50 Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50 That Are Cool Forever

Pixie With Long Bangs

A sleeker take on the pixie cut features long, side-swept bangs, á la actress Viola Davis. This is especially flattering on those with finer hair types, as it draws attention to the hair density in the front.

Classic Pixie

One of the most classic short hairstyle options for women over 50, the pixie cut frames the face and can highlight your best features, as evidenced here on Mad Men actress Randee Heller. Except for the occasional trim, they're relatively low-maintenance—you can wash and go, or quickly style it with a pomade.

Spiked Pixie

A spiked hairstyle like Angela Bassett's is a fun way to change up your look. Soften it up by skipping the spikes and letting it fall naturally, or turn up the volume with a teasing brush and some styling gel. With this cut, there's enough length to change your style day to day.

To style the look, St. Jean recommends a heavy, wax-based spray such as Kevin Murphy Touchable Spray Wax ($30) "This acts as a styling paste would, except it’s in a spray form, so its easier to control how much product you use," she says. "Simply spray it in and spike your hair with your fingers."

Textured Pixie

A textured pixie is an effortless style that's super hip. The look seen here on Halle Berry is achievable with a shorter or longer cut—just use a little pomade to separate pieces of hair and add texture.

Mussed-Up Pixie

Ellen's mussed-up, dirty blonde pixie gives off an effortless, cool look and feel. Keep it sleek by going over it with a straightener or finger-comb for a more textured style.

Edgy Pixie

The edgy pixie cut worn by Tyra Banks has no age limit—anyone can pull it off. Choppy bangs give this look an element of modern cool while complementary rocker accessories can complete the look.

Wavy Pixie

Many people with naturally textured hair like Toni Braxton—from wavy to curly—turn to pixie cuts to rid their hair of extra weight and to lessen drying time. Add a slight bend to the bangs for extra dimension.

Short, Subtle Layered Cut

Subtle layers add dimension to this go-to short haircut for older women, as seen on actress Emma Thompson. "Easy to style, the layers add lots of velvety texture while the bangs frame the eyes and accentuate cheekbones," notes Petrut. St. Jean adds that a light, wax-based texturizing spray "will leave you with movement but will give the piecey look you are trying to achieve." Try Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray ($14).

Cropped Curls

Vanessa Bell Calloway's cropped curls offer a youthful look which works at any age. Pair with a bold eye to take the look up another notch.

Long Pixie

Keeping the layers longer can add volume to a pixie, which is ideal if you have thin hair that tends to fall flat, like actress Nia Long. Similarly, adding highlights not only creates the illusion of more body, but the color itself will work to plump up your hair.

Pixie With Long Side Bang

All eyes are on the long bangs with Kris Jenner's pixie. Petrut notes that this is the easiest look to style and create texture, whether it's modern and casual or something funkier. "This style works on straight, wavy, fine or thick hair," she adds.

Pulled-Back Pixie

A modern take on the classic pixie, a pulled back version gives a sophisticated feel. The slight volume in the front is cool and edgy but not overly so. For added protection, spritz some hairspray to ensure it stays in place.

Pompadour

Janet Jackson's short pompadour might look complicated, but it couldn't be easier to pull off. "This cut has versatility and is low maintenance," says Petrut. "It’s ideal for straight hair and it can be styled slicked back or blow-dried forward with a low part and sweeping bangs."

Undercut

Tilda Swinton's undercut-pompadour combo ups the ante and gives the classic style a modern twist. Relatively low-maintenance and easy to style, this look gives off "I woke up like this" vibes. A root powder such as Kevin Murphy Powder Puff Volumizing Powder ($28) can work wonders on a look like this, according to St. Jean. "Simply tap the powder into your roots and tousle your hair to add texture and volume where you need it."

Short Cut With Soft Bangs

Soft bangs can freshen up even the dullest of haircuts, as they add lightness and dimension all at once. If you want to accentuate your eyes like Helen Mirren, opt for a cut that sweeps downward to draw instant attention.

