These 15 Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50 Are Classy and Timeless

Tousled Pixie

Kris Jenner’s pixie cut is almost as famous as her iconic family—in part, thanks to her raven-colored layers which manage to maintain both their volume and texture regardless of angle from which she is photographed. To recreate at home, shake and spritz a texture spray like the Amika Un.done Volume and Matte Texture Spray ($29) on your strands and tousle pieces to your liking.

Curled Lob

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding short hair is that they are limiting. Short hairstyles offer just as many styling opportunities as long hair as evidenced by Octavia Spencer’s shoulder-length lob. She’s wearing this cut with loose curls brushing her shoulders, but this cut could also be blown-out or straightened.

Layered Lob

Jennifer Aniston is no stranger to captivating hairstyles. Consider this piecey, shoulder-grazing ‘do an updated version of “the Rachel.” The light layers add both dimension and texture only further highlighted by her bright blonde hue. To keep the brass out of your blonde, wash with the Unite Blonda Purple Shampoo ($35).

Middle Part Bob

A blunt bob is one of the most striking ways to wear the cut. In the case of Sandra Bullock, the strands in the front are slightly longer than the rest of the cut.

 This sleek ‘do looks harder to achieve than it actually is. To eliminate any frizz or unwanted fuzz, add a shot of hair serum like the Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti-Frizz Serum ($7) to damp hair and blow dry the hair in the same direction. Finish the look off with a few passes from your straightener and voila.

Curled Bob

If a shoulder-grazing cut is too long for your liking, try chopping the ends just below your ears. Strands are still long enough to be curled as evidenced by Viola Davis, but short enough that styling won’t take too much time.

Cropped Waves

Julia Roberts is almost synonymous with her long, voluminous waves à la Pretty Woman, but this style proves that waves can be just as impactful when cut short. The key is volume. For maximum fluff, add a couple pumps of a volumizing mousse to damp hair. Our beauty team loves the Curlsmith Bouncy Strength Volume Hair Foam ($28) because it doesn’t weigh down the strands. Diffuse at the root for added lift.

Chic Buzz

Chopping your hair is brave, but buzzing your hair is bold. Jada Pinkett-Smith proves that not only can it be done, but it can be chic. Plus, it requires zero styling. For added effect, dye your buzz a bright shade like platinum blonde or bubblegum pink.

Bouncy Shoulder Length Bob

If Bullock’s style felt too severe, try something a little softer. Reese Witherspoon’s ‘I woke up like this’ cut works for all textures and can be styled multiple ways. Use a one-inch barrel curling iron to create loose ringlets throughout or blow dry with a round brush for additional bounce.

Cropped Afro

Davis has sported a plethora of short hairstyles throughout her illustrious career. This cropped afro is amongst our favorites thanks to its malleability and versatility. To add definition to your curls, use a styling cream like the Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Styling Cream ($28) which is infused with shea butter and sunflower seed oil, and wrap pieces around your fingers. 

Shoulder Length Curls

For naturally curly hair, definition is key. To achieve Sandra Oh’s down to earth curls, keep your mane moisturized. Spritz the Act+ Acre Cold Pressed Curl Spray ($31) throughout for bouncy ringlets. For a uniform look throughout, curl flat strands with an iron.

Crimped Crop

Crimped hairstyles may have had their heyday in the early 2000s, but Salma Hayek can give us hair envy with any style. Part your hair down the middle and use the Mermade Hair the Double Waver ($76) on both sides to recreate Hayek’s ‘do.

Signature Shag

If bobs and lobs are too vanilla for your taste, try something a little edgier. Lisa Rinna’s signature shag is perfect for wavy hair types. They naturally add a little texture to the already choppy layers.

Classic Bob

Classics are timeless for a reason. Cate Blanchett’s classic bob straddles the line between timeless and current. Despite the shorter length, there are a plethora of ways to style this cut. Wear like Blanchett and pin one side down or wear your part on the opposite side for maximum volume.

Blunt Chunky Bob

Calling all thick textures. While she hasn’t hit the 5-0 yet, Beyoncè’s chunky, bobbed look works best for full and textured hair. She sports with a pair of micro curtain bangs, but don’t worry—those are optional.   

Ultra-Sleek Pixie

Traditionally, pixie cuts are spiky and layered. Charlize Theron has a different take. Smoothed and slicked, this ultra-sleek style feels appropriate for both formal and casual settings. To banish flyaways for good, run the IKT Wax Stick ($5) over each section.