I recall my very first experience cutting a woman’s hair who had been growing it for 30 years. She began crying in the chair and then laughing. Then she said she hadn’t looked like herself in a decade. Since then, every consultation I’ve done for women over sixty, I focus on helping them understand that getting a short haircut is not about losing something. It’s purely about technique, and more purpose. It’s a newer, more exciting face to work with and a more interesting canvas.
Many of the older women I work with desire for their appearance to feel more youthful. However, I’ve noticed that the women who stand out from the crowd and have the best hair don’t want a more youthful look. They want a more ideal look that compliments the shape of their bone structure, their hair texture, and their lifestyle. A good short haircut on an older woman looks more effortless than longer hair. That’s what makes it fun to cut, and that’s what gets us here.
#1: Soft Textured Pixie with Natural Movement
The type of hairstyle I like has a solid “just got caught in a construction zone” hairstyle. This definetly gives off a construction zone cut vibe. The sides are cut short in the back and the top has the perfect length to move around, giving off an appearance of an “effortlessly done” but clean style. When done right with straight and fine hair it becomes a lot more appealing. The layering with sliver tones makes the hair appear a lot more cleaner. The way the light reflects off the sliver is very pleasing to the eyes. One of the factors that contributes to the beauty of having a natural hair color is the way highlights distribute in a well-defined manner. There are a lot of reasons for wanting to keep this hairstyle short. As the hair begins to grow, the original shape of the haircut softens and the hair begins to shift to places creating a messy look.
#2 Platinum Bob with Clean Lines
When done correctly, this is a really nice cut. The length is perfect for providing enough work to open up the face. The platinum is a lot less washed out due to the clean cut, and it appears more intentional. I would suggest this cut to someone with thicker hair since this look takes a lot of hair to keep the line smooth. The color is gorgeous, but there is a lot of upkeep involved; it will get brassy so you will need to visit the salon to prevent that and purple shampoo is a must.
#3 Chestnut Bob with Soft Curvature
This bob has nice curves and the way it wraps under instead of hinging straight draws attention to the quality of the cut, which a blunt cut at this length will not have. The warm chestnut color is complimenting the complexion here as it warms everything up without looking like you’re trying too hard. That curve will require regular shaping since it’ll start growing unevenly, and at that point, you lose the whole point of the cut.
#4 Copper Layered Bob with Warmth
Copper is an amazing shade and although it suits most people, those it does not suit, it still looks stunning and does wonders to brighten up their face. This bob has been layered to perfection, not too many to create excess wispy effects, but just enough to create lift on the sides. This is an ideal length for people who don’t want to go super short, but want to feel the weight is different. I’d recommend conditioning color depositing treatments as the colour fades really quickly.
#5 Ash Blonde Layered Bob
Ash blonde is an example of a color that can go wrong easily. If the right undertone is not chosen, then it can go wrong, but when it is done right, it gives the skin a nice warm glow. Good amount of layering was done here to help the hair look more voluminous especially where it may be thinning, and it does not make the cut look overdone, which I appreciate. In my opinion, this version works best as the balance of fullness around her jaw is quite nice. It tends to soften everything in a flattering, not too obvious way. The only true downside to this color is that you will need to book regular toning appointments to keep it from going yellow.
#6 Jet Black Pixie with Sharp Fringe
I don’t mean to be rude, but very few women go jet black over sixty, but when it is done, it looks great. It is phenomenal, and it makes the whole face look more defined. The fringe is doing great work as it draws the eye to the eyes and cheekbones and keeps them from drifting elsewhere. It is great for a morning and go. The most it is going to need is a little styling wax to keep the layers separate. The reality is that a dark shade shows gray roots faster than anything else, so if that is something that bothers you, you will have to touch it up every three to four weeks.
#7 Silver Layered Bob with Gentle Waves
The little waves in the hair help to avoid the flat look silver fine hair tend to get. The layering gives the most volume to the crown and sides. Overall the shape isn’t too soft and remains shapeless. This will work best for someone who doesn’t mind taking a few minutes to curl with a large barrel curling iron. The waves aren’t self maintaining. If this sounds like too much, that’s ok. This isn’t your cut.
