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When it comes to hairstyles for women over 50, the best rule is simple: there are no rules! It’s all about embracing over 50 haircuts that match your personality, preferences, and unique style.
Your hairstyle is a reflection of you, so why not choose something that makes you smile every time you see it in the mirror? Whether you're looking for something timeless or trendy, YouCam Makeup has got you covered with 50+ hairstyles for you to try on virtually. Let’s explore the best hairstyles to help you feel confident, beautiful, and effortlessly stylish as you rock your 50s and beyond!
Celebrity-Inspired Haircuts for Women Over 50
When considering different hairstyles, taking a cue from celebrities sporting popular looks can be helpful. From long tresses to cropped locks, here are 6 hairstyles worth studying in your search for the perfect haircut.
1. Jennifer Aniston
Source: InStyle
In her 55 years, Jennifer Aniston has worn numerous hairstyles — from the iconic chopped-layer “Rachel” cut in the ’90s to her most recent longer layers and darker shades. The actress seems to steal the spotlight regardless of which hairstyle she wears.
2. Nicole Kidman
Source: @nicolekidman/Instagram
With Old Hollywood elegance and a natural charm, Nicole Kidman has experimented with a wide range of styles through the years. From tight, copper-red curls and side braids to wavy extensions and her most recent choppy bob, the actress has embraced a variety of hairstyles in her 57 years.
3. Lucy Liu
Source: Allure
Born in 1968, Lucy Liu has gained notoriety for many things — not only an impressive filmography but also her long, silky hair. More recently, however, Liu traded in her lengthy locks for a blunt, above-the-shoulder bob.
4. Mariah Carey
Source: Reddit
At 55 years young, Mariah Carey has played with a wide range of looks, from pin-straight tresses to cascading waves. Last year, the beloved musician hopped on a TikTok trend set to her own “Touch My Body” song — with her signature spiral curls cascading down her shoulders.
5. Halle Berry
Source: Allure
Halle Berry, 57, has long been known for her daringly short hairstyles, ranging from a pixie cut to purple curls. While we love Berry’s many bold styles, we especially love her 2023 Oscars look, featuring short, side-swept finger waves.
6. Salma Hayek
Source: British Vogue
Salma Hayek often flaunts wavy, voluminous locks, but the 57-year-old actress isn’t afraid to try something new. At one gala, she was spotted wearing a low, half-ponytail look with two face-flattering strands pulled out in the front.
Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 by Hair Type
When choosing a hairstyle, it’s important to consider your natural hair type, length, and texture. Here are some guidelines to help you find a style that works with your genetics and accentuates your best features.
Short Hairstyles for Thin Hair Over 50
If you want to add volume, avoid single-length hairstyles that make thin hair appear flat and motionless. Try a layered bob or a pixie or bixie cut to add movement to your hair without weighing it down.
Layered Bob
The layered bob adds depth and volume to thin hair, creating the illusion of fullness. Its face-framing layers offer a youthful, low-maintenance, and polished look.
Pixie Cut
The pixie cut gives thin hair a voluminous boost with its short, textured layers. It’s a trendy, easy-to-style option that highlights facial features beautifully.
Bixie Cut
The bixie cut blends the softness of a bob with the edginess of a pixie, adding texture and movement to thin hair. This versatile style makes hair look thicker while staying low-maintenance.
Over 50 Hairstyles for Thick Hair
On the opposite end of the spectrum, thick hair can be difficult to maintain and appear bulky. To reduce its weight, consider long layers or a disconnected, choppy lob to lighten your hair’s overall weight.
Long Layers
Long layers are perfect for thick hair, as they remove excess weight while maintaining length and movement. This style creates a balanced, flowing look that's easy to manage and style.
Choppy Lob
The choppy lob gives thick hair a modern, edgy vibe with textured layers that reduce bulk. It’s a versatile cut that’s chic, lightweight, and perfect for everyday wear.
