BYRDIE

Hair

75 Timeless Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50

 

Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston—this isn't a star-studded cast of a blockbuster movie we'd all love to see (though please, can we make it happen?). These leading ladies are all living proof that women over 50 can rock a wide range of chic hairstyles. Still, there's something so liberating about chopping it all off, and your 50s is as good a time as any to try out a new cropped 'do that's both modern and sophisticated.

Whether you've got wavy, coarse, curly, fine, or straight hair, there's definitely a cut out there for you. "Short haircuts are low-maintenance and can be designed for any woman, regardless of her lifestyle, face shape, or hair texture and density," says Sanda Petrut, professional hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "Chopping your hair can be liberating, and the right cut can complement the features you want to accentuate." We spoke with Petrut as well as Savannah St. Jean, owner of Savannah Rae Beauty, to find out the best short haircuts and styles for women over 50.

MEET THE EXPERT

Sanda Petrut is a professional hairstylist based at Chicago's Maxine Salon.

Savannah St. Jean is a beauty expert and the owner of Savannah Rae Beauty in Miramar Beach, Florida.

 

Read on for more A-list short hair inspiration.

Pixie With Long Bangs

A sleeker take on the pixie cut features long, side-swept bangs á la actress Viola Davis. This is especially great on those with finer hair types as it draws attention to the hair density in the front.

Classic Pixie

One of the most classic short hairstyle options for women over 50, the pixie cut frames the face and can highlight your best features, as evidenced here on Mad Men actress Randee Heller. Except for the occasional trim, they're relatively low-maintenance—you can wash and go, or quickly style it with a pomade.

Spiked Pixie

A spiked hairstyle like Angela Bassett's is a fun way to change up your look. Soften it up by skipping the spikes and letting it fall naturally, or turn up the volume with a teasing brush and some hairspray. With this cut, there's enough length to change your style day to day.

To style the look, St. Jean recommends a heavy, wax-based spray such as Kevin Murphy's Touchable Spray Wax ($34). "This acts as a styling paste would, except it’s in a spray form, so it's easier to control how much product you use," she says. "Simply spray it in and spike your hair with your fingers."

Textured Pixie

A textured pixie is an effortless style that's super hip. The look, seen here on Halle Berry, is achievable with a shorter or longer cut—just use a little pomade to separate pieces of hair and add texture.

Mussed-Up Pixie

Ellen's mussed-up, dirty blonde pixie gives off an effortlessly cool look and feel. Keep it sleek by going over it with a straightener or finger-comb for a more textured style.

Edgy Pixie

This edgy pixie cut worn by Tyra Banks has no age limit—anyone can pull it off. Choppy bangs give this look an element of modern cool while complementary rocker accessories can complete the look.

Wavy Pixie

Many people with naturally curly hair like Toni Braxton turn to pixie cuts to rid their hair of extra weight and to lessen drying time. Style baby hairs to add some glam to the look.

Short, Subtle Layered Cut

Subtle layers add dimension to this go-to short haircut for older women, as seen on actress Emma Thompson. "Easy to style, the layers add lots of velvety texture while the bangs frame the eyes and accentuate cheekbones," notes Petrut. St. Jean adds that a light, wax-based texturizing spray "will leave you with movement but will give the piecey look you are trying to achieve."

To use a texturizing spray, simply spray and tousle with your fingers to give hair the definition you want.

Cropped Curls

Vanessa Bell Calloway's pixie afro is a timeless style. Curl mousse or cream works best to style this coiled look. As for the makeup, pair your cut with a bold eye to take the look up another notch.

Long Pixie

Keeping layers longer can add volume to a pixie, which is ideal if you have fine hair like actress Nia Long. We're also digging the wispy bangs.

Pixie With Long Side Bang

All eyes are on the long bangs with Kris Jenner's pixie. Petrut notes that this is the easiest look to style and create texture, whether it's modern and casual or something funkier. "This style works on straight, wavy, fine or thick hair," she adds.

Brushed-Back Pixie

A modern take on the classic pixie, a brushed-back version gives a sophisticated feel. The slight volume in the front is cool and edgy but not overly so. For added protection, spritz some hairspray to ensure it stays in place.

Pompadour

Janet Jackson's short pompadour might look complicated, but it couldn't be easier to pull off. "This cut has versatility and is low maintenance," says Petrut. "It’s ideal for straight hair, and it can be styled slicked back or blow-dried forward with a low part and sweeping bangs."

