During my years behind the salon chair, I've realized how age shapes not just our experiences but also our locks. Yes, turning 50 might come with challenges for your tresses, but that's just another creative challenge I've loved facing.
Whether it’s the ever-fashionable bobs or the elegant waves, there's always a perfect style for everyone. And let’s not even get started on color - who says silver strands can't shine as bright as any hue?
Decoding Hair Textures
In the many heads of hair I've worked with, I've seen it all:
Fine hair: It's like delicate silk. I often add layers or suggest bobs and pixies to lend some oomph.
Thick hair: With its dense, voluminous personality, lightening layers can be magical. Think of a breezy shoulder-length cut.
Curly hair: Spirals that dance! But they can get frizzy. Layered cuts or even embracing natural bouncy curls can be enchanting.
Wavy hair: Ah, those gentle waves. They sometimes need a little definition, which layers or elongated waves provide perfectly.
Natural hair: Coils and kinks brimming with character. I recommend protective styles and occasionally going all out with afros or stretched curls.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the width of your hair strand can determine its category? For instance, fine hair is thinner than a piece of thread, while coarse hair is thicker!
Molding Hairstyles to Face Shapes
Over coffee breaks, my stylist friends and I often discuss the art of matching hairstyles with face shapes. Here's a bit of that wisdom:
Round faces: Aim for height and length. Long layers with side parts are magical. Wavy curls elongate the face delightfully.
Oval faces: This shape is quite versatile. However, a layered side part can be transformative. And bangs? They’re like the cherry on top.
Heart-shaped faces: I usually balance the forehead and chin with chin-length bobs or wavy layers. It's all about harmony.
Square faces: Soften those angles with long layers and side parts. Waves and curls? They're your best friends.
Diamond faces: I add width with shaggy lobs. Again, soft waves can make a world of difference.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about your face shape, a fun method is standing in front of a mirror, pulling your hair back, and tracing the outline of your face with a lipstick. Analyze the shape you draw!
A Stylist’s Top Picks for Women Over 50
As we embrace the 50s, the hair game changes, but that doesn’t mean the style has to fade.
Bobs: Oh, the versatility! From chic blunt bobs to textured variants, they’re timeless.
Pixie Cuts: They shout boldness. From textured to piecey, there's a pixie for every personality.
Layered Styles: Layers breathe life into hair. From long casual layers to sophisticated feathered ones, the options are vast.
Medium-Length: Shoulder-length with wispy bangs screams youthful elegance. While collarbone-length cuts resonate classic charm.
Short Hairstyles: Perfect for those seeking style with minimal fuss. The short messy cut is especially trendy nowadays.
From the countless conversations and stories shared in my chair, I've learned one fundamental truth: age is just a number. It’s the spirit and attitude that shine, and with the right hairstyle, every woman can glow brighter than ever.
Always remember, the best accessory is confidence. With that and the right hairstyle, you're unstoppable. Stay fabulous!
#2 Warm Brown Layered Cut with Subtle Highlights and Youthful Side-Swept Bangs
This layered cut showcases a beautiful blend of warm brown hues with subtle highlights that give depth and dimension. The gentle side-swept bangs frame the face beautifully, offering a soft, youthful look, while the layers create volume and a slight flip at the ends for a playful yet elegant vibe. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a style with movement and versatility, easily dressed up or kept casual, making it a top pick for women over 50 wanting to keep their style fresh and modern.
#2 Warm Brown Layered Cut with Subtle Highlights and Youthful Side-Swept Bangs
This layered cut showcases a beautiful blend of warm brown hues with subtle highlights that give depth and dimension. The gentle side-swept bangs frame the face beautifully, offering a soft, youthful look, while the layers create volume and a slight flip at the ends for a playful yet elegant vibe. It's a fantastic choice for those seeking a style with movement and versatility, easily dressed up or kept casual, making it a top pick for women over 50 wanting to keep their style fresh and modern.
#3 Beachy Waves Textured Lob with Sun-Kissed Blonde Balayage for a Vibrant Look
This look is a textured lob (long bob) with beachy waves, giving it a fun and flirty feel that adds both volume and a light, carefree spirit. The color melts from a deep brown at the roots to a dynamic blonde balayage, offering a sun-kissed contrast that's both stylish and gracefully handles the appearance of any new growth. Side-swept bangs blend effortlessly into the layers, providing a framing effect that's flattering for a variety of face shapes, making this style a versatile choice for women over 50 who want to keep their look current and vibrant.
#4 Bold Purple and Magenta Bob with Blunt Fringe for a Striking Youthful Expression
This hairstyle showcases a bold and vivid purple hue with a hint of magenta peeking through, a statement choice for those embracing vibrant colors. The cut is a sleek, classic bob with a blunt fringe that creates a striking, youthful look, framing the face with precision. The hair is styled straight, accentuating the clean lines of the cut and the uniformity of the color, making it a fun and fearless option for women over 50 who are looking to express their personality through their hairstyle.
