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40 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 That Are Both Flattering and Fabulous

You'll love your new look. 💇‍♀️

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hairstyles for women over 50
Steve Granitz / Jamie McCarthy

Many women of a certain age opt for short hairstyles, and it's easy to see why. Short haircuts for older women are incredibly convenient, stylish, and can even make you appear more youthful. But before you take the leap and lop off your locks, consider all the many other hairstyles that could suit you. Just look at Ree's signature hairstyle!

Our roundup of the best hairstyles for women over 50 is full of oh-so-flattering medium-length hairstyles for older women and hairstyles for women with long hair, in addition to some short cuts you'll love, too. Here, you'll find plenty of inspiration for a new you, including photos, tips, and celebrity-inspired suggestions to bring with you to the salon. There's something here for every hair type and texture, whether you have curly hair, fine hair, thick hair, or straight hair.

But remember, haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all: You can (and should!) expect to tweak these styles to make them work for you. Click through our collection of the best haircuts for women over 50 to find plenty of variations. Once you've chosen the perfect 'do for you, be sure to take good care of your hair with the best heat protectants, leave-in conditioners, and DIY hair masks.

Discover additional hair tips:

1

Piecey Bangs and Layers

hairstyles for women over 50
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Who wouldn't want to copy Nicole Kidman? To do so, cut long layers in your hair and form deeply side-parted bangs with added height at the hairline to give a noticeable amount of oomph. It makes for a chic but approachable style.

2

Mid Length with Middle Part

hairstyles for women over 50
David Livingston//Getty Images

Here's a timeless and versatile choice that highlights symmetry, frames the face beautifully, and works well with straight, wavy, or curly textures. Just like it does on Regina Hall, the mid-length cut will look balanced, providing enough length for styling flexibility while remaining easy to manage.

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3

Bob with Side Bangs

hairstyles for women over 50
Todd Williamson/NBC//Getty Images

Striking the perfect balance between fun and sophisticated, Renée Zellweger's bob features slightly messy, curled layers that create a lively vibe while the side bangs come in for a flattering finish.

4

Long Blowout

hairstyles for women over 50
Jamie McCarthy//Getty Images

Give your locks a blowout like Salma Hayek to step up the glamour. This voluminous yet smooth style brings out the natural shine of your hair while creating plenty of body and bounce on medium to long hair.

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5

Extra Long Length

hairstyles for women over 50
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

Extra long hair, like Demi Moore’s signature style, is a stunning option if you're looking to embrace timeless elegance and femininity. This look highlights healthy, glossy locks that cascade past the shoulders, exuding confidence and sophistication.

6

Face-Framing Lob

hairstyles for women over 50
Neilson Barnard//Getty Images

This shoulder-grazing cut beautifully highlights your features with soft, layered strands that subtly frame the face. It offers just the right amount of length while still being low-maintenance, so it's easy to style whether you prefer sleek and well-shaped like Laura Linney or even relaxed waves.

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7

Tousled Pixie

hairstyles for women over 50
Jeff Spicer//Getty Images

This trendy and carefree hairstyle is perfect for women seeking a youthful and low-maintenance look. This short, layered cut on Olivia Colman has plenty of texture and volume, creating a playful effect.

8

Soft Side Bangs

hairstyles for women over 50
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

An effortlessly stylish choice made by Angelina Jolie, these delicate side bangs offer a subtle, face-framing touch that help to soften facial features and polish the look. Better yet, they blend seamlessly with a variety of natural tresses.

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9

Blunt Bangs

hairstyles for women over 50
Dia Dipasupil//Getty Images

Blunt bangs are a bold choice no matter your age, but it's never too late to join the trend! The sleek, straight-across fringe exudes confidence and draws attention to the eyes. While Angela Bassett's bangs go with long locks, they'll look good with any hair length.

10

Short and Swept Out

hairstyles for women over 50
Alberto E. Rodriguez//Getty Images

Swept out layers paired with swooping bangs seen here on Robin Wright work to add movement to your look. Additionally, it can give the illusion of fullness for those of you working to combat thinning tresses.

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11

Long with Soft Fringe

hairstyles for women over 50
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

If you love the face-framing power of bangs but don't want to fully commit, consider longer center-parted bangs swept to both sides like Heidi Klum. As they grow out, they'll start to blend into your haircut.

12

Sleek Bob

hairstyles for women over 50
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

A one-length bob hairstyle is probably one of the easiest short hairstyles to maintain, and it looks great on just about anyone. The lighter ends of Jennifer Garner's cut also help to open up the face.

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13

Long Combover

hairstyles for women over 50
Dan MacMedan//Getty Images

A side-swept look is a simple way to switch up your every day style without actually making a cut! Bonus: It looks good with curly or straight hair. Start with the look of your choice, then part the hair slightly to the side before sweeping it over like Michelle Yeoh.

14

Face-Framing Pieces

hairstyles for women over 50
Pascal Le Segretain//Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston's signature style will add lightness and warmth to your look thanks to long face-framing layers that are highlighted in a slightly lighter shade than the rest of her hair.

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15

Graduated Bob

hairstyles for women over 50
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Subtle layers and differing lengths of Octavia Spencer's graduated bob work to highlight both her facial features and collarbones. Longer pieces in front even give the illusion of sharper angles.

16

Modern Shag

hairstyles for women over 50
Kevin Mazur//Getty Images

The shag is so in right now! To copy Courteney Cox, ask for long, wispy bangs that melt into plenty of face-framing layers with choppy ends. You'll love how versatile it is!

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17

Rounded Bob

hairstyles for women over 50
Jim Spellman//Getty Images

The best thing about a rounded bob? It flatters nearly every face shape. While Lucy Liu's hair curves right at her jawline, you can keep this style a little longer or take it a little shorter depending on which features you want to highlight.

18

Medium-Length Blowout

hairstyles for women over 50
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images

Extra volume does wonders for perking up the face! For the cut, you'll want to add layers on the top and sides. Then, you can recreate Jessica Lange's blowout style with a hair dryer. Don't forget to tease the top, too!

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19

Lob

hairstyles for women over 50
Jacopo Raule//Getty Images

A long bob has so much appeal! It's versatile, low-maintenance, and super stylish. Julianne Moore has opted to give her lob some texture and movement with soft waves.

20

Long and Tucked Back

hairstyles for women over 50
Christopher Polk/NBC//Getty Images

If you're constantly wearing your hair down, put a sophisticated touch on the style by tucking the front strands behind your ears. For a little extra oomph, tease your crown like Gwyneth Paltrow.

Headshot of Tierney McAfee

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

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