Here at Yours we're totally fed up of those age-old beauty rules when it comes to hairstyles for older woman. You know the ones, things like women over a certain age shouldn't have long hair and going grey is dowdy. We we're here to tell you to forget those outdated rules and check out these funky hairstyles for the over 50s that will have both looking and feeling fabulous!
Getting older is privilege, sadly not afforded to all. Ageing is beautiful part of life, and once you reach your 50s, you've probably noticed that you feel a lot more confident in your own skin. Now's the time to fully embrace your age and rather than try and hide it, wear it proudly like a badge!
If you're not feeling as confident as you'd like there are a few things you invest in help improve your hair and skin such as; moisturisers designed for mature women and the best hair growth products.
With the right hair routine and a fabulous new cut, you can look, dare we say, even better than in your prime. With the wisdom and care that come with maturity, you can swap dry and damaged locks for a stunning, healthy head of hair that truly suits your face and style.
And no, you don't have to opt for the short 'old lady' cut just yet. We spoke to Louise Bailey, one of the leading hair extension experts from Beauty Club London, to learn about the best funky hairstyles for people over 50.
“Women over 50 should be encouraged to show off their natural beauty. Life certainly doesn't stop at 50 - and the right hairstyle can boost your confidence," says Louise. So, without further avail, here's your guide to the best funky hairstyles for over 50s, complete with useful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your new hairstyle.
Funky hairstyles for over 50s: Long hair don't care
Louise explains, "Jennifer Anniston is a great example of an older lady with this hairstyle - it always looks flawless and defies ageing.
“For those with thick hair, looking to keep a longer hairstyle, opt for feathery, subtle layers throughout your hair and a few that frame your face. This will remove any bulkiness from thick hair and will bring out your best features, giving the illusion of more defined cheekbones.
"For those concerned who haven’t quite got the length and aren’t experiencing hair thinning, consider adding tape-in hair extensions. For those who want to hide any signs of an ageing forehead, curtain bangs or a choppy fringe are a great solution."
Funky hairstyles for over 50s: Bobs are back
We are internally screaming that the beloved bob is back. We love bobs because they require less styling and upkeep than longer hairstyles. They're perfect for those who want a chic look without spending hours in front of the mirror.
"Bobs are back in trend. Whether it's a softly curled bob, a mini blunt bob, or an asymmetric short bob, they are the perfect cut for the summer months for women with an oval-shaped face. When done skillfully, with the right colouring, they can be extremely flattering and make women look and feel younger," says Louise.
"Lobs are also a great middle ground for ladies not quite ready to make the chop and they suit basically every face, shape and texture."
Funky hairstyles for over 50s: We need to discuss the pixie cut
When done correctly, a short haircut, popularly known as a pixie cut, can completely transform your look. If you have just hit the big 5-0, you may want to make a statement, and nothing does this like a huge hairstyle change. A dramatic haircut can symbolise a fresh start or a new chapter in life, and we love it.
"The 1950s style has seen a huge increase in search interest over the past year, with over 400 per cent increase, and we can see why. It's classy, stylish, sophisticated and great for accentuating facial features to create a youthful look,” says Louise.
Funky hairstyles for over 50s: Hey Grey
Grey hair can be scary. We know we audibly gasped the moment we found out first grey. But why not take ownership of your greying hair?
Louise is a huge advocate for sporting your greys. She says, “Enhancing your natural shade of grey or white is the key to a graceful transition.
“Blending the different colours within your hair will ensure that roots or re-growth are unrecognisable and provide a feminine and classy look."
“Being glamorous doesn’t have to end at 50 and actress Jane Fonda is proof of that. She has owned short hairstyles for the past few years, making her look elegant and youthful. A few of our favourites include a shag cut with heavy layers, a tousled curly-ended bob and a choppy fringe - all of which gave her a feminine edge.
"Currently, she is embracing her beautifully toned natural grey hair, which she mostly styles into a curly bob with fantastic volume, finished with wavy side bangs. Classy and sophisticated."
What are some low-maintenance hairstyles you can achieve without a salon visit?
If you aren't looking to head to the salon, you can create one of our funky hairstyles for over 50s from the comfort of your home. Simply grab your best hair tools, get in front of the mirror, and follow Louise's tips for styling your own hair.
Long hair
Louise Bailey said, “For those looking for a long hair option without extensions, curtain bangs added to long hair are perfect for a low-maintenance blowout look. The face-framing strands will naturally fall on either side of your face, providing a look with lots of volume that looks great on straight, curly or wavy hair.
"These can easily be styled with a hairdryer and a round brush. Begin by brushing out your hair and separating your curtain bangs from the rest of your hair before gently rotating the brush at the ends of your bangs, away from the face, to create beautiful bouncy ends.
Medium cut
“A medium cut with a side bang is also a great low-maintenance hairstyle. The length of the hair makes it easier to care for, while the side bangs will give it an effortless appearance. Starting with damp hair and a small to medium-sized barrel brush, you’ll need to brush your bangs simultaneously outwards whilst blow drying them to achieve the best hold," said Louise.
Short hair
Louise explains, “For a short option, a classic and elegant layered pixie will be a dream for low maintenance as it is effortless to style every day. For best results when styling, once your hair is around 70 per cent dry, take small sections of hair and wrap them around a small barrel brush while directing the nozzle of the hairdryer downwards," says the hair industry expert."
Classic updos
If you're looking for an elegant updo, then Louise gives her a guide on achieving it. She says, “If you’re after a classic updo, a sleek chignon is ideal for pulling the hair off the face, tightening and accentuating facial features. Begin by side-parting your hair and sectioning off the hair from your ears so you have an upper and a lower section. Keep the lower section down, and separate the upper section into a left and right part, then twist your hair together. Tie the lower section of the hair into a low ponytail, then create a gap in the middle of the low pony and pull the hair through it. Then, pull through the twisted section of upper hair and secure with bobby pins for a smooth and sleek chignon."
Meet the expert
Louise Bailey is a hair extension industry expert at Beauty Club London who specialises in tape hair extensions and uses the finest quality hair worn by many A-list celebrities. Her hair extension cutting and blending skills make her one of the best hair extension experts in London and the UK.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.