33 Hairstyles for Older Women for Short, Long and Medium Hair With Bangs, Braids and Choppy Layers

As women embrace the beauty and wisdom that come with age, finding hairstyles that highlight these qualities becomes essential. Whether you’re over 50, navigating thinning hair, or seeking styles that complement glasses, there’s a wealth of stunning looks that are both stylish and practical. This article highlights versatile hairstyles for older women, ensuring every choice makes you feel confident and radiant in 2024 and beyond.

Pixie Cut with Choppy Layers

The short pixie with choppy layers is a bold, timeless choice for women over 50. This edgy yet chic style works wonders on thin hair, adding volume and texture, making it a fantastic option for casual and formal settings. Ideal for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, the pixie cut draws attention to the eyes, making it especially flattering on women with striking blue or green eyes. Its low-maintenance appeal is perfect for an over 50 easy hairstyle solution.

To achieve this look, you’ll need a good pair of shears and some texturizing cream to define the layers. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the style fresh. A light pomade, such as Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech, is great for adding definition while maintaining a lightweight feel.

Shoulder-Length Bob with Bangs

A shoulder-length bob with bangs offers a polished look that’s both youthful and versatile. This hairstyle is perfect for older women looking for an option that complements their glasses while framing the face. The addition of bangs softens features, making it an excellent choice for those with square or rectangular face shapes. The bob is ideal for professional settings, but it can easily transition to evening wear with the right accessories.

Creating this look requires a straightening iron to smooth the hair and a round brush for volume. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are essential to maintain the sharp lines of the bob. Use Redken’s All Soft Shampoo to keep the hair sleek and moisturized, especially if you’re dealing with dry or thinning hair.

Long Layers with Subtle Waves

For women with long hair looking to embrace elegance, long layers with subtle waves are perfect for any occasion. This style enhances the natural texture of the hair, making it a popular choice for those who want a cute yet sophisticated look. It works beautifully with oval and round face shapes, and it’s especially flattering for those with hazel or brown eyes. The effortless waves make it ideal for casual days or romantic evenings out.

To create this look, use a large barrel curling iron to add soft waves, and follow up with a sea salt spray for texture. Maintenance is simple—just refresh the curls with a lightweight mousse such as Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse. Regular conditioning treatments are recommended to keep the waves soft and bouncy.

Curly Shag

A curly shag brings back the volume and definition that some women lose over time. This style, with its messy yet intentional curls, is perfect for older women who want a carefree, fun look. The shag suits heart-shaped and diamond-shaped faces, as it balances strong cheekbones while keeping the hair light. This 2024 favorite is also ideal for women with glasses, as it frames the face without overwhelming it.

To maintain the curls, use a diffuser when drying the hair to retain natural texture. A curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl SuperCream will keep the curls defined and frizz-free. Trim the hair every few months to prevent the shag from losing its shape.

Chin-Length Bob with Undercut

For a bold, modern twist on a classic, the chin-length bob with an undercut offers a striking look that’s both edgy and refined. This hairstyle is great for women with round or square face shapes, as the undercut adds dimension and sharpness. The bob length complements glasses, creating a sophisticated look for the workplace or social events.

To create this style, ask your stylist for a short undercut beneath the top layer of hair. Styling requires a flat iron to smooth out the bob and a lightweight serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum for a sleek finish. Regular trims and undercut maintenance every 6-8 weeks will keep this look sharp and polished.

Shaggy Pixie with Bangs

The shaggy pixie with bangs is a fun, youthful hairstyle that works well for women over 50 looking to add some flair to their look. This cut adds volume to thin hair, making it ideal for those with fine textures. The addition of bangs draws attention to the eyes, making it perfect for heart-shaped faces and women with hazel eyes. It’s a low-maintenance style suited for both casual outings and semi-formal occasions.

To maintain the pixie look, apply a volumizing mousse like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse to damp hair and blow-dry for extra lift. A texturizing spray can be used for added movement and dimension, while regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the shaggy layers in place.

Braided Crown for Black Women

For older black women, a braided crown offers a regal, protective style that’s both functional and stylish. This look works wonderfully for special occasions or elegant gatherings. The crown braid suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it pairs beautifully with bold earrings and red lipstick. The braided style also helps protect the hair from environmental damage, making it a perfect choice for women with natural or relaxed textures.

To achieve this style, section the hair into two parts and braid them into thick braids, then secure them at the crown with bobby pins. Maintenance is easy with a leave-in conditioner like Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner, which keeps the hair soft and manageable.

Easy Mohawk for Black Women

For women looking to add an edgy twist to their look, an easy mohawk is a bold choice for black women who want to stand out. This style incorporates a shaved side with a voluminous, curly top, making it ideal for women with 4c hair who want to embrace their natural curls. It’s a striking look that works well for square and oval face shapes.

To style this look, use a curl-enhancing cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream and a wide-tooth comb to define the curls at the top. The shaved sides will need regular maintenance every few weeks, while the curly top can be refreshed with a curl-boosting spray in between salon visits.

Layered Bob for Thin Hair

The layered bob is a classic option for women over 50 with thin hair. This cut adds volume and movement, making it appear fuller and healthier. It’s especially flattering for women with round or oval faces, and its versatile length makes it suitable for both casual and formal settings. The layers frame the face, complementing blue and green eyes.

To style this bob, blow-dry the hair with a round brush to add volume at the roots, and finish with a texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the layers looking fresh, while a volumizing shampoo helps maintain fullness.

Classic Bob with Bangs for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the classic bob with bangs is set to be a major trend. This sleek, sophisticated style is perfect for women over 50 who want to keep their look polished and modern. The bob suits oval and heart-shaped faces and is a great match for glasses. The bangs help to soften the look, making it ideal for both professional settings and casual outings.

