29 Must-See Short and Spiky Haircuts 50+ Women Say Changed Their Lives

I enjoy going through my photos and remembering my early years as a hairdresser. I remember doing the hair of a lady who thought getting a short hair cut after 50 would be giving up. She came in crying and left transformed! When I added some spikes, she came out of the salon a different woman! The following week, she called to say a stranger at the grocery store complimented her hair. She was about to fall into the avocados. Most people do not understand that a short spiky cut is a lot more than just a new look. They alter your whole demeanor and how you carry yourself. When people have a spiky haircut, they stand and walk more confidently.

That is why I think women over 50 should go for it! At that age, you’ve got enough confidence to not give a damn about other people’s opinions. You shouldn’t need permission to have this haircut. It is time to liberate yourself from that long, boring hair that you’ve had for ages. Trust me when I say this is going to be one of the most energizing decisions of your life. Out of my 29 favorite short and spiky haircuts, I will tell you the truth about all of them like I do with my clients.

Photos

#1: Bright Silver Spiky Cut That Makes Me Want to Grab Your Arm

My clients show me this photo and say, ‘I want to go short but I’m nervous.’ Wait a second, silver highlights are catching the light and making this whole cut look intentional and expensive. The spikes are a bit more ‘I just woke up and my hair does this cool thing.’ And that’s the vibe you want. It’s a quick 30 second thing in the morning to apply some texture wax to keep it standing up. Those top layers bring fine hair the volume it wants to have without looking thick or heavy, which is honestly harder than people think.

#2 That Tousled Spiky Pixie Your Cool Aunt Would Wear

Your haircut is really amazing. The spikes are so magically positioned that they aren’t uniform and look really great. Instead of giving the impression of having spent hours making it look that way, it seems like you just tossed it together. The slight wave is good because it creates a softness where it’s wavy and where the end are more spiky. If you have fine end hair this will look even better because the short layers will give the illusion of even more volume, which is good. Although it looks like a challenge to recreate this look everyday, once you start doing it regularly I’m sure it will become a piece of cake.

#3 That Reddish-Brown Layered Cut I Can’t Stop Staring At

Let’s take a second to admire this COLOR. That warm reddish-brown is everything. It makes the texure really pop in a way a flat, single-process color never could. I mean, oh my gosh, the layers, the dimension EVERYWHERE. It really does look like the type of hair you’d want to run your fingers through, and I say that is the biggest compliment I can give a cut. The layers in this look have a ton of movement in them, so even when it grows out a little between trims, it still looks really good, just different. This is one of those cuts that will get you compliments from people who don’t even notice hair, and that’s how you know it’s working.

#4 Spiky Layers with a Pop of Color That Just WORKS

What stands out to me the most is the overall effect of the combination of the cut and the color. Each and every spike stands out. From just looking at the cut, I can sense the energy it gives off. The upward-moving spikes will be very flattering if you have a rounder face. These spikes will help draw the eye upward and create an elongated look without having to do anything. If I have one critique it would be that you have to put in a bit of work to style this hair. A little hair glue or a very strong-hold product will do the trick. Without styling, the spikes will look limp, and it’ll just seem like you have a boring short hair cut. But with a strong-hold product, you will be able to achieve the look you want.

#5 Blonde Spiky Pixie That Looks Like Confidence in Hair Form

I am sure this is a head turner look. The length is just above the ears so it will show off some earrings, the neck, and that jawline you forgot about. The subtle blonde highlights will add depth without looking like you’re trying too hard, which is something a lot of colorists mess up on. I will say that this style needs to be trimmed every 4 to 5 weeks or so, once it grows past that sweet spot, it loses the shape that makes it special. But when it’s fresh? Oh my goodness.

#6 Voluminous Spiky Pixie for the “I Don’t Play It Safe” Crowd

I really enjoy all the volume on the top while the sides are kept neat and clean. That kind of contrast is everything because it gives the face a beautiful frame and keeps things light around the cheeks and jaw. The spikes here are softer than some of the others, more like textured pieces that reach upwards than full-on punk spikes, which makes them very easy to wear in everyday life. If you’ve been wearing the same style for a long time and are now finally ready for a change, this is a great first “big chop.” It’s quite bold, but not too intimidating. You will definitely need some product on top, but the sides are pretty much self-sufficient.

