As women age, they may observe that their hair may become thinner and more difficult to manage. However, a quality layered haircut can provide more the appearance of volume, texture, and movement. This post will cover various layered hairstyle options for women over sixty, and provide different lengths and styles to choose from.
What I find most intriguing is that discussions around layered cuts for older women tend to be very simplistic. It seems like the norm to suggest above the shoulder layers for all women over sixty, along with the same wash-and-go, face-framing, and volume-adding styles. That is simply not true. The most effective layered looks I have designed for women in this age range have come from very specific conversations about their lifestyle. This includes the amount of time they want to spend styling their hair in the mornings, whether they color their hair, and their preference for maintenance between salon visits.
A few years ago I was working with a retired architect who pulled up a picture of a long shag and stated she wanted “movement without chaos.” I mean, that’s basically the whole point. There is a vast range of options when it comes to layering, esecially when done with intention and to the actual amount of hair you have, not the amount you had at 35. So, I’ve put together a wide range of options, from pixies to lobs to shoulder dusters, with clear notes on what will fly (and what won’t) based on your hair type and your level of patience. Let’s get into it.
#1: Silver Layers with Soft Waves That Actually Move
Once more, this color leads the individual in front of the camera to reconsider everything they thought about going gray. The layers here are accomplishing their purpose by creating movement without making the hair appear too thin, and those gentle waves provide added life to the overall look. The length here sits just below the shoulders, which is great because it retains some weight in the hair while providing good lift through the mid-lengths. For those with thick, naturally graying hair, this is a beautiful way to embrace that. The waves will need a little assistance from a large barrel curling iron or a wash and scrunch, but that shouldn’t take more than ten minutes.
#2 Copper Feathered Waves for Warmer Skin
The feathered ends are amazing. They help keep the bottom of the cut from feeling too heavy which medium lengths tend to do if the layers are placed poorly. The copper color is warm and nice, and if your skin is cooler toned, it could be the best fit because of the nice contrast. This particular cut depends on how it’s styled. A light mousse will keep the waves soft and full and shouldn’t be too weighed down. The color will need to be refreshed every five to six weeks to keep it looking bright. You will probably not be able to do a wash and go, but if you enjoy styling your hair, that will be rewarded with this cut.
#3 Auburn Layers That Don’t Try Too Hard
It looks like the cut was done with little effort, which is a good thing. The mid-length face framing layers and the color is a subtle auburn which looks natural. There is volume present at the crown which gives lift to the overall shape, and that’s without obvious styling. I would suggest this to women looking for an everyday polished look. It does rely on some natural volume so it is probably not the best choice if your hair is thin, and tends to fall flat by midday.
#4 Auburn Pixie with a Soft Fringe
Knowing the specifics on cuts like this is crucial, and the fringe here is what makes it. It is soft enough to not look too harsh and structured enough to give the cut a point of view. The warm auburn color makes it look and feel like you are not trying to cover up your natural color. Once edges start growing out, the shape changes completely, and that is one of the reasons why textured pixie cuts tend to require a lot of upkeep. This is one of the most liberating styles you can have if you can keep up with the maintenance because your mornings will be a lot easier!
#5 Brunette Feathered Layers for Angular Features
If you have strong bone structure or a defined jawline, this is the cut for you. The face-framing feathered layers provide softness, and the brown shade is rich and not dull. There’s a sweep to the layers that give the hair fullness, and I love that about good feathering. You’ll need to round brush it for some blow dry attention to keep that movement, but the cut’s structure will do most of the work.
#6 Silver Bob with a Side Part That Actually Flatters
Side parts can fail very quickly, especially if the cut isn’t designed for side parts, but this one is. The asymmetrical sweep and layers work together to create a flattering diagonal line on rounder shaped faces. The silver here is not flat and dull, and the layers give it enough texture to not read as a basic bob. This is a hairstyle that looks good air dried or blown out, giving you flexibility on a day to day basis. If your natural color is a lot darker, just know that the root situation will need to be managed. However, the payoff is a cut that looks modern without trying too hard.
