Elegant and Timeless Hairstyles for Women Over 50 Years Old

There exists an outdated belief that must opt for short hairstyles for women over 50. However, it is important to recognize that there are numerous hairstyles of varying lengths that can look stunning on women of all ages. While pixie cuts and bobs elegantly enhance a mature face, longer styles such as lobs, medium-length cuts, and long hair that grazes the back can also be very flattering. Below, you will find 13 stylish hairstyles for women over 50, as recommended by industry experts.

As celebrity hairstylist Angelo David, owner of Angelo David Hair Salon in New York City, puts it, “I like to think of 50 as the new 40—hair should reflect personal expression and individuality.” The notion of a standardized appearance for women in their 50s is no longer relevant.

Kimberly Gueldner, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Voël Hair Extensions, emphasizes the importance of embracing what makes us feel confident rather than conforming to societal expectations as we age. The key takeaway is to not allow age to dictate your hairstyle choices. If this reminder isn’t sufficient, insights from leading celebrity hairstylists may provide further encouragement.

Long and Natural

The era of feeling compelled to cut your hair and conceal gray strands upon turning 50 is behind us. According to Kimberly Gueldner, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Voël Hair Extensions, embracing your hair’s natural texture and color is now fashionable. She cites Andie Macdowell as an exemplary figure, showcasing the beauty of long, naturally gray hair.

To achieve a similar look, you can apply oil or cream to your hair and allow it to air dry. Once dry, take sections of your hair and wrap them around a one-inch curling iron to enhance the definition of your curls. This method is remarkably low-maintenance. For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, Gueldner suggests incorporating layers into your haircut to highlight texture while also minimizing bulk.

Curtain Bangs

Bangs can instantly create a more youthful appearance. According to Gina Rivera, hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, longer, side-swept bangs or curtain bangs offer styling versatility.

Celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen, a partner with Dove, concurs, highlighting Laverne Cox as an excellent example of how curtain bangs can enhance long hair. She emphasizes that this style is not only elegant and alluring but also particularly flattering for rectangular face shapes, as it helps to soften facial features. Additionally, it suits fine and straight hair types effectively.

For styling, begin by blow-drying your hair, then use a large-barrel curling iron to add curls. If you have fine hair that tends to fall flat, consider using a smaller barrel, as the tighter coils will take longer to relax.

Easy Updo

Whether you’re going to the office, attending a party, or gracing a red carpet event—or simply wish to appear elegantly composed—Gueldner recommends an effortless updo reminiscent of Halle Berry, particularly suitable for those with fine hair. These relaxed styles have gained significant popularity recently and are adaptable to any hair length, according to Gueldner. She notes that it’s a quick and simple method to rejuvenate your appearance.

To achieve the ideal imperfect updo, Gueldner advises blow-drying bangs using a round brush and gently tousling them with your fingers. Following this, enhance definition by curling face-framing strands with a quarter-inch curling iron and securing the remaining hair back.

Tousled Waves

Celebrity hairstylist Dominick Pucciarello emphasizes the importance of incorporating layers into long hairstyles to enhance volume, movement, and depth. He observes that as women age, there is a noticeable shift away from meticulously styled looks towards more edgy appearances. “It’s incredibly appealing,” he notes, adding that embracing one’s confidence and personal style is far more fulfilling than conforming to societal standards as one grows older.

To achieve Michelle Pfeiffer’s tousled look, stylist Gueldner recommends blow-drying the hair with a round brush and curling sections with a one-quarter-inch curling iron. To finish, apply a texture spray or a light-hold hairspray for added durability.

Wispy, Textured Pixie

If you’re considering a shorter hairstyle, David recommends opting for a textured pixie cut. This style is particularly favored by clients seeking a chic yet low-maintenance option akin to Kris Jenner’s iconic look. Utilizing texture spray or paste can help define and enhance the hair’s texture. Rivera agrees, emphasizing that product application is crucial for styling a pixie, as it accentuates the haircut’s definition.

