25 Radiant Wavy Hairstyles Women Over 70 Will Love

I think it is strange that so many people seem to think they will be judged by their stylist for changing their mind about their hair during their appointment. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve had women in my chair apologizing before they’ve even had the chance to finish asking for what they really want. “Is this too young for me?” No. Waves look *better* when they are grey. Seriously. Waves reflect light so beautifully in textured white or silver hair and that cannot be duplicated with any other shade of hair.

I have a 74-year-old client who wore the same blowout for almost 20 years. One of her grandchildren told her that she had “great hair for waves,” which I thought was a very positive comment considering she had completely neglected her hair for over 2 decades and I thought it was a good comment to spark change. I could tell that when I finished her hair she was not only happy because she had made a big change, but it seemed like she had never been able to connect with her true self after being so disconnected for so long. And she was absolutely beautiful. For this reason, I felt it was my personal obligation to not only use this as a blog filler, but also because I absolutely love these 25 wavy hairstyles for older women.

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#1: Long Layers with That Effortless Wave Thing Going On

This has to be one of my favorite looks because it captures the casual effect of a routine bedhead where the hair just miraculously falls perfectly into place when in actuality, that is not how it works. With her long layered hair, the waves are able to create movement and the end result is stunning. It is amazing how great she looks in this gray hair that she obviously chose to lean into because the waves really show it off. I would recommend lightweight styling cream to preserve the non-crunchy look of the waves. You might have to do this hairstyle several times a week, but the results are definitely worth the effort.

#2 Shoulder-Length Waves That Just Float

The length and movement of the waves feel so good. Like when you find the perfect temperature in the shower and just want to stand there. The waves are super subtle, but do all the work to keep it from going flat. This cut is great for those with fine hair as it really gives you some good body without needing a lot of hair to achieve it. A little lightweight mousse through damp hair and you’re set.

#3 A Wavy Bob That Knows Exactly What It’s Doing

This bob gives off a vibe that appears basic but is actually really well done which is honestly the best type of cut to give and the best type to have. The layers are just right so nothing looks uneven or over done, and the wave adds character while being low maintenance. This is the cut I would suggest to someone who wants to spend minimal time on their hair, but still wants to feel like they have some style. Just make sure to stay on top of trims because once bobs start getting longer, they lose shape really fast.

#4 Silver Waves That Sit Just Right Below the Shoulders

I think the silver is doing a lot of work here. I really think the waves would hit differently without it. I know for sure I’ve seen this in the salon a lot, waves and silver are a classic. The way they texture and catch the light is so dimensional. The length here is also pretty smart, it’s just long enough for some movement but not so long that it will drag everything down. If you’ve got medium to thick hair then this kind of layering will stop it from getting heavy and boxy. It’s one of those haircuts that even if you’re just running errands, it looks so expensive.

#5 Medium-Length Silver with Soft Wave Action

Letting the silver show is always fun and it’s so exciting to see a real flip on the silver. Well, that’s what’s happening here. The layers soften the whole visage without concealing anything. Most cuts miss that on the good side of medium hair. The wavy look gives the appearance of abundant hair without utilizing a great deal of product or heat. There is some styling involved to keep the waves from flattening, but it’s really more about several minutes instead of a whole production.

#6 Tousled Shoulder Waves with Face-Framing Pieces

I really love the face framing layers! They really pull attention to her features and avoid that 2021 curtain bang look. The rest of the hair is very relaxed and confident. Those are two qualities that are really hard to create with a style. If you want to achieve that look, a light styling cream scrunched through damp hair will give you nice texture. Just remember to keep those layers fresh by getting them cut every 6 to 8 weeks or they will lose their purpose.

#7 Textured Wavy Bob with Just Enough Going On

I like the mix of polished and undone looks. The hair waves complement the hair and the wearer’s good taste rather than distract; the highlights are well placed and not over done. I feel strongly that highlights should not resemble zebra stripes. I admit I’ve done a few zebra stripe highlights myself. With hair that is finer, this type of texture can give the appearance of more density which is a nice trick.

#8 Curled Silver Bob That Feels Effortlessly Put Together

Jawline lengths are so nice! It makes it look intentional, and the style isn’t dated either. The slightly looser curls give it a nice modern laid back vibe. We definitely don’t want big bouncy waves that come straight out of an 80’s salon (no disrespect to 87 though, that was an iconic year). The layers are great and definitely not too bulky. They give the curls a lot of freedom to move. A volumizing spray will give hold without the weight if you have finer hair.