#7 Tousled Blonde Waves, Easy and Light
This cut looks great and is easy to do. The various lengths in the hair give volume and help the cut not look flat. The tousled texture gives the cut a nice relaxed look which is easy to achieve without using a lot of product. The hair sits just above the shoulders which is a great length for softer jawlines. I’d recommend a texture spray to help refresh the waves. I think the cut is great because it’s effortless and I think that’s what makes it special.
#8 Silver Waves That Age Well on Their Own
Most layered hairstyles don’t improve as they grow out, but a cut like this one typically gets better. The mid-length layers are forgiving, and with your natural gray, you won’t have to chase roots every few weeks. You have enough wave to create visual interest, so you won’t have to curl it every morning. It also suits oval and heart-shaped faces especially well. The only note I have is that if your hair tends to lay very flat at the roots, as it gets thinner, you may want a little root-lifting spray to keep that volume at the crown.
#9 Warm Brunette Lob with Soft Waves
It’s nice to see that the layers have been cut here to follow the natural contours of the face, instead of just falling to uniform lengths. It gives the whole look a little more intentional shape. The warm brunette shade works for most skin tones and the lob length is practical without being safe and boring. This will take some upkeep, especially with the defined waves, so if you really don’t want to put in any effort, this is probably not the best hairstyle for you. It also provides a lot of styling options for those who like to spend a few minutes curling their hair. The waves and curls are great, and they add a lot of nice texture to finer hair.
#10 Platinum Feathered Layers, Collarbone Length
If done correctly, this is a super pretty style! The way it’s cut adds a really nice floaty feeling and works great with fine hair. The collarbone length works so you have enough to play with, especially with the layers, but also means you don’t have too much weight. Platinum is a big commitment and I want to be honest about it. There are going to have to be regular toning appointments and you are going to have to deep condition and be careful with them because the hair can get dry. If that sounds like a lot, a softer silver would give a similar look with less upkeep and will still be super pretty. If you’re already going to the salon regularly and like the upkeep, this is a stunning way to be a blond!
#11 Dark Layers with Chestnut Highlights for Depth
This style is done beautifully and incorporates long layered cuts with subtle highlights. The highlights are a warm and inviting chestnut color that looks natural, and the length that falls just past the shoulders also adds versatility for a lot of styling choices, whether it is worn down or pulled back. The shape of these layers requires good density, so it is best for medium to thick hair. If your hair is finer, you may end up with a style that feels a bit sparse at the ends.
#12 Copper Shag That Sits Right at the Jaw
I enjoy a good shag, and this one warrants it. The length is clever, sitting right at the jawline which gives the face a lift visually, and the gentle wave keeps the texture interesting without being too messy. Copper is one of the harder colors to maintain, as it fades faster than just about anything, so you will want a color-depositing shampoo to help in between appointments. But the cut itself is easy to style and forgiving, so the balance with the color upkeep is nice.
#13 Silver Pixie with Real Texture
This pixie looks great. The layered feathers look nice and soft as opposed to stiff and the silver color is doing amazing things – catching the light and adding dimension. This texture works because the hair is dense enough to support it. If your hair is quite fine then this version may not hold its shape as well so you’d need to work a light pomade through it every day. But for anyone with naturally thick/medium density hair that’s gone silver, this will be about as good as a pixie gets.
#14 Chestnut Bob, Simple and Right
A low-maintenance haircut is often a good choice. Chestnut hair color is also simple, and the layered look provides some dimension. The layers that are added to this cut will help prevent the style from becoming flat. It is also good for most face shapes, and is especially good if the jaw is prominent, as it will soften it. The good thing about this haircut is that it will take minimal time to style it each day, and only requires a few trims throughout the month to keep it looking fresh and good. Not every haircut needs to be a bold statement, and this one really gets it right.
#15 Soft Silver with Natural Wave
I appreciate the airy sensation of this style. The soft waves of the silver hair cascade beautifully and look effortless as they are complemented by the cut’s layers. The cut will work well with finer textures; the waves will create the illusion of more hair. If you spray a little sea salt spray on it when it’s damp, you will be all set. Your best bet will be to embrace the hair’s natural shape rather than forcing it into something.