#5 Chic Feathered Pixie Cut in Natural Brown and Grey Tones for Effortless Elegance
This short and elegant pixie cut boasts a feathered style that offers texture and volume, making it a chic and low-maintenance option. The natural blend of brown and grey shades provides a sophisticated look that celebrates the grace of aging with style. It’s neatly tapered at the nape and sides, with the crown layers swept gently to one side, a classic and versatile choice for women over 50 seeking a fresh yet timeless hairstyle.
#6 Timeless Chin-Length Bob with Ash Blonde Highlights and Sleek Edges
This is a classic, chin-length bob with a clean, even edge, giving it a timeless elegance. The color transitions beautifully from a deeper root to a blend of ash blonde highlights, adding depth and texture. The absence of bangs opens up the face, and the straight style keeps the look sleek and manageable, perfect for women over 50 seeking a sophisticated and easy-to-maintain hairstyle.
#7 Intricate Cornrows to Dreadlocks Hairstyle in Natural Black for Cultural Flair
This creative hairstyle features a combination of intricate cornrows at the front that transition into free-hanging dreadlocks towards the back. The natural black tone of the hair adds to the authenticity and depth of the style. This low-maintenance look is both protective and stylish, ideal for women over 50 who want to embrace their natural texture with a unique and culturally rich hairstyle.
#8 Soft Layered Bob with Honey Caramel Highlights for Warm Sophistication
This style is a beautifully shaped bob with soft layers that add volume and movement, perfect for a natural, easy-to-style look. The rich, warm brown hue is lifted with subtle honey and caramel highlights, creating an illusion of depth and fullness. With a slightly off-center part and feathered edges that softly frame the face, this haircut is a great choice for women over 50 looking for a blend of sophistication and manageability.
#9 Elegant Mid-Length Layered Cut with Gentle Waves in Dark Hair
Here is a mid-length, layered cut with gentle waves that provide volume and a touch of elegance. Its deep, natural dark color exudes a warm, classic look, allowing for a timeless appeal. This style, with its soft layers that beautifully frame the face, is an excellent choice for women over 50 who prefer a graceful, feminine look that's also easy to maintain.
#10 Sophisticated Brunette Textured Lob with Soft Layers for Body and Bounce
Textured lob (long bob) with soft layers that add body and bounce, beautifully complementing the natural flow of the hair. The rich, multidimensional brunette color is brightened with subtle highlights, creating an effect that's both sophisticated and contemporary. Styled with a side part and tousled waves, it's a versatile and chic option for women over 50 looking to strike a balance between style and ease.
#11 Glamorous Voluminous Layered Hairstyle in Warm Honey Blonde with Youthful Highlights
This hairstyle exudes glamour with its voluminous layers that cascade gracefully, creating a full-bodied look. The warm honey-blonde hue with lighter highlights adds a radiant, youthful glow and dimension to the waves. The side part and swooping layers frame the face, offering a softening effect that's perfect for women over 50 looking to add a touch of elegance to their style.
#12 Luxurious Flowing Layers in Golden Blonde for a Sun-Kissed Timeless Elegance
This hairstyle features luxurious, flowing layers that add volume and a dynamic sense of movement, perfect for a timeless, elegant look. The golden blonde color, with its subtle variations, provides a sun-kissed and inviting warmth. With the hair swept away from the face and cascading down in soft curls, this style is a fabulous match for women over 50 who are looking to radiate confidence and sophistication.
#13 Playful Textured Short Layers with Honey and Platinum Highlights for Modern Vibrance
This playful yet sophisticated hairstyle is a textured, short-layered cut that offers volume and easy style. The mix of honey and platinum blonde highlights creates a lively contrast, adding a sense of dimension and youthful energy to the look. With the layers swept to the side, this hairstyle is a great option for women over 50 who want a fresh, modern look that's both flattering and low-maintenance.
#14 Chic Icy Blonde Pixie Cut with Textured Layers and Edgy Volume
This chic pixie cut is crafted with textured layers that add volume and a modern edge to the style. The cool, icy blonde shade complements the simplicity of the cut, giving it a striking, yet elegant contrast against the natural darker roots. Styled with the hair swept to the side, this look is a wonderful match for women over 50 who desire a hairstyle that's both stylish and straightforward to maintain.
#15 Graceful Layered Bob with Playful Curls and Honey Ash Highlights
This hairstyle is a gracefully layered bob with soft curls at the ends, adding a playful yet sophisticated twist. The dimensional coloring features a mix of honey and ash-blonde highlights that enhance the texture and movement within the layers. Perfectly suited for women over 50, this look is swept back to open up the face, offering a fresh and flattering style that's both elegant and easy to manage.
