Hairstyles for Women: 32 Stylish Ideas for Short, Medium, Long Hair Including Afro and Curtain Bangs
In the world of women’s hairstyles, 2024 offers a fantastic mix of classic styles and contemporary looks. From the timeless short bob to edgy cuts with a rockstar vibe, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in your 40s or looking for a fun style for over 60, this article covers 32 unique hairstyles that cater to various ages, hair lengths, and textures. Let’s explore styles that will keep you looking chic and stylish for any occasion.
Chic Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is an ultra-chic choice that combines short length with maximum impact. This short style frames the face beautifully, especially for those with heart-shaped or oval faces. It’s great for women over 50 with bangs, adding a youthful element to your look. With its sassy and bold appeal, the pixie is ideal for a dinner party, casual outing, or even a professional setting, making it a versatile addition to your style repertoire. It works wonders for eye colors ranging from deep browns to bright blues, bringing out the intensity in your gaze.
To achieve the perfect pixie cut, use a high-quality razor or scissors for precise detailing. Styling requires a lightweight texturizing paste, like Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech, which helps add structure and control. Regular trims every four to six weeks maintain the style’s shape, and a volumizing shampoo like Living Proof Full Shampoo will give your pixie an added boost.
Soft Waves for Shoulder-Length Hair
Shoulder-length waves are perfect for adding a hint of elegance and bounce to your look. This medium length style offers a beautiful balance between short hair and long hair, with soft, tousled waves that bring out your natural texture. The look is excellent for a day at the beach or an evening gathering, especially for women in their 40s. It suits round and square faces, while lighter eye colors like green and hazel bring a gentle warmth to the overall look.
Creating these soft waves is simple with a one-inch curling iron. For a beachy finish, use a salt spray like Ouai Wave Spray, then scrunch for extra volume. To keep your waves fresh, opt for a leave-in conditioner such as Moroccanoil’s All-in-One Leave-in Conditioner, which hydrates without weighing down the hair.
Timeless Bob with Curtain Bangs
The classic bob with curtain bangs is a sophisticated yet trendy style. It complements all face shapes and is especially flattering for those over 50. This look suits any occasion, whether you’re heading to a board meeting or a weekend brunch. A bob with curtain bangs softens the face, making it an ideal choice for round or square face shapes, while brown and blue eyes are brought to life with this elegant look.
To style, start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush to add volume. A flat iron helps in perfecting the sleekness, while a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations is a must. Use a smoothing serum to maintain its sleek, polished finish, and trim every six weeks to keep the shape defined.
Modern Shag with Choppy Layers
The shag cut is back with a modern twist, featuring choppy layers that add volume and dimension. This style works particularly well for women over 60 with fine hair, giving a fuller appearance without the weight. It’s a versatile choice for concerts, parties, or a casual outing. Perfect for oval and diamond face shapes, it pairs well with blue or green eyes, which accentuate the movement and layers in the hairstyle.
For the perfect shag, a razor cut is essential to achieve those choppy layers. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to give it a lived-in look, and a lightweight hairspray for hold. The style is easy to maintain with regular trims and works best when kept tousled and natural.
Bold Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a bold style choice, bringing a rocker vibe to any look. It’s a daring option for women looking to stand out, especially for those in their 50s looking to make a statement. It suits all face shapes and works well with dark eye colors, adding a hint of mystery and allure. Perfect for a night out or a Halloween party, this look is sure to turn heads.
To create a faux hawk, start by sectioning your hair and applying a strong-hold gel like Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Gel. A comb is used to shape the hair upwards, giving it height and volume. Maintain with a weekly deep conditioner to keep hair hydrated, especially if you’re using heavy styling products.
Classic Long Locs
For a timeless look that exudes confidence, long locs are a stunning option. They’re a great fit for women of all ages, especially those who embrace Mexican or Afro hairstyles. Locs suit oval and heart-shaped faces, and their natural aesthetic complements brown and hazel eyes beautifully. Whether you’re attending a cultural event or simply going about your day, long locs are versatile and always stylish.
Maintaining long locs requires regular washing with a residue-free shampoo like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. To keep them moisturized, apply a lightweight oil such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Re-twist every few weeks for defined locs that stay neat and stylish.
Fluffy Afro
The Afro is a bold, iconic style that celebrates natural curls and texture. Perfect for women with curly or coily hair, this style adds volume and personality to any look. Ideal for women over 60 embracing their natural hair, it’s a fun choice for concerts, festivals, or any event where you want to shine. This style flatters round and heart-shaped faces, bringing a youthful vibrancy that suits all eye colors.
To maintain an Afro, start by using a pick to lift the hair and create volume. A curl-defining cream like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie keeps curls soft and frizz-free. Moisturize regularly with a leave-in conditioner to keep your curls healthy and bouncy.
Edgy Mohawk
An edgy Mohawk is perfect for those who want to add a touch of rock and roll to their style. It’s a fierce, powerful look that brings out a bold side, great for women in their 40s or older who are not afraid to make a statement. The Mohawk suits square and rectangular faces, while green or hazel eyes add a mesmerizing contrast.
To style, use clippers for the shaved sides and a pomade to define the Mohawk itself. Products like Bed Head’s Manipulator Texturizing Putty work well for sculpting the hair, adding a spiky texture. For maintenance, regular trims keep the shaved sides fresh, while a leave-in conditioner hydrates the longer top section.
Retro Mullet
The mullet is making a comeback with a modern twist, mixing short layers in the front with long layers in the back. This style is a great choice for women looking to embrace a unique, Western vibe. It’s especially fun for themed parties or casual gatherings. This style suits all face shapes and works well with dark or light eye colors.