#16 Silvery Blonde Feathered Layers
The hair color seems intentional because it is on the verge of being blonde and silver. The feathered layers look professional and create flow through the mid lengths, and the small upturn at the ends keeps it neat and tidy. This is a really low maintenance cut that is good at looking good! The color will need to be toned regularly as it will fall into the brassy range, however, if you visit a salon on the regular end, it is a nice option that brightens the face without being too much.
#17 Golden Blonde Layers with a Natural Wave
The warm tones here add a subtle softness and dimension to the look. The medium length layered waves give the illusion of more thickness and are great movement for thinner hair. It’s a simple nice cut that’s pretty easy to love. I would flag that in humidity, you may need to style those waves with a lightweight curl cream or something similar to keep them from drooping. But overall, the color with the cut gives a look that is fresh without being too complicated.
#18 Russet Waves with Volume Through the Layers
The first thing that stands out is the warm russet color, which has a rich, almost luxurious quality to it. However, the color is only the first step, as the layers do a lot of work. They are designed to provide movement, bounce, and fullness, which is exactly what medium to fine hair needs. The waves contribute to this as well, and give the overall impression of a thicker head of hair than it truly is. I do think you would have to spend some time styling the hair to keep that consistent wavy pattern, but the result is a very current and alive looking haircut. Not all warm colors work as you get older, but this particular shade has enough depth to avoid looking flat against mature skin.
#19 Chin-Length Silver Layers with Hidden Texture
I love this specific detail in the cut. There’s an undercut on one side and then on top, the layers are trimmed to remove some bulk which keeps the shape nice and light. It’s the type of detail that you wouldn’t know is there, but it makes a difference in how the hair moves and falls. The chin length layers are good for oval and heart face shapes, and the silver is left to do its thing. Keep in mind that layers grow out unevenly, so if you don’t want it to look overgrown you will have to come in for regular trims.
#20 Copper Curls with a Tapered Shape
The tapered ends help the curls avoid looking bushy and heavy at the ends. They also provide a soft framing of the face which is particularly flattering for rounder features. The added copper tone gives a freshness and with this particular shade being not too orange, not too red, but warm, I think it works for mature skin. Just know that if you’re considering this, copper has one of the highest upkeep levels for colors to keep looking like this. Layering throughout the curls allows the look to have texture without a lot of bulk, which is more difficult to do than it may seem.
#21 Chestnut Layers, Just Below the Shoulders
This haircut brings out your best features and the warm chestnut color is flattering and looks very natural. The soft layers give your hair some movement without making any drastic changes to your hair’s overall style. The cut length is below the shoulders and is great for all occasions! With this color, you’ll need to do some routine maintenance in order to keep it from looking muddy, but because of the cut’s forgiving nature, you’ll have some more time to go between trims!
#22 Copper Layered Bob That Lifts the Face
The defined length of the jawline hits precisely creating a frame that draws the copper tone to warm the whole face at the eyes and the cheekbones. The choppy layered texture adds a modern edge and prevents the cut from appearing like a basic bob. If you’re thinking about going lighter and you think blonde is too big a leap, copper is a fantastic in-between option. The cut has been done with a texturizing technique that stops the bob from looking blunt or heavy, which is particularly significant as a bob at this length can go either way.
#23 Rich Chestnut Rounded Bob
The bob serves a timeless style for hair, and is done well here. Its chin length is great for wider face shapes, and constructing the style in such a way provides a frame that does not add width. The asymmetry works particularly well here as it draws the line of sight upwards. The rich color chestnut is dark enough to wash no one out, but light enough to lose that effect. Low maintenance styles can be surprising in that they demand maintenance for shapes to be kept clean and the length well considered. If you tend to push your appointments, direct a good amount of energy into that structure as it can be lost in a way that becomes counterproductive to you.
#24 Silver Bob with a Gentle Curve
This haircut is so simple and elegant. The slight roundness at the end of the bob creates a nice feminine touch without going overboard. The color is silky and the gray is very modern and looks as if it were done on purpose. Ending at the shoulders gives a nice balance for manageability; it’s long enough for it to feel like hair, but short enough that it’s not a project every morning. The layering is done perfectly to give volume to thinner hair, without looking overdone. With this haircut, you’ll need to go to the salon every 5 – 6 weeks for trims to maintain that bob shape, but it’s as low maintenance as it gets between those appointments.
