30 Flattering Haircuts for Mature Women
Low maintenance hairstyles for short, medium and long hair.
A flattering haircut is the key to looking amazing at every age and stage of life. Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all hairstyle for mature women, communication with your stylist is crucial — don’t be afraid to ask questions or show photos to ensure you’re on the same page. Whether you opt to go long or short, curly or straight, it’s about finding what suits you and what feels comfortable, which is true whether you’re in your 20s or 80s.
But that doesn’t mean you need a dramatic change at every stage of life. "You can stick with your favorite style, but update it in little ways," says New York City-based stylist Mark Garrison. To make it work, consider your bone structure, hair type and preferred maintenance level.
Stylists also recommend turning to a celeb with a similar face shape and hair texture to determine what might look best on you. Think you can’t wear long hair after a certain age? Just look at Naomi Campbell, the ultimate lengthy locks goal. Check out our favorite haircuts for older women below, seen on these gorgeous celebrities over 50.
Long and lovely
Whoever asked, "Does long hair make an older woman look older?" has clearly never seen Naomi Campbell. And if you are still on the fence about growing out your hair, then opt for a weave or a wig to get the style sans commitment.
Voluminous pixie
If there's one person who knows how to age gracefully, it's Jane Fonda. Take the plunge with a short style that features lots of layers and volume.
Beachy bob
Alfre Woodard's bob somehow looks both coifed and windswept. To achieve this look, go for a short cut with tons of layers, and add in loose waves with a curling iron to create volume and dimension.
Pompadour updo
Nobody does chic like Helen Mirren. Mirror her elegant style with a pompadour updo, which gives thinner hair tons of volume at the crown, making it appear thicker.
Voluminous lob
A "lob" (long bob) like Padma Lakshmi's strikes the perfect versatile balance between short and long hair. To boost your hair's fullness, apply a volumizing mousse all over damp strands and, once dry, curl the bottom half of hair with a large-barrel curling iron.
Curly Mohawk
Update your updo with this fantastic hairstyle for older women. This Mohawk style, as pictured on Viola Davis, won't make you look like you are chasing a trend. The way her curls cascade down gives just the right amount of edge.
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Spunky crop
A pixie with choppy pieces looks fresh and youthful‚ plus it's wash-and-go low-maintenance. Try out feathery micro bangs with your pixie cut like Judi Dench. These can help elongate your face and bring attention to your eyes. A dab of pomade worked through small sections of dry hair will enhance the shape.
Bangs with long waves
Angela Bassett's cool, fringed style is the height of glam. Long waves help accentuate your cheekbones, while blunt bangs frame your face.
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Asymmetrical style
An asymmetrical cut gives your face and overall look some dimension. We love Jennifer Lopez's honey blonde take on this asymmetrical bob.
Lush curls
No matter what your hair's length, bouncy, well-shaped spirals read as lively, youthful and glamorous. Curl small sections using a 3/4" curling iron for tighter coils or use a 1-inch one to make it looser like Meg Ryan.
Elegant topknot
Give facial features a visual "lift" like Julianne Moore by pulling hair back into a soft chignon at the crown of your head. Lightly mist the front with hairspray to tame any flyaways.
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Auburn curls
If you want to amp up your natural curls, try out a subtle auburn color like Debbie Allen. To make your face the star of the show, pull back some of your hair at the crown, but still allow your curls to cascade.
Defined ringlets
Let your natural texture shine through like Oprah Winfrey. The best way to make sure each coil is defined? Apply a gel for curly hair when the strands are still wet.
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Bob with chunky highlights
If you want your color to pack a punch, opt for chunkier highlights, like Christine Baranski. These streaks will light up your whole face.
A close cut with volume
A pompadour hairstyle can often give an edgy look to older women. To soften it, add some loose curls and let it fall slightly to the side, a la Vivica Fox. You can achieve this look with a close cut by adding some clip-ins to the top of your hair. If your hair is longer then try pushing it all up to the front of your hair and pinning it where necessary to frame your face.
Curly bangs
Think you can't have bangs with curly hair if you don't dedicate time to blow dry them every morning? Think again. Curly bangs are flattering and no-fuss — just take it from Bernadette Peters.
Caramel highlights
Add some warmth to your look with caramel-colored highlights. Gayle King brings this look to life with a side part and loose curls.
Warm highlights
Highlights concentrated around the face, known as money piece highlights, add dimension and give your skin a radiant glow, so copy Iman and head to the salon with this photo.
Go gray
Searching for a hairstyle that looks great on women over 70? How about for women in their 90s?! Look no further than Rita Moreno. Ms. Moreno proves that gray hair in a blunt bob is an ageless look.
Box braid beauty
Box braids are a great way to protect your natural hair while giving you the option for a versatile style. Cynthia Bailey is sporting blonde and brown box braids, pulling them into a half ponytail, showing off her beautiful bone structure.
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