Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 (Short, Medium, and Long Styles You’ll Love)
Age is just a number; your hairstyle should reflect your beautiful, timeless spirit! Whether you love the freedom of a shortcut, the versatility of medium hair, or the elegance of longer locks, there’s a style that will make you feel radiant at any stage of life.
I’ve rounded up 18 stunning hairstyles for women over 50, complete with tips, face shape advice, and hair type recommendations so you can find your next signature look.
Short Hairstyles
Classic Pixie Cut
Why It Works: It’s fresh, modern, and so easy to maintain.
- Tip: Add soft layers around the crown for volume if your hair is thinning.
- Best For: Oval, heart-shaped faces; fine to medium hair.
Textured Crop
Why It Works: Choppy layers create a youthful, edgy vibe without looking “try-hard.”
- Tip: Use a lightweight texturizing spray for effortless lift.
- Best For: Square, round faces; fine to thick hair.
Soft Layered Bob
Why It Works: It frames the face beautifully while adding body.
- Tip: Keep layers subtle to avoid a bulky look if you have thick hair.
- Best For: Round, oval faces; thick, wavy, or straight hair.
Tapered Cut
Why It Works: It elongates the neck and sharpens your jawline.
- Tip: Keep the sides shorter and the top longer for a softer, feminine finish.
- Best For: Oval, heart-shaped faces; fine to medium hair.
Short Shag
Why It Works: Fun, flippy layers bring movement and hide fine lines beautifully.
- Tip: A mousse or curl cream helps emphasize the tousled texture.
- Best For: Oval, heart, and square faces; fine to medium wavy hair.
Medium-Length Hairstyles
Shoulder-Length Lob (Long Bob)
Why It Works: Universally flattering and endlessly versatile.
- Tip: A deep side part adds volume and a bit of drama.
- Best For: All face shapes; straight to wavy hair.
Feathered Mid-Length Cut
Why It Works: Wispy, feathered ends give a youthful, lifted look.
- Tip: Use a round brush when blow-drying to get that soft flick at the ends.
- Best For: Oval, round, and square faces; fine to medium hair.
Layered Mid-Length with Bangs
Why It Works: Bangs hide forehead lines and add playful charm.
- Tip: Curtain bangs are lower-maintenance than blunt bangs and suit almost everyone.
- Best For: Oval, heart-shaped faces; medium to thick hair.
Wavy Shoulder-Length Cut
Why It Works: Soft waves bring a casual, beachy feel that’s timeless.
- Tip: Use a large barrel curling iron for loose, natural-looking waves.
- Best For: Round, heart-shaped faces; wavy to curly hair.
Blunt Mid-Length Cut
Why It Works: Clean, strong lines create a sophisticated silhouette.
- Tip: Keep ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks to avoid a heavy, weighed-down look.
- Best For: Oval, long, and square faces; straight, thick hair.
Long Hairstyles
Long Layers
Why It Works: Layers lighten up the hair and create beautiful movement.
- Tip: Face-framing layers highlight cheekbones and soften the jawline.
- Best For: Oval, heart, and round faces; medium to thick hair.
Long with Side-Swept Bangs
Why It Works: A side bang adds youthfulness and breaks up the length beautifully.
- Tip: Blow-dry bangs with a round brush to keep them soft and bouncy.
- Best For: Oval, round, heart-shaped faces; straight to wavy hair.
Curly Long Hair
Why It Works: Embracing natural curls can be liberating and breathtaking.
- Tip: Hydrating curl creams are your best friend to avoid frizz and dryness.
- Best For: Oval and square faces; naturally curly hair.
Sleek Straight Long Hair
Why It Works: Straight, shiny hair always looks chic and polished.
- Tip: Invest in a heat protectant spray to keep hair looking healthy.
- Best For: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces; straight to slightly wavy hair.
Romantic Layered Waves
Why It Works: Soft, cascading waves add effortless glamour without feeling overdone.
- Tip: Create loose waves using a flat iron for a natural, undone finish.
- Best For: Oval, heart-shaped, and long faces; fine to thick hair with a bit of natural wave or curl.
Specialty Styles for Every Length
Elegant Updo
Why It Works: Perfect for weddings, parties, or just feeling fabulous.
- Tip: Looser, messier updos tend to look younger and less “stiff.”
- Best For: All face shapes; medium to long hair.
Half-Up, Half-Down
Why It Works: Combines the best of both worlds—polished yet relaxed.
- Tip: Add a little volume at the crown for a more youthful lift.
- Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces; straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Soft Braided Crown
Why It Works: Romantic and boho-chic, without feeling overly girlish.
- Tip: Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer, more natural look.
- Best For: Oval, heart, and round faces; medium to long hair.
Quick Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Hairstyle:
- Consider Your Hair Texture: Fine hair often benefits from layers or a shorter cut for fullness; thick hair can handle heavier styles.
- Think About Maintenance: Love a wash-and-go lifestyle? Go for cuts that embrace natural texture and don’t require daily styling.
- Face Shape Matters: Soft layers, bangs, and side parts can flatter and balance different face shapes beautifully.
- Don’t Fear a Little Change: A fresh cut or style tweak can instantly lift your look (and your mood!).
- Talk to Your Stylist: Bring photos, and be open to their advice based on your hair health and texture.
Final Thought
The best hairstyle at any age is the one that makes you feel your most confident, gorgeous self. Whether you go bold with a pixie or stay soft and romantic with layered waves, embrace every strand—you’ve earned every bit of your beauty and wisdom!
