I’ll never forget the moment I convinced a woman to change the long-layered hairstyle she had for the last fifteen years. It wasn’t that she loved the style, she was just terrified of the feeling of not having that length. When we removed about four inches of hair and added some layers around her face, she started crying and said that she hadn’t felt like herself in a long time. What is so hard for people to understand about hair after a certain age is that getting rid of old hairstyles is not about re-implementing what was trend twenty years ago, it is about realising and accepting the new aspects that come with age.
I think the best haircuts these days are also the most straightforward. I like to do this by shortening the hair so that I can play around with sections that are more sparse or have different types of density. For example, a simple change in the direction of the hair can, with almost no effort, create the illusion of great density. This type of thing is particularly effective in daily life so, on this occasion, I’ve chosen to put together a small collection of looks that I like at this stage of hair life, which you can scroll through to see the variety of different styles.
#1: Short Textured Cut That Actually Has Some Personality
It is so satisfying to see each layer of the hair come together to create that seamless finish. When I do hair that smooth, I like to keep the length just above the jaw so that the hair has room to move and fall which will keep it feeling open around the face! The added texture gives the hair just the right amount of balance. Especially for fine hair like so many people find that they have as they age, this cut will be so crucial to aiming for that softness and volume. The longer hair grows, the more shape and style is lost, so be prepared to come back for a trim in about 5 weeks. I promise it makes styling so much easier when the hair is freshly cut!
#2 Curly Lob with That Effortless Soft Volume
I like this hair cut, but I do think it is very person dependent. Meaning, it probably would work best for someone who is maybe going to dip into curl definition rather than blowing everything out really straight. The length is great, just long enough to tie it back if you want to, but short enough that the curls don’t get weighed down and go limp by noon. The colour here is also really smart, nothing too high-maintenance, just her natural tone which means you’re not in the salon every 6 weeks stressing about roots. If you have some natural wave or curl that you’ve been straightening out, this is probably the cut that will make you stop doing that.
#3 Shoulder-Length Curls with a Color That Actually Pops
My favorite part about this is the color. The warmth running through the curls adds so much more dimension compared to having one solid color. The cut is meant to be shoulder-length, which is a perfect length for curly hair because it’ll give you nice bounce without risking the length of the curls. I do think you should get a decent curl cream, and my suggestion is to scrunch it in when your hair is soaking wet and then leave it alone. Seriously, do not touch it while it dries. This will look best on medium to thick hair because you need enough density for those curls to really hold their shape and not fall flat.
#4 Medium-Length Layers That Frame Without Fuss
A good haircut is one where the technique overshadows the length. In this case, the stand out elements are the face framing pieces that blend into the rest of her hair so well, you may not even notice them but just feel that her face looks really good. The natural texture is doing a lot of work here and for me, this haircut is the way to go for the majority of women over 50. Stop battling with your hair and start choosing cuts where the natural movement looks purposeful. A little styling cream worked through damp hair is pretty much all that’s left to do, and that is just as it should be at this point in life.
#5 Textured Pixie That Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s
While most pixie cuts appear to be similar, I adore this one for it’s uniqueness. The layers are soft and textured which makes the cut more appealing and the layers look tousled which gives the look like you ran yo ur fingers through it and then walked out. The lighter color is great when it is fresh but it also shows off the texture. Lighter colors do require more maintenance to keep them from looking dull or brassy. If your hair is fine, I promise this cut will give you more volume than you have had in years.
#6 Silver Layers with Bangs That Actually Work
Let’s take a moment to enjoy this lovely silver color! Not everyone is offered the chance to have an all-even silver or gray and when they do, the best choice is to let it shine instead of covering it up. The bangs here do something very particular because they sit right at the cheekbone and pull your attention to the best part of her face, and that’s exactly what face framing bangs do when they are cut like this. The layering throughout the mid lengths of the hair stops it from looking flat and heavy and this is super important with silver hair because if there’s not a lot of movement it can appear to lack dimension. This is pretty much a ‘wash and go’ situation. A little mousse at the roots is all you need!
#7 Soft Waves with Layers That Catch the Light
This haircut looks super good. With this style, you want it to look as alive as possible, and the waves will help with that. The cut, with the subtle layers around the face, softens the jaw and the temples. I don’t usually talk about styles like this, but I think this would work with most face shapes. The hair looks nice, and while the waves may have needed some effort with the curling iron, it was well worth it.
