The truth is, everything begins to change as you get older. When it comes to your mane, you might notice more grays or the texture and density of your strands changing. Aging is inevitable, and what worked for you at age 20 might not be the same when you’re 55. That, however, doesn’t have to be a bad thing!
If you’re trying to figure out what works best for you (and your strands), it all starts with finding a hairstyle that makes you feel confident. You want it to be sophisticated but still youthful, trendy, and age-appropriate.
To help make your decision a little bit easier, we’ve called on Samuel Shriqui, owner of the Kérastase Institute at Samuel Shriqui, to help us figure out the chicest hairstyles for women over 50. Shriqui helped us understand the specific hair needs of women of a certain age, rounding up a handful of hairstyles that will have you looking more polished than ever before. Whether you’re looking to go short, embrace longer strands, or find the perfect in-between look, keep scrolling for everything you need to know.
Does long hair make a woman look older or younger?
There’s a common misconception that long hair automatically makes women look older, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The right cut can make women over 50 look youthful and sophisticated. If you’re searching for a long hairstyle for women over 50, click here for our full guide.
What haircut makes you look younger?
When choosing a haircut when you’re 50 and over, it is essential to choose a style that won’t age you. To make sure your style is just as youthful as you are, Shriqui suggests avoiding “unnatural, overly shaggy and overly voluminous styles.” Shags have the tendency to fall flat, often highlighting any loss in hair density. Likewise, styles that are too voluminous create the illusion of a rounder, fuller face. Instead, opt for Shriqui’s dream cut.
“A natural-looking and unperfected style, softly voluminous with slightly straight tips,” Shriqui says.
Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum
A specialized scalp and hair treatment that will leave hair looking shinier and feeling thicker.
How should you take care of your hair as it ages?
As your hair ages, it goes through several changes in color, texture, and density. You may have noticed a few gray strands over the years, but they typically start to take over once you get into the over 50 range. While many women fear going gray, we’re here to tell you there’s nothing to be scared about. But, as always, with every new hair color comes a new hair care routine.
Your stylist should be able to recommend a hair care routine to address the specific needs of your hair, but here are some tips that Shriqui suggests every woman over 50 should follow:
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Get a haircut every four to six weeks to promote healthy-looking hair growth. While cutting your hair won’t make it grow, it’ll prevent split ends from traveling up your hair shaft and prevent your hair from looking frayed and damaged.
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Add a deep conditioning treatment to your weekly regime. Deep conditioners can address several issues (from breakage to dehydration), so take your time finding the conditioner that’s right for you.
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Schedule a professional treatment. While deep conditioners can keep your hair in tip-top shape between salon visits, it’s important to let the professionals treat your hair. Shriqui recommends asking your stylist for a customized Kérastase Fusio-Dose treatment in-salon. The Fusio-Dose treatments come in four different concentrates that help address nutrition, shine, strength, and density.Your stylist can help you pick the concentrate that’s perfect for you and your hair.
If your hair lacks density—something that often happens to women over 50—Shriqui suggests pairing minoxidil hair regrowth treatment with trying the Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum. Shriqui says the “super serum” concentrate “really transforms your hair” by making it “stronger, shinier, and softer.” With continued usage, your hair stays healthier from root to tip. It’s the top seller at his salon.
Now that you’ve discovered the steps that help ensure you’re taking proper care of your hair, here are 10 hairstyles for women over 50 that’ll make your strands look better than ever before.
The Best Hairstyles For Women Over 50 To Try Now
Lob
Getting older doesn’t mean you want to be any less stylish. Shriqui says that most of his clients over 50 usually ask for a super trendy lob. If you’re looking to jump on the lob bandwagon, Shriqui suggests asking your stylist for “a sophisticated and edgy style of a slightly above shoulder cut, shorter layers around face frame, and soft, natural-looking waves.”
Don’t let that fact that every 20-something in America is wearing a lob discourage you. The style is popular for a reason—it looks good on everyone.
Textured Bob
If you’re ready to go short, a textured bob is a perfect place to begin. This classic, low maintenance gives even the thinnest hair tons of movement and volume.
Shriqui calls the textured bob his favorite style to cut on clients over age 50. His go-to cut is “an elegant haircut slightly above shoulder length…with shorter layers around face frame to maintain fullness and bounce.”
The movement and volume created by the bob will instantly make you look (and feel) years younger. If you want to add texture and movement to your ‘do without heat, use a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray.
Long Layers
There are lots of people who think long hair on women over 50 is inappropriate, and those people are wrong. There is no rule stating that once a woman turns 50, she must to chop off her mane. If you can’t imagine parting with your lengthy locks, then don’t.
While women over 50 can slay literally any hairstyle, you may want your mane to look a little more sophisticated than the waist length hair of your youth. If you want long locks that are super flattering, Shriqui has the magic words to tell your stylist. Ask for “long and soft layers with tousled texture around the face frame.”
Pixie
If you’re ready to take the plunge and go super short, a pixie cut is perfect for you. The perfect pixie will frame your face and leave you looking more youthful than you ever thought possible. Ask your stylist to taper the sides of your cut towards your face to really highlight your cheekbones.
Good hair day by @danielle.keasling.
Mid-Length With Layers
A mid-length cut with layers is a universally flattering look, but it’s particularly stunning on women over 50. Not to mention: mid-length hair is easy to maintain and complements any face shape. Use a curling iron or flat iron to create soft waves throughout your mane for an easy hairstyle that’s wearable for every day.
Before you style, be sure to use a heat protectant like Kérastase Chronologiste Thermique Regenerant. This revitalizing formula refines and smooths hair texture while protecting against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Good hair day by @studiolioness.
Long Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are one of the trendiest styles of 2020 and luckily, they’re stunning on women over 50. They can be worn in various lengths and styles to complement different hair textures and face shapes, but we recommend trying a longer variation that’s easier to maintain.
Voluminous Blowout
No matter how old you get, a classic voluminous blowout never goes out of style. While you might deal with flat, lifeless hair as you age, all you’ll need is a blow dryer and a volumizing product like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Volume Envy Extra Mousse to add a bit of bounce back to your mane.
Good hair day by @salvatore_riccardi_hd.
Natural Curls
We’re all about embracing your natural hair texture, and as you age, it’s best to give your ringlets a break from chemical services and treatments. Opt for a bob with curly bangs to show off your natural ringlets in a way that’s on-trend and sophisticated.
To keep your curls nourished and healthy-looking, we recommend adding a weekly hair mask like Mizani True Textures Moroccan Clay Steam Mask to your routine.
Good hair day by @bliss312.
Low Bun
Paired with loose, face-framing pieces, this low bun is age-appropriate while accentuating your best facial features. Complete your look with a few spritzes of hairspray like Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Moya Hold Finishing Hair Spray to lock it in with a strong yet weightless hold.
Good hair day by @kendallthemasterstylist.
Stacked Bob
To achieve a stacked bob, your stylist will add graduated layers throughout the back half of your ‘do while leaving the front of your mane slightly longer, creating a look that accentuates your jawline. While this cut works best for thicker hair types, it can also add the look of fullness and density to fine or thinning hair.
Interested in trying a new hairstyle? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum
A specialized scalp and hair treatment that will leave hair looking shinier and feeling thicker.
Dry Texture Finishing Spray
Texturizing spray for all hair types that adds soft texture and lightweight volume for effortless style.
Chronologiste Thermique Régénérant
Smoothing leave-in for healthy texture & heat protection
Tecni.Art Volume Envy Extra Mousse
A volumizing mousse that gives a natural, full hair look.
Moya Hold Finishing Hair Spray
A weightless micro-fine finishing mist