Incorporating bangs into your pixie cut can elevate the overall appearance and open up various styling possibilities, such as jagged, side-swept, or blunt bangs. Rivera highlights the numerous options available. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with hair color; a skilled colorist can add depth and versatility to this hairstyle.

Curly Crop

For a more daring pixie style, you might opt for a cropped pixie that features additional length on top. This look is particularly flattering for women with diamond-shaped faces, as the added volume on top and tapered sides work to balance the angularity of the face, resulting in a more cohesive appearance, according to celebrity hairstylist and DIY expert Gregory Patterson from Sally Beauty. He emphasizes that with the shorter sides drawing attention to the scalp, proper scalp care becomes essential with this hairstyle.

Sleek, High Ponytail

The elegance of this elevated ponytail lies in its versatility, making it suitable for all hair types. The sleek section extends from the roots to the base of the ponytail, allowing you to choose your preferred style for the ‘tail’; we particularly admire Taraji P. Henson’s voluminous version showcased above.

For optimal results, David recommends starting with freshly washed hair. Utilize a flat iron to straighten your hair from the roots down to approximately six inches (or enough to reach the crown of your head). Next, employ a soft boar-bristle brush to smooth the hair back into a high ponytail and apply hairspray for hold. Afterward, you can style the ponytail to your preference.

If your hair is not long or thick, consider enhancing the fullness of your ponytail by teasing the hair, incorporating clip-in extensions, or using bobby pins at the base of the ponytail for added volume.

Blunt Bob

A well-executed bob is an elegant hairstyle for women over 50. According to Stephen, a classic bob is flattering for nearly all face shapes and complements straight hair, wavy hair, and curly hair types. This versatile cut is particularly beneficial for fine hair, as blunt ends can create the illusion of thickness. As we age, hair often becomes thinner, and a blunt bob can enhance both its appearance and texture.

To achieve Naomi Watts’ hairstyle, Stephen recommends starting with clean hair and applying Dove Hair Therapy Brilliant Gloss & Repair Serum along with Dove Hair Therapy 7-in-1 Miracle Mist. These products will aid in repairing and strengthening the hair while providing a shiny and smooth finish.

Face-Framing Layers With Middle Part

David asserts that a middle part can be flattering at any age, referencing Jennifer Aniston’s popular hairstyle as an example. A middle part with layered hair can effectively enhance the jawline.

However, it is important to take into account your hair texture and face shape when determining the most suitable hair part for you. For example, side parts can provide fine or thin hair with an immediate increase in volume, while middle parts may be more complementary for round face shapes.

Shaggy Bangs

Bangs do not need to be perfectly styled to appear attractive. According to Stephen, shaggy bangs bring a unique charm to a hairstyle. She notes that pairing shaggy bangs with shoulder-length waves creates a particularly flattering look. To achieve this style, Stephen recommends air drying the hair and applying sea salt spray to enhance texture.

Asymmetric Pixie With Side Part

Although numerous pixie cuts are designed to appear without a defined part, Pucciarello suggests that a distinct side part can be both fashionable and surprising. Whether you choose to sleekly style each side or shape it into a pompadour, he asserts that the outcome is consistently playful, youthful, and sophisticated. A notable example of this is Tilda Swinton.

Angled, Textured Lob

There is no need for your lob to be perfectly sleek and shiny to be effective. As Pucciarello suggests, incorporating layers and angles can significantly enhance the look. To style this haircut, utilize a large-barrel curling iron to create volume and movement in the hair. After styling, give it a gentle shake, apply a touch of hairspray, and you’ll be ready for the red carpet, much like Viola Davis.

Classic Blow-Out

To achieve a vintage, voluminous appearance, consider blow-drying your haircut, regardless of its length. According to Dove partner and celebrity hairstylist Leonardo Rocco, this styling method is simple to execute at home. All that is required is a round brush and a blow dryer to replicate Monica Bellucci’s hairstyle.

If your hair tends to lose volume quickly, incorporating a volumizing spray or hairspray—such as Serge Normant Dream Big—can assist in preserving the desired look.

Hopefully the above 13 hairstyles for women over 50 from Jen Hair will be useful advice for you.