#7 Silver Pixie with Layers That Make Fine Hair Look INCREDIBLE

Look at this haircut and the way it uses layered texture to create the illusion of more hair! The sides are sleek and close to the head too! That’s some expert layering right there. Not just any pixie cut, this one looks like you have double the hair. The silver tone is great for fair skin. It looks like you were born with beautiful natural gray hair. The contrast between the textured top and the smooth sides also creates that modern look so tell your stylist to do that!

#8 Sweet Little Spiky Number That Frames Your Cheekbones

When a client asks for spikes and doesn’t want it to look bandy, this is the cut I suggest. It’s fun and the texture is just right, it has individual pieces, yet is soft enough to look pretty. It sits just above the ears and I find cheekbone layering to be so flattering. I don’t think people realize how much a cut like this alters the look of your face. Not every cut comes with high maintaining styling but this will definitely require some product and a bit of finger styling to get the spikes placed just how you want, and the fun part is watching it change.

#9 Short Spiky Layers That Basically Style Themselves

I appreciate that the cut is created to work WITH your hair. If your hair is straight and of medium density, then this will be a wash and go cut. You just towel dry, put a product in, finger it, and leave. The textured the layers create the visual interest, so, intentional or not, it just works. Personally, the hallmark of a great haircut is one that looks good on day one, and especially on day three when you haven’t really done anything. Lightweight styling cream is really all you need to get out the door.

#10 Effortless Volume Cut for When You Want to Look Good Without Trying

The cut has volume and doesn’t look overdone. That’s the difference between people who really know how to work with layers and people who look like they’re just cutting the hair on top shorter and hoping it works. The way the texture is, it gives a lived-in look, and gives the illusion that you have the most amazing short hair, when in fact you really don’t. If you’re considering highlights on your short cut, this is the look I would recommend because you can see how dimension in the layers really elevates the hair from good to amazing. Plus, this is super easy to maintain day to day.

#11 Soft Silver Pixie That Makes Me Want to Go Silver Myself

Every time I see a silver pixie done RIGHT I get a little jealous of my clients, and this is one of those times. I love how the tone is super soft and pretty, and how it works with the texture instead of competing with it. Those layers have just enough lift to keep it from falling flat, which is the NUMBER ONE concern with fine silver hair. It can look really wispy and thin if the cut isn’t right. But this? This looks full, healthy, and intentional. I will say that keeping silver this clean and bright takes commitment because brassiness is always lurking around the corner. A good purple shampoo is gonna be your best friend with this one, use it every other wash and you’ll stay gorgeous.

#12 Tousled Spiky Layers That Work Beautifully on Round Faces

This cut stands out because it shows how flattering short spiky hair can be on rounder face shapes. The height and texture at the top create the illusion of added length. The way the shorter layers fall at the sides keeps the cut balanced and prevents added width to the sides. The way he styled it with tousled finishing is fantastic, and adds a bit of personality. A lot of women fear short hair, worrying it will look too severe. The answer is no, you will look awesome, and have the best hair in the room. Another bonus is the lightweight feeling this cut will give. Having hair that feels hot and heavy on your head all day is the worst.

#13 Curly Spiky Crop in That Gorgeous Copper

I mean wow, with the copper color and the curly texture, this is incredible. There is a common stigma around spiky hair being considered a straight, piece-y look, but this example shows that spiky can mean something else as well, and honestly, I think it’s more fun! The curls themselves create spikes and movement, and provide all the visual interest without having the fight to style it the way you want. I think it’s important to say that if you have natural curls or waves and have been straightening your bobs, STOP, and show your stylist this photo. Its perfect for the length and color suggestions. The copper will reflect light beautifully, and will be very easy to manage.

#14 Silver Spiky Pixie for the Woman Who’s Done Hiding Her Gray

I understand it can be scary for clients to showcase fully silver hair, but look at how beautiful this is. The layered cut gives it some form, so it doesn’t look like you just left it, I hate that saying but I know it’s the kind of look so many of you are trying to avoid. The mix of short side hair with a texturized spiked top gives a cool touch but still remains fun. The silver hair is thoughtful and stylish, the color shows a considerate choice and that you didn’t just stop dyeing. The cut and the styling do all the work, a light hold styling product is really all you need. All in all, this look is pretty low maintenance.