#8 Bob with Soft Bangs and Just Enough Movement
I really like Bobs, and this one is great! The length is perfect. Short enough for a noticeable change, but not long enough to create panic about what you might have done the next morning. It’s not going to be a wake up and freak out your hair moment. The bangs on this are what make it really special. Bangs can be blunt and difficult to have an approachable feel. If you soften them a bit like these, it keeps it all feeling more approachable. Growing out this length can be great too. This length is perfect and underrated because no one likes getting stuck in the cycle of constant trims. Like they are not looking messy but they look stuck in the cycle. The ends are still moving nicely, and it looks like there is a bit of layering happening. That’s what keeps this from looking like a helmet.
#9 Beachy Waves with That Warm Golden Thing Going On
The warm colors enhance the look and make her skin glow. This is the point of matching your hair color with your skin tone. The waves look fully and completely undone. To be honest, I think some texturizing spray and some strategic scrunching were used. The length is perfect because it’s long enough to feel like you have hair, but not so long that it’s dragging everything down, especially if your density doesn’t what it used to be. If you live somewhere humid, just know those waves are going to have a mind of their own some days, and you have to make peace with that.
#10 Short Cut with Gentle Layers That Keep Their Shape
I recommend this haircut to clients who say they spend a lot of time on their hair in the morning because it takes minimal styling. This haircut has soft layers and the most lift at the crown, while the rest of the hair frames the face beautifully. In my experience, this style often creates a younger and more vibrant look, and while it may not sound like it makes a huge difference, it definitely does. On the other hand, if you have very thick hair, this style may get a little too big and puffy. Among fine to medium density hair, this style is one of the most reliable options, so it is great for this hair type.
#11 Wavy Bob That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
The bob is good because it isn’t trying to be anything that it isn’t, a simple shoulder length cut with a few soft waves running through it. It’s a style that looks good right away or even three days after, and honestly that’s a good yardstick for evaluating a new haircut. The volume from the texture gives it a nice lift so it isn’t flat and boring, and the shape won’t make you look wild from sleeping on it a certain way. If your hair is naturally straight and you want to do the same soft waves with the cut, you’re going to have to work a little bit and use a straightener and do some waves to get the same style. This haircut is going to bring out your waves if you already have some, no questions asked.
#12 Rich Brown Textured Cut with Highlights That Earn Their Keep
The base brown color with highlights is stunning. The highlights placement is done brilliantly. They catch the light and add an incredible depth to the color job. In hair painting, single process color jobs are extremely basic compared to this. The cut is short with great texture which really helps create volume and movement. This is especially great for clients with fine hair. I find this length very enjoyable as it makes the ends, weight, and layered sections of the hair stand out a lot more. The warm brown is nice and natural which is nice because it means growing it out won’t be a pain.
#13 Shoulder-Length Curls That Actually Behave
This style has some nice layereding: just the right amount of weight is taken off the base to allow the curls to spring up and move, and not get heavy and triangular at the ends, which is my number one complaint from curly haired clients. The color has a richness to it like dark honey with some darker woven streaks giving the curls more dimension than a flat, single color would. With this, you will absolutely need a leave-in conditioner, one that controls frizz without weighing it down because the whole idea is to let the curls bounce. This is one of those cuts I really love because it actually gets better on the second day.
#14 Long Layers with a Honey Balayage That Warms Everything Up
Getting a beautiful balayage can be challenging because many look too fake or stripey. This example, however, is the complete opposite. The blending is done so well and looks as though it is sun-kissed. The long layers look beautiful and remove bulk, allowing for incredible flow and movement. I really do think the maintenance is worth it because it adds so much life and dimension to the style. I guess a nice haircut like this does come with a bit of a price in upkeep (every 10–12 weeks) and a handful of trips to the salon.
#15 Short Curly Cut with Bounce for Days
Most of the styling for this example will rely on the natural curl pattern, with the cut serving more as a guide on where each section falls. The way volume is controlled around the top and sides, with no excess pushing out fogs, shows skillful work in layering and weight distribution. Kudos to that stylist. For those with natural curls and have been growing their hair long because you didn’t know what to do with it, this is probably the image you need to bring to your stylist. It embodies the ideal of letting go and going for a big chop. You may need some volumizing spray to achieve this fullness, although the shape will still remain great. It is also worth noting that if you have fine hair, you may need some volumizing spray to achieve this fullness, although the shape will still remain great.