Hairstyles With Bangs for Women Over 50
We’ve all taken scissors to our hair to create bangs, only to regret that decision the moment the first piece of hair hits the ground. However, the right bangs cut can give you a youthful appearance while drawing attention away from any signs of hairline recession.
To rock bangs after 50, go for wispy or side-swept bangs that are easy to style and help soften your features.
Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs offer a soft, youthful touch, lightly framing the face without overwhelming your features. They work beautifully with various hairstyles and add a subtle elegance to your look.
Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are flattering and versatile, gently framing the face while adding dimension. They pair perfectly with short and medium-length cuts, creating a polished yet effortless style.
Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50
As with thin hair, long hair can weigh down your face if it lacks definition and movement. To give your hair more life, incorporate long layers and soft waves, and keep your hair healthy with hair oils, scalp serums, and regular trims.
Long Layers
Long layers add movement and dimension to long hair, creating a lightweight and elegant look. They’re perfect for women over 50 who want a chic style that’s easy to maintain.
Soft Waves
Soft waves bring a touch of effortless glamour to long hair, giving it volume and texture. This style is flattering and timeless, offering a youthful, polished vibe.
Short Haircuts for Women Over 50
We love the look of short tresses after 50. From bixie and pixie cuts to blunt bobs, so many short hairstyle trends can be fun, modern, and low-maintenance. Keep it fresh with regular trims, and give yourself the extra five or 10 minutes in the morning to style your hair.
Blunt Bob
The blunt bob is a sleek, polished option that frames the face beautifully. This short hairstyle exudes confidence and elegance for women over 50.
Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a bold, low-maintenance style that highlights your features while keeping your look modern and fresh. It’s perfect for women over 50 seeking a youthful edge.
Bixie Cut
The bixie cut blends the softness of a bob with the structure of a pixie, creating a stylish and versatile look. This hybrid style offers texture and movement for a chic, carefree vibe.
Try On Hairstyles for Women Over 50 With Hairstyle App
No matter your age, choosing a new hairstyle is a big decision. Before you hit the salon, we recommend taking a few styles for a test run using the YouCam Makeup app. With advanced AI technology, the app lets you virtually try on over 50+ different hairstyles, including short, long, curly, straight, and even updos.
To play with different looks and get a realistic idea of how various hairstyles will look on you, download the app for your iPhone or Android device. Get started today to find the best hairstyle for you!
Hairstyles for Women Over 50 FAQs
What is the most flattering hair length for women over 50?
The most flattering hair length depends on your face shape and hair texture, but shoulder-length and shorter styles like bobs or pixies often work best. These styles frame the face beautifully and are easy to maintain.
What hairstyle makes you look younger at 50?
Layered cuts, soft waves, and styles with movement can create a youthful look. Adding bangs or face-framing layers also helps soften features and bring attention to the eyes.
Should a 50-year-old wear bangs or no bangs?
Bangs can be a great choice! Wispy or side-swept bangs soften facial features, hide forehead lines, and add a playful, youthful vibe to any hairstyle.
What is the most flattering haircut for older women?
Layered bobs, pixie cuts, and soft lobs are universally flattering for older women. These styles provide structure, frame the face, and add volume for a fresh and modern look.
What is the best hairstyle for a 50-year-old woman with thin hair?
Layered cuts like a pixie or bob are ideal for thin hair, as they add volume and texture. Opt for soft layers or a bixie cut to give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.
How can I style my hair to look younger?
Certain hairstyles can give you a more youthful appearance. Wispy or side-swept bangs, short pixie cuts, and soft waves are great options. Experiment with these styles in the YouCam Makeup app to find the one that best enhances your features.
Is short hair better for women over 50?
Short hair can be a great option for women over 50, offering a modern and low-maintenance style. Pixie cuts, bobs, and bixie cuts are all popular choices. Short hair can also highlight your features and make styling easier. Use the YouCam Makeup app to try on short hairstyles before making a decision.