#9 A Lob with Waves That Practically Style Themselves

It is always fun to visit the salon with your favorite influencer’s hairstyle. However, keep in mind they have a stylist do their hair, so it may not be as good of a look on you. If you want a wavy lob style, look for this one. The subtle layers on the shoulder-length lob create an easy, effortless splayed look. A really simple way to make sure your hair better matches your natural texture is to cut it to lob length. Not using heat accessories and styling your hair every day is what really makes most people look the best and is a big step in looking best for most people. While chestnut is a great color, for women over 70 it can look more youthful without looking like you’re trying to be 30 again.

#10 Curly Bob with Layers That Keep Things Light

I think the curls have an airy quality and I think this is due to the good layering. Good layering avoids the triangle effect that many curly bobs can fall victim to. What I think is best about this cut is that it achieves the seemingly paradoxical goal of being both full and light. The texture is really nice and light reflective, and yes there is a glow, but it’s not actually cheesy glowing. It is more of the result of well cut curls. You will want a curl defining cream to keep things from looking frizzy and more intentional, but not that, you should be good.

#11 Cascading Layers with Soft Waves for Days

It’s great to see long hair styled so beautifully on someone over 70. It’s a great look and I love how the layers create movement. With fine hair, it is so easy to wear fine hair because it won’t feel heavy. If you want to add some more dimension, subtle highlights would look good, but honestly you don’t need any other than the beauty that is here. I will say that longer styles do require maintenance. You are going to need to take care of the ends, and you are probably going to need to trim to be on a schedule. If you are willing to do the maintenance, the end result speaks for itself.

#12 Silver Bob with Curls That Frame Everything Perfectly

Elegant and classy while still being effortless, this silver bob with soft curls is what it’s all about. Sitting right at shoulder length, it’s the perfect length. The ideal amount of volume without the weight, which is great for fine hair. Loose curls look defined yet styled, and that is the sweet spot that I like to achieve with my clients. I would recommend a light hold spray to keep curls from dropping if you typically find your curls sagging by lunchtime.

#13 Shoulder-Length Silver with a Subtle Asymmetric Twist

I almost missed the asymmetry here, and that’s actually what makes it good. It’s just the right amount to make the cut edgy and not scream “look at my edgy haircut.” The soft waves and silver tones brighten the face. Most of all, I appreciate it not being another shoulder-length cut that looks like every other one. There is an unpredictability to it that keeps the eyes moving. If you get bored with haircuts that play it safe, this is the subtle change you’ve been looking for. To define the waves and keep that lived-in feel, I suggest a texturizing spray.

#14 Short Wavy Pixie with Volume Where It Counts

I really love pixie haircuts with waves because they add an element of fun to an otherwise serious and structured haircut. The volume at the crown is doing great things. It provides height and shape without looking poofy (yes, there’s a difference and it matters). Unlike some shorter styles, this cut has great movement throughout the day. If you’ve been thinking of going short but are worried it may look too harsh, a pixie like this with some waves is a great middle ground. A few highlights on top wouldn’t hurt either, just to add some dimension where the light hits.

#15 Wavy Bob in Soft Gray That Just Works

Sometimes I look at some hair styles and think, “This is what I would want my hair to look like if I stopped caring.” That is how I am going to describe this. Everything is perfect. The natural waves, and soft gray coloration of hair, and even the hair that is just above the shoulder length. Everything goes so well together. You really got to appreciate a look that does not have any stand out features that steals the focus. Instead, the whole look just comes together. It may appear simple, but looks like there was a lot of effort to pull this off. The waves do not look too wavy to where it looks done, but the waves look a little more on the side of styled. “Done” is definitely meant in a positive way here, and it is definitely a compliment.

#16 Textured Crop with Golden Highlights and Easy Volume

I like how the golden tones give this look some warmth. They also brighten the face and give an upward focus which is nice. Personally, I’ve always thought shorter hair works best with highlights because you get to see the closer up dimensional effects more. The volume at the crown here is nice height without looking too teased. You can tell it’s more of a natural lift from the right layers. If you work a lightweight mousse into damp hair, you can get the same texture.

