The first time I cut a woman’s hair into a pixie cut and I saw her sit up straighter and taller, I understood what this job was about in a way that is not about technique. This woman was in her early 70s, and had a shoulder length haircut that was about 20 years old. When I took a few longer pieces of hair off, her whole body seemed to change. Now, of course, it’s not about the haircut. It was about how for the first time, she was able to see her outer reflection, and it was finally congruent with how she was feeling on the inside.
What I want to tell women in their 70s about hair is that it is certainly not about trying to look younger. In fact, the opposite is true. It is about helping women look like the version of themselves that they are currently. The shift can be significant and it can be very satisfying. That is the reason I have collected 25 looks that I have been applying with my clients. These hairstyles are the most powerful in terms of transforming each individual and assisting them in stepping into a new version of themselves. Some I could elaborate on for hours, while others are simply nice ideas that merit consideration. Here we go.
#1: A Modern Bob with Soft Layers and Warm Highlights
The goal of this haircut is to create a natural look – and that is exactly how it came out. The layers bring movement to the front so there isn’t that “I just left the salon” kind of stiffness. The stylist also did a great job with the highlights that are just the right amount to add warmth to the eyes and cheekbones. If your hair is fine to medium, it can give the look of having more hair to work with. With a round brush at the dryer, you will want to spend a few minutes on this, but not too much.
#2 Textured Pixie with a Bit of Attitude
A pixie cut is a great way to enhance facial features and get people talking. Unlike traditional short haircuts, this one allows room for some lift, especially with the addition of some layers to the top. The top layers will have more freedom to move around, and the added lift will have your hair looking fantastic. I feel like cuts like these really empower women to feel like themselves, in a good way of course. A good wash and a bit of volumising mousse and you’re good to go. Just a quick note that in order to keep the shape of this cut, you’ll need to come see me every 5 to 6 weeks!
#3 Blunt Bob with Wispy Bangs That Actually Work
I can be choosy about bangs on a blunt bob since they can go wrong quickly, but these \”wispy ones\” are doing just what they needed to do. They soften the overall style and give the entire look a softness that feels intentional and not overdone. The blonde here is light enough to blend beautifully with any silver that may be coming in which is a nice detail to think about when choosing a color. This is a style that looks polished and finished even on the days where you really haven\\’t done anything. That\\’s honestly the biggest compliment I can give a haircut.
#4 Feathered Bob with a Soft Fringe
I appreciate the feathering on this style. It’s not layers for the sake of layers. Each layer is doing something particular to achieve that tapered effect around the face, while keeping the overall shape light and open. The fringe across the forehead is soft enough to not be annoying on a windy day, but does add a polished touch. Gray hair typically looks flat when it’s one length, and this style fully avoids that. The style is quite forgiving between appointments and, along with regular trims to maintain the shape, the style is very forgiving.
#5 Natural Gray Pixie with Soft Front Layers
I can’t help but admire someone who flaunts a gray cut with this level of confidence. The style is simple in a good way, featuring an all-around short length with a little more length in front to keep some dimension. It doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is. The top is textured so minimal product and time will be needed. This will be appreciated more than most people think when they are trying to decide on a style to wear day in and day out. If you are thinking of going short and leaning into your gray hair, this example is spot on.
#6 Layered Lob with Relaxed Waves
Not every woman is ready to go for the super long hair look, and the lob is the perfect compromise. These waves look like they happened randomly from a braid or maybe just some natural texture that was left alone. That’s the vibe this cut gives off – like you didn’t put in much effort, but it all just came together. The length and layers help to avoid that bottom heavy look that fine longer styles tend to lose life to. On days when the waves need a bit of help, you’ll probably appreciate a sea salt spray.
#7 Curled Lob with Face-Framing Warmth
What really sets this cut apart is the face framing highlights. They catch the light just right and really draw attention to the lovely soft curls. I’d call this an event cut. It’s very photogenic and can easily transition from a daytime lunch to an evening dinner. Of course, it does mean you’ll have to put some effort into styling those curls with a big barrel curling iron. If that sounds like a hassle to do every day, then it’s nice to know this cut has that sort of upkeep!