Undercut

Tilda Swinton's undercut-pompadour combo ups the ante and gives the classic style a modern twist. Relatively low-maintenance and easy to style, this look gives off "I woke up like this" vibes. A root powder such as Kevin Murphy's Powder Puff Volumizing Powder ($343 can work wonders on a look like this, according to St. Jean. "Simply tap the powder into your roots and tousle your hair to add texture and volume where you need it."

Short Cut With Soft Bangs

Soft bangs can freshen up even the dullest of haircuts, as they add lightness and dimension all at once. If you want to accentuate your eyes like Helen Mirren, opt for a cut that sweeps downward to draw instant attention.

Mussy Layered Look

J. Lo's piecey 'do is such an effortless look that works beautifully for both day and night, on a variety of ages and face shapes. The layers fall into place, and a middle part keeps it polished.

Shag

Lisa Rinna's shag is perfect for thick hair that has some natural wave. If highlights are your thing, they'll definitely add extra dimension with this style. Or, instead of traditional highlights, opt for balayage.

Classic Bob

Both sophisticated and sleek, journalist Alina Cho's classic bob makes a statement no matter your age. Change up the feel by curling your ends in, or keep the ends facing downward for a softer look.

Short Bob

For straight, fine hair, the short bob seen on actress Cicely Tyson is a fabulous choice at any age. It's a length that naturally adds volume to straight hair, and it can be switched up on the daily: A middle part keeps it sleek, while a side part adds volume and takes the style from day to night.

Bob With Side-Swept Bangs

"This is a great haircut for women with different textures (straight, wavy, or curly), and different densities (ranging from fine to thick hair)," explains Petrut. "It offers lots of versatility—from conservative to messy—and it can also be flat-ironed to accentuate the piecey-ness and texture at the ends."

Layered Side-Part Bob

Layers upon layers give a chin-length bob bounce and volume. Add some highlights for dimension or stick to one tone for a monochromatic look.

Curly Bob

The free-flowing, curly bob on Gwen Stefani proves curls can look great at any length. To maintain hydration, keep a leave-in conditioner and water mixture on standby to refresh your curls throughout the week.

Stick Straight Bob

A straight bob is chic and timeless. Just ask Maya Rudolph, who's rocked the look on numerous occasions. Start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, then blow-dry straight with a round brush for both volume and straightness. "The trick with this style is to maintain the sleek, straight look," notes St. Jean. "To do this, you need a product to keep the humidity and frizz at bay." She recommends an anti-humidity spray such as Oribe's Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray ($42). "Simply style and set the finished look with this spray."

High-Volume, Wavy Bob

Bobs work on thick, wavy hair quite well. Alfre Woodard's chin-length bob with long, face-framing waves is both elegant and mature.

Side-Part Bob

A deep side part on a bob never goes unnoticed. Add a slight bend to the front bangs for an element of surprise, like actress Monica Bellucci.

Long Bob

Once a trend, the long bob—also known as lob—is here to stay. It's a great option for women like Sandra Bullock, who want easy-to-maintain longer hair that can be flexibly styled. This style can be straight and sleek or volumized and retro.

Straight Lob

Holly Hunter's chin-grazing lob is majorly chic. Keep the bangs the same length as the rest of the hair for a sleeker look, or tuck one side behind the ear to add a playful element.

Bouncy Lob

While we love a sleek lob, Lisa Kudrow's voluminous version is just as head-turning. To achieve, let hair air dry slightly before round brushing straight with a blow-dryer.

Beachy Lob

Add a few beachy waves to your lob and you'll instantly take your look from soft and sophisticated to casual and fun. Use a smaller barrel curling wand for tighter ringlets and alternate the direction of the waves for the lived-in natural beachy look of Robin Wright.

Curly Lob

Unlike a beachy lob, a curly lob like Thandiwe Newton's features more pronounced curls made with bigger sections of hair. Finish it off with a shine spray for that red carpet look.

Shoulder-Length Waves

Sophisticated meets chic with Oprah's middle-parted, shoulder-length hairstyle. Create waves with a large-barrel curling iron, then brush them out gently to achieve a subtle bend.

Voluminous Shoulder-Length Cut

A shoulder-length cut can be made to look oh-so voluminous with a simple at-home blowout. The best part about the cut, seen here on Diane Lane, is that you can change up the part for endless looks—a middle part gives the look of symmetry, while a side part will accentuate a square-shaped face.

Curly, Shoulder-Length Cut

Shonda Rhimes's shoulder-length curly hairstyle is flattering on all face shapes. To achieve, layer your styling products on wet curls and diffuse. Once hair is dry, lift your curls from the root with a pick to add volume without the frizz. 

Soft, Wavy Shoulder-Length Cut

Soft waves on shoulder-length hair are timeless. If you don't have natural waves like Salma Hayek, set your hair with big rollers to create this look.

