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The 10 Best Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50 To Rock Right Now

Enliven your look with a sleek crop.

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Cutting your long tresses can be a scary thing, but just like face shapes, skin tones, hair types, and textures, short haircuts exist in a range of options to suit every personality. If you’re thinking about going shorter but aren’t sure it’s the right move for you, rest easy. There are tons of options when it comes to styling. With this in mind, here are ten of the best short hairstyles for women right now.

1: Voluminous Lob

Susan Sarandon with voluminous bob haircut
Susan SarandonShutterstock

If you ask us, there’s nothing better than when your hair is looking flawless while also not bothering you in the heat — hence the reason we’re fans of the voluminous lob. It’s perfect for round faces and women with straight hair who want a bit more volume and texture. Not to be confused with a trendy bob cut, which is usually no longer than chin-length or jaw-length, a lob is typically cut somewhere between the chin and collarbone. You won’t miss your long hair anytime soon when you get this cut. 

What to ask for: A long bob with blended layers and textured ends for lots of volume.

2: Curtain Bangs

Julia Roberts with curtain bangs haircut
Julia RobertsJonathan Leibson/Getty Images for GLSEN

Like fine wine and aged cheese, curtain bangs (also known as fringe bangs) and a collar-length bob go together perfectly. When it comes to bangs, these are about as low-maintenance as they get. Plus, they’re super versatile. Curtain bangs are long enough to clip back or grow out easily (if you change your mind), but they can also be cut into a shorter look. So, if you’re on the noncommittal side when it comes to your cuts, consider this style your perfect match. 

What to ask for: A collar-length bob with low-effort bangs that stay true to your middle part and frame your face. 

3: Pixie Bob Haircut

Glenn Close with a pixie bob haircut
Glenn CloseCarlos Alvarez/Getty Images

For a flattering and easy-to-wear hairstyle, there’s nothing better than a classic pixie cut. This timeless hairstyle is a shorter cut that is tapered in the back and sides with a little more length on the top. Play with the length of your bangs to achieve the look you want and to best complement your cut. You can do a trim bob with bangs, or ask your hairdresser for a layered pixie cut with shorter bangs. Either way, this hairdo rocks. 

  • For added edginess, use products that lend texture and volume. 
  • For a more glamorous feel, flip your head upside down while you’re blow-drying and watch the va-va-voom vibes come to life.
  • For a soft look, flat iron the face-framing sections of your bangs and tousle before separating with your fingers for a gorgeous wispy effect. 

What to ask for: A short pixie cut that complements your face shape. 

4: Bowl Cut

Mary J Blige with a blonde bowl cut
Mary J BligeScott Dudelson/Getty Images

The bowl cut (also called the mushroom cut) may have been your worst nightmare as a kid, but it’s transformed over the years and is now one of the most sought-after short haircuts for women. Its hallmarks are bangs that go all the way across the front, with the ends of the hair following a straight or angled line across the head. There’s a lot of variation in these cuts. They can be shaved underneath with longer hair on top; they can be very short; or they can be just long enough to cover the ears. You can mix this ‘do with bobs, lobs, and pixies, or experiment with texture to create a unique style that complements your face shape.  

What to ask for: A subtle fade from long to short or an undercut for a cool contrast between the bowl and short part. 

5: Curly Bob

Sharon Stone with a short blonde curly bob
Sharon StoneSteve Granitz/Getty Images

If you’ve got thick, curly hair or wavy hair, you’re the perfect candidate for a chic, curly bob. Even straight-haired gals reach for their curling irons to get this look. Why? Because it’s feminine, playful, and super easy to style. Plus, keeping your hair short can help to keep your natural curls bouncy and lightweight. There are several different cuts, but to really flaunt gorgeous curly hair, an A-line bob is the way to go — especially if you have thick hair. Shorter at the back with some longer pieces in the front fits in just so well. 

What to ask for: A curly bob with blunt ends and long side-parted bangs for a cut that’s absolutely stunning. 

6: Modern Mullet

Taraji P Henson in 2009 with a mullet
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images

Are you mulling over getting a mullet? It’s a hair trend that is definitely here to stay, and it’s particularly well-suited to oval faces and women who love a retro look. A traditional mullet is cut short at the front and sides while the hair is kept long at the back. However, since the haircut made its debut in the 1970s, it has undergone some modern and sophisticated revamping, which has given birth to the chic styles and gorgeous variations that are commonly worn today.

What to ask for: A mullet with the right amount of balance all around. 

7: Layered Bob

Emma Thompson with a layered bob haircut and sideswept bangs
Emma ThompsonKevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Who says a bob always has to be blunt? Consider a layered bob for an undeniably trendy cut that looks good on just about everyone. This angled bob is achieved when you get your hair chopped in varying lengths, creating the illusion of more dimension and texture in your hair. It’s particularly ideal for those with thin or fine hair. While the blunt bob is an excellent option for most face shapes and hair types, the layered bob is also quite versatile. Plus, it’s super simple to style. Just blow-dry your hair, tousle it, and you’re good to go! A longer bob can even be worked into a stunning updo.

What to ask for: A soft chin-length bob with long, blended layers and side-swept bangs. 

8: Long Pixie

Rita Moreno with long pixie haircut
Rita MorenoChris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Love the idea of a short pixie cut but feel hesitant to pull the trigger? Consider a longer bang to give you a little bit of shag to play with. Retaining the dramatic effect of a short cut, the long pixie haircut brings in more femininity, building a flattering and softening frame around the face. You can rock it with a side part, undercut, slicked back with mousse, or even spiked up with promenade for a sleek and edgy look.   

What to ask for: A long pixie cut with long bangs and shorter hair in the back and sides.

9: Buzzed

Sanaa Lathan taking a selfie with shaved hair
Sanaa Lathancourtesy of Sanaa Lathan via Instagram

A fresh cut that’s both timeless and modern, a buzz cut works for all hair textures and, as you may have already guessed, is super low-maintenance. To really stand out, go platinum blonde like Kristen Stewart once did, or consider incorporating a rock ‘n’ roll pattern onto the sides of your head. You could also ask your hairstylist for a fully patterned buzz cut if you’re looking for something more daring and high-fashion. If you decide to go this route, be sure to find an experienced barber as it can be difficult to execute. 

What to ask for: A buzzed cut that keeps only one inch of hair on your head. 

10: Blonde Bob

Stephanie Cardinale with a curly blonde bob
Stephanie CardinaleCorbis/Getty Images

Last on the list, but certainly not least, we have the effortlessly gorgeous blonde bob — a short hairstyle at around ear-to-shoulder level and colored with any shade of blonde. If you’re tired of fussing with lengthy ‘dos and dark hair colors, a sunny shade and a cropped cut can be a refreshing change of pace. Seriously fierce blonde bobs have been the signature looks for a number of fashionable celebrities, including Nene Leakes and Reese Witherspoon, proving that this trendy hairstyle suits every hair texture and skin tone. 

What to ask for: A chic bob cut bleached blonde.

Whether you have long, luscious locks or short, spiky tresses, there’s no rule book when expressing yourself through a new haircut. Just be yourself! If you’re not sure which short hairstyle is best for you, book a consultation with a hairstylist who can give you advice based on your unique features and personal style. From edgy, slicked-back cuts to short styles that accentuate your face, there are a number of gorgeous haircuts out there. Find one that you’re excited about, and go for it! 

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