Easy Care Short Hairstyles for Over 50
When it comes to short hairstyles for women over 50, we should first stress that reaching a 'certain age' does not mean you need to cut your hair to a certain length. Women of all ages can look great with hair of any length, color, or style – whatever makes you feel confident is the way to go.
But if you are looking for short hairstyles for women that look fabulous and save you time with washing, drying, and styling, there are plenty of options available. "There are so many incredible mature, short-haired icons that you can use as hair inspiration," says legendary hairdresser George Northwood (opens in new tab), who counts Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex amongst his famous clientele. "I love a cropped style like Judi Dench's razor pixie haircut." The main thing to bear in mind is picking a style that feels like you. If you're wondering should women over 40 cut their hair simply because of age, the answer is no. But if you truly want a classy short style, you're in luck, because there are so many ways to do it.
"It's all about how you wear it," agrees Charles Worthington Salons Master Stylist, Peter Russell (opens in new tab). "Look at Dawn French and Helen Mirren – they've always had great haircuts. With shorter hair, wearing it softer around the face or soft on top is definitely more flattering."
65 short hairstyles for women over 50
Jump to section:
1. Bob hairstyles
2. Pixie hairstyles
3. Natural hairstyles
4. Layered hairstyles
Bob hairstyles for women over 50
There's a reason why bob hairstyles have stood the test of time and remain one of the most popular short hairstyles for women over 50—they're so versatile. Plus a bob with bangs is one of the hottest 2022 hair trends. "Getting a fringe is an instant style uplift and gives you that effortless look when done right," agrees Viviscal's hair expert Adam Reed (opens in new tab), "A worn-in heavy fringe is very on-trend." Wondering how often should you cut your hair to maintain a bob? Experts recommend every 10 weeks or so for a neat look.
1. The slightly stacked bob
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type:fine to medium
What to ask for: Talk to your stylist about the correct level of graduation to suit your hair type and face shape. Finer hair will warrant deeper graduation, whilst subtle graduation on medium hair is perfect to build dimension and add a modern edge to a classic bob.
2. The rounded bob with bangs
Face shape: square or round |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Ask for a full fringe that hits just above the arch of the brow to replicate this flattering style. This style can also be effortlessly recreated at home with a round brush and a good hairdryer, starting at the roots and rolling the brush at the ends to create a rounded look.
3. The blunt bob
Face shape:any, particularly round | Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: A blunt cut can be adapted to suit all hair types, building thickness for fine hair and managing volume for thicker hair. Ask for the ends of your hair to be razored for more shape while keeping it looking sleek and blunt. Ensure this cut is trimmed every six weeks to maintain that ultra-neat edge.
4. Natural bob with bangs
Face shape:oval, heart, round | Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This glamorous style works best when cut in dry, so your stylist can ensure the bangs hit at the most flattering, eye-framing length. Effortlessly maintain your curls at home by twisting a small section of your hair around your finger, massaging curl cream into the section, before repeating with the rest of your head.
5. The '20s-inspired bob
Face shape: oval or round |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: This daring style demands to be noticed. ask for soft feathering throughout to add movement and stop it from looking too severe. We recommend showing your stylist some photos so you are both on the same page. From the charleston bob haircut to the orchard bob, have a search around '20s-inspired bobs to collect inspiration.
6. The French bob
Face shape: any, particularly round or oval |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Ask for graduation of length and brow-skimming fringe to create this classic cut. When styling, work with hairspray and a teasing brush to create an effortlessly chic look. This timeless style hits just on the jawline and works best when teased to build volume at the roots.
7. The graduated undercut bob
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Achieve this look by asking your stylist to cut plenty of layers in the back of your hair with longer face-framing sections. If you're looking to maximize this look, ask for highlights to add extra volume and depth.
8. Blunt bob with bangs
Face shape: oval, heart |Hair type: medium-thick
What to ask for: A brow-grazing micro fringe sets off this vintage-inspired bangs hairstyle. Ask for a fairly blunt bob then encourage the hair's natural texture to soften it up.
9. Highlighted bob with bangs
Face shape: any, particularly round |Hair type: medium
What to ask for: Incorporate a current hair trend into your look by opting for curtain bangs, which will frame the eyes without the commitment of a full fringe. Ask for layers through the front for a flattering look. Curtain bangs will also offset the density of a bob and accentuate your facial features.
