As women embrace life after 50, many are opting to refresh their look with shorter hairstyles that are not only stylish but also easy to maintain and ideal for mature hair. Shorter haircuts can lift the face, add volume, and highlight the best features with minimal daily effort. Here’s a roundup of the top current shorter hairstyles, complete with styling tips and recommended products to keep you looking your best.
1. The Textured Pixie Cut
Why It Works: The pixie cut remains a timeless classic. For women over 50, the modern textured pixie adds a touch of youthfulness, movement, and flair. It’s especially flattering for women with fine or thinning hair, as layers create the illusion of volume.
How to Style:
- After towel-drying hair, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse 12.
- Blow-dry using fingers or a small round brush to lift the roots and emphasize layers.
- Use a texturizing paste, such as Bumble and Bumble Sumotech, to define sections and create a tousled look.
Top Tip: Avoid heavy gels or pomades, which can weigh down fine hair. Opt for lightweight products that offer hold without stiffness.
2. The Layered Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
Why It Works: A layered bob with side-swept bangs softens facial features and brings attention to the eyes. This cut is versatile and flattering for almost all face shapes and hair types.
How to Style:
- Use a root lifter like Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost at the crown.
- Blow-dry with a medium round brush, lifting at the roots and curling the ends under.
- Finish with a shine serum such as Moroccanoil Treatment Light to smooth frizz and add a healthy sheen.
Top Tip: Regular trims every 6–8 weeks keep this cut fresh and maintain the integrity of the layers.
3. The Chic Silver Crop
Why It Works: More women are embracing their natural silver or white hair, and with the right crop, it becomes a striking style statement. A sleek, cropped cut shows off your natural color while keeping things tidy and modern.
How to Style:
- Apply a purple-toned leave-in conditioner like Clairol Shimmer Lights Leave-In Treatment to reduce brassiness and enhance silver tones.
- Blow-dry using a paddle brush for a smooth finish.
- Use a light-hold styling cream, such as Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream, to tame flyaways.
Top Tip: Embrace a bright silver tone with the help of a weekly purple shampoo treatment to keep color crisp and vibrant.
4. The Angled Bob
Why It Works: The angled bob, shorter in the back and longer in the front, adds a sleek, elegant silhouette that elongates the neck and slims the face. It’s especially good for those with round or square face shapes.
How to Style:
- Start with a smoothing balm like Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame.
- Blow-dry straight using a flat brush and section hair to ensure smoothness throughout.
- Use a flat iron to refine the angle, and finish with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray for hold and shine.
Top Tip: Consider adding soft highlights to enhance the angled cut and add dimension to your look.
5. The Curly Crop or Short Curly Bob
Why It Works: If you’ve got natural curls or waves, don’t hide them—highlight them! A short, curly crop or bob enhances your natural texture, giving you a low-maintenance yet high-impact style.
How to Style:
- Use a curl-enhancing cream like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel on damp hair.
- Scrunch hair upward with your hands and let air dry or diffuse on low heat.
- Once dry, separate curls gently with fingers and apply a light curl oil, such as DevaCurl High Shine Multi-Benefit Oil, for definition and frizz control.
Top Tip: Invest in a satin pillowcase to preserve curl shape overnight and reduce frizz.
6. The Soft Shag
Why It Works: The shag has made a big comeback. Its wispy layers and relaxed style are perfect for women who want volume without the need for heavy styling. It adds movement and energy, especially with a fringe.
How to Style:
- Use a volumizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray.
- Blow-dry using a diffuser or air-dry for a natural look.
- Tousle with fingers and finish with a light mist of Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 for texture and hold.
Top Tip: A shag looks best when it’s a bit messy. Don’t over-style—it’s all about effortless cool.
Embracing Your Best Self
Shorter hairstyles aren’t about limitations—they’re about liberation. With age comes confidence, and your hairstyle can reflect your vibrant, stylish, and self-assured personality. Whether you prefer sleek and polished or tousled and textured, there’s a short style that fits your look and lifestyle.
Bonus Product Picks for Healthy, Age-Resistant Hair:
- Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector: Great for repairing mature or color-treated hair.
- Aveda Invati Advanced Scalp Revitalizer: Helps reduce hair thinning by invigorating the scalp.
- R+Co Dallas Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner: Ideal for building volume without buildup.
With the right cut, the right products, and a bit of styling know-how, short hairstyles for women over 50 can be fresh, fun, and totally fabulous. Choose one that reflects your personality—and wear it with pride!
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