As we get older, our hair tends to change in texture and volume. For many women over 50, the idea of constantly styling, maintaining, or spending hours at the salon can feel like a lot. But that doesn't mean you can't look stylish and feel fabulous with a haircut that's easy to care for! Whether you're looking for short hairstyles for women over 50 or funky hairstyles for the over 50s, the key is choosing cuts that complement your natural hair texture, reduce the need for frequent heat styling, and help you feel confident without a ton of upkeep.
We spoke with Shady Harb, Lead Hair Stylist at Beauty Club London, to find out the best low-maintenance haircuts for women over 50 - and how to style and care for them with minimal fuss. Here's what she recommends.
The Soft Layered Bob
Shady says, "The soft layered bob is a fantastic choice for women over 50 looking for a low-maintenance haircut because it creates volume and movement, which is ideal for hair that may be thinning or losing its natural bounce." This cut is perfect for those who want to add texture without having to style it constantly. The layers frame the face, offering a youthful yet sophisticated look, and the length – just above the shoulders – makes it easy to wash, dry, and maintain.
The beauty of this bob lies in its versatility. With just a quick towel-dry and a little product, you can create a stylish, natural look without needing heated tools. The layers give the hair bounce, making it look fuller, even if your hair is fine or thinning. Just take Helen Mirren for example!
The Shoulder-Length Lob (Long Bob)
Another great option is the shoulder-length lob (long bob) which Shady recommends as "it suits almost every face shape." This cut – approved by Jennifer Aniston – offers a nice balance between length and manageability. "It's long enough to pull back, but short enough to prevent tangling," says Shady.
This cut works beautifully for women with natural textures - whether straight, wavy, or slightly curly. The lob is perfect for air-drying, making it a go-to option for a relaxed, no-fuss look. Plus, the lob doesn't demand constant salon visits, saving you both time and money. It's a win-win!
Curtain Bangs with a Collarbone-Length Cut
For those looking for a little more style around the face, Shady recommends curtain bangs paired with a collarbone-length cut. "Curtain bangs offer soft framing around the face, which can be flattering for mature features," she says. This style is forgiving, requires minimal styling, and doesn’t need frequent touch-ups as the bangs grow out seamlessly. We love a balayage with this look for added dimension.
With its length at the collarbone, this cut also provides versatility, allowing you to tuck the hair behind your ear for a different look. Whether you choose to air-dry or add some texture with a salt spray, this cut gives you the freedom to style with little effort.
How to Style and Take Care of Low-Maintenance Cuts
Even though these cuts are designed to be low-maintenance, Shady points out that "low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance." As we age, hair can become drier and more fragile, so it's essential to nourish it with the right products. Shady advises using moisturising shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair hydrated and shiny, like shampoos for dry and damaged hair.
"Lightweight leave-in conditioners or hair oils are great for keeping hair soft without weighing it down," she suggests. When heat styling is necessary, always apply a heat protectant to prevent breakage. But the goal should be to embrace your natural texture as much as possible to minimize heat exposure.
Additionally, to keep your cut looking fresh, it's important to get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain its shape and prevent split ends.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Haircut Over 50
While there are plenty of styles that work beautifully for women over 50, there are some cuts to avoid that can unintentionally age the face or add unnecessary maintenance.
Thick, Blunt Bangs: Shady advises against opting for thick, heavy bangs. "Blunt bangs can look too severe and may require constant styling," she explains. Instead, choose softer, wispy bangs or curtain bangs for a more flattering and manageable look.
Long, Unlayered Hair: While long hair can be beautiful, Shady warns that unlayered long hair can drag down the face and highlight thinning areas. "If you prefer longer hair, adding soft layers can provide movement and lift," she recommends.
Too Much Volume at the Crown: Avoid styles with excessive volume at the crown, as they can feel outdated. "Teased or overly voluminous styles at the crown should be avoided," says Shady. For a more modern look, embrace natural volume through layers and texture instead of heavy backcombing.
Sticking to Outdated Styles: As hair texture changes with age, it's important to adapt your cut to suit your hair's current texture. "It’s better to choose softer, more forgiving cuts that complement your natural hair type," says Shady.
Low-maintenance haircuts for women over 50 can be stylish, flattering, and effortless when you choose cuts that work with your natural texture and lifestyle. From the soft layered bob to the versatile lob and flattering curtain bangs, these styles offer a perfect balance of ease and elegance.
Remember, even the most low-maintenance styles require a bit of upkeep - regular trims and hydrating products will ensure your hair stays looking fresh without a lot of fuss. So, embrace a cut that makes you feel fabulous and let your natural beauty shine through with minimal effort!
Emma Hawkins is a Life and Style Writer at Bauer Media UK, specialising in all-things beauty, health, and travel. After studying Fashion Buying and Design, Emma started out as a stylist for e-commerce, before heading to London, where some of her career highlights include dressing models at Fashion Week, styling talent on the set of music videos, and working as part of the wardrobe team on the last-ever season of X-Factor. Prior to joining Bauer, Emma held positions at OK! Mag, New! Mag, The Mirror and The Express where she developed her skills as a writer.