10. Curly bob
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Separation and definition help this classic bob stand out, ask your stylist to show you how to use a diffuser to replicate these curls at home. We recommend following this with some hairspray or mousse to ensure the longevity of your style.
11. The curly long bob
Face shape: any |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Keep it natural with this style, designed to maximize curly and coily hair. Ask your stylist to maintain the volume of your hair when cutting. This long bob is given extra cool factor with this beautiful salt and pepper shade and a swept-back style. Try a rice water for hair treatment to keep those curls shiny and defined.
12. The wavy ultra-short bob
Face shape: heart, oval or square |Hair type: thick, wavy
What to ask for: Banish split ends by opting for this ultra-short bob. The side parting and ear tuck give this classic short bob an elegant feel, what's more, you don't need to use heated tools to create it, try texturizing spray and a scrunch instead.
13. The short bob with bangs
Face shape: round, oval, square |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: A chic style that will never go out of fashion, this jaw-hitting crop and brow-grazing fringe look great with some root lift—use round brushes while drying to recreate the look. Discuss different bang options with your stylist to work out what is best for your hair type and face shape.
14. The volumized bob
Face shape: round, oval, square |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Ask for along bob with face framing layers through the front. Add volume with a heated hair brush like the T3 AireBrush Duo to recreate this sleek style that's full of body and bounce. Alternatively, if you prefer to reduce your use of heated tools, use serum to control your hair as it dries, and finish with hairspray to keep your hair looking sleek and shiny.
15. Inverted bob with bangs
Face shape: any, especially oval|Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Talk to your stylist before opting for this look to work out whether this cut suits your hair thickness. An inverted bob is a great choice for thin hair, as it adds fullness with lots of layers at the back that contrast with longer length at the front. Style at home with a round brush and hairdryer, working from the top of the head to keep your hair sleek.
16. The sleek bob
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: A timeless trend, this sleek bob can be recreated using one of the best hair straighteners and a shine-boosting spray. Ask your stylist to razor the ends of your hair slightly to give this cut a more defined, sharp finish.
17. The curly short bob
Face shape: round, heart, oval |Hair type: curly
What to ask for: This super short bob is full of volume thanks to the bouncy curls that can easily be achieved with the best curling irons.. Ask your stylist if you are unsure which cut will enhance your curl type so you can maintain the look at home.
Pixie crops for women over 50
Pixie styles are often associated with style icons from decades gone by, like Twiggy and Mia Farrow, but they also make cool, modern short hairstyles for women over 50. Pixie styles help you save time on styling and money on the best hair styling products, and whether you choose a French-inspired cut or feathered style, the possibilities are endless.
18. The feathered pixie cut
Face shape: square or heart |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Ask for a fringe and layers through the front and crown to create this pixie cut, that compliments the angles of square and heart-shaped faces. Showing how tiny touches can really enhance short hairstyles for women over 50, this side-swept pixie is ultra-flattering and opens up the face.
19. The thick on top pixie
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Ask your hairdresser to leave plenty of length on top then taper the cut into the nape of the neck to achieve this swept back and tousled style. This style looks better when it's voluminous, so hold it in place with mousse or hairspray and use dry shampoo on day two hair to maintain the dimension.
20. Side parted pixie
Face shape: heart, round or oval | Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Leaving plenty of length on top is the secret to this versatile style. Ensure your stylist understands your parting and how you tend to wear it, so they can cut accordingly following the natural shape of your hair.
21. The choppy layered pixie
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: This style is all about the shape. Ask for a short, sweeping fringe and plenty of tapered layers for height at the back. We recommend running some serum through this cut to keep this style looking sleek, before setting it in place with hairspray.
22. The rounded pixie with bangs
Face shape: square or heart |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Flattering, soft bangs make this an ultra-wearable pixie hairstyle. Ask your stylist about adding in some highlights to lift the longer front sections and add extra dimension and depth to this cut.
23. Natural pixie hairstyle
Face shape: oval, heart |Hair type: curly to coily
What to ask for: Make the most of natural hairstyles texture with this beautifully shaped ultra-short crop. Subtly tapering the style for extra height on top is so flattering for rounded face shapes.