#8 Chestnut Textured Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
Surprisingly, one of the best combinations is a side-swept bang with a bob. The bangs are very eye catching and the warmth of the rich chestnut color offers just the right amount of weight to the overall look without feeling heavy. It holds its shape beautifully on medium density hair although it may take a minute or two of round brushing to achieve that intentional “just woke up, tousled” look. The layering at the ends will create movement, especially making finer hair appear to have more volume than there actually is.
#9 Charcoal Pixie with a Whisper of Lavender
Some cuts can be interesting or good due to color choice. In this case, the lavender under-color with a charcoal base is an elevated look. The base color gives more sophistication whereas lavender brings in just the right amount of personality for it to be noticeable, but for people to be unsure about the reason. The side of the cut is close with the top left long enough to create some texture which is great given the fineness of the hair. Also, no strands have been overworked. Over time, the lavender color will nicely fade to a cooler silver.
#10 Auburn Textured Crop
I especially love doing auburns on short crops. The color becomes the entire statement. With a length like this it stands out so much; a good auburn also brightens the skin. The texture here is subtle and barely waved, which gives a vintage feel that still reads current. For finer hair, this length gives an illusion of density along with the layering, and it’s all without tricks. The color will need to be maintained every five to six weeks to keep the depth from fading to muddy; however, the cut itself is as low maintenance as it gets.
#11 Silver Layered Pixie
Going silver is a great way to stop fighting your hair and start working with what’s actually there. This layered pixie cut perfectly captures natural gray tones, and soft texturing gives it dimension without needing any color. The crown layers are short enough to create lift, and this is flattering on most face shapes which is especially great if you’ve noticed thinning at the top. You’ll want to book trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the silhouette clean, since pixie cuts look neglected when they’re grown out just a small amount.
#12 Lavender Pixie with Textured Layers
In my opinion, people’s reaction to lavender is typically one extreme or the other, with not a lot of room for middle ground. When styled with the right person, it can be really nice, and this cut really does advocate for it. The textured layers on fine hair add some depth and movement, giving the appearance of fullness. This version has a shape that I love. The cut is strong enough to be a standalone feature when the color is gone, and I say that’s a good thing because fashion colors never last. If you want to maintain the brightness, expect a color refresh every four to five weeks.
#13 Chocolate Tousled Shag
This is the type of style that looks good even if the hair isn’t perfectly styled every day, which is great for those of us (including me) who prefer to spend as little time as possible on their hair before heading out the door. The shag cut gives hair some movement and gives lift, which people tend to overlook, at the crown of the head, which makes the style look more alive and full. Plus, the warm chocolate color gives the style some warmth without the maintenance involved with lighter shades. Some volumizing spray on humid days when hair gets flat is a good idea, but, honestly, this style is as low maintenance as can be. This is the first short hair style I have had where I won’t need a trim for the cut to look good.
#14 Chestnut Bob with Soft Waves
Here’s a perfect example of why the chin length bob never goes out of style. Soft waves break up the severity that makes the cut look edgy and the chestnut color is warm and flattering without being too distracting. With thinner hair, this length actually creates more fullness because you’re concentrating the volume in one area instead of spreading it out. My only point is clean lines at the nape of the neck bottom will need regular upkeep to look neat, so keep this in mind and plan to trim it every five weeks!
#15 Tousled Brunette Pixie
The choppy layers create fullness and movement to a style that would easily become flat especially on finer hair. The brunette base and subtle highlights gives some depth without the commitment of an all over color. This is honestly one of the most clever options for someone who does not want to be in the salon all the time. Most of the volume sits at the crown, which is universally flattering and draws the eye upwards. This will require regular trims to keep the texture from becoming shapeless, but it’s super easy to maintain in between appointments.
#16 Golden Blonde Wavy Bob
The most noticeable thing is how alive the body looks. On nice hair this is all the cut. The waves have a good soft looking. Golden blonde is gray’s best friend. This is a color family advantage that is seldom talked about. I’d be careful with this one if the face shape is very round. The volume on the sides of the face adds width in an unwanted way. For someone with more angular, oval features though, this is gorgeous.
