13 Stunning Short Hairstyles For Women Over 50
By
3 hours ago
The chic cuts and styles that will elevate any look, at any age
As we get older, we come to realise one thing: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to looking (and feeling) your best. Instead, there’s a lot of trial and error involved in finding your personal style – and the perfect haircut. So, to give you some ideas ahead of your next salon visit, we’ve enlisted the help of expert stylists to share their tips, picks and advice. These are the best short hairstyles for women over 50.
The Case For Short Hair After 50
For some of us, there is a slight reluctance to brave a big, bold chop at the salon – especially as we get older. But that’s not to say that short hair can’t be the chic change you didn’t know you needed. ‘Short styles are not only super stylish, they’re also flattering, fresh, surprisingly freeing and incredibly individual,’ says Neale Rodger, Style Director at STIL. ‘And as we age, hair can get a little thinner or more fragile (thanks, hormones), and short shapes give it a volume boost while showing off those gorgeous cheekbones you’ve earned.’
‘Short hair gives you the freedom to play with texture, shape, and styling products in a way that can really express your personality,’ adds Sally Brooks, Creative Director at Brooks & Brooks, who also says it’s about finding the right type of short hairstyle to make you feel your best. ‘With the right cut, you can avoid anything that feels dated or overly traditional. It can be sleek and polished one day, tousled and carefree the next.
‘Short hair doesn’t mean compromising on femininity – it can be soft, flattering, and incredibly chic,’ she continues. ‘Women over 50 are embracing styles that feel fresh, playful, and easy to maintain. It’s about finding a look that celebrates where you are now.’
Copenhagen Fashion Week Street Style (c) Noor-u-Nisa
And, as with any other short hairstyle, there’s often the benefit of having a low maintenance cut. ‘There’s way less drama,’ agrees Neale. ‘Short hair doesn’t take hours to style or detangle, so it’s perfect for mornings when you’re running late or just can’t be bothered. But if you do put the effort in it will look chic and refined. The right cut can turn flat, tired hair into a full-bodied masterpiece loaded with individuality.’
What To Ask For In The Salon
Make sure to have a consultation with your stylist so that you can run through any ideas for your haircut (and, if you can, take some pictures to show what kind of thing you’re after. ‘I always recommend taking time to talk to your stylist,’ adds Neale. ‘They’ll help you find the cut that works for your face shape, lifestyle and how much time you actually want to spend doing your hair.’
It’s also important to be sure of your decision – short hair is a commitment, and it can take a while to grow out. But if you are sure, then don’t be swayed away from your decision. ‘Be bold. Take control of your short hair ideas and don’t let hairstylists try to talk you out of them,’ advises Neale. ‘Really these stylists are scared. A great short shape should be committed and directional. Any lack of commitment from either party involved will show up massively.’
How To Look After Short Hair
First things first: hydration. ‘Healthy hair makes the biggest impact,’ emphasises Sally. ‘Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to keep it shiny, full and manageable.’
‘Dry hair is out,’ adds Neale. ‘Silky softness is chic and adds a level of refinement to the shorter shapes. Scalp health is also super important. Keep the scalp clean, exfoliated and moisturised to promote all round healthy hair.’
Regular trims are also important for helping your cut look its best. ‘A little off the ends every six to eight weeks will keep things looking intentional, not accidental,’ says Neale. ‘With regular trims, your hair will stay healthy and fresh. It’s basically a detox without the green juice.’
And when it comes to styling, Neale says: ‘Heat with caution. If you’re using a straightener or curling iron, always use heat protectant unless you’re into crispy, frazzled, old lady hair. I’d always use moisture products and minimal heat to relax the hair and style it.
13 Short Hairstyles For Women Over 50
Below, our salon experts share the chicest short hairstyle ideas for women over 50:
1. Classic Pixie
First up: a classic. ‘Think Judi Dench or Jamie Lee Curtis,’ says Neale. ‘Bold, elegant, and low maintenance. A good shape for this look is balanced, clean and refined – and executed correctly on anyone, of any age, it can look incredibly chic and feminine.’
