Until recently, once a woman was over 50, hairstyles were very limited. It was expected that she no longer had any business looking attractive or interesting, let alone young, so she should adopt a standard hairstyle exactly like every other woman her age and maintain it – whether it flattered her or not. A few influential women in society were able to flaunt this notion, but the majority of women felt they had no choice but to along with the societal norm.

Modern Over-50 Hairstyles

Fortunately, things have changed for the better, predominantly thanks to the attitudes of Baby Boomers. Women over 50 now see that they can choose hairstyles that please and flatter them and therefore opt for what makes them happy. Even elderly women are choosing hairstyles that once would have been considered shocking. There are still trends, but there are no longer rules, which is to everyone’s benefit.

When a woman is over 50, hairstyles can still be radical, but there are certain things to watch out for. The one risk you don’t want to take is on a style that may not suit your face. This is where a good stylist is indispensable. A stylist should have a sense of what cut will emphasize your best features and perhaps mask or at least mitigate any trouble spots.

Funky short hair is very trendy among women over 50. The spiky cut favored by stylish actresses like Jamie Lee Curtis can be very flattering on a wide range of facial types. The added bonus is that this is a cut that requires very little in the way of daily maintenance and style, which most women just don’t have time for.

Long Hair

Not too long ago, over 50s hairstyles for women were short, but nothing like a fringed or layered cut. Long hair was strictly for young women, or perhaps hippies. Now, however, with better stylists and vastly superior hair care products available that keep long tresses smooth and manageable, women are finding they can wear their hair long for as long as they like. Beauties such as Bernadette Peters, who sports her trademark red, pre-Raphaelite curls, and Jane Seymour, whose long hair is rich and shiny, still turn heads. While they are probably having to go to a good colorist as well as a stylist, their hair looks natural and healthy and flatters their delicate features.

A woman doesn’t have to color her hair if she wants to wear it long. It’s now possible to maintain beautiful silver hair and it should certainly be shown off. One of the most flattering looks for true silver hair is a 1940s shoulder-length with soft curls. Many women with hair down to their waist twist or braid it and wind it around their heads, creating a stunning look.

Short and Sassy

Many women still favor the classic bob if they choose to go short. The only drawback with this flattering style is that it can take more maintenance than might be expected. Unless your hair is fine and naturally straight, if you want a sleek look, you’ll have to use a flat iron or blow dryer.

If your hair is wavy and you want to wear it short, go for the trendy “messy” look favored by actress Cloris Leachman. The cut is two-to-three inches in length all around the head, with some texturizing to add detail and remove heaviness. A soft, fringed look is very flattering to older features. Your stylist will be able to determine exactly what works for you and show you a variety of styles for day and evening looks. They will all be quick and easy to achieve, with minimum product.

If there is indeed one rule, it’s that you shouldn’t stick to the same old thing – unless you absolutely love it. Be bold and have fun with your look. It’s hair – it will always grow out again.  

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Most Recent First Oldest First Most Popular First

Bokkie Great article but more pictures of hairstyles of every length would be nice!

2 like this.
Jan 6, 2012, 8:26 AM EST

Grammy7tn I would like to have seen pictures along with narrative. I have always liked Jaime. lee Curtiss's hair but my face is round and fat - nothing addressed those of us who are more than
Pleasingly plump.

Feb 5, 2012, 1:35 PM EST

rosencat bokkie and grammy7tn.....click on the highlighted words in the article....will bring you to a page of pic of hair fashions! take a look!!

Feb 12, 2012, 8:49 AM EST

sanibelblueyezz My mother would always point out the hair styles that were too long for the woman's age. I would never cut my hair short just to spite my mother because growing up I always had a pixie cut. I recently had my hair styled shorter & closer around my face & I got so many compliments of it taking years off me. I guess I will keep it shorter for awhile.

Apr 1, 2012, 11:24 AM EDT

xlorah My mother in law would always tell me that I'm approaching my "later" years, so I should shorten my hair now. I never bought into that1

Jun 17, 2012, 7:28 AM EDT

dagokid I have naturally curly hair and have straightened it for about 5 years. My husband asked me one day to "just let it dry" to see how it would look one day.
I got out the mouse, let it go, and guess what. HE LOVED IT. Talk about a nice do for the summer. I even like it now. It is even healthier for my hair for I am not putting that iron through it on a daily basis.
So, listen to your man once and a while :) It may be a good suggestion :)

1 like this.
Jun 19, 2012, 4:42 PM EDT

hdcantrell http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=after+fifty+hairstyles&qpvt=after+fifty+hairstyles&FORM=IGRE

This link has Images of Hairstyles that might be of interest to some of you. Of course there is the obsurd amoung the good cuts.

Jul 30, 2012, 2:10 PM EDT

hdcantrell My hair is natural curly frizzy I like to say, that is without John Frieda's Frizz Ease. This is a lifesaver for those with curly hair. It tames wild tresses, and also will allow curly hair to be worn natural without the frizz that accompany's some do's.

1 like this.
Jul 30, 2012, 2:13 PM EDT

ladybellefiske My hair is curly and "bounces up" when it's humid. I like my hair best long but this is now harder to maintain and gets raggedy at the ends. Any ideas?

Aug 16, 2012, 8:18 AM EDT

Terri At this age, I just keep it medium short and let it fly. No hairspray and a nice color. My hair is thick semi curly and I am tired of trying to keep it in place, more of the Meg Ryan all over the place suits me.

Dec 17, 2012, 7:35 PM EST

smfischer Does anyone know of a shampoo that helps to make your graying hair softer?

Jan 1, 2013, 9:29 PM EST

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