Finding the right hairstyle for you can be challenging, especially when what that looks like may change every few years. Age should not define your haircut or anything for that matter, but it can help inform your decision. We asked experts what short haircuts trending right now work really well on women over 50, and there’s a lot to take into consideration.
“When speaking to short haircuts, I always consider the jawline, cheeks and eyes. I ask my clients which feature is their favorite. Then from there, we have to consider texture, density and lifestyle,” says trichologist and founder of Arey, Jay Small. “If you are making a big change, you also want to consider what products you will need and what techniques you are going to use to style it.”
Featured experts
- Jay Small is a trichologist and the founder of Arey
- Samantha Bentson is a celebrity hairstylist
The most flattering short haircuts for women over 50 trending right now
1 / 4
Layered bob
Celebrity hairstylist Samantha Bentson says her favorite cut on women over 50 is a layered bob, a timeless classic. “A chin-length bob with soft layers frames the face beautifully and adds volume, giving hair a fuller look,” she says. “Jane Fonda’s current bob is a beautiful example of how it can be dressed up or casual, styled with soft waves or beachy texture, and is a great example of how this cut can be both elegant and youthful." Bentson also points to Jill Biden’s (who she’s styled) current shoulder-length bob with soft waves and layers as a good example. “It’s the right balance of sophistication and approachability.”
2 / 4
Fringe
“For those with an admirable cheekbone, fringe is a must. Not necessarily a straight fringe but something soft, French/Bardot inspired,” says Small. “This is a great way to change a style without changing everything. Beyond the fringe, you can leave your length, whether shoulder or below, and feel as if you have transformed your look.” He recommends usingArey Wait A Sec Powder Dry Shampoo ($36) on freshly washed hair with this cut to add texture and volume and extend the time between washes.
3 / 4
Textured pixie cut
Bentson is also currently loving textured pixie cuts on women over 50. She points to Sharon Stone’s current cut, with length at the top for body and texture and shorter sides and back, as a perfect example. “The style is modern, versatile and flattering for her face shape,” she says. “Sharon’s pixie cut often looks effortless, with a natural, tousled texture that keeps it looking youthful and fresh but can also be styled in many different ways to dress up her look, making it a great option for women over 50 who want a low-maintenance, stylish look.”Small notes that a pixie cut is also great for someone looking to showcase their eyes. “For a real change, I would take it shorter — think somewhere between Twiggy and Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby,” he says. “What I love about these shapes is the freedom and confidence they evoke. Whether styled sleek or with texture, in my opinion, there is nothing better than a beautiful, confident woman with a short haircut.”
4 / 4
Blunt bob
Small says a blunt bob is an excellent choice for those with a great jawline looking to get a stronger, more powerful look. “An ode to Vidal Sassoon, who used these transformative shapes to empower women (of all ages) and to give them ease in daily styling,” says Small. “Believe it or not, a well cut blunt shape has limited styling options, which can be very helpful for those looking for a consistent daily style."
