Hairstylists Tell Us The Absolute Best And Worst Hairstyles For Older Women

Finding the perfect haircut is always a difficult task, especially for older women who also have to navigate the changes of aging hair. Hormonal changes can lead to hair loss, while a loss of melanin can lead to gray hair, in addition to changing hair textures and a build-up of damage. With these concerns, and facial aging becoming more prominent, selecting the right hairstyle becomes crucial.

To shed light on this topic, we've consulted two experts in the field: Luna Viola, a fashion and red-carpet hair stylist renowned for her expertise in creating stunning looks for various occasions, and Sanda Petrut, a seasoned stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago with a talent for crafting personalized hair solutions. We delved into the world of hairstyles for older women with our gurus, uncovering their favorite picks and the ones they advise avoiding. As talented professionals with years of experience, they offer invaluable insights into the dos and don'ts of hairstyling for mature ladies, emphasizing the importance of choosing haircuts that enhance natural beauty while also addressing age-related concerns. One key takeaway from our discussions is the significance of understanding how hair changes with age. What may have been a go-to style in one's youth might not necessarily be the most flattering option later in life. From chic and sophisticated bobs to timeless and versatile layered cuts, here's what the pros have to say about haircuts for older women!

While long hair has traditionally been associated with femininity and beauty, experts caution against extreme lengths for older women. "For most women, very long hair tends to drag the face down and generally create an older look," Luna Viola explains to Glam exclusively. "Mid to just past the shoulder length is definitely the way to go to achieve a sultry yet youthful look." Hairstylist Sandra Petrut agrees, emphasizing that blunt, long haircuts are a no-go for older women. "It can fall flat and accentuate facial features that are prominent," she reveals. "As the hair thins, longer hair accentuates [that] even more. Blunt haircuts can be severe without any movement."

Having extremely long hair can make it appear limp and lifeless, drawing attention to areas of thinning or sparse hair. However, it's essential to note that these concerns may not apply to everyone. Those who are blessed with great genetics and have thick, voluminous hair, even as they age, may still be able to pull off super-long locks. And, of course, the notion of older women having to have shorter hair is outdated and boring, and nobody should blindly conform to that. Ultimately, the key is to consider individual hair texture, density, and personal preferences when trying to figure out if long hair is an option for you.

Another hairstyle that older women should avoid is a blunt bob. While this type of bob can be a chic and stylish choice for many, Luna Viola emphasizes that it can have a negative effect on how old a person appears. "Bobs can be harsh on face features and unflattering, especially if paired with dark or black color," she tells Glam exclusively. 

The sharp lines of a blunt bob can create a severe and angular appearance that may not complement the softer features and contours of aging faces. Since a haircut like this tends to be very symmetrical, it can also accentuate facial aging and asymmetry, drawing attention to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Instead of a harsh cut like a blunt bob, experts recommend going for hairstyles that enhance natural texture and movement. With a softer cut, older women can achieve a modern and fun look that makes them appear younger than their age.

While bangs can add a touch of edge to any hairstyle, opting for thick, straight-across bangs may not be the most flattering choice for older women. "Blunt bangs can look outdated and severe on the face," Luna Viola explains to Glam exclusively. The stark lines of thick bangs are not the best choice for the same reason a blunt bob isn't — they provide a strong contrast to facial features that tend to soften and sag with age, enhancing them more.

However, this doesn't mean you need to forgo bangs entirely. "A soft curtain bang is the way to go to soften your features," Viola suggests. If curtain bangs are not a style you like, you can also opt for versatile, wispy, and soft peekaboo bangs across your forehead. Overall, when considering what type of bangs suit older women, it's essential to look for options that flatter the individual face shape and enhance natural beauty. And nine out of 10 times, a softer bang will be the better choice. However, before you decide to commit to bangs, you should know that they will take a bit of practice to style, and your morning routine will be slightly longer as a result.

There are plenty of great hairstyles for older women, but edgy cuts are definitely not one of them. While these sharp and bold styles can make a fun and daring statement in youth, their harshness can become less flattering with age. Hairstylist Luna Viola emphasizes the importance of opting for a cut that naturally complements the face and is easy to manage. "Anything sharp or requiring time-consuming styling at home will only damage your hair in the long run," she explains to Glam exclusively. "Opting for a style that naturally shapes the face is best, easy to manage, and more youthful."

By working with the hair's natural characteristics, like texture, thickness, and density, women can achieve a more youthful and effortless look that can easily make them appear years younger. As we age, prioritizing hair health and simplicity becomes paramount, making low-maintenance styles a preferred option for most. And an edgy haircut of any length is everything but low-maintenance, as cuts like a spiky pixie or blunt bob tend to require quite a bit of styling every day.

Striking the right balance with layers is crucial, especially when it comes to women over 50. While layers can add volume and movement to the hair, going overboard with too many layers can have negative effects. "Overly layered and wispy hairstyles can drag the face down and give a thinner appearance," Luna Viola tells Glam exclusively. "Opt for soft layers to make the hair look fuller."

It's essential to consider the individual hair type and texture when determining the appropriate amount of layers. A professional hairstylist can assess the hair's thickness and density to recommend the most suitable layering technique. Generally, thicker and denser hair types can tolerate more layers, allowing for added dimension without compromising volume. However, for those with thinner or finer hair, excessive layering can result in a wispy and limp appearance, which is generally not the desired outcome. Instead, those individuals should opt for face-framing layers while keeping the majority of the rest of their hair layer-free. By consulting with a professional hairstylist, mistakes like too many layers can be easily avoided, which is why it's important not to experiment with layering by yourself.

A chin-length bob with baby bangs is a really cool and fun haircut, but experts recommend that older women avoid it. Sandra Petrut exclusively explains the drawbacks of this haircut to Glam. "Since the jawline starts sagging and wrinkles appear on the forehead, a chin-length bob is going to accentuate that, and short bangs would appear harsh," she says. 

The combination of a shorter bob length and baby bangs can create an unwanted effect, drawing attention to areas of the face that may benefit from softening and subtle framing instead. Apart from this, baby bangs — just like the blunt bob — require daily styling, which certainly doesn't make them a hairstyle suitable for everyone. Instead of a haircut like this, go for a soft, subtly layered asymmetrical bob with delicate curtain bangs as a great way to achieve a similar look with a much fresher and more youthful outcome.