24. The pixie with spiked layers
Face shape:square or oval |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Ask for plenty of short layers through the back to give this short hairstyle a funky edge. Ask your stylist to keep the cut choppy and shaggy, building volume with layers. If you opt for highlights, they can help build extra depth.
25. The French pixie
Face shape: round or heart |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Soft feathery layers and a touchable, sweeping fringe make this gamine, pixie look so special. Ask the stylist to incorporate some subtle layers at the top of the head to add dimension to the cut. Keep sleek and shiny by using hair masks for extra hydration.
26. Long layered pixie
Face shape: square or oval |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Ask the stylist to leave more weight in the back and create a delicate sweeping fringe. This pixie cut looks super feminine. Adding a feathered side fringe will also help frame the face.
27. Pixie with added volume
Face shape: heart, square or oval |Hair type: medium
What to ask for: Ask your stylist to leave plenty of length through the front and midsection in order to achieve this chic swept-back style. Opt for a choppy, shaggy cut to build volume, and ask your stylist about for highlight options to add some depth.
28. Swept-forward layered pixie
Face shape: long, square or oval |Hair type: fine-medium
What to ask for: Shorter layers at the back create flattering height at the crown, while the longer front sections are swept forward in a faux bangs style. When styling these bangs at home, we recommend adding in an accessory, there are beautiful headbands for short hair out there to suit every occasion.
29. Side parted choppy pixie
Face shape: heart, oval |Hair type: medium-thick
What to ask for: Ask your stylist to build volume at the top of your head to add dimension and shape to this cut. Thicker hair types are ideal to show off the choppy layers in this sophisticated pixie cut. If you're on the finer side, bulk your hair out with a little mousse before drying.
30. Ultra-short pixie with micro bangs
Face shape: heart or oval |Hair type: fine to thick
What to ask for: When deciding on an ultra-short pixie cut, always have a thorough consultation to agree on the perfect look. Ask for feathery front pieces to frame the face and ensure there are layers throughout to add dimension and depth. Almost any hair type can pull off this ultra-short length, it's all about confidence.
31. The short spiky pixie
Face shape:square or oval |Hair type: fine to thick
What to ask for: Add a cool-girl edge to a classic pixie crop with a spiky style that looks ultra stylish. Ask the stylist to keep some longer pieces at the top of the head and style them with a wax or gel product after a blow-dry.
32. Undercut pixie with bangs
Face shape:any, especially oval|Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: An undercut pixie is a great choice for anyone who wants to remove weight from their hair. Ask your stylist to keep the length on top with short sides and back. Crop it really close around the ears to really emphasize the undercut.
33. Asymmetrical pixie cut
Face shape: any | Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: This cool and edgy style is longer on one side than the other - which is surprisingly flattering for any face shape and draws attention to the jawline. Style this cut at home with a round hairbrush, pulling your bangs at an angle to dry them then, finish with a straightener.
34. Short sleek pixie
Face shape: any, especially oval | Hair type: fine to thick
What to ask for: Short and sleek, this classic pixie crop is easy to manage and style as long as you book in for regular trims. Ask your stylist to feather in some layers throughout then maintain a sleek look by keeping your hair hydrated with masks and serums.
Natural hairstyles for women over 50
Many women are choosing to embrace and make the most of their curls and coils, and no wonder. From curly hairstyles to twist-outs and braided hairstyles, beautiful natural texture makes for some of the best short hairstyles for women over 50 around.
35. The short natural curls
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: These beautiful coils are long enough to show off on top but shorter towards the ears and back. Ask your stylist to keep the length at the top of your head and maintain curls without heat using your fingers, curling each one individually with curling cream, before letting them air dry.
36. The tapered natural style
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This statement style leaves plenty of length on top and is closely shorn at the side to create a strong contrast. Due to the tapered cut being a flexible hairstyle, consult with your stylist about how closely to crop this cut around the sides.
37. The super short crop
Face shape:square or oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Reduce any hair styling hassles by opting for this super short crop. Ultra cropped natural hair is given added interest with a super-sharp side parting and beautiful icy tone. This cut is perfect to soften the shape of a square or oval face.
38. Graduated natural bob
Face shape: oval, heart, square |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This style shows off your bone structure with shorter front sections, while the weight of the hair pulls the curl pattern down a little through the ends and back. Ask the stylist to crop the pieces shorter at the front and to leave it longer at the back to create an effective graduated look.