Middle-Parted, Shoulder-Length Cut

Waves (seen here on Mariska Hargitay) offer a dimensional effect to this soft, shoulder-length cut, and a middle part helps to highlight the face. Use a medium-size curling iron to create subtle waves from the ears down. For added interest, try lowlights like Hargitay.

Short Cut With Choppy Layers

Sharon Osbourne's bold cut is the ultimate definition of volume and movement. Pair it with a fiery red color for a striking finish.

Face-Framing Curls

Gabrielle Union's face-framing loose waves give us an I woke up like this look. Before heat styling, apply a heat protecting serum to protect your curls and smooth frayed cuticles. 

Mid-Length Springy Curls

Jane Fonda's springy curls give this mid-length cut a youthful vibe. A quick spritz of shine spray will enhance the curls and add definition.

Old-Hollywood Glamour Waves

The timelessness of an Old-Hollywood glamour hairstyle, seen here on Nicole Kidman, cannot be argued. Pair a deep side part with bangs curled inward and soft waves throughout for a chic, classic look.

Messy Curls

Contrary to popular belief, messy curls like Susan Sarandon's can still look put-together with the right styling and products. A defining cream can accentuate curls, while a light spritz of hairspray can help tame flyaways.

Simple Straight Cut

You can never go wrong with a simple, layer-less cut, like Michelle Pfeiffer's. Break up the length by adding a chin-length bang and leave the rest looking simple, fresh, and polished.

Natural Afro

Afro texture is known to be malleable and versatile. Take it to the next level, like actress Jenifer Lewis does here, by fluffing up each layer with a volume mist.

Shoulder-Length Cornrows

We're all for easy-to-achieve styles that don't require much, and this one on Tracee Ellis Ross is simplistic and protective. The actor has experimented with all sorts of styles on her natural curls, but cornrows offer a little change no matter the hair length. 

Sassy, Shaggy Bob

Heather Locklear's low-maintenance look is equal parts messy and chic. "Shaggy haircuts can be achieved on straight, wavy, or curly hair, and also on various lengths from short to medium," says Petrut. "If hair is straight, roughly blow-dry the hair and then use a curling iron to create shaggy curls."

Shoulder-Length High-Volume Waves

We dig the glamorous look big curls give, as modeled by Cheryl Ladd. The trick here is to use a dry texturizing spray, such as the Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray ($30). A product like this will help set the curls created with a large-barrel curling iron, and will also add volume to give you the fluffy, high-volume look you are trying to achieve.

Create volume at the ends by blow-drying with a round brush and going over with a large-barrel curling iron.

Split-Bang Lob

Bangs are not a one-size-fits-all affair. The split bang, which just means the bangs part in the middle, is a fun way to switch up the style. To achieve Bo Derek's look, simply part the bangs down the center and apply a lightweight mousse to keep them in place.

Short Bowl Cut

Mary J. Blige's chic bowl cut makes a statement. Apply a dime-sized amount of a smoothing serum to lay down flyaways.

Side-Parted Bob

Looking for a low-maintenance cut that'll give you a variety of styling options? Opt for Regina King's cropped cut—it's long enough to pull back for a special occasion and can adjusted for endless styling.

Colorful, Curly Pixie

Jada Pinkett Smith's colorful curls give this cropped cut a carefree vibe. A dollop of curl cream or gel will enhance the curls and lock in moisture.

Shoulder-Length Curly Bob

Michelle Obama's cut is low-maintenance and versatile. Consider pulling your curls into a low bun or loose ponytail to get the most out of your wash day. 

The Mermaid Bob

A luscious mermaid hairstyle isn't just reserved for long hair—in fact, it works beautifully on shorter bobs, too. Taraji P. Henson's mermaid-esque locks have lots of volume and bounce through the ends, making them worthy of a nighttime event.

The Brushed-Back Bob

Nothing screams sleek more than a brushed-back bob like this iteration on Sharon Stone. A pomade works great here—rub it between your hands to warm up the product and brush backward (up and away from the face) into the hair.

Asymmetric Lob

Iman's sleek center part perfectly draws attention to her gorgeous face. Meanwhile, the blunt and asymmetric ends of her lob add interest.

Face-Framing Bob With Bangs

Patti Labelle's face-framing bob has lots of layers. The resulting look appears voluminous and youthful. We love the addition of the eye-grazing fringe.

Bouncy Bob

Diahann Carroll's bouncy bob offers volume in spades, thanks to short, face-framing layers and lots of curl throughout. To replicate the look, turn to a volumizing product like COLOR WOW Raise the Root Thicken and Lift Spray ($24).