#17 Silver Pixie with Textured Top
When the sides are closed (or even taper-faded) and the hair is textured on top, it’s a combination that has always worked and, while the concept may be nothing new, the execution on this particular example is outstanding. The silver color (that has an almost glowing quality) suits cool skin tones, and the hair design with the added texture on top helps maintain a sense of interest/animation while requiring minimal styling effort. If your hair is naturally straight or has a slight wave, this look will style itself, and that is something I rarely say. Regarding maintenance, expect to have a trim every 4 weeks as the cropped sides will grow out quickly, and the style will depend on the contrast between the short sides and the top texture.
#18 Salt-and-Pepper Pixie with Textured Top
Salt and pepper is one of the best hair color combinations. It will be the best disguise for new hair growth. Stylish new growth is a great reason to embrace this hair color even more. A thin hair area will be covered by the added texture. The short back will help everything look clean and tidy. This look will suit finer hair textures more. If your hair is thick, this style will need a lot of thinning to achieve the right texture which also adds to the maintenance required to keep this style.
#19 Curly Gray Shag
More people should have shag cuts with curled hair. With shag cuts, each layer lets your curls form their own shape which gives volume to curls without the bulk. Shag cuts on gray hair create built in dimension. The curls will always look better the longer moisture is maintained in the hair. Gray curly hair can be especially coarse and dry, and look best with a moisturizing curl cream. Without curl cream, the curls could look more wiry and not vibrant. Your curls will dry out if you don’t spend the thirty seconds to apply the cream.
#20 Silver Pixie with Tapered Nape
The unique thing about this cut compared to other pixie cuts is the tapered nape. It allows the cut to contour the head in a structured, very feminine way. That is a look that is difficult to achieve with a single cut. The length on top is perfect to create just the right amount of soft volume, which gives the illusion of thickness on fine hair, as everything is nicely concentrated, in one area. When compared to the years spent on color touch-ups, the silver hair color is a maintenance-free luxury. While there is little daily styling to do, you will have to follow up with shaping to maintain the clean taper.
#21 Tawny Tousled Bob
It has a bit of asymmetry, which gives it a bit of personality without being too over the top. This is great for someone who wants something modern without looking costumey. The tawny base with warm highlights creates the illusion of thicker and fuller hair, which is great if you have finer hair. The length is just above the shoulders, which is practical and flattering. The tousled look is always a plus. Keeping the piece-y look will require a texturizing spray in between washes, but that’s all you’ll really need.
#22 Caramel-Highlighted Tousled Layered Bob
The caramel highlights give the skin a healthier glow, as if there is light bouncing off the face while the sun is shining. This is one of the things highlights are meant to do. The choppy layers add volume in thinning spots, and achieve this without looking too bulky which is great. This will need styling to look its best and not overly messy. If you prefer a wash and go look then this may not be the best choice.
#23 Curly Silver Bob with Grown-Out Roots
A client finding ease in accepting an initial challenge is a joy, and this is a fantastic example of why. The dark roots with soft blends to lighter silvery ends give a depth and fullness that a single process silver lacks. The chin-length curly texture adds so much volume that it defies any thinning, and the way it hits the jaw is super flattering, especially on oval and heart shapes. With hair of this length and this type of curl, the right products are certainly essential to keep it defined and not frizzy. Once that combination is found, the effort is minimal.
#24 Silver Blonde Pixie with Textured Layers
If a customer wants a hairstyle that requires little effort but looks polished, this is the type of cut I would explain. The silver-blonde hair is a cool color that won’t wash out the complexion. It has a true wash-and-go cut and requires almost no maintenance. It may need a little bit of lightweight styling cream for definition, but looks really good without anything at all. The cut looks nice, but it may draw attention downwards if someone has a more anguar face. This is really just a suggestion and not a strict rule to go by.
#25: Textured Wavy Bob with Face-Framing Layers
The layers around the face help this cut work by softening the jawline and drawing the attention away from the jawline and face and focus it more to the sides. The waves add movement and dimension but do not distract from the overall style. The only downside to the waves is that they require some coaxing, like a round brush or a quick pass with a bendy curling wand to get them how you want. With Fine to medium texture hair, the waves and curls create the appearance of fullness and look perfectly textured. This cut still has a lot of length for those who are apprehensive about going to short, and the shape helps to modernize the look.
