There are many options when it comes to short haircuts that look great on women over 50. We’ve rounded up dozens of stylish hairstyles for women over 50. Get inspired by our gallery of celebrity hairstyles. From classics like bobs and short pixies to more creative styles, you’ll find something for everyone. We also asked a hairstylist to share her expert opinion on the best shortcuts for women over 50.
Pixie With Long Bangs
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
The sleeker version of the pixie is a side-swept pixie with long bangs, like Viola Davis, EGOT-winning actress. This is a great cut for those with finer hair, because it highlights the density of hair in the front.
Classic Pixie
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images
Holland Taylor shows how the classic pixie can frame your face and highlight your best features. They’re low maintenance, except for the occasional trim. You can wash them and go or style quickly with a pomade.
Spiked Pix
Michael Tran/Getty Images
It’s fun to try a spiked hairstyle, like Angela Bassett. You can soften the look by removing the spikes, letting the hair fall naturally or adding volume using a teasing comb and hairspray. This cut gives you enough length to switch up your look from day to day.
Beauty expert Savannah St. Jean suggests a wax-based heavy spray, such as Kevin Murphy’s Touchable Spray Wax (37 dollars), to style the look. She says that it works like a paste, but in spray form so you can control the amount of product. “Spray it on and then spike your hair using your fingers.”
Textured pixie
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
The textured pixie style is a super-hip, effortless look. This look can be achieved with any length of hair, but Halle Berry’s is a great example. Use a pomade to add texture and separate the pieces.
Mussed Up Pixie
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
Ellen DeGeneres’s dirty blonde, pixie cut with a messed-up look gives off a cool and effortless vibe. You can keep it smooth by using a straightener or finger-combing for a more textured look.
Edgy Pixie
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
Anyone can rock this edgy, pixie-cut style worn by Tyra. This look is modern and cool with its choppy bangs. Rocker accessories complete the look.
Wavy Pixie
Tibrina HOBSON/Getty Images
Toni Braxton is one of many people who have naturally curly hair and opt for pixie haircuts to reduce the weight in their hair. They also want to speed up the drying process. Add some glam by styling your baby hairs.
Curls with Short Layers
Samir Hussein/Getty Images
This short hairstyle is perfect for women who are more mature. It features subtle layers and a curled look, just like the actress Emma Thompson. St. Jean recommends a texturizing spray with a wax base. It will “leave you with movement, but give you the piece-y appearance you are trying achieve.”
Spray the texturizing spray on your hair and then tousle it with your fingertips to achieve the desired definition.
Cropped Curls
Jerritt Clark/Getty Images
Vanessa Bell Calloway’s pixie style is timeless. This coiled style is best achieved with curl mousse or cream. You can choose to either highlight your features subtly or add a bold eye with your coiled look.
Longpixie
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
If you have fine hair, like Nia Long, adding longer layers can give your pixie a lot of volume. The wispy fringe is also a favorite.
Voluminous Pixie
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Kris Jenner’s pixie will forever be an icon. The voluminous texture is what everyone notices. It’s easy to customize and achieve with the right products. Sanda Petrut, hairstylist, says that this style is suitable for straight, wavy or fine hair.
Brushed Back Pixie
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Jamie Lee Curtis’ brushed-back pixie is a modern version of the classic style. The volume at the front of the hair is cool, but not too much. Spray some hairspray on to make your style last longer.
Pompadour
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images
Janet Jackson’s short pompadour may look difficult, but it’s actually very simple to achieve. Petrut says that this cut is versatile and low-maintenance. It’s perfect for straight hair and can be styled with a low-part and sweeping bangs.
Undercut
Jacopo Raule/Getty Images
Tilda’s undercut and pompadour give the classic look a contemporary twist. This look is low-maintenance, easy to style and gives the impression that you woke up looking like this. St. Jean says that a root powder like Kevin Murphy’s Powder.Puff Volumeizing Powder ($35), can do wonders for a look such as this: “Simply apply the powder to your roots, and then tousle your hair in order to add volume and texture where needed.”
Short cut with Soft Bangs
Venturelli/Getty Images
Soft bangs are a great way to add dimension and lightness to any dull haircut. If you’re looking to draw attention to your eyes, like Helen Mirren did, choose a haircut that sweeps down.
Layers
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
J.Lo’s short, layered hairstyle works well for day or night and on all face shapes and ages. The layers are arranged and the middle part gives it a polished look.
Piecey Shag
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Lisa Rinna’s shag is perfect for thick hair with some natural waves. This style will add dimension if you like highlights. For a sun-kissed, natural look, you can opt for balayage.
Classic Bob
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The classic bob of journalist Alinacho is both sophisticated and sleek. It makes a bold statement, no matter what your age. Curl your ends or leave them down for a more softer feel.
Shortbob
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
The short bob seen on Cicely Tyson, an actress with straight and fine hair, is a great choice. This length adds natural volume to straight hair and can be easily changed every day. A middle part keeps the style sleek while a side-part adds volume.
Side Swept Lob
Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
This haircut is seen on Ellen Barkin. “This is a good cut for women who have different hair textures, such as straight, curly, or wavy. It’s also suited to women with varying densities, from fine to thick.” Petrut says. It’s versatile, from conservative to messy. You can flat iron it to emphasize the texture and fierceness at the ends.
