No matter what age you are, having the perfect hairstyle for your face shape and hair texture will always be an instant glow up. And it doesn’t matter what stage of life you’re in, you don’t have to settle for the same hairdos that others in your age group are going for. There are so many flattering haircuts and hairstyles for mature women to try.
So if you’re headed to the hairdresser this week or you want to try a new look this week, then make sure to take reference photos so that you leave happy with your results.
And whether you’re going for a short and chic bob or updating it to a middle part long hairstyle with volume, there are so many options to try when you’re over 50.
Just make sure to take into consideration the hairstyles that don’t just work with your face shape, but also your bone structure and other facial features. You want to give people a bit of a surprise the next time they see you. 😉
Down below are well known celebrities over 50 who are all wearing haircuts and styles that work with their hair type and even preferred maintenance level. They’re proof that you can look good with almost any hairstyle even after a certain age.
So if you want an update on your look, then check out these haircuts for older women and see which one might look best on you.
1. Elegant Side Bangs
Jane Seymour’s face framing look is both playful and elegant. To get this look, do a slight curl to the side with your bangs and curl random pieces of hair to frame your face. Then give the back a bit of volume and pull it into a chic bun or ponytail.
2. Long Loose Waves
Sandra Bullock will never not look effortlessly elegant with looks like this. And if you want to have a hairstyle that has that “sprezzatura” feel, then do a middle part, get some long layers, and do some very gentle waves.
3. Voluminous Curly Bob
I honestly don’t know how Viola Davis pulls off chic and adorable with this hairstyle, but it just works. And if you like short looks that are less maintenances, then this simpler bob with voluminous curls might just be your next look.
4. Medium Length Defined Waves
Julia Roberts has no right to look this stunning. And with a medium length cut with a bit of layering and more defined waves, it’s kind of a no brainer for any woman over 50.
5. Layered Voluminous Side Part
If you want to look refined but still have fun with your haircut, then I think Jane Fonda’s look might be for you. It’s a shorter hairdo with with a bit of layering and some very cute side bangs!
text – Jane Fonda
6. Chic and Long
If you’re into long locks and you don’t care about your age (because why would you?), then definitely get some extensions, put your hair down, or grow it out like Naomi Campbell. Long hair isn’t just for the young. 😌
7. Simple And Cute Pixie Cut
I don’t know how many years Jamie Lee Curtis has been sporting this look, but it will always look good on her. And if you want something low maintenance but cute, then this short look might be perfect for you!
8. Side Part With Defined Curls
Salma Hayek looks so refined and beautiful with these large curls. But the key to this look is to not curl too high up, just create some curls (that curl away from your face, not towards) around your jaw area, hairspray, and you’re good to go!
9. Effortless Beach Waves
If you’re in love with the effortless beach wave look (like me), then I think Michelle Pfeiffer’s hairstyle might be for you. It’s a great everyday casual hairstyle that can also look incredible on a date night.
10. Voluminous Messy Curls
Speaking of effortless messy styles, if you like curls but you don’t want them to be too defined, then Catherine Zeta Jones’ look might just be what you want.
text – Catherine Zeta Jones
11. Elegant Short Waves
If you have a shorter hairstyle, then one of the best ways to easily style it is with some soft but more defined waves. Jennifer Aniston has just a bit of volume and the waves really do frame her face nicely.
12. Refined Swept Back Short Cut
Cate Blanchett looks good with almost any hairstyle she tries, and this queenly short do is incredible. Textured spray might be able to help with this, but I would also talk to your hairdresser about how you can replicate this look on the fly.
text – Cate Blanchett
13. Soft Elegant Curls
I am in love with Helen Mirren’s princess-like hairstyle. She elegantly incorporates a headband into her long soft curls. Maybe pair it with a new hair color (or not) and see how it looks on you!
14. Wind Blown Bob
Sharon Stone kind of looks like the definition of cool, and this hairstyle is definitely helping. And a bit of volumizing mousse on damp hair and some textured spray (when dry) might help you achieve this exact look.
text – Sharon Stone
15. Long and Effortlessly Messy Curls
I am going to say this again, do not let your age keep you from owning your long locks.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, you will always look incredible with some length. And Demi Moore is just an amazing example of this with her long messy curls.
16. Framing Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs will always be a good idea. I got some myself last year and don’t know if or when I’ll ever change them. They’re an amazing way to frame your face and look effortlessly chic. And I think Jennifer Lopez’s bangs are top notch. 👌
17. Voluminous Medium Length Loose Curls
Diane Lane’s hairstyle and cut is honestly perfect for her age. It has just the right amount of volume and some beautiful length. And those loose curls are a great way to finish off your look if you want to give it a try yourself.
18. Simple Layered Waves
Depending on your face shape, a side part can look incredible on you. And Cindy Crawford’s side part with wavy layers is just stunning. I’d say replicate this if you want to update your look.
19. Half-Up Look With Curtain Bangs
Meryl Streep’s half-up hairstyle is smooth and elegant and kind of works for so many situations in life. Just have your hairstylist give you some face framing curtain bangs and this haircut will look amazing on you.
20. Swept Back Updo With Face Framing Pieces
Face framing pieces of hair really is the way to go if you want to have stunning and elegant updos. And Nicole Kidman does this so well with her almost windblown look.
