The thing about growing old is that hair texture and color change drastically.
That’s how we justify not having fun with our hair when we reach our 50s, right?
We get it, what worked in the 1990s might not really be a perfect fit right now. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you blindly settle for the frumpy hairstyles older women are expected to rock after turning 50 (lookin’ at you, one-length cuts).
Even at your age, it’s possible to get inspired by brand-new do’s and find your most flattering next cut. No matter your thoughts on short versus long, gray versus no gray, the hairstyles below are bound to have you dialing up your salonist right away.
From pixie cuts to inverted bobs, shag cuts & more. Get ready to age like fine wine with these ageless short hairstyles for older women.
1) Classic Bob For Women Over 50
We could go on all day about the perks of this timeless ‘do, but we’ll cut to the chase and list just three: it frames the face beautifully, accommodates any type of fringe, and requires little to no styling effort. LOVE!
2) Classic Pixie For Women Over 50
Options. That’s what you’ll get with this epic cut; add layers on top for extra volume, whip in some piece-y bangs for a messy (but coifed!) feel, or try both like the sophisticated woman that you are.
3) Tousled Long Undercut Pixie
Take your long pixie up a few notches–er, inches. This not-your-basic short haircut majorly delivers in the volume department; trust the side-swept bangs to hide your forehead wrinkles like they were never there.
4) Piece-y Pixie With Fringe
Classic vibes meet modern with this stunning choppy pixie. The poppy color on its own will have you looking half your age.
5) Choppy Pixie
When hair goes flat, we go choppy. Instantly transform any short cut into something way more playful and statement-making by adding uneven layers around the crown.
6) Feathered Pixie in Platinum Blonde
This hairstyle looks like it’s ready to head out and have a ladies’ lunch–for thin hair beauties only (duh!). It’s hard to beat the combo of light blonde and well-defined layers; youthful look, guaranteed.
7) Textured Pixie
Halle Berry has effortlessly pulled off this chic style time and again, why not you? With only some pomade for adding texture and separate hair pieces, you’ll be ready for the red carpet in no time!
8) Spiked Pixie
This hairstyle is another tribute to the power of a volumized crown. While it does require a bit of product (think: heavy, wax-based spray), it’s worth it; the additional height creates the illusion that the face shape is longer, a big W for round face gals.
9) Very Short Pixie for Older Women
Love a hairstyle that does the most while still letting your facial features shine? Us too; dyed blonde with a feathered crown, this cut is stunningly feminine and classy.
10) Salt and Pepper Pixie With Long Bangs
If you play your cards right–as in, utilize gray blending technique–you can keep those silver strands looking their best at any age. This cut (and color) is as low-maintenance as it gets.
11) Shaved Pixie Hairstyle With Nape Undercut
If your middle name is daring, then this bombshell gray pixie is your ticket to a trendy, modern look. The combo of shaved sides and spiky crown is guaranteed to turn heads.
12) Wavy Pixie
We say, “Bring on ‘em waves.” Nothing gives us more oomph than a cut with extra length left on the crown and top; it flaunts bounce and movement like nobody’s business.
13) Short Shag Cut
This cut says one thing: no styling limits. Break out the texturizing spray and styling wax, because this shag loves them both; the result is a little more vibrancy and a whole lot sass.
14) Blonde Curls For Gray Hair
Want to know the secret of these deliciously groomed curls? Moisture, moisture, and some more moisture; with the right hair care product, your naturally curly hair will look like you’ve just left the salon.
15) Stacked Blonde Bob
We love an elegant, no-fuss look when rocking a short ‘do, and this bob cut is basically schooling all of the others. Ultra-sleek and ultra-layered, the back section of this feathered bob means business.
16) Short Layered Bob
This cut is an excellent choice for adding a flair of softness and the illusion of depth to fine hair. It revamps thick hair just as well, creating texture and definition in spades.
17) Elegant Jaw-Length French Bob
A touch of je ne sais quoi is all your go-to traditional bob needs to look this good. Blunt ends, refined layers, and a modern chin-hugging length come together for a chic cut suitable for any occasion.
18) Smokey Wispy Undercut Pixie
Pinterest-worthy wispy layers look amazing on an undercut pixie. Just be ready to commit to regular styling as these on-trend loose waves tend to fade pretty fast.
19) Long Pixie With Highlights
We never mind bringing joyful summer vibes into short hairstyles for women over 50, and this creamy, natural-looking shade makes the soft, airy texture really stand out.
20) Bouncy Bob For Straight Hair
Those with fine hair will definitely appreciate the show-stopping capabilities of this iconic neck-length bob. Spice up this mid-length bob with razored ends to give your hair more texture and movement.
