As we embrace new stages of life, our hairstyles can reflect the confidence and grace that come with age. Women over 50 have a myriad of trendy, flattering, and youthful hairstyles to choose from, and 2024 offers an updated selection that speaks to various hair textures, face shapes, and personal styles. From short and sassy to shoulder length and professional, here are 34 hairstyle ideas that showcase modern elegance with a touch of chic.
Flattering Pixie with Bangs
The pixie cut is a classic yet timeless look, and it’s especially flattering with bangs for those who want to add a little edge. This short funky hairstyle provides volume at the crown, which is ideal for fine hair, while the bangs soften the face, making it perfect for a round face. A pixie with bangs is not only easy to style but works wonderfully for formal events, too. Women with lighter or gray hair will find that this style accentuates natural highlights, giving a youthful glow.
To style this look, a small amount of styling cream or mousse can create texture and definition. Maintaining the style requires a trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the shape. For a polished finish, a lightweight hairspray keeps the style intact without weighing down fine hair.
Shoulder Length Layers for Thick Hair
Shoulder-length hair with layers is an ideal mid length choice for those with thick hair. The layers reduce bulk while adding movement and texture, which makes this style versatile for various occasions—from a wedding to a casual day out. This cut frames the face elegantly, making it especially flattering on oval and square face shapes. The shoulder length allows for easy styling, giving you options for an updo or letting it fall naturally.
For styling, a round brush and a blow dryer can help to create volume at the roots. A smoothing serum keeps frizz under control, while a shine spray enhances the layered texture. To keep this look fresh, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are recommended to maintain the health of thick hair.
Modern Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
A bob cut with side-swept bangs is a sleek and modern option that’s both stylish and professional. The bob sits gracefully at the chin or just below, providing a cute frame for round or heart-shaped faces. Side-swept bangs add dimension, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This trendy style is versatile and looks fantastic with gray or longer hair tones, allowing for a natural yet polished look that suits any season.
To achieve this look, blow-dry with a paddle brush and finish with a flat iron for a smooth effect. A light mist of shine-enhancing spray can add a healthy glow, while a weekly hair mask will keep the ends looking fresh and nourished.
Layered Lob for Fine Hair
The layered lob (long bob) is ideal for those with fine hair who want a bit of body and movement. This shoulder length cut frames the face beautifully, adding a touch of volume without overwhelming finer strands. A lob is particularly flattering on those with heart-shaped and oval faces, offering a chic look that’s both playful and refined. It’s also a great choice for summer as it allows for easy updos and ponytails when the weather gets warm.
To style a layered lob, use a volumizing mousse and a blow dryer with a diffuser to enhance natural texture. A lightweight finishing spray ensures the style stays in place all day. To keep it looking trendy, regular trims and a sulfate-free shampoo are recommended to avoid product buildup on finer strands.
Sassy Short Waves
This sassy short hairstyle features soft waves that add texture and personality, perfect for women looking for a youthful and fuss-free style. The waves give dimension, making it a fabulous option for fine hair as well as thick hair. It complements nearly any face shape, with the waves bringing attention to the jawline. Perfect for a relaxed summer look or even a low-key evening event, this hairstyle is both fun and sophisticated.
To get these short waves, a curling iron or hot rollers can be used, followed by a texturizing spray for added hold and volume. Maintenance is simple—a leave-in conditioner keeps the hair soft and manageable, while regular trims prevent split ends and maintain the wave shape.
Chic Gray Bob
Embrace natural beauty with a chic gray bob. This timeless look is an excellent option for women looking to let their gray hair shine. The bob can be cut at varying lengths to suit round or square face shapes, offering a flattering and updated style that highlights your features. A gray bob looks polished enough for the office and elegant enough for evening wear, making it an all-around versatile choice.
To style a gray bob, use a heat protectant before flat ironing to maintain a sleek appearance. A purple shampoo once a week can help to maintain the brightness of gray hair. Regular conditioning treatments keep the hair soft and nourished.
Long Layers for Wedding Occasions
Long, flowing layers are a beautiful choice for special occasions, particularly a wedding. This look is perfect for long hair and adds volume while maintaining an elegant, romantic feel. The layers create soft movement, making it ideal for those with thick hair or even fine hair that needs a bit of extra body. A fantastic option for any face shape, this hairstyle is universally flattering and ideal for formal events.
For a flawless finish, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. A spritz of hairspray locks in the style, while a leave-in conditioner can keep it looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. A nourishing hair oil will add shine and reduce frizz, perfect for long-lasting elegance.
Funky Short Cut for the Bold
A short funky cut is a bold choice for those who want to make a statement. This cut often features asymmetrical layers and a tapered neckline, making it perfect for round faces or those with prominent cheekbones. It’s a daring yet easy style that suits various textures, and its updated look adds a playful touch to everyday styling. Great for casual outings and summer adventures, this cut keeps things fresh and youthful.
This style requires minimal styling. A light pomade or styling wax can be used to define layers and create texture. To maintain the cut’s shape, regular trims are essential. A texturizing powder can also add volume and definition, perfect for a bold, sassy short look.
Sleek and Straight Shoulder Length
The shoulder length cut with sleek and straight strands is a professional choice that exudes sophistication. This hairstyle works well with fine hair or thick hair and is ideal for those seeking a polished look that’s easy to maintain. The sleekness frames oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully, making it a great look for the office or a formal dinner event. This style brings out the natural beauty of gray or highlighted hair, adding a touch of glamour.
A flat iron is the primary tool for achieving this look, along with a heat-protectant spray to keep the hair safe from heat damage. A lightweight serum adds shine, while a weekly deep conditioner ensures the hair stays smooth and frizz-free.