21. Simple Elegant Bun With Curtain Bangs
Whether you’re headed out to a coffee shop with friends and you’re wearing a simple t-shirt with cute jeans, or you’re headed out to a nice dinner with your husband, this curtain bang hairstyle is the way to go. And Courteney Cox does it so well with the bangs having a slight curl and adding a bit of volume in the back.
22. Perfectly Messy Waves With Highlights
It doesn’t matter if you’re headed to the beach or you’re hosting a dinner at your place, this hairstyle with a chic black sweater and trousers might just be an incredible look on you. And Elle Macpherson is a great example of this style with her highlights.
23. Voluminous Layered Curls
If you love volume, then Andie Macdowell’s hairstyle is going to be for you. She adds a lot of volume to the top of her hair, which can be recreated with with a bit of volumizing mousse when your roots are wet. And then she finishes it off with these big soft curls. It looks so good. 👌
24. Playful Curls
Meg Ryan’s cute curls are such a great way to have a playful and more youthful look. Test out different sizes of curling irons to see which size of curl works best for your face shape, and don’t forget to add the volume!
25. Chic and Minimalist Middle Part
Julianne Moore’s minimalistic and chic middle part looks so effortlessly cool. There isn’t too much volume going on, but her hair is well maintained and falls over her face nicely. Also, the length is easily manageable and her reddish-brown hair really pops!
26. Layered Bob
Bobs are such a cute look for any age. And if you want something that’s more low maintenance but still stylish, then this layered bob that Gayle King is sporting is a great look for your everyday lifestyle.
27. Asymmetrical Style
Iman’s asymmetrical look is absolutely stunning. It’s well kept and the haircut in general really is a great way to make you stand out and look chic.
28. Elegant Side Swept Bob
If you’re a fan of those windblown hairstyles, then Robin Write’s wavy bob might just be perfect for you. You don’t need to spend hours in front of the mirror, but you’re still gonna look stunning.
29. Chic Swept Back Ponytail
I will never not be a fan of well done ponytails, and this chic swept back look that Marisa Tomei is wearing is a great way to dress up your look this week.
text – Marisa Tomei
30. Layered Medium Length Cut
Whether you’re headed to the office or you’re going out to dinner with friends, Laura Linney’s layered cut is honestly a great option. There’s a bit of volume in the back, and the waving layers can make you look so well put together.
31. Straight and Simple
If you’re a fan of the middle part straight hairstyle, but you don’t want too much length, then definitely consider Mariska Hargitay’s cut. It’s a lot less work, but still looks chic. And maybe add in some highlights to make your hair pop.
32. A Pompadour Look
Ming-Na Wen looks absolutely stunning (and cool) with this hairstyle. And if you love the volume and you’ve got the length, then this hairstyle might be a fun one to pull of this weekend.
text – Ming-Na Wen
33. Layered Side Part
If you’re used to having a middle part, then definitely test out a side part and see if it looks better with your face shape. Whether it does or not, Lisa Kudrow’s layers and waves might be something you’ll want to replicate!
34. Messy Short Curls
It can be nice to have highly stylized curls with a lot of definition. But if you want something a bit more casual, then Helen Hunt’s more messy/chic hairstyle might be a good one to go for.
35. Cute and Short Curls
These short curls on Vanessa Williams look absolutely cute and pretty! It’s a fun hairstyle that looks effortlessly good with dresses and casual wear.
36. Side Part Bangs With Simple Curls
If you’re in a rush, but you still want to have a styled look, then Jodie Foster’s simple style might be a good one to go for. She only side parts her bangs, and the volume her hair has really heightens the look.
37. Bangs and Face Framing Pieces
If you’ve been thinking about getting bangs but you’re not sure, then I hope Jennifer Jason convinces you to just go for it! Also, her face framing hair pieces really elevate her look, and go well with her bangs.
text – Jennifer Jason
38. Layered Short Length Cut
If you love layers, but you want a short haircut (because sometimes you just don’t have the time for the longer looks), then adding some pretty layers and volume is a great way to go.
39. Playful Bob
I really love Emma Thompson’s bob! It’s simple, but it looks so casually chic on her. And it’s a great way to elevate your entire look and change things up. You might also want to play around with where the hair is parted and see what works best with your facial structure.
40. Voluminous Curls
Ok, Angela Bassett’s hair is for the women who love volume. And if you’re tired of always having straight hair, then going for these beautiful voluminous curls might just be what you need.
41. Side Part Curtain Bangs
As I’ve said before, curtain bangs are such a beautiful look no matter what age you are. And Holly Hunter’s side curtain bangs look so easily stylish with her updo. It’s not overdone, but it looks very elegant!
42. Styled Short Hairstyle
If your hair is already short (or you’re considering cutting it), then this textured and voluminous look that Joan Allen is sporting might be a hairstyle that you should go for. It’s elegant and can work in so many life situations.
43. Messy Bun With Face Framing Pieces
Whether you choose to go with a messy bun or a claw clip, having some shorter layers and face framing pieces is a quick and easy way to look chic. And Rene Russo really knows what she’s doing when she wears this hairstyle.
44. Short But Voluminous
Kim Basinger’s ultra voluminous curls are really eye-catching, and she pulls it off so well with her short hair. So if your hair isn’t super long, but you love curls, just know that they’re not off limits for you.
45. Straight and Chic
I decided to end this with Mary Steenburgen’s simple, but very chic cut. Her bangs and shoulder length hair frame her face so well. And if you want something stylish but simple, then this look might be what you wanna go for.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.