#25 Deep Brunette Texture at Shoulder Length
For a low-maintenance hair color, deep brunette is a great choice. Lighter colored hair tends to show roots more frequently, meaning with a darker shade you can wait longer in between salon visits. The added texture in the layers helps give the illusion of thicker hair, which is a great choice for someone with finer hair. This length is very flattering on all face shapes. If your hair tends to fall flat, this may require a curl cream to keep the layers controlled, but the cut will do a lot of the work for you.
#26 Silver Tousled Pixie
The tousle brings a nice feel to the haircut. Short silver cuts can appear to be a bit severe, but the additional texture helps make it look more approachable. The close crop at the temples helps to frame the face, especially the cheekbones and the eyes. This will definitely be low maintenance in terms of styling, maybe a minute or two with some product, but the shape will require regular cuts to maintain because a pixie cut will start to look unintentional. The silver will also require regular toning if you would like to maintain the brightness and coolness.
#27 Ash Brown Layers with a Balayage That Makes Sense
I like how the balayage has a practical purpose as well as looking great. The lighter colors blend in with new gray hair, making the grow-out look intentional instead of unkempt. The shoulder-length layers bring fine hair great movement, and the shape is especially nice for oval and heart faces, and without being too obvious. This is a clever haircut for people wanting to gradually embrace gray hair without making a big chop as the ashy brown base and subtle highlights give a pathway for that transition.
#28 Textured Layers with Bangs That Frame Without Hiding
The purpose of these bangs is to soften the client’s forehead and draw focus to the eyes without looking too heavy or dated. That is a difficult balance to strike, but the more wispy than blunt style works here. The medium length layers give the rest of the cut a slightly tousled quality that transitions easily from casual to polished looks. It’s important to know that bangs tend to need more regular trims than the rest of the haircut, typically every three to four weeks. If you are willing to keep up with that, then this is a very flattering cut.
#29 Layered Shoulder-Length Cut with Wispy Bangs
This style has softer bangs and less layering. It may look effortless, but it takes more precise cutting to achieve it than you would think. The shoulder length allows enough to be able to pull it back if need be, and creates good movement when it is down. Fine to medium density hair will suit wispy layers best as they provide more volume without adding bulk. The bangs may require some maintenance to keep them soft and avoid a grown out look, but other than that this cut will be pretty low maintenance in length between trims.
#30 Curly Layers with Bangs and Dimension
If you have natural curls, this is a great option! The layering is done so the curls can move freely, and the bangs are styled to work with the curl instead of against it to frame the face. The highlights are not too extreme as dimensional looks are better than the solid block effect. To keep the curls separated and bouncy, you’ll probably need some defining cream or a product like it. Bangs and curly hair can be a difficult combination since humidity and shrinkage can change the length throughout the day, but it is great when it all works out, and this is a good example of that!
#31 Elegant Mid-Length Layers with Subtle Highlights
I really appreciate how this style achieves a great balance between softness and structure. The mid-length layers break up the silhouette of the haircut and add movement without sacrificing shape. The highlights add dimension while keeping things simple and understated. Layers create more volume and movement, which is great with fine hair, because without the right placement, it can easily become flat but these are really well done. There are days where you may want more volume, and a good volumizing spray would work wonders, but this haircut holds its shape really well on its own.
#32 Layered Cut with Soft Bangs That Works for Finer Hair
This hairstyle is just above the shoulders, which always looks good and is easy to maintain. Softer bangs are better for heart-shaped faces, since they soften the look of an imbalanced wider forehead. The layering gives volume to finer hair types without the ends looking thin which can happen when layering is excessive. Try to stay with coloring that is natural or as close to it as possible. Overdone highlights and colors will compete for attention with the bangs, and the bangs should win that battle.
