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The best hairstyles for women over 50 are those that complement your hair type and personality, with popular choices including a layered bob for thin hair, long layers for thick hair, and soft, wispy bangs for a youthful touch, all of which can be tested risk-free with a virtual hairstyle app.
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
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.
My Tip for This Hairstyle
To get that signature Jen Aniston "glow," I’ve found that using a flat iron only from the mid-lengths down—leaving the roots with their natural lift—is the key. It keeps the long layers looking sleek and expensive without losing that youthful volume at the top.
2. Nicole Kidman
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.
My Tip for This Hairstyle
I love this look because it adds so much life to the hair, but the trick is to use a sea salt spray on damp hair to really define those "choppy" ends. It gives the bob a bit of a gritty, modern texture that feels much more high-fashion than a standard blunt cut.
3. Lucy Liu
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.
My Tip for This Hairstyle
This is such a powerful look, but since it hits right at the neck, I always use a tiny bit of anti-frizz serum to keep the edges crisp. If you have a rounder face, ask your stylist to cut it just a half-inch longer in the front to create a slimming, angled effect.
4. Mariah Carey
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.
My Tip for This Hairstyle
If you’re going for these big, cascading spirals, the secret is to never brush them out once they’ve set. I’ve found that just "shaking" them out at the roots with my fingertips keeps the volume massive while ensuring the curls stay defined and bouncy all day.
5. Halle Berry
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.
My Tip for This Hairstyle
This is my favorite choice for a formal event, but you definitely need a strong-hold hairspray and a fine-tooth comb to get that vintage precision. I like to set the waves while they’re slightly damp so they "freeze" into that perfect, elegant shape that doesn't budge.
6. Salma Hayek
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.
My Tip for This Hairstyle
This is my go-to "instant facelift" trick because pulling the hair back at the temples really highlights your eyes and cheekbones. Just make sure those two face-framing strands in the front are curled slightly away from your face to keep the look soft and romantic.
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.
Source: Pinterest
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: I’ve found that the secret to keeping this bob from looking flat is using a lightweight volumizing spray specifically at the roots before blow-drying with a round brush. It’s the perfect way to give thin hair that "bounce" that makes the layers really pop throughout the day.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: When I tried this look, I realized that a tiny bit of texturizing pomade goes a long way in defining those short, edgy pieces. Just rub a pea-sized amount between your fingers and piece out the ends to keep it looking modern and fresh rather than just "combed."
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: This is the ultimate "best of both worlds" cut, but I recommend keeping the back slightly shorter than the front to maintain that chic structure. It’s a great style for air-drying; just scrunch in a little leave-in conditioner to let your natural texture give it that effortless, "cool-girl" volume.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: If you have thick hair like me, ask your stylist to "thin out" the ends within the layers so the hair moves beautifully without feeling heavy or bulky. I love using a large barrel curling iron to flip the ends outward, which really shows off the dimension of the cut.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: I’ve noticed this style looks best when it’s a bit "undone," so don't worry about making it perfectly symmetrical. Use a flat iron to create soft, random bends in the hair—it gives thick hair a lightweight, trendy vibe that’s super easy to maintain.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: These are a lifesaver for softening features, but my trick is to blow-dry them immediately after washing before they have a chance to air-dry. This prevents them from splitting in the middle and keeps them looking light and feathery against your forehead.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: I love these because they are so low-risk; if you’re having a bad hair day, you can easily pin them back or tuck them behind your ear. To get that perfect "sweep," use a paddle brush to blow-dry them in the opposite direction first, then flip them back to your preferred side for instant volume.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: If you have thick hair like me, ask your stylist to "remove weight" from the inner layers rather than just thinning the ends—it keeps the hair moving beautifully without feeling bulky. I love using a large barrel curling iron to flip the layers outward away from my face; it creates a lifted, "face-lift" effect that makes the whole look feel much more youthful and polished.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: For that classic, glamorous look, I always curl my hair away from my face to keep the look open and youthful. Once the curls have cooled, I run a wide-tooth comb through them to break them up into those soft, touchable waves that look so elegant on long hair.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: This look is all about the shine, so I always finish with a light mist of shine spray or a drop of hair oil to give it that high-end, polished glow. It’s a very empowering cut, but I’ve found that getting a quick trim every 6 weeks is essential to keep those bottom edges looking sharp and intentional rather than shaggy.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: When I tried this look, I realized that a tiny bit of texturizing paste is my best friend for adding that "youthful edge" without the crunch. Just rub a pea-sized amount between your palms and tousle the crown area to create height, which instantly draws the eye upward and makes your features look more lifted.
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.
⭐ My Tip for This Hairstyle: Since this is a hybrid cut, I love that I can tuck the longer side pieces behind my ears for a classic pixie vibe or leave them out to frame my face like a bob. To keep it from looking flat, I recommend using a root-lift spray on damp hair before blow-drying—it gives you that perfect, carefree volume that lasts all day.
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!
Beyond the Mirror: Reimagining Beauty for Every Stage
YouCam Beauty & AI Trends Team — Digital Transformation & Personal Style Specialists —
The YouCam Beauty & AI Trends Team is committed to redefining how we approach self-expression at every age. By blending cutting-edge augmented reality with expert aesthetic insights, we help individuals explore new looks—from classic cuts to modern, celebrity-inspired trends—without the fear of commitment.
Our work centers on empowering women to embrace their unique features through personalized, AI-assisted style discovery, ensuring that finding the perfect look is as effortless as it is inspiring.
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.