Effortless Mid-Length Waves
The mid length wavy style is an effortless look that suits both fine and thick hair. This trendy and flattering option allows for movement and volume without the weight of long hair. It’s ideal for casual settings or weekend outings, making it a practical yet stylish choice. The waves are particularly suited to round or heart-shaped faces, offering a modern style that’s easy to wear.
To style these waves, a curling wand can create soft waves, followed by a texturizing spray for extra volume. Regular trims keep the ends healthy, while a light leave-in spray conditioner keeps the waves looking fresh and bouncy.
Soft Layered Bob
The soft layered bob is a modern twist on the classic bob, designed to add movement and texture to medium and short hair. This hairstyle works well for round faces, as the layers can be tailored to frame the cheeks, making it a flattering option. Perfect for everyday wear, the soft layers are ideal for creating a cute and youthful look that’s versatile enough for both casual and professional settings.
To style, a blow dryer and a round brush help create volume at the roots, while a small amount of mousse provides body. To keep the layers looking fresh, use a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a texturizing spray for added definition.
Long Gray Waves
Embrace long and flowing waves that accentuate natural gray hair for a stunning, youthful look. This style is ideal for thick hair and frames oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully, adding a graceful elegance to any look. The long waves are a versatile option for special occasions, whether it’s a formal event or a romantic night out, while still being easy enough to wear daily.
Create this look with a large-barrel curling iron to add soft waves, then finish with a shine-enhancing serum to keep the hair looking smooth and polished. To maintain healthy waves, try a hydrating shampoo and conditioner specifically for gray hair, keeping it luminous and well-nourished.
Classic Shoulder-Length Shag
The shoulder-length shag is a trendy choice with its playful, textured layers, perfect for adding volume to fine hair or taming thick hair. This updated style works well with round and square faces, enhancing cheekbones and jawlines. It’s great for a sassy short or shoulder length look, and the shag cut gives a nod to classic 70s style with a modern twist, making it ideal for anyone looking to make a bold statement.
To style, apply a texturizing mousse and scrunch the hair with your fingers as you blow-dry. A finishing spray helps maintain the tousled effect, while regular conditioning treatments keep the layers hydrated and frizz-free.
Sleek Long Layers
For those who love length, sleek long layers provide a flattering and chic look that suits a range of hair textures. This cut works particularly well for thick hair, as the layers remove bulk while maintaining length, giving a polished yet effortless style. Perfect for everyday wear and weddings alike, long layers are especially stunning on oval faces, drawing attention to the natural contours of the face.
Achieve this look with a flat iron, using a heat-protectant spray to keep the hair sleek and shiny. A light serum adds gloss and reduces flyaways, while regular trims keep the ends looking fresh and healthy.
Curly Bob with Bangs
This curly bob with bangs is perfect for women with natural curls or waves who want a fun, playful style that feels youthful and easy to manage. The short cut frames the face, making it ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, while the bangs add a touch of modern flair. It’s a great option for summer events or casual outings, showcasing the beauty of natural curls with minimal fuss.
For styling, a curl-enhancing mousse and a diffuser are essential to define the curls. Use a curl-specific shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair hydrated, and apply a light-hold gel for added definition.
Tousled Lob for a Summer Look
The tousled lob (long bob) is a trendy, fuss-free hairstyle that radiates casual elegance, perfect for summer. This shoulder-length style suits nearly any face shape and is a versatile option for various events, from beach outings to garden parties. The tousled texture adds volume to fine hair while keeping thick hair looking effortlessly chic.
To style, use a sea salt spray to create texture, then scrunch the hair with your fingers as it air-dries. A bit of volumizing powder at the roots can add lift, and a lightweight hairspray keeps the waves intact.
Sassy Spiked Pixie
For a short funky look with plenty of personality, the sassy spiked pixie is an ideal choice. This modern style is especially flattering on round and square faces, as it draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It’s a great style for active women or anyone seeking an easy and low-maintenance option that still looks updated and professional.
Create this look with a small amount of styling wax to define spikes and add texture. Regular trims are key to maintaining the shape, and a matte pomade provides hold without too much shine.
Layered Curls for Medium Hair
Layered curls for medium hair bring out the best in naturally curly or wavy textures, adding volume and shape while highlighting longer lengths. This cute style is fantastic for oval and heart-shaped faces, and it’s especially well-suited for casual outings or a relaxed professional setting. The layered curls provide a soft, feminine look that’s both trendy and flattering.
Style with a curl cream to define the curls, then diffuse for extra volume. A regular deep-conditioning treatment helps maintain curl health, while a lightweight gel keeps frizz at bay and defines the layers.
Classic Blunt Cut for Fine Hair
The classic blunt cut is ideal for fine hair, adding a sense of fullness and structure. This chic and professional style works well for round and oval faces, providing a simple yet elegant look that’s easy to style. A blunt cut is suitable for both formal and casual settings, making it a versatile option for everyday wear.
To achieve this look, blow-dry the hair with a paddle brush for a smooth finish, then use a flat iron to keep the ends straight. A volumizing spray at the roots helps add lift, while a serum enhances shine.
Soft Side-Swept Bangs with Layers
Side-swept bangs combined with soft layers provide a modern and youthful look that suits a variety of face shapes. This hairstyle is perfect for shoulder length or mid-length hair and adds a touch of elegance to everyday wear. The layers create movement, while the side-swept bangs frame the face, giving a flattering and updated style that’s ideal for those looking to freshen up their look.
For styling, use a round brush to blow-dry the bangs to the side, and a curling wand to add soft waves to the layers. A lightweight finishing spray keeps the style in place, while a shine serum adds a polished finish.
With these versatile hairstyles, women over 50 can find looks that feel comfortable, updated, and chic for every occasion. From professional to casual, there’s a style for everyone. We’d love to hear about your favorite looks—share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know which style speaks to you!