#8 Shoulder-Length Waves in Silver
To begin with, let’s consider the color. This particular silver grey shade is bright in a way that not all hair gets naturally, and when it does, it requires a cut that shows it off rather than one that competes. The cut at the shoulders with soft waves does just that. It’s not too thought out. The hair’s natural texture provides volume, and the waves allow it to appear as though it was deliberate rather than just messy. If your hair tends to prefer the thicker side, you would want your stylist to take out some of the bulk in the layers so that it doesn’t begin to feel chunky as it grows out.
#9 Feathered Pixie That Stays Close to the Face
The hair cut is layered with careful intention as well as the cut not being too harsh with the longer bangs serving as a softening detail that adds to your natural appearance with the length providing for a peeking while the style is a pixie with an elegant rather than an edgy look. All that is needed is a little bit of lightweight styling paste to define the texture and we are talking about thirty seconds not a whole big thing.
#10 Silver Pixie with Dimensional Layers
There’s an effortless simplicity to the execution of the pixie cut. Sometimes the embodiment of straightforwardness is all that is really needed to bring the best out of someone. The layers on the haircut look great and create a stunning silvery tone that is nice and adds movement to the style without making it look thin. Personally, I think the haircut has the best proportions from the length of the hair to the shape of the face overall. The cut exudes some quiet confidence. It’s the kind of cut where people won’t really be able to put their finger on what is different but there is no doubt that everyone will notice how great you look.
#11 Feathered Short Pixie with Tousled Finish
This haircut stands out from more classic pixie cuts because of its tousled appearance, giving off an effortless look, almost as if you ran your fingers through it and styled it that way. While not all women will be capable of pulling off this look, with the right haircut, some good news is that some women can achieve this. The layers that wrap around the ears help give the cut an airy and light feeling. If your hair is fine, this is the type of haircut that creates the illusion of more hair without the product build-up. The light blonde color enhances the visibility of the texture of the hair, making it a great choice for this haircut.
#12 Wavy Bob with a Gentle Structure
This bob is great because it doesn’t go overboard. The waves are subtle enough to give character to the look without the need for curling irons every morning (thank god!). With the added bulk there are less layers and the ends keep enough weight to shape hold. The light grey color matches her skin tone and adds modern freshness to the entire look. It is the kind of hairstyle where you wash it, let it air dry, and it just works.
#13 Silver Blunt Bob with Just Enough Movement
Something about the blunt bob haircut paired with silver hair really grabs your attention. It’s a clear indication that the hair color is intentional rather than coincidental; a sliver of a lightened color means the hair was colored on purpose. Also, the layers take away from the hair looking too thick or too boxy — one of the biggest perils of blunt cuts, especially with hair that has a natural wave to it. Before charging ahead with this cut, you should really factor in how much time you want to dedicate to your hair on a daily basis. To maintain that blunt edge, you will need to rely on either a flat iron or a really good blow dry technique.
#14 Spiky Pixie That Brings the Energy
The spiky cut is playful and shows confidence. It also brings focus to her beautiful eyes. This is the type of hairstyle that I love to see on people who are ready to jump into something new. It is a bold statement and gets quite fun. It will take daily upkeep, and some product to get the right amount of bedhead, and if you miss appointments, it will grow out in an awkward way. When the hair is fresh, it will have a lot of lift, hold, and fun, but when it is fresh, I find it really exciting.
#15 Clean Short Pixie with a Polished Edge
A pixie cut adds reliability and structure to the head’s shape. Layers add some interest and dimension, while the overall shape is flattering without being too extreme. I would recommend this style for those wanting to go for a short style, but want to avoid feeling like they’re making a huge statement every time they enter the room. This is a nice everyday style. The soft natural shade keeps the style friendly and looks good with some simple accessories if that’s your style.