#16 Vibrant Layered Shag with Auburn Highlights for a Playful Texture
This stylish haircut is a layered shag that sits just above the shoulders, with volume built through short, choppy layers throughout for a full and lively texture. The color is a dimensional brunette with auburn and caramel highlights that add warmth and complexity to the style. Ideal for women over 50, the side-parted style with layers flicked outwards creates a playful yet polished look that's both flattering and manageable.
#17 Bold Purple Pixie Cut with Textured Layers and a Sweeping Fringe
An edgy pixie cut that stands out with its vivid purple hue, making a bold statement that's both contemporary and fun. The cut is layered throughout to add texture and volume, with longer pieces in the front creating a sweeping fringe that frames the face. It's a striking choice for women over 50 who are looking to showcase their vibrant personality and style while enjoying the ease of a low-maintenance yet fashionable haircut.
#18 Softly Layered Silver Bob with Elegant Waves for a Chic Sophisticated Look
This hairstyle features a softly layered bob with gentle waves, which add a touch of elegance and movement. The silver and ash grey tones highlight a confident embrace of natural color, offering a chic and sophisticated look. The side parting and waves swept away from the face create a flattering silhouette for women over 50 who are looking for a style that's both modern and effortlessly manageable.
#19 Graceful Shoulder-Length Layered Cut with Warm Balayage Highlights
A layered cut that falls gracefully past the shoulders, offering movement and a versatile length that can be styled in various ways. The rich brunette base is enhanced with warm honey and caramel balayage highlights, creating a multidimensional and vibrant look. The layers are subtly shaped around the face, which could easily be swept to the side for a soft framing effect, making this a great option for women over 50 seeking a balance of fullness and flair.
#20 Flattering Long Layers with Curved Ends and Dimensional Highlights
This flattering hairstyle boasts long, smooth layers that gently curve at the ends, providing a subtle, feminine volume. The color is a beautiful mix of natural brunette with delicate highlights that add dimension and a touch of brightness around the face. Side-swept bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, creating a soft, face-framing effect, perfect for women over 50 who want to look stylish yet natural.
#21 Joyful Chestnut Layers with Golden Highlights for a Bouncy Tousled Style
A hairstyle that exudes joy with its voluminous layers that add a playful bounce and an effortless, tousled look. The rich chestnut color melds with subtle golden highlights, creating warmth and dimension that enliven the hair's natural texture. Swept off the face in a carefree manner, this cut and style encapsulate a spirit of fun and confidence, making it a fantastic choice for women over 50 who are young at heart and want to express their vivacious personality.
#22 Elegant Long Layered Cut with Curtain Fringe and Sun-Kissed Blonde Highlights
This long, layered cut features a curtain fringe that softly grazes the cheekbone, adding a touch of elegance to the style. The dimensional blonde with hints of honey and caramel creates a radiant, sun-kissed effect that's both alluring and youthful. With gentle waves that cascade down, this look offers a versatile and sophisticated option for women over 50 who desire a hairstyle that's both contemporary and classic.
#23 Stylish Textured Pixie in Ash Blonde and Brown Tones with Youthful Volume
A modern take on the pixie cut features textured layers that create volume and movement, offering a stylish and youthful silhouette. The color is a sophisticated blend of ash blonde and light brown tones, which provide depth and accentuate the dynamic styling of the cut. The hair is swept forward in a soft side part, giving a chic, face-framing effect that's perfect for women over 50 who are looking for a low-maintenance yet fashionable and elegant hairstyle.
#24 Rejuvenating Modern Bob with Voluminous Layers and Elegant Grey Highlights
This is a modern bob with layers that beautifully blend to create a voluminous and lively shape, perfect for a rejuvenating look. The hair color features an exquisite balance of blonde highlights and natural grey, marrying the two for an elegant, multidimensional appearance. With a soft rounding at the back and a gentle inward curl at the ends, this style is exceptionally flattering for women over 50 seeking a polished and sophisticated hairstyle that exudes confidence and class.
#25 Graceful Angled Bob with Volume-Enhancing Layers in Grey and Ash Blonde
This hairstyle showcases a gracefully angled bob with soft, flowing layers that enhance the volume and create a refined silhouette. The color melds natural grey with ash blonde highlights, lending a sophisticated and contemporary air that embraces the beauty of silver tones. Styled with a gentle side sweep, this chic haircut is both modern and elegant, ideal for women over 50 looking for a manageable yet fashionable look that celebrates their natural grace.
Amy is an hairstylist and the editor-in-chief at Snazzy Lair, where her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the direction of the publication and ensuring its continued success. With over a decade of experience in the hairstyling industry, Amy has honed her craft to perfection. She possesses an innate talent for transforming hair into works of art, and her dedication to her clients' satisfaction knows no bounds.