#16 That Red Though… Textured Bob in a Vibrant Shade
I always get excited when a client wants to go red! It’s such a bold commitment and looks amazing with the right technique. This color is deep, unique, and warm so it won’t look cheap. It’ll look alive, almost like a bold auburn shade. The bob cut with subtle layers is perfect for this because you want enough movement to show the dimension, but not so many layers that the color gets lost. As a stylist, I can tell you that red does fade faster than the other colors. Because the vibrancy is going to wash down the drain, you will need a color-depositing shampoo between appointments.
#17 Gray Bob with Face-Framing Layers That Know What They’re Doing
This is what intentional Gray acceptance looks like, and there is a difference between intentional and simply letting it happen. The face framing layers really open up the eye and cheekbone area which is very flattering, and the whole bob has an overall texture that keeps the gray from feeling heavy or aging, and adds an airy feel to it. I think a lot of women are afraid to go fully gray because they fear it will wash them out. That can be true if the cut is wrong, but this cut is right. The length is spot on, the shape is clean, and the healthy graying hair is clearly a natural gray meaning she has good purple shampoo to keep the yellowing at bay.
#18 Textured Bob with Soft Edges and Warm Chestnut Color
One of my favorite colors is chestnut, as I recommend it frequently. It has a warm quality and looks good on many skin tones, which helps people look healthy and fresh. That’s honestly half the battle. The shoulder-length bob has soft ends, so it moves well and isn’t overly structured. The layering is all internal and minimal, which is a technique I prefer for people with medium density. This gives great movement while keeping fullness around the perimeter. This is a very ‘get up and go’ haircut. Most days it will look perfectly fine just air dried, but you may want to run a flat iron over a few pieces to fancy it up.
#19 Medium Layers with Highlights That Add Just Enough Brightness
The highlights that I would consider neutral and quiet are not shouting for too much attention. They’re sort of lifting features around the face. The highlight placement and blending mid-lengths are hitting spots where the layers blend softly, adding extra polish without looking too worked or too much, which is great. && It really is a lot easier than people think. I would recommend using a lot of products, especially with all the beauty products on the market. This is where the haircut really shines clean and natural, along with a light finishing product that adds smoothness without losing that clean look. The highlights will need maintenance to keep the grow out from being too visible, but the color is also low commitment.
#20 Shoulder-Length Waves in a Rich Chocolate Tone
I especially love how this rich chocolate brown color is so warm, not too red, and can really shine on the right complexion. The waves look perfect. With this length especially, big bouncy curls can look very pageant-y, but these soft bends just look like amazing hair. She has some layers to keep it from being heavy and boxy at the ends, which is a common complaint I have about one-length shoulder cuts. If your hair is naturally wavy, this will be super easy! All you need to do is dampen your hair and scrunch it, then let the waves do their thing.
#21 Pixie with Warm Highlights and Real Texture
I love pixie cuts that are full of hype and texture. I enjoy dimension and movement. I love how different each piece is when warm highlights are added to the hair. The cut’s asymmetry creates a nice casual vibe. This cut will also look good a little messy. You want it to look like you just rolled out of bed and threw it together. The good news is this cut is perfect for you if you don’t like to spend much time styling in the morning. You will want to be in for trims every four to five weeks. If your pixie cut grows out a lot, it can look unintentional and not in a good way.
#22 Wavy Bob with Bangs That Frame Everything Nicely
The haircut is very flattering as it brings focus to her eyes and diminishes the prominence of her forehead. The added waves give volume to her hair which is especially important because the shoulder length hair gives a lot of movement without the weight of the ends making it all look flat. The highlights add a nice touch of dimension but are very natural which is ideal when you are over fifty because the less maintenance the better. If your hair does not wave naturally, use a curling wand and wrap sections to create a similar wave.
#23 Soft Curly Lob That Works Day After Day
This is the cut I would recommend. It’s great for people who want an put together look who don’t want to spend more than 5 minutes on their hair. This lob will style itself with the right layers and some natural curls or waves. The layers are around the cheekbone, so as I said, this is intentional face-framing. It makes your bone structure look great without being too obvious. I think this looks best on hair that has some natural texture because if your hair is pin straight, you’ll be fighting for curls every single morning which defeats the purpose. I’m seeing a lot of volume at the roots so she probably flipped her part to the other side which is the oldest trick in the book, but it works every time.
