50 Short Hairstyles for Older Women: Inspiration for a New Hairstyle

Are you looking for inspiration for a new haircut or hairstyle to make you feel more like you? That can become increasingly difficult when you’re a woman over 50 years of age. As we age, our hair can become thinner, more coarse, and we start to see, if we haven’t already, the signs of gray hairs. If you’re still searching for your signature look, explore our list of the top ten short hairstyles for older women below!

Why Choose Short Styles?

You may have noticed that a lot of women over the age of 50 are sporting shorter hairstyles. Well, it turns out that it’s a lot more than just for convenience’s sake, though nine times out of ten that is one of the best parts. So, what is all the rage about you may ask? Well, not only is this style incredibly low-maintenance compared to any other longer style, it’s surprisingly versatile, and actually healthier for hair to receive a good chop!

Let’s face it; long hair means high maintenance. As we get older, it becomes harder and more demanding to keep up with our aging hair’s maintenance. We begin to see our friends chopping off their hair simply because they’re done fussing with it, especially as old age creeps up.

Another reason short hairstyles for older women are so popular is the amount of volume it can add to fine or thinning hair through layering. You’ll also use much less styling products, shampoo and conditioner, and more. Think of all you could be saving! Not to mention you won’t have to go hunting around for a clip or hair elastic the moment summer hits.

How We Reviewed the Top 50 Short Hairstyles for Older Women

A good haircut or hairstyle is worth more than gold, especially one that can stand the test of time. We know that you’re busy, which is why we took the time to extensively compile the top ten best short hairstyles for older women. It can be easy to think there are not a lot of options out there for women over the age of 50, but the sky is truly the limit when it comes to personal style!

When we sat down to review the list of the top ten short hairstyles for older women, we based our rating system on achievability, the amount of daily maintenance required, and the versatility of the hairstyle for both formal and informal occasions.

Our comprehensive list has been extensively researched and contains the top ten short hairstyles for older women of the 21st century. Keep reading below to explore and compare various haircuts and styles.

1. Side-Swipe with Fringe

Side-Swipe with Fringe - a woman wearing a floral sleeveless shirt — Source

Features

The short cut with a side-swept fringe, or bangs, is often described as a simple “wash and go” style. If you have a round face shape, a side-swept style with bangs is perfect to create the illusion of a longer face. You can also pair a side-swept bang with a chin-length bob or layered pixie cut for length.

Side-swept bangs also help to frame the face which makes it a particularly flattering style for short hair. It’s also a great style choice if you have glasses, the swept bangs, and a bolder frame makes everything that much more striking.

PROS

Ideal for round face shape
Easy maintenance
Effortless style

CONS

Not ideal for thin hair
Some styling may be required

2. Classical Bob

Classical Bob - a woman wearing a surgical facemask — Source

Features

The bob is a classic hairstyle that has stood the test of time. Even lovingly referred to as the queen of short hairstyles, the bob is an elegant and versatile choice for older women. Dress it up or keep it loose and wavy for both formal and informal looks.

The fun part about the classic bob is that you can take it in so many different ways. Change where your part sits in your hair to change up the entire look! Switching sides of your part also helps encourage extra volume where you might not have had it before.

The bob can be versatile itself, being a “lob” or long bob, a shorter bob that just skims the jawline, or a more choppy and fun cut to add depth and texture. Whichever bob you choose, know it’ll be a low-maintenance winner!

PROS

Timeless style
Casual and professional
Low-maintenance

CONS

Not ideal for round face shapes
Not ideal for all hair textures
May require some styling

3. Pixie with Edge

Pixie with Edge - a woman wearing a checkered longsleeve — Source

Features

Think Judi Dench, does an edgy pixie cut come to mind? If it does, then you’re right because the edgy pixie cut is one of the best short hairstyles for older women. This easy to look after cut is becoming increasingly popular among women of all ages.

This spunky look is ideal for those with a square or heart-shaped face and is perfect if your hair is transitioning to gray quickly. The shorter length will help the gray hair take quicker which also allows you to play around with color!

Keep your beautiful, well-earned gray, or play around with highlights or even semi-permanent dye for added edge. Keeping your pixie cut more than one tone will help give it a much-needed depth which, in turn, helps your hair to appear fuller.

PROS

Easily maintained
Perfect transition for gray hair
Spunky and edgy

CONS

Not ideal for round, long, or oval face shapes
Some styling may be required

4. Short with Multiple Layers

Short with Multiple Layers - a woman wearing a necklace and checkered blouse — Source

Features

One of the most popular hairstyles for older women is the multi-layered shortcut. This cut is relatively short featuring multiple, short, layers across the entire scalp. It’s a modern, yet classic hairstyle that has stood the test of time. It’s no wonder it’s so popular.

The multiple layered effect creates unrivaled volume and is perfect for those with thin hair looking to add volume and depth!