#26: Curly Short Cut with Natural Volume
This cut is amazing for you if you have a naturally curly hair type! The short length allows the curls to bounce freely instead of being weighed down. Plus, real volume is always better than fake volume. You can apply some curl cream to your hair, and literally finish the process because the curl cream will do the finishing touches. As for the soft face framing layers, they’re great because tight curls that are cut bluntly can look unflattering. I will say that this style will demand daily heat styling if you don’t have natural curl or texture, and that’s not a commitment most people want to take after a few weeks.
#27: Textured Pixie with Soft Silver Highlights
What fully gets me is that instead of fighting the natural silver, they cleverly enhance it, and in turn, provide the whole cut a dimensional quality that single toned gray cannot achieve. The ear length hair is a nice touch that balances the cut out nicely, and avoids looking like the cut is trying too hard. I think the soft fringe is also important to discuss in this case as it provides a more rounded look on the cut, which in other areas is perhaps more angular. Those of you with fine hair may want to consider using a texturizing powder at the roots for more lift, as the cut is pretty easy to manage.
#28: Textured Short Bob with Warm Highlights
This haircut will look great and best when the highlights are added. These should be placed around the face to add warmth and brightness. The nape length allows for a more polished look, and the subtle layering gives it that effortless look to your hair, when in reality it takes a lot of work. With fine hair, regular styling with a round brush will help the ends look fuller and more intentional. You might find the whole thing falls a bit flat, which is the tradeoff with lighter, airier cuts.
#29: Silver Bob with Soft Textured Layers
The layered silver color has a more luminous effect and enhances the movement of the hair. The hair appears to have waves while the hair is actually standing still. This bob is made very well for fine to medium-textured hair. You can tell that the cutter really understood the hair. The sleekness at the nape prevents it from feeling too fluffy or shapeless. This is a balance that is actually quite difficult to achieve. The trims need to be done quite regularly because once the layers grow into each other, you lose a lot of the dimension that such careful work went into.
#30: Soft Layered Silver Cut
This haircut will inspire others to think, “I want my gray to look like that.” The secret is in the layers! The way the layers are structured creates more bounce and lift to the hair, and this can create a full appearance with the right hair type. Just a bit of mousse applied at the roots while blow drying will help the hair hold its shape. The color shown is gray with a hint of warmth which positively complements the skin tone. This is opposed to wearing a gray that works against the skin tone.
#31: Textured Silver Bob with Dimension
The combination of Bob’s silvers blended tones and warm and cool greys adds more dimension and depth compared to a single colour process. This length just above the shoulders can be worn down or styled up to look more polished and can even be pulled back on those hot days. This style is best on fine hair that is medium in density as it has enough texture for movement to be created, but a bob not to make it fall flat, unlike thicker hair. The cut is designed to do most of the work but some volumising spray before blow drying is helpful.
#32: Silvery Textured Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs
If you think side-swept bangs on a pixie are just an added feature, think again. These bangs change how the cut sits on your face because they form a diagonal line across the face and distract from the extending vertical lines. This is especially good for round face shapes. The texture here gives enough volume and keeps fine hair from lying flat against the head. The movement will be better for showing the silver tones instead of hiding them. Regular trims will be a must because pixies with overgrown bangs do not make the cut, and will give you a totally different, and not good, hairstyle.
#33: Silver Textured Shag with Soft Movement
Shag cuts offer a sense of leeway when it comes to maintenance and daily styling, especially around the face, as the layers are meant to look all tousled and a bit messy. Shag cuts actually make your hair look better as the days go on, so if you’re usually one to wash your hair every day, the shag cut provides the perfect excuse to extend your wash days. Shag cuts also create the illusion of thickness and more volume, especially on finer and medium textured hair. Plus, the added lightness around the face opens everything up and really makes your whole look feel fresh. This style is a great time to get your hands on a texturizing spray to add some style and separation- you’ll get lots of use out of it!