#33 Gray Layers with Gentle Bounce
This is a great haircut for highlighting gray hair. It will offer some movement. It also helps round out the face. I would recommend this cut if you want something easy to style in the morning, but looks like you put a lot of work into it. It will be ideal for fine to medium textured hair. You may need a light styling product to keep the volume controlled. This is one of the most low maintenance styles you could get that also looks great with layers.
#34 Short Textured Pixie with a Modern Edge
Of course there is plenty of attitude in this pixie cut; the texture on top is what gives this style its flair. with sufficient length on top for movement, the short sides and back keep the style nice and clean. The gray highlights create a shiny, dimensional effect, adding a lot of versatility to the cut. Shorter lengths on the sides can be surprisingly flattering on rounder faces because they draw attention upwards. A pixie cut comes with a commitment, in order to keep the edges looking sharp, you’ll need to get a cut every 4 weeks. However, the daily styling effort is minimal which is a huge bonus for some people.
#35 Layered Cut with a Rich Warm Fringe
The fringe falls gently and is soft around the face, and the shoulders, and is layered to allow for movement, so the cut doesn’t appear stiff. The warm color is rich and creates the illusion of something that doesn’t sit atop the hair but instead beneath it. This works for oval and heart-shaped faces as the fringe will soften the forehead and the layers add balance through the mid-lengths. You will require regular trims to maintain the fringe at its preferred length, though the rest of the cut is quite low maintenance.
#36 Textured Bob with Bangs and a Little Attitude
This bob has personality! The varying lengths throughout the cut help create movement, and the bangs look so soft and easy, rather than high maintenance. The length just below the chin is fantastic for fine straight hair as it creates dimension without the weight. It’s suitable for so many different face shapes and even styling is easy, just go with the natural texture. This cut does require regular trims to keep the shape and the texture intentional. With a look like this, it’s super easy to add a little extra to your overall look, for example a nice bold lip or some statement earrings, it is one of those haircuts!
#37 Layered Bob with Warmth and Easy Movement
Shoulder-length bobs have been a classic style that will never go out of fashion, and the light layering looks great here. With less heavy styling, the movement looks much more natural. This means you can get away with air drying it most days. Fine to medium hair types will take the most advantage as the layers add dimension without removing too much. Naturally very curly hair will fight this style as the shape may not translate the same way to curly hair. If you’re interested, a warm caramel highlight would add some extra life, but the cut stands on its own.
#38 Silver Layered Bob That Stays Polished
A cut slightly above the chin looks really good on heart shaped and oval faces. The layers add volume so fine to medium hair doesn’t look flat. If you are considering this, keep in mind that silver hair will need toning consistently and that may not be worth it. The cut is also polished and low-maintenance, giving off the impression that you put in more work than you actually did. The youthful aspect comes from the shape rather than the color and the cut frames the face beautifully.
#39 Shoulder-Length Layers with Soft Natural Movement
This is a good subtle haircut example. The layers are nice and shoulder length so they can frame the face and create movement so the hair isn’t just hanging there. This hair cut is also good for most face shapes and hair types. If your hair tends to be frizzy you will want to use a smoothing serum to keep it looking intentional. The layers are what do it, and the ease is just right. It’s not too much, just enough to give the hair some shape and life.
#40 Warm Auburn Layers with Bangs That Flatter
This warm auburn hue seems to be the right match for you. It offers richness with no brightness that competes with your skin tone. The bangs frame and the layers commence at the chin, creating a nice shape around the cheekbone area. The cut works well for fine to medium density hair. The layers give the appearance of fullness without over thinning the ends. You will have to do touch ups to maintain this color regularly, probably every 4 to 5 weeks. The cut itself is also low maintenance. If you have warm undertones in your skin, this shade will be flattering on you.
#41 Textured Layered Bob with Soft Volume
The hair lets movement and adds density to the finer hair. The softer waves and the modern shape help the overall effect to be not too edgy. Personally, I think this works well if you are looking to keep things modern, but don’t want an extreme change from what you currently have. The style is definitely going to require some daily upkeep in the round brush blow dry department, but once you learn the technique, it really is like riding a bike.