To achieve a mullet, a razor cut helps create the sharp layers. Use a lightweight mousse to add volume to the front, and finish with a shine spray for a glossy look. Regular trims every six weeks will keep the layers looking fresh, and a texturizing spray will add movement and fullness to the style.
Sassy Short Curly Bob
A short curly bob is a playful, lively look that brings out your natural curls in a chin-length cut. Perfect for women over 50 who want a youthful, fresh appearance, this style is ideal for a day at the park, a lunch date, or even a work meeting. The short bob flatters oval and heart-shaped faces, and pairs beautifully with all eye colors, adding a sparkle to your smile.
For styling, a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer enhances the curls without frizz. Use a curl cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to define the curls and add shine. This cut is easy to maintain with trims every six weeks, and a weekly deep conditioner will keep curls hydrated and bouncy.
Voluminous Long Mohawk
The long mohawk is a captivating style that brings volume and height, perfect for those with a bold personality. This edgy look works for women in their 40s and 50s who enjoy a bit of rebellious flair. It’s ideal for concerts, night outs, or themed parties, accentuating round and square face shapes. The long length adds drama, while green and hazel eyes pop against the boldness of the mohawk.
To style, start with a volumizing mousse like Redken Guts 10 and use a blow dryer to create height at the roots. For the long part, a curling iron adds waves, while a strong-hold hairspray locks everything in place. Maintain the look with regular trims and a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep the mohawk looking sharp and fresh.
Retro-Style Victory Rolls
Victory rolls bring a vintage charm, making them perfect for women looking to channel a rock and roll or Western vibe. This medium-length style suits heart and oval faces, making it an ideal choice for themed events, Halloween, or a rockabilly night out. Brown and dark eyes bring out the retro feel, adding a touch of nostalgia to the look.
To create victory rolls, you’ll need a rat tail comb and a good hold spray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin. Start by sectioning your hair and rolling each piece towards the scalp, securing with pins. Use a finishing spray to hold the shape and maintain with a lightweight styling oil to keep the rolls smooth and shiny.
Shaggy Wolf Cut
The wolf cut has taken the world by storm with its wild, layered look. This hybrid between a shag and a mullet suits women of all ages, especially those with fine hair looking for added volume. This style complements oval and round face shapes, making it perfect for a day out with friends or a casual dinner. Blue and hazel eyes bring out the playfulness of the look.
Use a razor to create choppy layers, and style with a texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray. For maintenance, regular trims are necessary to keep the layers sharp, and a hydrating leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 will help keep the shag looking fresh and bouncy.
Sleek, Straightened Bob with Shaved Sides
For a modern twist on the bob, the shaved sides add an edgy touch, creating a faux hawk vibe. This look is ideal for women over 50 who want to add some flair to their hairstyle. Perfect for work settings or a night out, this look flatters square and diamond face shapes, while brown and green eyes stand out against the sleek finish.
Start by using clippers for the shaved sides, then straighten the bob with a flat iron. Apply a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, and maintain with a sulfate-free shampoo to keep the style smooth and polished.
Colorful Twists with Beads
This vibrant look features twists adorned with colorful beads, giving a playful touch. It’s great for women embracing long locs or twists, ideal for summer festivals or beach vacations. This style works for heart and round face shapes, while dark eyes add to the intensity of the look.
To create, start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Section and twist, then add beads as you secure each twist. A leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner keeps twists soft and moisturized, and reapply weekly for ongoing hydration.
Short, Spiky Fade
For an ultra-edgy look, the spiky fade is a bold style that suits women of all ages, especially those looking for something sassy and low-maintenance. Perfect for concerts or a night out, this look works best with square and oval face shapes. Blue and green eyes are striking against the daring spikes, adding intensity to the overall look.
To style, use a strong-hold gel like Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel, and style with your fingers for a textured effect. Maintain with regular trims to keep the fade sharp, and a lightweight shampoo like Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo to keep the scalp fresh.
Long, Messy Ponytail with a Twist
The messy ponytail with a twist is perfect for a casual, laid-back look that still feels polished. Ideal for women with medium to long hair, this style flatters oval and heart face shapes, adding a soft appeal. The look works well for brunches, beach days, or even casual Fridays at work. Hazel and green eyes pop with this effortlessly chic style.
To style, start with a loose ponytail, then twist sections and secure them back into the ponytail. A volumizing spray like Amika Un.done Volume and Matte Texture Spray adds body, while a scrunchie or scarf can be used for an extra playful touch. Reapply a leave-in conditioner for easy maintenance and a soft finish.
Curtain Bangs with Shoulder-Length Curls
Shoulder-length curls with curtain bangs bring out a sweet, feminine touch that works for women in their 50s and 60s. This look is great for casual gatherings, garden parties, or day-to-day wear. The curls work well with heart and oval face shapes, while brown and blue eyes look beautiful with the soft, flowing waves.
Use a one-inch curling wand to create loose waves, and apply a curl cream like DevaCurl SuperCream for definition. Style the bangs with a round brush and blow dryer, and keep the look fresh with a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain the softness and bounce.
Elegant Low Bun with a Bow
The low bun is a sophisticated style that never goes out of fashion, enhanced with a bow for added charm. This updo is ideal for formal events, date nights, or even holiday parties. Perfect for oval and round face shapes, this look works well with all eye colors, adding a touch of elegance to your overall look.
To create, start by smoothing your hair back into a low bun, securing with pins. Add a bow or ribbon for a pop of color, and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Professional Shine Spray. Use a deep conditioner weekly to keep the hair soft and sleek, maintaining the polished look.
These hairstyles offer something for every taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re embracing natural curls, adding a rocker edge, or keeping it classic with a bob, these looks celebrate the diversity of women’s hair. Share your favorite styles in the comments below, and let us know how you make each style your own. Your feedback helps others find inspiration, so let’s keep the conversation going!