For more pixie cut ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
2. Textured Crop
You can also embrace any wayward texture for a chic, low-maintenance look, says Neale. ‘Choppy layers and a little styling cream gives instant “I woke up like this” cool. Great for adding movement and pretending you know what a diffuser is.’
View this post on Instagram
3. Short ‘LA’ Shag
‘This is messy on purpose,’ Neale tells us. ‘It’s got rocker chic vibes with built-in volume on top and tonnes of texture to play with. It’s perfect for fine, limp hair that needs height and movement.’
View this post on Instagram
4. Asymmetrical Bob
‘This bob is edgy, modern and secretly very flattering,’ says Neale. ‘One side is longer than the other, or both sides can be kept even and the top left longer so it can be switched around. Again, very playful and great for volume. Also perfect for those not fully ready to go for the cropped shapes.’
View this post on Instagram
5. Curly Crop
There’s also plenty of room for curls to have their moment with a short crop. ‘If you’ve got curls, let them shine,’ adds Neale. ‘This one gives your natural texture its moment and cuts styling time in half. This look is similar to the textured crop but on curly or wavy hair.’
View this post on Instagram
6. Sleek Chin Length Bob
For a chic, sleek look, go for a glossy bob. ‘This is smooth, simple, polished and effortlessly chic,’ says Neale. ‘If you’re going to do this shape, I would overcommit and go as short and as strong as possible to bring out the maximum effect of the hair.’
View this post on Instagram
7. Layered Lob
‘Not quite ready for a full chop? This long bob has movement, shape, and a foot still in the “long hair” club,’ says Neale. ‘A gentle gateway drug to shorter styles. The layers will free up the shape and give you loads of versatility allowing you to style it whichever way you desire, day-to-day.’
For more lob ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
8. Charlotte Cut
Another longer chop to get you into your short hair game. ‘A longer take on a short style, the Charlotte cut sits around the collarbone – perfect for those nervous to go too short,’ says Sally. ‘With minimal layers and low-maintenance styling, it’s sleek, versatile and ideal for straight or fine hair.’
For more Charlotte cut ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
9. Japanese Bob
‘The Japanese bob is a sleek, one-length cut that sits beautifully on straight or finer hair,’ notes Sally. ‘It’s often styled with a soft curve under at the ends, creating a clean silhouette that gently frames the face. A round brush and a smooth blow-dry help bring out its refined shape.’
For more Japanese bob ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
10. Micro Bob
Craving a short crop without the pixie status? We’ve got you covered. ‘The micro bob is a super-short take on the classic bob, typically cut right at the nape and finishing around lip level,’ explains Sally. ‘It works especially well with a defined jawline and often looks great tucked behind the ears to highlight the sleek shape. Whether worn straight or embracing your natural texture, it’s a modern and statement-making style.’
For more micro bob ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
11. Carved Bob
One of 2025’s major hair trends, the carved bob is a super chic style whatever your age. ‘Ideal for finer or naturally wavy hair, the carved bob is all about creating structure and movement,’ says Sally. ‘The cut helps shape the hair and boost volume where you need it most. Style it with a wave-enhancing product like mousse or sea salt spray – the more relaxed and undone the finish, the better.’
For more carved bob ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
12. Pageboy Bob
‘A softer take on the classic bob, this cut features a rounded shape with curved-in ends and often a fringe,’ explains Sally. ‘It suits a range of textures and is perfect for those after a romantic, face-framing style with a retro edge. Easy to wear sleek or tousled, it offers versatile styling for a modern update on a vintage favourite.’
For more pageboy bob ideas, see here.
View this post on Instagram
13. Graduated Bob
And finally: ‘With a softly graduated back, this bob showcases thick hair’s natural fullness in a flattering, understated way,’ says Sally. ‘Layers around the face and a relaxed fringe add to the effortless, lived-in vibe. It’s typically air-dried or blow-dried loosely to highlight texture but can be polished for a more refined look when desired.’
View this post on Instagram