Severe Bob With Volume

Lynn Whitfield's severe bob gets a dose of spunk thanks to all the added volume at the roots. To mimic the look, ask your stylist to cut blunt ends around the chin and add volume to the roots by teasing.

Side-Parted, Tousled Lob

Kelly Lynch's side part adds interested to her blunt-end bob, which is tousled with a sweeping bang over one eye. This look is easy to replicate: Just air dry, add texture spray, and go.

Pageboy Bob

This updated homage to the 1920s is pure glamour. We like how Naomi Campbell's take sees her hair a bit rounded, so it highlights her face shape. Keep the bangs long so they graze the eyebrows for added allure.

Deep Side-Parted Lob

Finola Hughes's rich brown tresses are naturally straight, so styling is easy. Here, the look is all about shine and deep side-part, which changes things up and adds volume.

Short, Piecey Layers

Ann Curry's layers add movement to her naturally sleek hair. The beauty of this look is that, once you've blown hair out, there's little to do other than style with your fingers.

Pixie With Curls and Volume

Phylicia Rashad knows that adding curls to a pixie can take things to new heights (quite literally) by adding volume to shorter hair. For this look, turn to a curl cream that provides deep moisture, like Oribe Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème ($46).

Side-Parted Beach Waves

Julia Roberts oozes youth and energy with this voluminous side part and beachy waves. Use a wide-barrel curling iron to get the look, and try brushing through the curls with your fingers to make them look less contrived.

Loose and Shiny Waves

Michelle Yeoh's waves are natural and casual but could easily transition to evening. The shoulder-length cut helps with volume and that admirable shine can be replicated with Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil ($18).

Rounded, Side-Parted Bob

Octavia Spencer's curved bob helps highlight her face. While the ends appear blunt, there are some layers relegated to the ends of the hair, which keeps the look interesting.

Shoulder-Length Flip

Giselle Fernandez offers up a 1950s throwback with her flipped-out ends. Keeping the cut at the shoulders, rather than any higher up, is a more modern (and decidedly less retro) take on the look.

Side Bangs and Bob

Gloria Reuben's bob is classic, but her side bang adds a modern twist to the traditional look. To replicate the style, blow hair out using a round brush, curling the hair under to force the ends to curve inward.

Wavy Lob With Blunt Ends

Jodie Foster's casual wavy lob gets a modern edge thanks to blunt ends. Ask your stylist to keep ends all the same length, rather than adding layers, and style with texture spray.

Collarbone Lob With Texture

Vanessa Williams offers a decidedly cooler take on the lob with her tousled style. For added grit, apply Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray, $15 from roots to the mid-shaft of the hair.

One-Sided Lob

Cate Blanchett's one-sided lob offers a fun approach to the trend. Here, her hair is air-dried with lots of texture, but the real impact comes via a simple trick: using a bobby pin or two to hold half of the hair back, so the look becomes asymmetric.

Sharp Bob

Yes, the look is iconic, but you don't have to be Anna Wintour to rock a sharp, pointed bob. Just use a blowdryer with a precision nozzle and aim it at the roots for extra volume.

Graduated Bob

Ellen Barkin's graduated bob, which is longer in the front and shorter in the back, is sexy and chic. We love how she has some slight layering around her face, and keeps the volume at the roots and mid-shaft of the hair.

Blown-Out Lob

Shohreh Aghdashloo proves that blowouts work on all ages. Here, the style is shiny and sleek. For a similar look, apply a smoothing oil like Prose Hair Oil ($48) to freshly blown-out locks.

Side-Swept Blowout

Diane Keaton does a blowout well, too. But her blowout shuns a sleek finish in favor of a more tousled and side-swept look. Add texture spray and a side part to recreate the vibe.

Layered Lob With Full Bangs

Gayle King's layered lob is ultra fun, thanks to full bangs that span the width of her forehead. Her highlights add extra dimension and keep the look fresh.

Bob With Dreadlocks

Whoopi Goldberg's dreadlocks curve inward, in a bob shape. But more importantly, Goldberg's hair is healthy (which is key for those who want to wear the style). Ensure consistent moisture with a product such as Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray ($20).

FAQ

Is short hair better for fine thin hair?

Shorter hairstyles, like pixies and bobs, can help the hair appear thicker. Also, with longer hairstyles, you run the risk of hair being weighed down.

What is the difference between a bob and a lob?

Generally speaking, a bob is chin-length while a lob can extend down to the collar bone.

Should thin fine hair be layered?

Layers are a fun way to play up your hairstyle, but too many can make thin fine hair appear thinner and more sparse.