PROS

Easily managed
Ideal for thin hair
Creates volume

CONS

Requires frequent trims
Not ideal for thick or coarse hair
Not ideal for fine hair

5. Full Fringe

Full Fringe - a woman wearing black cape — Source

Features

Are you looking for a sneaky way to cover up forehead wrinkles? Try a full fringe or full bangs! A chunky bang is also perfect if you have a long or oval-shaped face to help your face appear shorter. It’s also a wonderful way to hide bald patches or thinning hair around your temples.

With a full fringe, you have the opportunity to have some fun, and it’s a great choice for those with a chin-length bob. For some hair textures and types, it can add unrivaled volume that you’ll be wondering how you’ve been missing.

PROS

Timeless and popular classic
Youthful in appearance
Encourages volume

CONS

Requires more styling
Not ideal for thin or curly hair
Will require a regular trim

6. Pixie with a Dark Side

Pixie with a Dark Side - a woman wearing a black shirt — Source

Features

Ready to kick your pixie cut up a notch? Why not try the dark rooted pixie cut? The pixie with a dark side is simply a pixie cut that leaves your roots darker. Leaving your roots darker not only gives a much-needed depth to graying hair, but it also gives off a more youthful appearance overall.

We suggest pairing this edgy cut with large jewelry for an added, stylish, statement!

PROS

Easily managed
Youthful and fashion forward
Edgier and fun

CONS

Requires frequent trims
Requires hair dying
Not ideal for round face shapes

7. A-Line Bob

A-Line Bob - a woman wearing black facemask — Source

Features

Do you have fine hair? Then you understand the struggle that comes with finding the perfect short hairstyles for older women. However, we’ve found the secret: the A-line bob.

The A-line bob is perfect for fine hair because it keeps the short back for added volume, then cascades hair just below the chin for the illusion of a longer, sleeker, style. This cut is ideal for older women with a long face and straighter hair.

With the A-line bob, the front is generally two inches longer than the back, allowing the focus to be on framing the front of the face. This is another style perfect for a glasses wearer, particularly if you have rectangular-shaped glasses for added symmetry.

PROS

Ideal for thin, straight hair
Versatile in style
Adds volume

CONS

Not ideal for curly or coarse hair
Requires frequent trims
May require styling

8. Super Short Cut

Super Short Cut - a woman wearing earrings — Source

Features

We all covet our long hair in our youth, but as we begin to grow older, we just can not seem to find the time or effort to manage it. Short hair is incredibly easy to manage, and once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to go back to those longer locks.

If you have thin or fine hair, you may be worried about a super short cut, but don’t worry! You can easily add in some volume with extra layers. The only downside to super short hair is that you will have to get a trim roughly every six weeks, depending on your hair growth, to keep things looking neat and tidy. It’s often a common misconception that with short hair means fewer trips to the salon, but it’s unfortunately, not the case.

PROS

Easy to manage
Ideal for most hair types
Versatile

CONS

Requires frequent trims
Not as ideal for round face shapes

9. Top Volume

Top Volume - a woman wearing a black cape — Source

Features

Do you have curly and unruly hair? Do all of these super short styles make you worry about a frizzed-out nightmare? Well, we’ve got you covered with the classic top volume style. The top volume is simply a creating volume and height.

This layered cut adds volume in a stylish and full-bodied way that is ideal for those with naturally thick hair. The best part about this style is that you don’t need any particular face shape to look best with it, the shape is all about the styling! Accentuate any natural wave or curl in your hair to add height, shape, and volume.

PROS

Perfect for curly and thick hair
Ideal for any face shape
Timeless hairstyle

CONS

Not ideal for thin hair
Requires daily styling
Frequent trims may be required

10. Pixie Undercut

Pixie Undercut - a woman wearing a blue denim jacket — Source

Features

Believe it or not, a pixie cut is a wonderfully versatile hairstyle for older women. One of the edgiest ways to take the pixie cut is by giving it an undercut! A pixie undercut is a shaved underside with the longer hair on top to add height and volume.

Although this daring style works best for oval or diamond face shapes, it’s a modern and uncommon look we can’t help but love.