21) Cropped Pixie Cut For Women Over 50
There’s no bad time to opt for gray blending and rock a cropped cut at the same time. Plus, it’s the perfect shortcut for instant cheekbones; we approve!
22) Voluminous Gray Pixie Cut
This unruly style gives you the shape and body you want without too much work. With nothing more than your trusty volumizing products, this low-maintenance cut will stay high and long all day long; bleach the ends for a distinctive lightweight touch.
23) A-Line Bob With Side Swept Bangs
Scrap a few years off your face and hair with this trendy, super chic ‘do. And given angled bobs have a reputation for being extremely versatile, you’re guaranteed a dozen ways to look several decades younger; now that’s a major W!
24) Rounded Bob In Dark Chocolate Brown
Jaw, dropped; first of all, that alluring hair color is what a 30-year-old you would rock to an afternoon date (cue: more compliments than you can handle). Second, it’s the perfect solution for older women with thinning hair–volume and texture overload!
25) Long Curly Pixie
Thinning hair, more stress? This messy cut strongly disagrees; it allows you to keep some length while embracing your aging hair, all without keeping your styling time to a minimum–that sounds like a lot less stress to us.
26) Gray Pixie Bob Cut For Fine Hair
Want to catch on a hair trend that keeps on giving good, bolder looks? Look no further, and you won’t even need to break your hair care products to pull off this do; some above-average scissor skills will do.
27) Chin Bob
Spell iconic without spelling iconic. Despite being around for decades, this timeless face-hugging cut hasn’t lost its allure; throw in some delicate bangs to attain an effortless touch that requires zero (read: more time with the gals) additional styling.
28) Straight Lob
Call every other short haircut boring but this one. The combination of long bangs and curled-under ends makes it one of the most unique and exciting hairstyles you’ll ever don.
29) Pin Straight Bob
Your natural hair color–yes, even if it’s silver–is begging to make a statement. Pair it with a textured, blunt bob for a chic and classic overall style sure to have onlookers craning.
30) Soft Modern Shag
This short shag haircut for women over 50 looks absolutely dreamy. The length of the frontal tresses is perfect to show off your jawline, and the bangs can seamlessly cover your big forehead.
31) Bouncy Lob
If you have thick hair, this hairstyle is a fail-safe way to embrace your texture. It features midway-to-ends layering and works brilliantly with longer side-swept bangs.
32) Beachy Lob
At-the-beach hang-out, anyone? A gorgeous cool-girl look like this one is easy to achieve; simply soak your natural hair in some sea salt spray and let it air dry.
33) Shoulder-Length Natural Curls
Below-the-chin curly haircuts are perfect for those who struggle to maintain long curly hair but don’t want to go too short. Natural wavy hair texture gives you that airness and dimension you might need in your mid-to-late 50s.
34) Tousled Graduated Bob For Older Women
We can’t think of a reason why we shouldn’t rock this signature full-bodied bob this year. It’s ever-so-nostalgic.
35) Sculptured Bob Cut
This edgy approach to the modern bob features face-framing layers, but keeps the flippy bangs of the original cut. Opt for a side part, as it compliments more face shapes than one down the middle.
36) Full Bangs
Not restricting yourself in the bangs department is taking a leap you won’t regret. For starters–we’ll say it–it effortlessly covers any fine lines; two, it can feel modern and classy at the same time. DOUBLE SCORE!
37) Short Bowl Cut
One timelessly chic haircut, coming right up. Keep the fringe and perimeter as blunt as possible, and toss in plenty of piece-y layers for extra dimension and ZING!
38) Fly-Away Shaggy Bob With Bangs
Forget about your fritz-fighting shampoo and conditioner for once. The best part about this messy ‘do is that it flatters (literally) any face shape, and those delicate bangs styled to the side are your wrinkle’s best friend.
39) Cute Pixie With Long Bangs
We aren’t kidding, a youthful pixie cut like this one can knock off a solid 5-10 years off your age. It’s got enough strands to yield a bouncier and fuller look–something your 25-year-old self would be proud of!
40) Sleek Silver Bob
We can’t hide our excitement, that deep side-part is an absolute show-stopper. Couple it up with ash or silver blonde tone, and your gray hair will be forever grateful.
41) Short Messy Hairstyle With Dark Roots
The combination of black roots and blonde spiked ends adds a unique grunge touch to this shaggy bob. It’s giving trendy casual, and we’re here for it!