#24 Modern Pixie in Silver That Actually Looks Modern
While many places label pixie cuts as “modern”, this is often just a marketing term. With this cut, you can really see how the marketing label fits! The way the cut texture layers is extraordinary, making this style more impactful, deep, and dynamic. The silver highlights, as opposed to just short gray hair, actually add to the cut. This is a wash-and-go style, where you can literally put in a little texturizing paste, mess it up, and you’re done! This is a super low maintenance cut. The only thing I will say is this length shows off any dryness or damage, so if you have dry hair it will be very obvious. Make sure to stay on top of your conditioning treatments.
#25 Curly Bob with Warm Highlights That Add Real Depth
Warm highlights help create depth in these gorgeous curls. Each curl shines differently, transforming a curly bob from ordinary to extraordinary. I also love the length. It’s short enough to keep the curls light and bouncy, but not too long so you don’t feel like you’ve lost a lot of length. Until they do it, people tend to be nervous about getting a curly bob. Once they get it, they can’t believe they waited so long. You barely have to put in any effort to get this much personality and volume, and a good curl refresher spray is going to be your best friend with this one!
#26 Angular Bob That Means Business in the Best Way
I admire the accuracy of the cut. Achieving an A-line bob this precise requires skill. The angle from front to back is sharp and deliberate, clearly styling each cut. The highlights are done beautifully, and make the style look softer. This is very important with cuts this sharp. The color placement is very important in keeping the look from being boring or too business. Ideally, this cut looks best on straight or mildly wavy hair. If your hair is a lot more textured or curly, you will end up spending a lot of time styling it with a flat iron to achieve the finish the cut deserves. There are better options out there for you, but for the right hair type this is very polished cut that is sure to boost your confidence.
#27 Cascading Layers with Natural Movement That Looks Effortless
When cuts are choppy, the look of cascading layers can turn unattractive quickly. Fortunately, these layers are blended well and the hair can flow and move how it is meant to. The waves in the hair help a lot because the layers have something to grab onto, highlighting their movement instead of just having straight hair of different lengths. The subtle highlights increase movement, and help the look of the hair. The cut will look good whether it’s blow dried or air dried, and that’s a sign of a good layered cut. The medium length will suit people who aren’t ready to go for a short style. The layers also let the hair feel lighter and more alive than a single length style.
#28 Long Layers with Face-Framing Bangs That Feel Fresh
I do long layers very often, and I never get tired of doing them. The special part is how the face-framing layers blend with the long layers. I love how every piece moves together as a unit. These bangs will grow out very nicely, which is super great because there’s nothing worse than having bangs that look awful three weeks after the haircut. Additionally, these bangs are cut to the side so you won’t get stuck in an awkward phase. Personally, I believe this haircut looks best a bit lived in as opposed to just freshly styled. If I could add anything to this look, I would add some highlights, but with how the layers are, I would not even worry about it since they’re already doing a lot.
#29 Layered Cut in a Warm Auburn That Glows
What a gorgeous auburn color! I love it. I feel like most people jump to blonde or brown but warm auburn can be the most flattering color. If you have any warmth in your skin tone, auburn picks up and amplifies that. This cut is shoulder length with layers and the subtle movement in some areas looks great. I can tell by her roots having some volume and her ends not lying flat that she is doing the right thing by getting layers. This is the style where colour and cut compliment each other. The warm tones and layers here create movement and dimension. I’d keep styling simple here, a round brush blowout once a week and let it ride.
#30 Short Pixie with Highlights That Give It Life
Pixie cuts can appear more severe as your hair gets finer and your scalp becomes more visible. However, the highlights in this cut create the illusion of more density than is actually present. The layered texture adds height and movement which draws attention away from thinner areas. The overall shape is neat without looking too tight against the head. The most important thing about a cut like this is to find a stylist who really gets fine hair. It’s not the same technique involved in cutting thick hair short; it’s about removing length and creating more texture and fullness. It’s also a good idea to keep dry shampoo on you for days when it gets flat at the crown so you can quickly spritz and scrunch your hair to get back in business.
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