#17 Long Flowing Waves with Highlights That Actually Look Natural

I’ll not feign that long hair isn’t more trouble, it’s definitely more trouble, but if someone has the thickness and the dedication, it can be a pretty amazing end result. Highlights here are blended so perfectly that they seem like areas where the sun just hit, which is what good highlighting is supposed to do (not taking a dig at anyone, just saying subtlety wins here). Her natural wave is stunning and the length lets it develop and cascade instead of it being cut short before it gets going. If you’ve got this sort of density and like the styling journey, I honestly believe that’s a go for it.

#18 Shoulder-Length Wavy Bob with Textured Layers

This is my favorite hairstyle, and I recommend it to almost everyone. I also believe it is a great choice regardless of personal style or hair type. It will not look boring, and the modern layers provide movement and flow. The length of the hair means you won’t have to worry about an awkward growing out phase. The best compliment I can give a style is saying, “It looks like you, but better”, which is what I consider to be the best thing about this hairstyle. For the best piece-y effect, texture spray should be used on dry hair.

#19 Wavy Lob with Layers That Frame Without Fuss

I appreciate that haircuts offer a certain level of honesty, and this lob certainly delivers! The face-framing layers are soft, but do an excellent job of creating the illusion that a lot has changed, and the natural waves are just the thing to keep your lob looking fresh, even when it’s day two hair (let’s be honest, that’s most days). If you want a change but don’t want it to be too obvious, this is a great option. People will comment that you look different, but most won’t be able to say why. The look will stay smooth without losing any volume with a light anti-frizz serum.

#20 Wavy Layers That Soften Everything in the Best Way

The softness of this whole hairstyle is lovely, from the wave pattern to the layers that beautifully frame the face. It’s the kind of hairstyle that looks friendly and put together. Being shoulder length is practical, but this style also incorporates some fun elements. The waves give the style movement (as opposed to looking stiff and static) and make it lively. This type of layering works best with fine to medium hair, as it adds volume in all the right places, unlike many layered haircuts that tend to leave the ends looking sparse.

#21 Long Layered Waves with Silver Highlights That Glow

The highlights show great skill as they complement the gray tones instead of competing with them. That takes a good colorist (and yes, I know from experience what happens with poor color choices). The layering and waves float with flow and style. We know that a large barrel curling iron was probably the secret to the waves. This type of style works best with medium density hair like hers because it keeps the waves in place without weighing it down and pulling everything straight. Overall, really lovely.

#22 Voluminous Wavy Cut That Loves Your Natural Texture

A haircut like this is the type of style people search long and hard for because of its versatility. Most people have a common concern about a haircut creating a round or puffy look, but with this style and the addition of natural waves, it won’t happen. This haircut also reaches the shoulders which I think gives an even more flattering look for every type of face shape. This style is sleek and simple but also classy and not messy. That is a haircut goal I have for others and also for myself.

#23 Bouncy Layered Waves with a Really Flattering Shape

What stands out most to me with this haircut is the shape. There is rounded softness to this shape that just works. The layers and waves create a look that has energy and movement but still feels contained. It feels like it is not going anywhere you don’t want it to. This type of shape is your friend when you have an oval or round face. It helps to elongate the face without adding width. Also, a touch of color through the mid lengths would bring this to life even more, but with the natural silver I still love it as is. The shape will need to be kept intact with trims. Once the layers grow out, the bounce is lost, so you’ll want to stay on top of that.

#24 Face-Framing Wavy Bob with Quiet Gray Highlights

These gray highlights give the illusion of depth, and in some cases, are even subtle enough that they almost seem like a natural element, which is ideal for highlighting silver hair. The face framing layers do that thing where they almost compel you to look at her eyes first, which is always the intention even if people say otherwise. The length is manageable, and the waves are just the right amount of tousled to appear lived in. I mean that as the biggest compliment as achieving a “lived in” look is extremely difficult to do on purpose. This is ideal for those who don’t want to put in any extra work when it comes to styling, but still want a polished hairstyle that looks like it took a lot of time and effort to create.

#25 Wavy Layers with Natural Highlights and Easy Elegance

This haircut is a more relaxed look. I like cuts like this! The waves look effortless, the layers add movement, and the highlights are perfectly placed. Wavy hair can become frizzy very easily, and with a cut like this you’ll want an anti frizz product. Aside from the frizz, this cut will require little work to maintain. You can wear this everyday, and it will make you look like you put a lot of thought into your look, which is what most people want!