#15 Lively Spikes on Top with a Gorgeous Face Frame

This is clearly the most fun part of this cut. The layers give the cut so much more depth. Compared to just a straight cut where each piece is the same length, these layers create a more multi-dimensional style. This is the difference between a $30 haircut and a $90 haircut. The spikes on top are fun and provide height without drawing too much attention. Overall, they just add to the cut. If you’re looking for a style that’s got a bit of edge but still works for brunch with the girls and a work event, this is a great option.

#16 Warm Auburn Textured Cut with the BEST Bounce

I adore warm, rich, auburn tones and I feel like I might need to grab my scissors right now! The waves in your hair really give movement to the layers and you can just see it so clearly every time you turn your head. I think this look is such a vibe! I’ve noticed clients catch their reflection in the middle of the salon and do a double take when they see a haircut like this. The placement of the volume is so ideal, adding that perfect balance, and it’s super complimentary to squarer jawlines! The color, the haircut, the styling… it all comes together so nicely. You’ve got such an amazing shape and it’s really important to keep on top of your trims to maintain the shape and then it will do all the hard work for you without having to style it daily. This cut really does most of the work for you!

#17 Soft Lavender Pixie Because Why NOT Have Fun With Color

I can already hear you thinking, “lavender? At MY age?” Well, I’m reaching out and saying YES, one hundred and ten percent, yes! This means you won’t have to hit it with a strikey and gaudy costume because it’s a daily wear piece. Now, serious talk, lighter fashion colors like this DO fade faster than old-school colors, so you’ve got to be chill with the upkeep or okay with it fading into a pretty silvery-lilac situation. The layering here creates gorgeous movement that makes fine hair look anything but thin.

#18 Light and Airy Textured Cut with Natural Dimension

This looks like one of those cuts that fits the person so well that they found their hair identity and they are comfortable with their decision and at peace with it. Comfortable peace is the whole goal. The layers look good and the highlights make the hair look interesting in a variety of lighting. It is real life, and it’s stunning and not salon polished. This is a picture that looks good even on a Tuesday morning when you look a little late and a little rushed. Also note that cuts like these need upkeep every 5 or 6 weeks to maintain that free flowing layered look. Once the layers grow out it loses that perfect functional movement that makes the cut work.

#19 Effortless Spiky Pixie You Can Style in Your Sleep

Effortless style is what this cut is all about. Spikey layers will fall into place to give an easy textured look, without needing to be styled. Air dry, and add some texturizing paste and you’re good to go. It’s huge time savings, and probably why you love the look. Natural highlights will be fabulous with this cut, and all the layers will catch the light. The shape is everything, so keep up with your trims.

#20 Blonde Layered Pixie with That Sun-Kissed Glow

I love how the light blonde highlights intertwined with this cut truly bring out that beautiful sun-kissed effect and look so natural! With these layers, there is such a defined movement. Without bulk, each strand falls into place giving the style the dimension it needs. The length right above the jaw looks great, as it gives a face-framing effect while still looking short and spiky. This is a great option if your hair is finer since the layering technique used here gives a true full look as opposed to a teased 1980’s look.

#21 Bright Highlighted Spiky Cut That’s Giving Me ALL the Energy

Every client gets personalized service and this cut definitely walks in before you, and I say that in the best way. The rushing bright highlights streaming through those spikes gives a near 3D illusion where every single piece sticks out and the entire cut has so much visual texture I can’t stop looking at it. The short sides of the cut keep it clean and structured while the top is hosting a whole party and that is what makes the cut edgy without being messy. If you have a rounder face, this upward finish on top is totally ideal because it creates vertical lines that really elongate. It is going to require a strong-hold product, but the result is definitely worth the time.

#22 Textured Crop with a Sneaky Little Blue Moment

Fading hair blues will be the trend for people’s hair and give the illusion of blue hair. You will have to get used to the hair coloring trend. The color adds detail to the hair for people to notice. The hair cut is gorgeous, and it will definitely show on your face with the bone structure. The hair color goes great with the natural waviness of the hair. The length of the hair will show the bone structure and waviness.