Mussy Layered Look

J. Lo's piecey 'do is such an effortless look that works beautifully for both day and night, on a variety of ages and face shapes. The layers fall into place, and a middle-part keeps it polished.

Shag

Lisa Rinna's shag is perfect for thick hair that has some natural wave. If highlights are your thing, they'll definitely add extra dimension with this style. Or, instead of traditional highlights, opt for balayage.

Classic Bob

Both sophisticated and sleek, journalist Alina Cho's classic bob makes a statement no matter your age. Change up the feel by curling your ends in, or keep the ends facing downward for a soft, feminine look.

Short Bob

For straight, fine hair, the short bob seen on actress Cicely Tyson is a fabulous choice at any age. It's a length that naturally adds volume to straight hair. And, it can be switched up on the daily: A middle part keeps it sleek while a side part adds volume and takes the style from day to night.

Bob With Side-Swept Bangs

"This is a great haircut for women with different textures (straight, wavy, or curly), and different densities (ranging from fine to thick hair)," explains Petrut. "It offers lots of versatility—from conservative to messy—and it can also be flat ironed to accentuate the piecy-ness and texture at the ends."

Layered Side-Part Bob

Layers upon layers give a chin-length bob bounce and volume. Add some highlights for dimension or stick to one tone for a monochromatic look.

Curly Bob

The free-flowing, curly bob on Teruko Burrell proves curls can look great at any length. To maintain hydration, keep a leave-in conditioner, water mixture on standby to refresh your curls throughout the week.

Straight Bob

A straight bob is chic and timeless. Just ask Julianne Moore, who's rocked the look on numerous occasions. Start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair then blow-dry straight with a round brush for both volume and straightness. "The trick with this style is to maintain the sleek, straight look," notes St. Jean. "To do this, you need a product to keep the humidity and frizz at bay." She recommends an anti-humidity spray such as Oribe Imperméable ($23). "Simply style and set the finished look with this spray."

High-Volume, Wavy Bob

Bobs work on thick, wavy hair quite well. Alfre Woodard's chin-length bob with long, face-framing waves is both elegant and mature.

Side-Part Bob

A deep side part on a bob never goes unnoticed. Add a slight bend to the front bangs for an element of surprise, like actress Monica Bellucci.

Long Bob

Once a trend, the long bob—also known as lob—is here to stay. It's a great option for women like Sandra Bullock, who want easy-to-maintain longer hair that can be flexibly styled. This style can be straight and sleek or volumized and retro.

Straight Lob

Holly Hunter's chin-grazing lob is majorly chic. Keep the bangs the same length as the rest of the hair for a sleeker look, or tuck one side behind the ear to add a playful element.

Puffed-Up Lob

While we love a sleek lob, Lisa Kudrow's voluminous version is just as head-turning. To achieve, let hair air dry slightly before round brushing straight with a blow-dryer.

Beachy Lob

Add a few beachy waves to your lob and you'll instantly take your look from soft and sophisticated to casual and fun. Use a smaller barrel curling wand for tighter ringlets and alternate the direction of the waves for the lived-in natural beachy look of Robin Wright Penn.

Curly Lob

Unlike a beachy lob, a curly lob like Thandie Newton's features more pronounced curls made with bigger sections of hair. Finish it off with a shine spray for that red carpet look.

Shoulder-Length Waves

Sophisticated meets chic with Oprah's middle-parted, shoulder-length hairstyle. Create waves with a large barrel curling iron then brush them out gently to achieve a subtle bend.

Volumized Shoulder-Length Cut

A shoulder-length cut can be made to look oh-so-voluminous with a simple at-home blowout. The best part about the cut seen here on Diane Lane is that you can change up the part for endless looks—a middle part gives the look of symmetry while a side part will accentuate a square-shaped face.