To create this look, use a flat iron to smooth the hair, and apply a shine serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the bangs and bob looking sharp, while a keratin treatment can be applied to maintain smoothness.

Chin-Length Layered Bob

The chin-length layered bob is perfect for women who want a balance between elegance and ease. This style works wonders for thin hair, adding volume and movement through the layers. It’s ideal for both formal events and casual outings. Women with oval and heart-shaped faces will find this bob especially flattering, and the cut pairs well with a wide range of eye colors, particularly brown and hazel. The short length keeps it practical while maintaining a polished look.

To achieve this look, use a round brush and blow-dryer to add volume at the roots, then smooth the layers with a flat iron. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray will keep the layers in place, while regular trims every 6-8 weeks maintain the sharpness of the cut.

Curly Bob with Bangs

The curly bob with bangs is a playful, youthful hairstyle that adds volume and definition. It’s an excellent choice for women over 50 with natural curly hair who want a cute yet sophisticated look. This style frames the face beautifully, making it ideal for women with round or square face shapes. It works well for everyday wear and can be dressed up for special occasions.

To maintain the curls, use a diffuser while blow-drying, and apply a curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl SuperCream. Regular trims are essential to keep the curls defined and the bangs fresh. A sulfate-free shampoo will help keep the curls bouncy and hydrated.

Short Shaggy Cut

The short shaggy cut is an easy, low-maintenance option for women over 50 who want to embrace a carefree style. This cut adds texture and volume to thin hair, making it appear fuller. It’s ideal for women with heart-shaped or oval faces and is perfect for both casual days and semi-formal events. The shaggy layers give the style a fun, youthful vibe while still being easy to manage.

To style this look, use a texturizing spray to define the layers and add volume. A lightweight mousse like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse can be applied to damp hair before blow-drying to create a fuller look. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the shag fresh and bouncy.

Long Hair with Loose Waves

For women who want to maintain long hair but still desire a fresh look, loose waves are a versatile choice. This style works well for women with thin hair, as the waves add texture and movement, making the hair appear fuller. It’s a great option for both casual outings and more formal events, such as a dinner or wedding. The style suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it’s particularly flattering on women with hazel or blue eyes.

To create loose waves, use a large curling iron to curl sections of the hair, then brush them out for a more natural, soft wave. A sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray will add texture. A light hair oil will keep the waves smooth and frizz-free.

Chin-Length Pixie with Undercut

The chin-length pixie with an undercut is a trendy, bold style perfect for women over 50 who want to embrace an edgy look. The cut combines the sharpness of a pixie with the sleekness of an undercut, making it ideal for women with square or oval faces. It’s a great option for professional settings or a night out, offering versatility and style in equal measure.

To achieve this look, your stylist will create an undercut beneath the longer top layers of hair. Use a straightening iron to smooth the pixie, and apply a shine serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Serum to keep the hair sleek. Maintenance involves regular trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the undercut sharp.

Layered Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

A layered bob with side-swept bangs is a classic choice that adds sophistication and style to any look. This cut is perfect for older women with thin hair, as the layers add movement while the bangs frame the face, drawing attention to the eyes. This hairstyle works well for both casual days and formal events, and it’s particularly flattering on women with round or square face shapes.

To create this style, use a round brush while blow-drying to add volume at the roots, and smooth the bangs to the side with a flat iron. A light texturizing spray will help maintain volume throughout the day. Trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the layers and bangs in shape.

Easy Twisted Updo

For women over 50 looking for an easy and elegant updo, the twisted updo is a go-to option. This style is perfect for formal events such as weddings or parties, and it adds a touch of sophistication to any look. The updo works well with oval and heart-shaped faces, and it’s ideal for women with thin hair, as the twists add volume and texture.

To create the twisted updo, divide the hair into sections, twist each section, and pin it into place. Use a medium-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the updo in place. A shine spray will add a polished finish, while regular conditioning treatments help keep the hair healthy and smooth.

Sleek Bob with Choppy Ends

The sleek bob with choppy ends is a modern take on a classic bob, offering a blend of sleekness and texture. This style is perfect for women over 50 with straight hair who want a polished look with a bit of edge. It’s great for both casual outings and professional settings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

To style this bob, use a flat iron to smooth the hair, then add a texturizing cream to the ends for a choppy finish. A shine serum will give the hair a glossy look, while regular trims every 6-8 weeks will maintain the sharpness of the cut. A sulfate-free shampoo will help keep the sleekness intact.

Short Mohawk for Black Women

For older black women looking to embrace a bold style, the short mohawk is a standout choice. This look incorporates shaved sides with a voluminous, curly top, making it ideal for women with natural hair. The mohawk is a versatile option for both casual days and special occasions, giving a unique, edgy look that works well for women with oval or square face shapes.

To style this mohawk, use a curl-enhancing cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream to define the curls, and maintain the shaved sides with regular trims. A lightweight hairspray will keep the curls in place while adding shine.

Medium-Length Shag

The medium-length shag offers a relaxed, textured look that’s perfect for women over 50 who want a style that’s easy to manage. This cut adds movement and volume to thin hair, making it appear fuller and healthier. It works well for oval and heart-shaped faces, and it’s a great option for both casual outings and semi-formal events.

To style this shag, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance the natural texture. A volumizing mousse will help add body, while regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the layers fresh. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep the hair soft and manageable.

These hairstyles show that age is just a number when it comes to style. From bold and edgy to classic and elegant, there are endless options to keep your look fresh and modern in 2024 and beyond. Whether you’re rocking thin hair, wearing glasses, or looking for styles for black women, there’s something for everyone. Share your thoughts and favorite styles in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!