#23 Platinum Spiky Pixie That Looks Like a Million Bucks

The dedication it takes to maintain platinum is certainly not for everyone, but wow, just LOOK at how great it is with this spiky pixie! Each cut layer is so clearly defined in this lighter color, almost in an architectural style. A light pomade is just the thing for this because it provides the definition without weighing the spikes down. With platinum hair, it can be more fragile and you don’t want heavy products pulling on it. The face-framing layers are really well done here. She has softened the look overall so it reads as chic rather than harsh. If you are going to go platinum, go like this.

#24 Defined Spiky Crop That Proves Less Is More

By no means does shorter hair mean easier, however, this style is perfect for allowing your face to show through without the distraction of any color or wild sink combo or length variation. As a Stylist, I appreciate your proof of that because most styles try to distract from focusing on the person. It works in the fine, less dense hair’s favor because the spikes will look light and airy rather than chunky. Pretty much a light mousse before you style, and some finger work while it dries is all you need to make this happen every morning.

#25 Blush Pink Spiky Pixie That Made Me Gasp a Little

I loved seeing this because the pink blush is everything! It is soft enough to wear and bold enough to make a statement. It’s an art form finding that balance with fashion colors. The spiky structure on the sides shorter top gives this style some structure, and the pink adds a whole new layer of personality. You would want to be friends with that person. If your hair is fine to medium this will work really well. You don’t need a lot of product to keep the spikes lifted. The pink will fade though, all pastels do. Enjoy it while it’s fresh, and know the grow-out into a soft blush-blonde is pretty.

#26 Soft Layered Cut with a Natural Gray Embrace

I feel like the best way to describe this is as a big hug, and I think that is the best way to put it. The layers aren’t too framing, and the graying highlights look so natural you can’t tell where mother nature ends and the stylist begins. The stylist really seems happy and confident with what they did. The chin length is pretty and flattering. If you are trying to shift to a more natural gray, this would be a great picture to bring to the stylist. It shows what a good transition looks like.

#27 Textured Volume Cut for the Woman Who Wants It All

Every chair I receive is special in its own way from the design of the chair to the hair. The hair is so breathtaking, with shadow and light create texture. It is impossible to not care about the movement. Movement is created with layers and highlights and lowlights. The more colors that are within the hair the more dimension it will have. It will look better than just having one plain color. Do we care about how the hair looks throughout the day? Of course we do. We want the hair that falls to look good and give off a nice vibe from behind and in front of the person. We always care about how hair looks. Of course we care about how the hair looks. It might seem like we are overthinking it, but there’s really no other way to say it. If we put more clients in the chair we will reveal that the hair looks great from every angle. You will have to do the work to style it every day. If not, it will fall. Make sure it doesn’t flatten.

#28 Spiky Textured Pixie with Height for DAYS

What is most admirable about this cut is the height, considering that short hair does not have to lay flat against your head. The spikes on top provide substantial height that make your entire face look more alert, even though more alert isn’t a technical term. The pronounced layers do a fantastic job on the face, as the short sides maintain an intentional, clean look. I should note though, that a shorter length can feel a little more exposed around your neck, and if you’ve had longer hair for a while, just be mentally prepared for the adjustment period where you just keep touching the back of your neck like you’re looking for hair that isn’t there. You’ll be good after about a week, and after that you’ll never want to go back.

#29 Silver Spiky Pixie That Wraps This Whole List Up Perfectly

I think we should end our discussion here, as this example demonstrates what I love about short, spiky hairstyles for women over 50. The silver spikes are elegant and playful. The defined layers also contribute to her confident projection of a strong sense of self. Short sides and back with a textured top is a classic combination that balances fun and structure. This cut on her silver hair makes it look timeless rather than trendy. While spikes normally take a bit of styling to maintain, this is one of those hairstyles where the effort is well-rewarded. You only need a tiny bit of product and should take 60 seconds in the morning. So if you have been thinking about it, trust me and look no further. You have an excellent reason to try a short and spiky haircut!