#34: Textured Bob with Subtle Highlights and Movement
While it might be easy to overlook such detail, the asymmetry is what gives the cut its movement. At this length, hair can get stuck,a and the subtle variations prevent that from happening. Mid-shaft and end warm highlights add depth and avoid the stripy effect that I ,too often, see go wrong. With medium density hair, this is super easy to maintain between washes, which is ideal for those who don’t want to put in the effort to restyle every day.
#35: Silver Blonde Textured Bob with Gentle Highlights
This lightly grazes your jawline which softens more angular features beautifully. This is one of those things good cuts do that no amount of makeup can really compete with. The highlights are soft, so they add enough variation so the silver doesn’t read flat, and I appreciate the layering because over-layered face framing can look dated really fast. Fine hair is going to need some help to maintain the fullness this cut promises, so I would factor in a root lifting spray as part of the routine.
#36: Voluminous Layered Bob with Soft Waves
This bob has been given shape through the layering—high enough to avoid an over-set mushroom roundness effect, and low enough to avoid just floating away. The soft waves add bounce, making the whole cut feel more ‘now’, while hinting framing layers soften the look without over contouring. Some cuts really are more about the styling, and this is one. A round brush and blow dry will create the look of the photo, while leaving it to air dry will give a softer, more casual look, and both are equally valid.
#37: Textured Pixie with Highlights and Lift
The highlights in the pixie serve two main purposes. For one, the highlights add visual texture and dimension to the cut. Additionally, they provide fine, straight hair the appearance of density that fine hair lacks. Having the length rest just above the nape of the neck feels clean and intentional. I would say this falls into the higher maintenance range of pixie cuts because this texture will need refreshing (i.e. regular) trims, and you’re likely going to need some sort of styling product to keep that piece-y look in, and maintain the texture. But, if you’re willing to put in the work, the payoff is more than worth it.
#38: Ash Gray Wavy Lob with Side-Swept Bangs
Long waves provide a softness that shorter cuts simply cannot achieve, due to their length. The side-swept bangs are just right, helping to show the cheekbones, while also leaving the brow exposed, which is a pretty good balancing act. The more elegant ash gray color is flattering on everyone, but looks best on those with cool skin tones. This one works best on medium to thick hair as there will be enough body to the waves to hold their shape all day.
#39: Silver Pixie with an Edgy Undercut
An undercut with a pixie cut takes a lot of confidence, and that just makes it even better! With a sleeker and more modern appearance, it makes the textured top even more dynamic. These graphic cuts emphasize the shape instead of clashing with it, and silver goes especially well with that. You’ll need trims every 3-4 weeks because the undercut grows in a way that looks less intentional, but the daily styling is minimal. All in all, the upkeep will pay off.
#40: Textured Short Cut with Wispy Bangs
When done right, wispy bangs look great, but the wrong cut can look like an accident. These bangs have perfect weight to center movement and frame the face (not too heavy, not too light). There is great volume through the crown of the cut, and the layers are just right, giving good bounce without being overly fussy. Highlights placed just so add so much more dimension than they are ‘highlighted’ (if that makes sense). The ideal cut is fun for the grocery run, and is dressed for dinner.
#41: Silver Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs and Texture
Wavy layers bring in here in there and here and create volume while side-swept bangs bring a soft touch to the style, breaking up the hair and avoiding an overly uniform or boxy look from a cut that’s this short. The silver hue is reflective, and the multi-tone hair scattered throughout the texture will enhance the silver, reflecting different levels and shades of light. This style is for most face shapes since the bangs help create a nice asymmetry. To keep the style looking fresh, regular trims are a must, but the bonus is that it’s low maintenance. In comparison to most pixie cuts, there’s a lot of detail in this cut, and its rare to have so much detail without a lot of effort required for styling.
#42: Short Textured Pixie with Crown Volume
I have to say, I really enjoy the volume extending from the crown. It’s fantastic. I really look forward to seeing how this design turns out with some architectural details added. Additionally, the side swept bangs don’t conflict with the shape too much and the top is going to sit really well with little to no product required to achieve the desired look. This cut is going to look great with both oval and heart shaped faces. However, I would like to have an extremely honest chat with a few round faced clients about how much shorter the sides could create a lot of added width to their face. That kind of honesty ensures clients are happy with the look of their hair for more than just the first day.