39. The natural curls and coils
Face shape: any |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This curly cut is carefully styled into a side parting for a modern look - ask your stylist for a tapered style to help you recreate the look. Keep your hair hydrated by looking for products that moisturize and use a silk pillowcase if you can to protect your curls and reduce frizz.
40. The teeny weeny afro (TWA)
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Beautiful coils add interest to this ultra-short style. Shaping through the nape of the neck builds up to extra length around the crown. Ask your stylist to keep the length slightly longer at the top of your head to build depth.
41. The natural pixie
Face shape: any, particularly round |Hair type: curly
What to ask for: With plenty of feathering through the back and flattering longer front sections, this style suits naturally curly or wavy hair types. Ask your stylist to keep the cut feathery and choppy to maximize your natural curls.
42. Highlighted long-on-top crop
Face shape: heart or oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Long on top and close-cropped through the back, it's the sophisticated and ultra-fine lights that really make this style pop. Ask your stylist to keep the length at the top of your head to achieve effective contrast from the short crop at the back of your head.
43. The long natural curls
Face shape:round or oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This well-shaped curly crop has plenty of height and a thick and luscious fringe. Ask your stylist to cut the curls dry for perfect curves like this.
44. The natural afro
Face shape: any, particularly heart |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Lots of height and lift elevate this short hairstyle into something of a statement. Use deeply nourishing hair masks to keep those coils looking touchably soft and make sure you air dry your hair to prevent frizz.
45. The ultra-fine twisted style
Face shape: any |Hair type: natural
What to ask for: This is an intricate and beautiful protective option. You'll likely need a good few hours with a professional to create these delicate twists, but it'll be so worth it. When washing your twists, concentrate on washing your scalp to avoid impacting the twists too much, ensuring their longevity.
46. The auburn coily pixie
Face shape: Oval, heart |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This beautifully vibrant hair color adds a fresh look to a short coily pixie. If you aren't a natural redhead, remember the pigment fades fast, and top up with the best hair masks for toning and vibrant color. Ask your stylist for their recommendations on how to maintain your color, then visit the salon every 4-6 weeks to top up your color and keep this short hairstyle for women over 50 looking sharp.
47. The locs updo
Face shape: oval, square, heart |Hair type: natural, protective
What to ask for: Braided hair in a long bob makes an excellent starting point for a glam high pony, as do these natural grey locs. Pulling a handful of locs around the ponytail creates a flattering height.
48. Natural curly bob with bangs
Face shape: Oval, heart, square |Hair type:curly, coily
What to ask for: Looking for a style that will frame your face? Take inspiration from Yara Shahidi's chin-grazing natural bob with side sweeping bangs. Ask your stylist to incorporate bangs into the short cut to add some dimension and contrast the same-length cut then add definition with curl cream.
49. The tapered crop
Face shape: any, especially oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: This low-maintenance natural style has a beautiful shape. Ask your stylist to contrast the short sides and back by leaving added length at the top of your head to create an apex effect, building dimension. Always air dry to reduce frizz.
50. Natural bob with deep side parting
Face shape: any, especially oval |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: The strong side parting elevates this natural style, adding lift and volume. It flatters all face shapes and works well with long side bangs, too. Ask your stylist to incorporate some layering into the cut to emphasize the side parting and add dimension to the cut.
Layered hairstyles for women over 50
Layered hairstyles are a great way to add fullness, which is great news if you have experienced thinning hair. Fine hair benefits from layering towards the ends, while thicker hair can go for lots of choppy layers throughout. Knowing how to style layered hair means keeping in mind your natural texture —lots of layers will enhance curlier hair—but your hairdresser will be able to advise.
51. The short shag cut with bangs
Face shape: square or heart |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Layers through the front and top of this style give lots of interest to a classic bob with bangs. Shine serum will help replicate that silver gleam. Ask your stylist to opt for curtain or feathered bangs to frame the face or go-all out with layering for an on-trend shag cut.
52. The back to front layered style
Face shape: round or heart |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Combining shorter layers through the back and a long, sweeping front section gives this style a glamorous appeal. Achieve the perfect Hollywood curls by asking your stylist to blow dry your cut from wet, using a round brush to build volume, giving your hair an effortlessly chic look.
