The Best Short Haircuts for Women Over 50

Are you looking for new, easier-to-manage hairstyles? Short haircuts make a lot of sense when you’re a woman over 50, and there are plenty of stylish cuts to choose from, including the pixie cut and the short shag. The one that works best for you depends on your personal taste, face shape, and hair type. In this article, discover the best short haircuts for women and some information on hair loss in older women – you might find a hair loss treatment that can restore your locks.

Why is Short Hair More Common on Women Over 50?

You might notice that women over fifty often tend to rock shorter does, especially compared to women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. It’s not just because shorter hair is easier to manage (although, that’s part of it) – it’s also because women tend to get thinner hair later in life. It’s often caused by the changing hormones during menopause, particularly the lowering of oestrogen and progesterone, [1] which can cause the hair to thin out. When this happens, a shorter hairstyle often works far better, as thin hair can look straggly when it’s too long.

The good news is there are plenty of different short hairstyles for women over 50. Even those who enjoyed long hair in their younger years will surely find a shorter style that suits their face shape. That said, keep reading to discover the best short haircuts for women over 50!

The Pixie Cut

The pixie cut is a classic for a reason. This hair is very cropped and has short layers giving a more textured look, which is perfect for making the hair appear healthier and thicker. It’s super easy to manage, too – many women with pixie cuts can give it a quick tousle and are ready to go! It’s particularly popular for women to enjoy this look with very light blonde hair, as the hair won’t have as much chance to get damaged with how short it is. However, a choppy pixie looks great in any hair shade. Plus, there are many different types of pixie cuts to choose from, including:

• Long Pixie Cut
• Flat Pixie Cut
• Wavy Pixie Cut
• Curly Pixie Cut
• The Classic Bob

There’s something sharp and sophisticated about a classic bob. This hairstyle is usually finished above the shoulders, with all the hair the same length. It’s sleek and stylish, giving a more professional appearance. It’s also easy to change the style; you could add gentle waves to give the classic bob a softer appearance.

The French Bob

Why not go a little shorter? The French bob is absolutely gorgeous. It’s shorter than the classic bob, but it has a lot more texture. It comes to the chin, with the long layers and bangs perfectly framing the face. The result is very pretty and would suit many face shapes and hair textures.

An Asymmetrical Bob

If you want something a little more edgy with plenty of volume, try the asymmetrical bob. This short haircut works best on straight hair, as it involves a side fringe sweeping across the face. It’s modern, stylish, and gives a youthful appearance.

The Angled Bob

A popular hairstyle for women over 50 is the angled bob, which involves longer layers at the front and a more cropped hairstyle at the back. It works well, as it still gives you some length at the front, which nicely frames the face, while the back stays neat and sophisticated. It’s a very modern hairdo that suits many women.

Short Shag

Are you a little more on the wild wide? Add some more personality to your hair with the short shag. Reminiscent of 70s styles, this hairdo stops above the shoulders and has some feathering and layers for plenty of texture and choppiness. With this, you can lean closer to a shaggy mullet, which is very popular at the moment, making it one of the best short haircuts for women currently.

A Buzz Cut

A buzz cut may be more associated with men, but it can look very gorgeous and feminine! A buzz cut is pretty simple to explain: it’s fully cropped all over, with the same length all around. You can use a hair trimmer to achieve this look. It’s very fresh and modern and can look very pretty – think Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta.

The Blunt Bob

For a sharper look, try the blunt bob. This short hairdo still has some length and finishes with a very blunt edge, which is the same length all around. This works well for those who want a simple, elegant look. Keep in mind it works better for straight hair, as this will show the bluntness of the bob better.

The Long Bob

Are you having a hard time saying goodbye to your length, but have noticed your hair desperately needs inches cutting off? Consider the long bob. It’s just as it sounds – a bob that’s a bit longer than usual, often coming all the way down to the shoulders. It looks pretty and feminine on all sorts of face shapes, and you can add volume to it with some choppy layers, which works particularly well for fine hair.

Extra Tips for Finding the Best Short Hair Cuts for Older Women

So, you’ve read through this list and highlighted a few you like. Before calling in at your favorite hairdressers, is there anything else you should consider? Yes:

Think About Your Hair Type

Your hair type plays a big role in what kind of haircut will work best for you. The best short haircuts for women with thin hair might look different from the best ones for those with thicker locks. It’s all about letting your beauty shine, which means identifying a style that matches what you already offer.

Identify Your Face Shape

Another consideration is your face shape. Do you have a round, square, or heart-shaped face? It matters more than you might think! For example, the pixie hairstyle works beautifully on heart-shaped faces, whereas a layered short bob works better for a square face. All face shapes are lovely – it’s just about knowing what works for you.

Know Your Comforts and Style

Menopause already brings many changes, so don’t think you must completely alter your appearance because your hair is thinner than before. A drastic change may not feel right, so consider what you’re already comfortable with. For example, if you are used to very long hair, you could always start with a long bob before deciding whether a short hairdo is right for you.

Think About Colour

A new hairstyle is a fantastic opportunity for a new colour! Many women over 50 have grey hair, which helps in two ways: it can refresh your style while hiding those greys. Of course, many older women prefer to keep their natural shade, which is great, too – grey hair can look incredible!

Consider Whether Your Hair Loss Is Normal

As mentioned before, it’s normal for women over 50 to experience hair loss, which is why short hairstyles for women become so popular after this age. Don’t simply accept the hair loss without considering whether it’s treatable, though. There are ways to combat menopause hair loss, and your hair thinning could be caused entirely by something else. With any change to the skin/scalp/hair, it’s best to consult a dermatologist who can pinpoint the root cause of any changes and recommend treatment.

Hair Loss Treatments

There are some effective hair loss treatments that can completely transform the health and density of your hair. Whether your hair has thinned out over the years or you’ve encountered some bald spots, there’s likely something to help you.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical hair loss treatment (although it also comes in pill form) that tackles hair loss in men and women. It makes sense that it’s so popular, considering that the efficacy rating in women is up to 63%. [2] Be aware you must use this topical medication daily for the results to stick.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy is a hair treatment that directs photons into the scalp, with the goal of stimulating new hair growth. This treatment is recommended by medical professionals as it is safe and often effective. You can get this done in the clinic or purchase a home device.

Hair Transplant

Finally, consider a hair transplant. This option is best for those with a healthy section of hair and some thinning/balding. They work for both men and women, and it’s crucial to speak to an expert to see whether it’s a viable treatment for you. You can do just that with our excellent hair track app.

The Best Short Haircuts for Older Women: In Summary

There are tons of flattering short hairdos that work well for older women, from the classic French bob to the textured pixie cut. Out of all the options, you will find one that suits your face shape, hair texture, and overall style. You might like it more than any hairstyle you’ve had before!

Are you wondering what a hair transplant can do for you? Check out our patients gallery, where you’ll find excellent results in both men and women. You could be our next happy patient.

Sources:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/hair-loss#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20hair%20loss,for%20longer%20periods%20of%20time.
2. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/10/17/women-thinning-hair-treatment-oral-minoxidil/