Officially, there are no hairstyles for older women (just like there are no hairstyles for any specific age, really) – there are cuts to match your hair type, facial features, and lifestyle. But while you can forget about that irritating age-appropriateness, it’s not recommended for anyone to choose trending, yet unflattering hairdos. Let’s go through a bunch of modern cuts which are best and most flattering for mature women, also explaining why they work.
1. Voluminous Long Pixie
This short hairstyle features a delicate shade of blonde that refreshes the face perfectly. Shaggy pixie is perfect for showcasing a thick mane and pairs well with a side-swept fringe.
via @hairandbeautyondana
2. Long Side-Swept Waves
A long ‘do can be fun, even if it is dusted with a bit of gray. Just make sure your natural gray streaks are incorporated into a unique color scheme and layering is added for a better structure. The long waves look gorgeous styled with a deep side part.
via @dawnbradleyhair
3. Shaggy Bob with Bangs
Medium length hair is great for creating a shaggy bob with cool razored bangs, going longer towards the temples. This one sparks with an icy shade of blonde and boasts plenty of texture due to the sliced ends. Modern and age-appropriate at the same time!
via @hairbykristenh
4. Side-Parted Blunt Bob
Alternatively, opt for a sleek hairdo, such as this rounded chin length bob that feels edgy due to its clean shape and a hint of asymmetry. Due to the deep side part, this sleek bob delivers a bit of asymmetry to interrupt the roundness of the face. It is perfect for highlighting cheekbones, too.
via @vancityhairgirl
5. Short Choppy Pixie
“To create the appearance that one’s cheekbones are sharper or more defined, it helps to keep hair off the face. Long hair overall can drag the appearance down and create heavy weight,” Adel Chabbi, extension specialist and hairstylist who has worked with Jessica Lange and Alicia Silverstone, tells Refinery29. A very short pixie looks bombastic on mature women, and this light mauve jaggedness is just outstanding thanks to its rejuvenating effect.
via @zosuuz_hairlab
6. Bixie with a Tuck Behind Ear
This lady got her fine hair volumized with a combination of darker roots and blonde highlights. The side tresses tucked behind the ear is a nice trick to look flirtatious and younger.
via @itsmekaydra
7. Lob with Straight Bangs
A lob with subtle layers and soft highlights works great to revamp thin hair. Choose straight bangs for added density in the front and an A-line shape for a trendy touch.
via @cosmocady
8. Natural Layered Curls
And this beautiful redhead rocks an eye-popping curly hairdo, tumbling below her shoulders and framing her face with masterfully cut layers. Proof that you can easily sport your natural curls long and look bomb at any age.
via @hairbypucci
9. Sliced Ends and Thick Bangs
This dense straight fringe is a bang-on focal point, enhanced by a refreshing shade of blond the piece-y hairstyle boasts. Sliced and flipped out ends add this cut a unique charm.
via @pipsqueekinsaigon
10. Stacked Crop
With thick hair, you can allow for heavily layered crops, delivering tons of texture and looking really fashionable. Layers at the top and short side-swept bangs add even more volume and fullness.
via @kristins_hair_chronicles
11. Bixie with Side-Swept Bangs
Bixie is a perfect choice if you want something low-maintenance yet still with enough room for some coloring work. This short layered bob just cannot fail to catch the eye, showing off that fabulous mix of silver and brownish gray.
via @salonbravissimo
12. Short Bob with a Side Bangs
You can get a youthful look without any high contrast coloring. take a cue from this lovely textured bob cut, natural hues and girlish side-swept bangs do the job fine.
via @uniondurham
13. Rounded Bob with Bangs
“A bob is timeless,” says Ruth Roche, award-winning stylist, Redken master artist and educator with stars like Mariah Carey and Pink in her list. She recommends a softly blunt bob, which is “suitable for a lot of people because it’s got a safe length”. When choosing a bob with bangs, avoid sharp lines, giving preference to fringes with a bend for a softer feel.
via @p.s.i_love_hair
14. Curled Bob with Wispy Bangs
Wavy hair is usually associated with youthfulness, so add curves to your bob, especially if you have thin tresses – this helps get more volume. Opt for subtle layers, wispy bangs, loose waves, and rounded lines.