53. The loose layered curls
Face shape: square or heart |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Subtle layering through the ends of the hair creates a gently tapered effect on this wavy style. Leave to air dry for the ultimate natural look or ask your stylist to tease the top layer of your hair to create volume.
54. The layered lob
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: medium
What to ask for: For naturally thick hair, this layered lob removes some of that natural weight and creates a softer style. Lobs are incredibly low maintenance as they can be left to air dry and still look effortless. Ask your stylist to incorporate some feathering into your hair when cutting to reduce the weight of a lob.
55. The soft layers
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Enhance a glam blow-dried lob with subtle layering around the cheekbones only, then style it into flicks. This look can be achieved at home with a round brush and a hairdryer, pulling the hair out and curling underneath to hold the curls.
56. The choppy layers
Face shape: round or oval |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: A highly layered style with choppy sections right the way through, this has a retro '90s feel that's coming back around again. Ask your stylist to incorporate feathering when cutting to ensure there is plenty of movement in the style. Opting for light bangs is a great way to frame the face and build dimension into this short haircut.
57. The feathered lob
Face shape: square or heart |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Just a hint of feathering at the ends transforms an otherwise blunt bob into a softer, face-framing style. Ask your stylist to razor the ends of your hair slightly to add a textured finish to a feathery look.
58. The layered crop
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: The inclusion of plenty of layers throughout creates height and movement, as well as flattering choppy bangs. Ask your stylist to keep pieces shorter through the mid section and nape of the neck for an elegant shape.
59. The choppy highlighted style
Face shape: heart, oval |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Having highlights applied in a layered, tousled crop adds so much dimension and a flattering lift around the face. Ask for fine babylights if you prefer subtle color. If you're looking to build dimension without color, we recommend asking for some shorter face-framing pieces to accentuate your face shape.
60. tapered curly hair
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: curly
What to ask for:This expertly tapered haircut helps these curls create a beautifully flattering shape around the face. Ask your stylist to cut it in dry, so they sit perfectly. Opt for a silk pillow when sleeping at night to reduce frizz.
61. The soft layered crop
Face shape: any, particularly heart and oval |Hair type: fine-medium
What to ask for: One of the most iconic short hairstyles for women over 50 of all time is Meg Ryan's softly layered style from the 90s. The flicky sections at the nape of the neck are best created with a hair dryer brush. Ask your stylist to keep the cut choppy and feathery to balance any weight in your hair, achieving an effortlessly chic look.
62. The long layers
Face shape: any, particularly oval |Hair type: fine to medium
What to ask for: Long layers styled out in a lob or bob can make fine hair appear thicker and fuller. To complete this style, ask your stylist for soft shaping around the face.
63. Curly layers with middle parting
Face shape: any |Hair type: curly, coily
What to ask for: Choppy layers add dimension to this curly style that flatters all face shapes. For extra oomph, ask your stylist to cut this in dry with the hair in a middle parting as this will add more volume to your hair on both sides.
64. The asymmetric layers
Face shape: round, oval |Hair type: fine to thick
What to ask for: This feminine pixie cut features asymmetric layers and bangs to add a modern edge to this classic crop. Ask your stylist to keep more length on one side as well as soft layers on top.
65. Layered pixie crop
Face shape: any |Hair type: medium to thick
What to ask for: Halle Berry's iconic '90s pixie crop continues to inspire our short hair looks today. For this particular version, ask for sweeping side bangs and long layers on top.
Styling tips for short hairstyles for women over 50
As well as regular trims, some styling tips will help you get the most out of your new 'do. "If you've recently opted for a shorter style, you definitely need to invest in a good set of styling products to maintain it," George tells us.
Along with tools such as the best hair straighteners or best curling iron, there are a few products that are great for enhancing new short styles. "First and foremost, I would recommend a texturizing spray, or something that will add some body and texture to the hair." We find the best dry shampoo can make an excellent texturizing product too.
Leave-in creams are a great daily product for curly hair especially if you're embracing your natural curl type with your new short 'do. George adds, "A good finishing cream will also work wonders in removing any frizz or flyaways for a super sleek finish," advises Northwood.
Our beauty editor recommends...
woman&home thanks Peter Russell, George Northwood and Adam Reed for their time and expertise
Source: https://www.womanandhome.com/beauty/hair/short-hairstyles-for-women-over-50/
0 Response to "Easy Care Short Hairstyles for Over 50"
Post a Comment