The right haircut can be transformative, flattering your features, bringing out your personality, and giving your look a stylish, fresh update. Some cuts are timeless and age-defying, while others can be a little less flattering. Here’s a guide to the best and worst short haircuts for women over 50.
1. Best: The Classic Pixie Cut
A classic pixie cut is a go-to for a reason. It’s chic, easy to maintain, and frames the face beautifully. This cut accentuates your cheekbones and adds an instant, effortless sophistication. Plus, it’s versatile: you can keep it sleek or add texture for volume. A pixie also draws attention to your eyes, giving your overall look a fresh, lively feel that’s youthful but elegant.
2. Worst: The Super-Short Crop
While a pixie can be flattering, going extremely short (think shaved or near-shaved) can sometimes be too harsh on mature features. This cut can make your face look severe and highlight every contour. Super-short crops work well for some, but for many, they don’t offer the softness or flexibility of a slightly longer style. If you love the idea of short hair, a pixie or a soft bob might feel more balanced.
3. Best: Layered Bob
A layered bob is one of the most universally flattering cuts for women over 50. Layers add movement and volume, making your hair look thicker and fuller, even if it’s thinning. This style offers a modern, polished look without much upkeep. You can wear it sleek or tousled for a more casual vibe. The layers also frame the face to soften your features and complement all face shapes.
4. Worst: Blunt Bob
A blunt bob, with no layers or texture, can look a bit harsh as we age. This style can be unforgiving if your hair is thinning and lacking movement and volume. The blunt ends can create a boxy look, emphasizing lines around the face. Instead of a blunt bob, a layered or textured bob will give your hair a softer, more dynamic feel that complements your natural texture and movement.
5. Best: The Soft Shag
The shag cut, especially with soft, face-framing layers, is a fantastic choice for women over 50. It’s playful, easy to style, and adds volume and body without much effort. The soft shag creates a lived-in, textured look that brings out your personality. This style works well for any hair type and brings out a modern, low-maintenance edge that’s easy to manage and style every day.
6. Worst: Voluminous Perm
While volume can be a great asset, too much can lead to an outdated look that’s challenging to maintain. An overly voluminous, curly perm can feel stiff and look dated, creating a style that overwhelms rather than flatters. Instead, opt for natural, soft waves or a modern shag with added texture, which gives you volume without looking unnatural. This look feels fresh and works with your natural hair texture.
7. Best: Asymmetrical Bob
An asymmetrical bob is a bold, contemporary choice that’s flattering for mature faces. The slightly longer length on one side creates an elongating effect, bringing a modern touch to your style while adding interest. This cut frames the face beautifully, accentuating your features and adding a bit of edge. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something trendy but not too extreme, with just the right amount of sophistication.
8. Worst: Bowl Cut
With its even length all around, the bowl cut doesn’t do many favors for mature faces. This style can look too severe and dated, lacking the texture and movement that flatter most hair types. The bowl cut can create a rounder appearance, drawing attention to the chin area, which may not be ideal. Instead, a more layered, dynamic cut will bring out your natural beauty in a modern and polished way.
9. Best: The Textured Pixie-Bob
Combining the best of both worlds, the textured pixie-bob offers volume, movement, and personality. It’s a slightly longer take on the pixie with added texture, making it easy to style. The extra length around the crown and sides offers more styling options, and the texture creates fullness. This cut is flattering for most face shapes and can look edgy and sophisticated, especially with some styling.
11. Best: Chin-Length Bob with Side Part
A chin-length bob with a side part is a great way to frame the face and add a touch of elegance. This length draws attention to your jawline and cheekbones without being too short or high-maintenance. The side part gives the cut a modern, asymmetrical vibe that’s flattering and easy to wear. It’s perfect for both thick and thin hair, creating a sophisticated and timeless look.
12. Worst: The Flat, One-Length Cut
A one-length cut without layering can fall flat, especially on fine or thinning hair. This style lacks movement, making hair look limp and unflattering. Flat, one-length cuts can also accentuate facial lines rather than soften them. Adding some layering or texturing to your hair creates a more dynamic look with volume and flow. Layers help lift your hair and add dimension, making it more youthful and vibrant.
13. Best: The Curly Bob
provided by Shutterstock
For women with natural curls, a curly bob is a beautiful, low-maintenance option. This cut embraces your natural texture, keeping curls manageable without adding too much volume. A curly bob frames your face and softens lines, making it a flattering choice. Work with a stylist who knows how to cut curly hair for the best results. The curly bob is playful, stylish, and easy to maintain with minimal styling.
14. Worst: Very Long Layers in a Short Cut
Long, exaggerated layers in a short cut can create an unbalanced look, making your hair appear stringy or thin. Short cuts need subtle layering to create movement without compromising fullness. If you like layers, opt for shorter, subtle layers that complement the cut. This adds volume and texture without creating an unbalanced appearance. Avoiding overly long layers will keep your hair fresh, modern, and well-shaped.
15. Best: Tapered Pixie with Volume on Top
A tapered pixie with extra volume at the crown creates an elegant, elongating effect. This cut flatters mature faces, bringing height and definition without being too short. The tapered sides and added lift on top create balance and draw attention to your eyes. This cut is easy to style with a bit of volume and texture and feels sophisticated yet trendy, making it an ideal choice for a fresh, youthful look.