed, natural finish. Hand-painted highlights allow for a soft, gradual transition between colors, making it a low-maintenance option. Blonde balayage brightens your overall appearance and highlights your hair’s texture and cut. This technique works well for all hair types and lengths, framing the face beautifully when the highlights are focused around the sides. Consult an expert colorist to ensure the placement enhances your facial features and achieves a flawless, natural effect.
53. A-Line Haircut
The A-line haircut features a distinctive shape, shorter at the back and longer at the front. This cut is versatile, working well with all hair types and textures. The tapered design frames the face, highlighting the jawline and cheekbones for a chic, modern finish. While the cut is more precise and noticeable on straight hair, it can also look softer on curly textures. This stylish haircut suits women who want the benefits of short hair while retaining some length and versatility in styling.
54. Long Pixie Cut
The long pixie cut is a softer take on the classic pixie haircut, ideal for those who prefer a gradual transition to shorter styles. Keeping the hair longer at the top or front allows for added volume and styling flexibility. This cut frames the face beautifully, enhancing features like the eyes and cheekbones. A long pixie is feminine and modern, offering the ease of short hair with the versatility of longer strands. It’s a great choice for women who want a stylish yet manageable haircut.
55. Textured Updo
The textured updo is a relaxed and playful hairstyle perfect for informal or semi-formal occasions. Featuring an unstructured appearance, it works well with curly or wavy hair, though straight hair can also achieve this look with added styling. To create texture, use products or heat styling tools, and remember that hair with a bit of grit (not freshly washed) holds better. This updo is flattering and versatile, complementing various face shapes and styles. It’s an ideal choice for dinner dates, cocktail parties, or casual events.