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The 5 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50
- Jane Mackay
- Oct 11
- 5 min read
Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, brush in hand, wondering if your hairstyle still reflects the woman you are today?
As we move through our 50s and beyond, our hair, just like our lives, can change in texture, volume, and even personality.
The good news is that there are countless hairstyles for women over 50 that will flatter, empower and help you feel like your most confident self.
For many women, hair is more than just a style choice; it’s a powerful form of self-expression.
But between changing hair needs, evolving face shapes, and shifting trends, finding the right cut can feel overwhelming.
Should you go short and chic? Keep your length and add layers? Or maybe embrace your natural texture with a modern twist?
In this blog, I’ve rounded up five of the best hairstyles for women over 50 that are stylish, flattering, and versatile.
From timeless bobs to textured pixies and elegant layers, each of these hairstyles has been chosen to suit a variety of hair types, face shapes, and lifestyles.
By the end, you’ll have practical ideas to take to your stylist...and the inspiration to try something new that truly reflects who you are today.
Contents
The Top 5 Hairstyles for Women Over 50
1. Long Hair: Timeless and Elegant
Long hair can be incredibly flattering for women over 50, especially when it’s healthy, well-shaped, and thoughtfully styled.
Rather than weighing you down, a long cut with soft layers around the face adds movement and frames your features beautifully.
It’s a style that works particularly well for those with naturally thick or straight hair, though wavy textures can look equally stunning with the right layering.
The key is regular trims and a shape that enhances, rather than overwhelms, your face.
Jennifer Lopez has made long, layered hair her signature.
Her stylist often adds face-framing layers and soft highlights to keep the look fresh and modern, not overly “done.”
Similarly, Demi Moore’s sleek, centre-parted hair proves that long locks can look sophisticated and powerful well into your 50s and beyond.
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist to incorporate subtle internal layers rather than heavy outer layers.
This gives movement without losing length or volume, making it easier to maintain and style day-to-day.
A high-quality shine serum can also elevate the overall look.
2. Pixie Cut: Modern and Chic (Without the ‘Spiky Back’)
A pixie cut can be a liberating and stylish choice, offering ease and elegance in one.
The trick is to avoid the overly structured, spiky-back style that can unintentionally age the look.
Instead, opt for a modern pixie with soft, feathered layers and gentle texture.
This creates movement around the crown and face, making it flattering for different face shapes and hair types.
Pixie hairstyles for women over 50 can look effortlessly youthful when they lean toward softness and natural flow.
Actor Michelle Williams knows how to perfect the softer pixie look.
By keeping the back tapered but not severe, and adding volume at the crown, the overall effect is stylish without being harsh.
It’s a fantastic choice for women with fine or thinning hair because it creates the illusion of volume.
Pro Tip: Use a lightweight texturising cream rather than a stiff gel.
This enhances the natural flow of the cut and allows for easy restyling between washes.
Regular trims (every 4–6 weeks) will keep the shape sharp and fresh.
3. Medium Length: The Chic Shag
The modern shag haircut has made a huge comeback, and for good reason; it’s stylish, low-maintenance, and works with a variety of hair textures.
A medium-length 'chic shag' is perfect for women over 50 who want movement without fuss.
Its layered structure adds body and softness, while curtain bangs or face-framing layers can enhance cheekbones and soften jawlines.
If your hair is wavy, straight or somewhere in between, this cut grows out beautifully and doesn’t demand constant salon visits.
Actresses like Meg Ryan have shown how a modern shag can bring life and personality to medium-length hair.
With a bit of tousling and light styling, it looks intentionally “undone” in the most flattering way.
Pro Tip: Use a volumising mousse on damp hair and scrunch as you dry to enhance texture.
A shag cut really shines when you embrace a bit of natural movement rather than aiming for perfect smoothness.
4. Layered Bob: Classic with a Contemporary Twist
The layered bob remains one of the best hairstyles for women over 50 because of its adaptability.
Hitting anywhere between the chin and shoulders, this cut combines structure with softness.
The layers add shape and volume, making it ideal for fine or thinning hair, while the bob length gives a clean, polished finish.
It works beautifully with straight or slightly wavy hair, and can be styled sleek or with added texture for a more casual look.
Viola Davis often opts for variations of the layered bob, proving its timeless appeal.
A slight undercurve at the ends creates a flattering frame for the face, while layers around the crown prevent the look from feeling heavy.
Pro Tip: Blow-dry with a round brush to add bounce at the roots, then finish with a light texturising spray for a natural finish.
If you have fine hair, ask your stylist to keep the layers subtle to avoid removing too much volume.
5. Textured Lob: Effortlessly Modern
The textured lob (long bob) is the ultimate in understated chic.
Falling between the collarbone and shoulders, it’s long enough to tie back but short enough to feel fresh and modern.
Textured ends give this style movement and prevent it from feeling flat, a common concern for midlife hair.
It’s one of the most versatile hairstyles for women over 50, suiting straight, wavy, or even curly hair.
Think of women like Naomi Watts or Sandra Bullock, who often wear a softly textured lob with loose waves.
It’s elegant but never fussy, and it transitions effortlessly from day to night.
Pro Tip: For a quick everyday style, twist damp hair into a loose bun and let it dry naturally.
This creates soft, natural waves that emphasise the texture without heat styling.
Regular micro-trims will keep the ends healthy and the shape crisp.
Choosing the right hairstyle for women over 50 isn’t about following trends blindly.
It's about finding a look that reflects your personality, works with your hair’s natural texture and makes you feel confident every day.
You might be drawn to the timeless elegance of long layers, the effortless cool of a textured lob, or the low-maintenance versatility of a 'chic shag'.
There’s a style out there to match your lifestyle and mood.
Hair in midlife often behaves differently, so it’s worth paying attention to both the cut and the care.
If you haven’t already, take a look at my previous blog 'The Top 10 Resources for Menopause Hair' for practical tips on keeping your hair healthy, strong, and full of life through hormonal changes.
And for styling inspiration, I love some of the tutorials from Michael Douglas London, especially his approach to modern cuts for women over 50.
Ultimately, your hairstyle is an extension of you! It should make you feel vibrant and authentic.
So why not book that appointment, bring along a few screenshots, and try something new?
You might just find your signature midlife look.
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👉 I’d love to hear from you!
Which of these styles would you try? Or have you already embraced a midlife hair transformation?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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