These Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 Are So Flattering

Tierney McAfee

August 26, 2022 at 6:21 PM·6 min read

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 of 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.

Long with Soft Fringe

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 Michelle Pfeiffer. As they grow out, they'll start to blend into your haircut.

Sleek Bob

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.

Long Combover

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.

Face-Framing Pieces

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.

Graduated Bob

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.

Modern Shag

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!

Rounded Bob

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.

Medium-Length Blowout

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!

Wavy Lob

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.

Long and Tucked Back

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.

Shoulder-Length Waves

If you want to go shorter but not short, opt for a shoulder-length cut with tousled waves, like Meg Ryan.

wavy haircuts wavy shoulder length haircut — Frazer Harrison

Glam Waves

You can never go wrong with glam waves! Cate Blanchett's deep side part here only adds to the drama.

Blunt Bob

A blunt bob is the perfect fashion accessory and elevates any ensemble. Alfre Woodard paired her bob with matching blunt bangs for even more style.

Sideswept Pixie

For a fun, flirty take on a classic pixie haircut, try Jane Fonda's voluminous version. Sideswept bangs make the perfect finishing touch.

Crimped Curls

Eighties hair is back—sort of. Get an updated crimped style with a little inspiration from curly hair queen Julia Roberts.

hairstyles for women over 50 luscious curls — Laurent KOFFEL

Curly Bob

Emma Thompson's curly bob is the perfect combination of elegant and playful. Use a moisture-sealing frizzy hair product to help achieve this style.

Natural Curls

Viola Davis' natural curls and coils are a thing of beauty. Viola has said the key to her look is lots and lots of moisture.

Long Layers

Laura Dern's long layers frame her face so perfectly, and they're sure to do the same for you! Pop in a few curls and you'll be good to go.

Sleek and Straight

Nothing says polished like a long, straight haircut. Sandra Bullock adds modern appeal to this style with long layers and an of-the-moment center part.

Curly with Bangs

Sandra Oh's long, curly locks have always been iconic, but the addition of curly bangs took things to a whole new level. This look is so fashion-forward!

haircuts with bangs long curly haircut with bangs — Charley Gallay

Layered Bob

Follow Diane Keaton's lead! Adding soft layers to your bob gives the illusion of length and volume without all the extra hair.

lob haircuts layered lob — Mark Sagliocco

Curtain Bangs

Halle Berry's curtain bangs are a '70s-inspired hair dream come true. The best part about this style is that it looks just as good up as it does down.

Sleek and Wavy

Can't decide between wearing your hair straight or wavy? Get the best of both worlds like Gillian Anderson with a sleek, straight top and loosely curled bottom.