#42 Layered Waves with Soft Highlights
These highlights look soft and subtle but are very good at capturing light and creating an illusion that the hair has more texture than it is. The layers reach the shoulders and create nice movement in the hair. Softer waves prevent the style from looking too structured and harsh. This shape is nice for oval and heart-shaped faces. This cut is very styling dependent. You’ll need to work against the waves to keep them looking defined instead of just looking wavy. Overall, this creates a pretty and relaxed effect which is a great place to land.
#43 Short Layered Cut with Lift at the Crown
The crown’s strategic layering adds volume and gives the illusion of having more hair. It also helps round and oval face shapes. A cut like this can still have enough length to feel feminine (which is something I hear from clients who are nervous to go short). Compared to other cuts, it requires more maintenance. For a look like this, she should come in every four to five weeks to keep the layers from growing out into something shapeless. Daily styling is quick, but will be required.
#44 Shag with Face-Framing Bangs and Easy Texture
Keeping up with haircutting fads can be tedious, but the modern shag seems to stay in style because of how versatile it is when it comes to styling. With the addition of bangs and layers, this shag haircut does the job feeling right! The mid-length layers help create more movement and fun texture especially for those who have finer hair. For me, I find this haircut really easy to appreciate due to how effortless it help sits between being casual and a polished hair cut. If you have finer hair you may find that the haircut does not give you as much volume and hair as you desire, but I would say this is a very good option for most people.
#45 Collarbone-Length Textured Bob with Highlights
Most customers consider the collarbone as the perfect length—long enough to be substantial, but short enough to be manageable. The soft layers provide movement and the highlights are soft enough to let the hair breathe instead of looking like a full colour job. Fine to medium density hair work best here because the layers can actually show their shape. One thing I would mention is that this cut looks best when it’s freshly styled, as the style can lose a lot of definition after a couple of days, meaning if you are a heavy dry shampoo user you may want to touch up the shape a bit.
#46 Layered Waves with Face-Framing Bangs
The cut’s layers and bangs create a soft and flattering look around the face. The style is simple but very cute and approachable. The medium length hair is versatile, and waves give the style a nice movement for fine to medium hair. Frequent trims are necessary for bangs to sit in a position where they assist the look and not obstruct the eyes. A bit of product is also needed to maintain the wavy texture. Overall, it’s a great cut that is very low maintenance.
#47 Short Pixie with Soft Edges and Warmth
This pixie cut is different from other versions of this style because of its unique edges. While sharper edges make cuts look more severe, these edges make the cut more flattering to the face rather than just sitting on top of it. The natural highlights add warmth and dimension to the cut and break up the silver so it doesn’t look like one flat tone. Although shorter cuts require a little more maintenance than longer ones, the trade off is that your morning routine gets a lot easier. For those who appreciate efficiency, this is a fantastic option.
#48 Layered Curls with Highlights for Depth
Layers and soft curls give your hair a lot of volume. Some highlights also bring a more alive and dimensional look to your hair. Curls that frame your face and go just below your shoulders are perfect for round and heart shaped faces. The reality is that maintaining defined curls is a lot of work. If you want your curls to look good you will need a product and a diffuser. If working with your hair is something you enjoy, and you have natural curls, then this is a gorgeous way to show off your hair.
#49 Textured Bob with Bangs and Rich Color
The color really draws the eye in and contrasts great with skin tones. The soft bangs that frame the face, and the textured layers create more body for fine hair, and the haircut looks good either polished or relaxed with the right styling. Regular trims are needed to keep the bangs from getting heavy and the layers from losing shape, but this style is actually pretty low upkeep between appointments. The cut and color give the impression that a lot of thought went into the style, but in actuality, it really isn’t that complicated.
#50 Silver Bob with Layers That Move
This silver bob has a beautiful layered cut that creates movement and texture, and maintains the appearance of thickness for fine hair. The shoulder length keeps it classy and the highlights add a little complexity to the silver while keeping the base color as is. The style is versatile, as the name suggests, and can be worn by round and oval face shapes. Fine hair usually requires trims every 5 weeks or so in order to keep the layers from becoming flat and losing their distinction, but other than that, the daily maintenance is low. The overall style is polished, but not too stiff.
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