PROS

Uncommon and fun
Versatile
Easy maintenance

CONS

Some styling may be required
Not ideal for square, heart, or round face shapes

11. Blonde Bob Cut

Blonde Bob Cut - a woman wearing a blue shirt — Source

12. Platinum Pixie Cut

Platinum Pixie Cut - a woman wearing sunglasses — Source

13. Spunky Pixie Cut

Spunky Pixie Cut - a woman with necklace wearing a black sleeveless shirt — Source

14. Purple Pixie Cut

Purple Pixie Cut with Fringe - a woman wearing a gray blouse — Source

15. Natural Pixie Cut

Natural Pixie Cut - a woman wearing a gray blazer — Source

16. Shag Pixie Cut

Shag Pixie Cut - a woman wearing earrings — Source

17. Silver Hair Bob Cut

Silver Hair Bob Cut - a woman wearing earrings — Source

18. Bob with Undercut

Bob with Undercut - a woman wearing black cape — Source

19. Pinky Gold Lob Cut

Pinky Gold Lob Cut - a woman wearing a pink longsleeve — Source

20. Blunt Cut with Spring Blonde

Blunt Cut with Spring Blonde - a woman wearing a black longsleeve — Source

21. Short Lob Cut

Short Lob Cut - a woman wearing a surgical facemask — Source

22. Short Choppy Hair

Short Choppy Hair - a woman wearing a surgical facemask — Source

23. Blonde Choppy Cut

Blonde Choppy Cut - a woman wearing a brown longsleeve — Source

24. Golden Blonde with Middle Part

Golden Blonde with Middle Part - a woman wearing a orange facemask — Source

25. Dimensional Hair with Bangs

Dimensional Hair with Bangs - a woman wearing a printed blouse — Source

26. Bob Cut with Razored Bangs

Bob Cut with Razored Bangs - a woman wearing a stripe blouse — Source

27. Layered Pixie Cut

Layered Pixie Cut - a woman wearing a earrings and necklace — Source

28. Short Shag Cut

Short Shag Cut - a woman wearing a faded black shirt — Source

29. Razored Cut with Burgundy Hair

Razored Cut with Burgundy Hair - a woman wearing a yellow blouse — Source

30. Layered Bob Cut with Blonde

Layered Bob Cut with Blonde - a woman inside a salon — Source

31. Choppy Pixie Cut

Choppy Pixie Cut - a woman wearing a black cape — Source

32. Funky Haircut

Funky Haircut - a woman wearing eyeglasses and surgical facemask — Source

33. Layered Choppy Cut

Layered Choppy Cut - a woman inside a salon — Source

34. Pixie Cut with Dark Hair

Pixie Cut with Dark Hair - a woman wearing black facemask — Source

35. Pixie Cut with Dusty Lavander Color

Pixie Cut with Dusty Lavander Color - a woman wearing white facemask — Source

36. Pixie with Highlights

Pixie with Highlights - a woman wearing tie dye shirt — Source

37. Ice Blonde Hair

Ice Blonde Hair - a woman wearing black facemask — Source

38. Volume Pixie Cut

Volume Pixie Cut - a woman wearing a black cape — Source

39. Pixie Cut

Pixie Cut - a woman wearing earrings — Source

40. Spiky Pixie Cut

Spiky Pixie Cut - a woman wearing a eyeglasses — Source

41. Long Pixie Cut with Side Part

Long Pixie Cut with Side Part - a woman wearing apple green polo blouse — Source

42. Elegant and Chic Pixie Cut

Elegant and Chic Pixie Cut - a woman wearing a pink shirt — Source

43. Shoulder Length Cut with Bangs

Shoulder Length Cut with Bangs - a woman wearing a black blazer — Source

44. Silver Hair Choppy Cut

Silver Hair Choppy Cut - a woman wearing a blue surgical facemask — Source

45. Choppy and Shag Haircut

Choppy and Shag Haircut - a woman wearing pink blouse — Source

46. Choppy Undercut

Choppy Undercut - a woman wearing black cape and black facemask — Source

47. Wavy Bob Cut

Wavy Bob Cut - a woman wearing a black cape — Source

48. Choppy Hair with Curtain Bangs

Choppy Hair with Curtain Bangs - a woman wearing a white printed shirt — Source

49. Pixie with Side Swept Bangs

Pixie with Side Swept Bangs - a woman wearing eyeglasses — Source

50. Textured Choppy Hair

Textured Choppy Hair - a woman wearing a blue knitted blouse — Source

The Verdict

As we grow older, our hair changes color, we lose our pigment, the texture of our hair changes, and overall it becomes thinner and dryer. “The older you get, the weaker your hair can be,” says hairdresser and Pureology and Redken ambassador, George Northwood. “Ends get damaged, so it’s best to invest in a trim every eight weeks.”

That’s why there’s never been a better time to try out a new style. Many hairdressers suggest a shorter hairstyle if you’re over the age of 50 for a revitalized and refreshed way to work with your aging hair. Believe it or not, coarser and dryer hair holds better, so it’s actually a wonderful time to start experimenting with hairstyles and haircuts you never thought you could achieve.

It can be easy to chalk up all of the best hairstyles for older women up to the classic, and plain, pixie cut but there’s so much more than that! The right style for your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle can be life-changing. Not only can it completely transform look, but it can also completely transform your confidence.

So, whether you’re looking to add volume, hide balding spots, frame your new glasses, or even just feel more you, there are short hairstyles for older women out there, perfect for you!

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