#16 Tapered Silver Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
If you are interested in this bob hairstyle, then side-swept bangs look the best. They also help create a nice silhouette and break up lines across the forehead. They also help improve looking flowing. Back tapering creates volume up top (especially helpful for women over sixty, as thinning tends to occur there first), so it ends up being a very practical option. This style is great for being about to get out of the way without getting too short, and those bangs will stay in place with a light-hold hairspray.
#17 Soft Gray Bob with Movement
I think the way this cut flows is really nice, and the waves look natural; not overly done. With the length around the shoulders, you have options to wear it half up, behind your ears, or leaving it down. The gray looks fresh and healthy; it’s not dull, which often comes down to the health of the hair instead of the color. Good purple shampoo used weekly helps to keep the tone from getting brassy.
#18 Short Curly Crop with Natural Bounce
When people with natural curls in their seventies ask me what to do with their hair, this is the cut I think of. You want to work with the curl instead of against it. You keep the hair short enough that the curl has structure, while also allowing the bounce to do what it wants. Highlights scattered throughout the hair will help with depth, as well as prevent it from looking too uniform. In terms of styling, a curling cream added while the hair is damp, and allowed to dry is all the cut will need.
#19 Curly Bob with Warmth and Dimension
I often encourage my clients with curly hair to embrace their natural curl pattern and a cut like this is typically what helps them achieve that. Curls at this length have enough space to form and won’t feel weighed down, and the highlights are placed to catch the light as the curls fall, creating a beautiful glow. For styles like this, using a really good moisturizing conditioner is essential because as hair ages, it dries out more.
#20 Textured Bob with Bangs That Move
I really like that the side-swept bangs have been done with just the right amount of weight to make them fall naturally, but not so much that they feel heavy on the forehead. I can tell the layering in the back and on the sides is more on the subtle side, which helps keep the overall shape looking clean while still having the ability to move. It’s a style that can easily go from casual to dressed up, depending on how you wear it. Finer hair looks really good with this particular cut because the texturing makes it possible to achieve the look of a decent amount of hair without actually needing to have a lot of hair to pull it off.
#21 Fluffy Short Curly Crop
Some people insult hair that is big and poofy by calling it ‘fluffy.’ With curls though, getting them cut to a certain length is fantastic due to how much volume the curls create. This is a style that ‘softens’ the face and becomes welcoming, rather than something to control or tame. If the curls are well defined and shortened to this length, that is most of the battle won. If that is your curl pattern and you have been thinking of going short, this is a good style to show your stylist.
#22 Feathered Pixie with Silver Highlights
The layered pixie cut has a special lightness to it and is hard to achieve with other styles. The silver highlights add depth without being too much. Altogether the cut is fresh and not too trendy. A texturizing spray will help achieve a pieced look. Regular trims are important with this style, ideally every five weeks. The more it grows out the more it loses its purpose.
#23 Lob with Soft Layers Around the Face
Just because face framing layers may look simple, when done correctly, they will elevate your look. These layers keep your length at an easy to maintain mid length while lifting your eyes and cheekbones. It is a low maintenance style, but regular trims will be needed to prevent an unkempt look. While this style may not be the most exciting in the collection, it’s reliable, and sometimes, that’s all you need.
#24 Close-Cropped Textured Cut with Crown Volume
When hair is cut this short, it all depends on the shape of your head and texture of your crown. Some volume on top is nice to create proportion, plus the whole result is clean and unfussy, which I actually respect a lot. This is commitment as there is nothing to hide, it just is what it is, and for the right person, that directness is the whole appeal. This length is actually really good for fine hair as you don’t need density to make it work.
#25 Soft Textured Crop with Root Lift
I love the lift at the roots. It may seem small, but it changes the whole profile of the cut, creating the most needed impression of fullness. The slightly longer bits around the face soften the overall look and stop it from being too tight or too masculine if that is a concern. The textured layers are adding volume without making the style too busy which is good for heart-shaped faces. The framing pieces around the jaw are a true blessing.
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