#43: Soft Textured Pixie with a Luminous Finish
The highlights in this pixie cut offer a brightness that a single-process color simply cannot achieve, especially with a cut this short. That added dimension totally changes how the cut looks. The soft layers are perfectly placed to add some extra volume and movement, and the overall shape of the cut is feminine, without going overboard. This style is great for all different face shapes, but especially round and oval shapes. The softness of the cut really compliments the contours of the face. With shorter hairstyles, you’ll need to commit to a little more maintenance to keep the cut looking fresh, so that’s something to keep in mind.
#44: Soft Blunt Bob with Invisible Layers
The hidden layers look great with the clean line of the bob. Movement and softness can still be achieved with the blunt ends. The chin length is also one of the most universally flattering lengths. The smooth blonde adds to this as it makes the lines of the cut look sharp and defined. On fine to medium hair, this shape will be maintained with ease and the styling is straightforward. A blow dry with a flat brush and your good to go in 10 minutes. To maintain the blunt line even trim line, make sure to go in every 6 weeks. It will definitely help with the length of the cut as it will keep the ends looking neat.
#45: Short Layered Bob with Dimensional Highlights
A significant change has been made here by replacing brightness with depth, which alters the entire feel of the cut, and still is in line with the original intent. They have been positioned to capture the layers, so with every movement of the hair, each level of light gets reflected at a different angle, and on mature hair, those kinds of dimension are more valuable than a solid color at any level. The jawline length is particularly nice on oval and round face shapes, and the wispy ends are playful and add a nice touch to keep it from being overly polished. It is low maintenance in theory though if the hair is finer, a quick touch with a round brush may be appreciated to keep the layers a bit more lifted.
#46: Effortless Layered Bob with Soft Highlights
The term “effortless” gets used too much, but this **really** deserves it. The layers give a natural movement rather than the obvious step look, and the highlights diffuse into the base so seamlessly that the end result is just, better hair. This style gives the breezy, born-with-it good hair look, which is exactly what great stylists set out to do. The shape is especially nice to oval and round faces, and gives a bit of volume and texture to fine strands. Regular trims every 5-6 weeks will keep this look polished.
#47: Layered Bob with Blonde Highlights and Body
Blonde highlights create depth. If this length were done with one colour it wouldn’t have the same impact. With the layering technique used, the hair looks fuller. This is especially the case for fine or medium hair. This is an easy maintenance cut that manages to look nice. That’s a good combination that is often lacking. Achieving the bouncy look so that it best finishes the style does require some styling. If you have a round brush and about 10 minutes that’s all you need. This shape works for most face shapes so when people want something different and don’t know how to say what that is, it becomes a reliable option.
#48: Textured Short Cut with Crown Height
The crown texturing changes the style from a basic short cut to something much more interesting. Height texturing attracts the eye upward and elongates the face. The light blonde color noticeably brightens the complexion and lightens the hair which is one of the unexpected benefits of going lighter. The length just above the nape is clean and practical. This cut is a good candidate for someone looking for versatility in a short cut. You can smooth it down to look sleeker, or add some product for a more textured, lived-in look.
#49: Angled Bob with Warmth and Movement
This angled bob style gives a perception of movement based on how the cut is structured. The longer pieces at the front allow for more movement than a bob that is cut somewhere straight across. The subtle highlights provide warmth to the hair which is more flattering to older skin tones. The front longer pieces give the face a more slender appearance while avoiding looking overly dramatic. It does require regular upkeep since as the hair grows, the angle begins to soften and you end up losing the contrast that makes this style work. It is a great choice for oval and heart-shaped face shapes.
#50: Layered Bob with Soft Highlights and Volume
With their soft touch and natural look, the face-framing layers are structured enough to illustrate the divide between good layering and lazy layering. The subtle highlights create a texture illusion to the eye, while allowing the color to remain dimensional. On fine hair, the overall result is a lot fuller than the hair actually is. Before drying, a lightweight mousse or styling cream will help keep the layers defined without the added weight. That is the constant battle with fine hair; volume versus definition. The cut manages both.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.