via @stylebymarilyn
15. Stacked Angled Bob
This stacked bob is all joy with its clear shape and clean beige blonde color. A gorgeous deep fringe arched towards the temples and angled shape are a go-to for those who prefer sharper lines in their cuts.
via @deberardinis
16. Twist Out Pixie
When it comes to youthful looks for African American women, they have freedom to choose from natural, protective or relaxed hairstyles. If you prefer rocking your curls all natural or permed, think of a rounded shape and short to medium length to begin with.
via @giviniv
17. Side-Parted Braids
This cute downdo proves that any Black lady over 60 can still pull off twists effortlessly. This one is a great example of a protective hairstyle which can be done on the natural gray hair.
via @thewayoflifesalon
18. Long Braids with Highlights
Who doesn’t love braids? If you thought you can’t pull off extra long ones, think twice! A braided ‘do is another popular option, bringing in the low maintenance your natural hair may lack.
via @slayedbymeliz
19. Silver Crochet Braids
Get inspired by this awesome crochet hairstyle that boasts an extraordinary texture and a beautiful silver color. This will look best styled to the side.
via @hair_be_poppin
20. Flexi Rod Curls
Flexi rods are your go to when you want these cute defined tiny curls. Any mature Black lady can go for cute natural curls shaped with flexi rods. Tippi Shorter, natural hair expert and hairstylist working with A-list celebs like Rihanna and Jada Pinkett-Smith, told Allure. She also says that she loves to see more texture on mature women, as it helps to ease any fine lines and it always looks chic.
via @hairbyrhondiva
21. Wavy Shag with Short Bangs
“Hair can be used to soften hard lines or hollowed faces. It can also work to draw attention from a drooping chin or aged neck,” Jon Reyman, celeb hairstylist and founder of Spoke & Weal salons, says to Refinary29. This trendy shag hairstyle arrests the eye with fun baby bangs and a plethora of texture, gained with layers and waves.
via @andrea_gildedfox
22. Pixie with Long Side Bangs
All you need to tame your thick coarse locks is a bulk-removing layered cut and messy styling. This lady wears her gray hair naturally, shaped into a sassy pixie with disconnected layers and spiced up with black lowlights.
via @sahairasalon
23. Flipped Out Rachel Cut
When choosing a middle-length hairdo, think of a sophisticated layers and bangs to frame your face. Having a blowout with tips flipped out playfully will be a perfect finishing touch.
via @karahurston
24. Pixie Bob with Piece-y Fringe
This smooth, yet textured cut goes well with glasses, since it features a piece-y fringe attracts attention to the eyes without overwhelming the face. Adapt the fringe the way it works best for your eyes and glasses you wear.
via @thelostkiiddoeshair
25. Classic Pixie Cut
A trendy pixie can be customized to balance a long face with a fringe, as well as to hide ears by getting long and wide sideburns. Side-swept bangs visually soften the features, too.
via @hairby_jgalindo
26. Short Side-Swept Pixie
Look at one more option for styling your pixie cut with short bangs. Get the bangs textured with an appropriate product and then neatly feather them across the forehead.
via @nicki_greenalleysalon
27. Short Fluffy Crop
This cut is a perfect choice for fine hair. The blonde crop is really fun and age-slaying due to the fluffy top and piece-y bangs coupled with the closely cropped hair on the sides.
via @savannahmc98
28. Feathered Wedge Cut
Love bobs but want to make it more fun? The stacked bob is by no means out of fashion, especially when adorned with fancy details like wedge-cut hair at the nape and feathered front pieces.
via @edschonsgabyza
29. Messy Bixie
Messy styling is hot and edgy, and this choppy ‘do gets in line with the trend, while adding vibe to fine hair. You can’t go wrong with a bixie with face-framing bangs.
via @arcuthi_arcuthe
30. Spiky Pixie
A spiky hairstyle teamed up with a depth-adding color blend is a sure-fire way to juice up your look. This is a perfect choice for those with round faces to visually elongate the look.
via @biohemian_concept
Whether you have permed ringlets or stick-straight strands, thin tresses or a head of hair, there is a cut that can make you look trendy, sexy and younger. Don’t be afraid to experiment with sassy crops, elegant updos or chic lengthy styles – any age can make any style work, just with a few adjustments.