Curly, Shoulder-Length Cut

Shonda Rhime's shoulder-length curly hairstyle is flattering on all face shapes. To achieve, layer your styling products on wet curls and diffuse. Once your hair is dry, lift your curls from the root with a pick to add volume without the frizz. 

Soft, Wavy Shoulder-Length Cut

Soft waves on shoulder-length hair are timeless. If you don't have natural waves like Salma Hayek, set your hair with big rollers to create this look.

Middle-Parted, Shoulder-Length Cut

Waves (seen here on Mariska Hargitay) offer a dimensional effect to this soft, shoulder-length cut, and a middle part helps highlight the face. Use a medium-size curling iron to create subtle waves from the ears dow. For added interest, try lowlights, as seen here on Hargitay.

Short Cut With Choppy Layers

Sharon Osbourne's bold cut is the ultimate definition of volume and movement. Pair it with a fiery red color for a striking finish.

Face-Framing Curls

Gabrielle Union's face-framing loose waves give us an I woke up like this look. Before heat styling, apply a heat protecting serum to protect your curls and smooth frayed cuticles. 

Mid-Length Springy Curl

Jane Fonda's springy curls give this mid-length cut a youthful vibe. A quick spritz of shine spray will enhance the curls and add definition.

Old-Hollywood Glamour

The timelessness of an old Hollywood glamour hairstyle, seen here on Nicole Kidman, cannot be argued. Pair a deep side part with bangs curled inward and soft waves throughout for a chic, classic look.

Messy Curls

Contrary to popular belief, messy curls like Susan Sarandon's can still look put together with the right styling and products. A defining cream can help accentuate curls while a light spritz of hairspray can help tame flyaways.

Simple Straight Cut

You can never go wrong with a simple, layer-less cut, like Michelle Pfieffer's. Break up the length by adding a chin-length bang and leave the rest looking simple, fresh, and polished.

Natural Afro

Afro texture is known to be malleable and versatile. Take it to the next level, like actress Jenifer Lewis does here, by fluffing up each layer with a volume mist.

Shoulder-Length Cornrows

We're all for easy-to-achieve styles that don't require much, and this one on Tracee Ells Ross is simplistic and protective. The actor has experimented with all sorts of styles on her natural curls, but cornrows offer a little change no matter the hair length. 

Sassy, Shaggy Bob

Heather Locklear's low-maintenance look is equal parts messy and chic. "Shaggy haircuts can be achieved on straight, wavy, or curly hair, and also on various lengths from short to medium," says Petrut. "If hair is straight, roughly blow-dry the hair and then use a curling iron to create shaggy curls."

Shoulder-Length High-Volume Waves

We dig the glamorous look big curls give, seen here on Cheryl Ladd. The trick here is to use a powder-based texturizing spray, such as Kevin.Murphy Doo.Over Hairspray ($32). "This product will help set the curls you make using a large barrel curling iron, but also add volume to give you the fluffy, high-volume look you are trying to achieve," says St. Jean.

Split-Bang Lob

Bangs are not a one-size-fits-all affair. The split bang, which just means the bangs part in the middle, is a fun way to switch up the style. To achieve Bo Derek's look, simply split the bangs in half and apply a lightweight mousse to keep them in place.

Short Bowl Cut

Mary J. Blige's chic, bowl cut makes a statement. Apply a dime-sized amount of a smoothing serum to lay down flyaways.

Side-Parted Bob

Looking for a low-maintenance cut that'll give you a variety of styling options? Opt for Regina King's cropped cut—it's long enough to pull back for a special occasion and can be played around with for endless styling.

Colorful, Curly Pixie

Jada Pinkett Smith's colorful curls give this cropped cut a carefree vibe. A dollop of curl cream or gel will enhance the curls and lock in moisture.

Shoulder-Length Curly Bob

Michelle Obama's cut is low maintenance and versatile. Consider pulling your curls into a low bun or loose topknot to get the most out of your wash day.