As we age, our hair often changes, and what once looked fabulous might not work so well anymore. Choosing the right hairstyle can make a big difference in how youthful and vibrant you feel. To help, we’ve put together a list of 18 hairstyles that women over 50 might want to avoid.
Too Short Pixie Cuts
According to Cosmopolitan, a pixie cut will “put your face front and center,” and that unfortunately means sometimes highlighting fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and forehead. Extremely short hair can also make thinning hair more noticeable, so if you love short hair, consider a slightly longer pixie that adds a bit more volume.
Stick-Straight Hair
Super straight hair can sometimes appear harsh and flat, lacking the movement and body that can create a more youthful look. As we age, our hair often becomes finer and less voluminous, and stick-straight styles can exaggerate this a lot.
Severe Centre Parts
A severe centre part can draw attention to any asymmetry in your face and make thinning hair more apparent. Instead, try a soft side part which can add volume and lift at the roots, creating a more flattering frame for your face.
Very Long Hair
While it can be beautiful, long hair as we age can sometimes drag our features down and make us look older. Very long hair can also be harder to maintain and keep healthy, too, so opting for a medium length or a chic bob can give you a fresher, lighter look.
Overly Layered Cuts
It’s true that layers can add volume and movement, yet too many layers can create a messy, unkempt look. Over-layering can make your hair look thinner and frizzier, therefore a few well-placed layers can add the right amount of volume and shape without overdoing it.
High Ponytails
High ponytails can pull on your scalp and skin, creating an unflattering ‘pulled back’ effect that can accentuate wrinkles. They can also look a bit too youthful, clashing with a more sophisticated style. Instead, try a low ponytail or a chic chignon, which can look elegant and polished without the harsh pulling effect.
Heavy Fringe
Having a heavy, blunt fringe can be overpowering and draw attention to forehead wrinkles, and it can also be difficult to maintain, requiring frequent trims. Consider a softer, side-swept fringe—or a longer one—that can blend more seamlessly with the rest of your hair.
Monochrome Hair Colour
A single, flat hair colour can look harsh and unnatural. Adding some highlights or lowlights can give your hair more dimension and depth, creating a more natural and youthful appearance. This can also help blend in any grey hairs, making them less noticeable and more integrated with the rest of your hair colour.
Tight Curls
If you’re trying to rock tight, corkscrew curls, it can look dated and may add unnecessary bulk to your hairstyle. Loose, natural waves or soft curls can be much more flattering and modern, and if you have naturally curly hair, work with your stylist to find a cut and styling routine that enhances your natural texture.
Extreme Asymmetrical Cuts
Asymmetrical cuts can be edgy and fun, but extreme versions can sometimes be too harsh and unbalanced. A subtler asymmetry, such as a longer front piece on one side, can add interest without overwhelming your features, and this approach can give you a contemporary look that’s still soft and flattering.
Overly Voluminous Styles
While volume is generally a good thing, going overboard can backfire, and overly teased or overly voluminous styles can look dated and unnatural. Aim for a more natural lift at the roots and soft, touchable volume throughout, as this will give you a more modern and sophisticated look.
Flat, Lifeless Styles
If you have flat hair, it can age you by making your hair look thin and limp—which is not what you want. Adding some volume at the roots and incorporating gentle waves or curls can help create a fuller, more vibrant appearance. Products like volumising mousses or root-lifting sprays can be very effective in achieving this look.
Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were all the rage in the ’90s, but they can look outdated today, not to mention this style can also create a stark contrast with darker hair, which can be harsh and unflattering. Instead, opt for more blended highlights that add a natural-looking brightness to your hair.
Overly Gelled or Styled Hair
Hair that’s overly styled with gels or sprays can look stiff and unnatural. It can also make your hair appear weighed down and lifeless. Aim for a more natural, touchable look with light styling products that offer hold—without that awful crunch.
Spiky Hair
If you want to avoid a look that’s too severe, then avoid spiky hairstyles, which are also often associated with much younger trends. They can also accentuate thinning hair and scalp exposure. Alternatively, if you like a bit of edge, try softer, tousled looks that provide a similar vibe without the harshness.
Overly Bleached Hair
Going too blonde can be damaging to your hair and can look artificial, while extremely light hair can also wash out your complexion, making you look older. To get the right look, opt for a softer blonde with warmer tones or incorporate some lowlights to add depth and richness to your colour.
Harsh Geometric Cuts
Geometric cuts with sharp angles can look too severe and draw attention to any lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, softer, more rounded cuts can be much more flattering, providing a gentle frame for your face. Gentle layers and smooth lines can enhance your natural beauty without looking overly styled.
Unkempt Bedhead Looks
And finally, the messy, tousled look can be trendy, but if it’s too unkempt, it can come across as careless rather than stylish. Instead, aim for controlled tousles that have a deliberate, styled appearance. This way, you can achieve that casual, effortless look without appearing as if you just rolled out of bed.