42) Layered Inverted Bob for Women Over 50
It’s no coincidence that many older women across social media are seen rocking this style; it’s that trendy. Wear it straightened and sleek when heading out for dinner, or ruffled and loose when running errands–the perfect any-season, all-occasions ‘do, no?
43) Asymmetric Bob
It doesn’t matter which name you call it, this asymmetrical take on the classic cut has an undeniably youthful, edgy vibe to it. Ask your stylist to give your hair body and height at the crown and top, and you’re set.
44) Layered Lob
We’ll never say no to this many layers. This particular cut gets personality and movement from shorter and longer layers; we won’t sleep on the sleek middle part either–it adds glow to any face shape. TRIPLE WIN!
45) Graduated Very Short Bob Haircut
Sleek, straight, and sultry, this micro bob has us on chokehold. We don’t know whether it’s the subtle highlights (hello, extra dimension) or the gently tousled shine-adding crown that has gasping for air.
46) Over 50 Shattered Pixie
Senior ladies with gray hair should consider this caramel color scheme that brightens up the face, and the shaggy cut that retains much of the body thanks to the feathery finish. It’s also an ideal fit for overweight women–hey, there’s no shame in embracing some extra curves and bends where they pop the most!
47) Universal Pixie With Highlights
Super feminine and infinitely classy, that’s all this trendy haircut for 50+ women has to say. Full stop.
48) Wedge Short Haircut for Older Women
Mature women, we present to you the most dramatic short hairstyle you can rock today. Everything from the tapered nape to the wispy crown to the feathery finish around the middle of the mane screams edgy; and in our world, edgy = elegance inimitable.
49) Short Choppy Hairstyle for Thick Hair
We are already drooling at the mere thought of this delicious lilac shade popping in place of your gray hair. The short, piece-y layers accentuate the choppy finish and warm hue in equal measure; DOUBLE CHECK!
50) Super Pixie
Nothing revives a regular pixie like height and some drama around the crown (read: perfectly manicured tight curls). Keep the sides cropped for maximum chicness.
51) Sophisticated
This super sleek angled bob for women over 50 is the ultimate flattering do’. The sharp angle forward adds extra length around the jawline, slimming the face to perfection, while the long swoopy bang enhances the eyes–exactly what we ordered for the red carpet.
52) Soft Blunt Bob
Agreed, this style is quite uncommon among mature women, but doesn’t it look stunning? Given that it also pairs well with gray hair, you’re assured a modern and fancy ‘do that simply won’t let you down.
53) Ultra-Layered Crop
Your head shape and hair texture are about to get a tantalizing pick-me-up courtesy of this ‘do. Plus, it’s very low-maintenance; what more could you possibly want in a daring short hairstyle for older women?
54) Sassy Pixie
You’ll never go back below the shoulder again after getting this personality-packed short haircut. Go ahead and save this inspo for your next salon visit; your hairstylist will have a field day with ‘em feathery layers up-top.
55) Two-Tone Short Haircut With Spiky Ends
High-contrast color combinations are sure to attract attention to short bob cuts, especially when they’re coupled with a bold finish. This wispy cut takes “stepping out of the comfort zone” to a whole new level.
56) Classy Blonde Bob
There’s every reason to make this your go-to short hairstyle for 2024. The soft, light hue combined with layered cutting technique result in a look that’s both sophisticated and easy to manage, perfect for the modern mature woman.
57) Short Back, Voluminous Crown
Yes, the subtle blue teal at the front steals the limelight (peeerfect!), but we can’t help but notice just how deliciously layered the crown is. It’s the perfect hairdo for taking some weight off of your thick hair while retaining its full-body allure.
58) Pixie With Sharp Sideburns
This haircut represents the best of both worlds; long in front and on top, cropped on the sides with an edgy sideburn to boot. The former adds some much needed volume around the crown, while the latter frames the face beautifully; one word: sensational.
59) Two-Tone Pixie With Side-Swept Bangs
If you won’t turn heads with those intricately styled flippy bangs, you’ll definitely invite compliments with the oh-so-delicate contrast between the two brown spectrum hues. Either way, you’re bound to stun, without the extra maintenance burden.
60) Angled Bob With Flipped-Out Bangs
Who said sultry styles are solely reserved for younger women? For maximum sexiness from under the bangs, try thick bangs that hit on your cheekbones.
Over 50 Ways to Look Half Your Age, Without a Hint of 50
The ‘dos in this rundown are proof enough that there’s no shortage of great short hairstyles for women over 50–and they’re all stylish, elegant, and easy to fit into your lifestyle.
What’s holding you back? Your over-50 signature look is waiting for you to rock the heck out of it. Now go make your tresses proud–we both know they deserve it!