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Every era of life comes with new changes and challenges. For women over 50, many of those are related to our bodies … including our hair. In addition to our new natural color becoming gray or white, we’re also likely to experience changes in texture, density, and general growth. Accepting and working with these changes isn’t always easy, but trust us when we say you can still have beautiful hair during this stage of your life.
Understanding the natural causes of these changes and learning to work with them makes a world of difference. And one of the best ways to work with your changing hair is choosing the right haircut. Especially one that makes your life easier with its simple yet strategic nature. Below we’ll be talking all things hair for women over 50, from explaining typical changes to sharing our favorite low maintenance haircuts.
How Hair Changes For Women After 50
Hair changes a lot over the course of one’s life. You’ve likely noticed it yourself – maybe you had pin-straight hair as a child, only to develop waves in your teens or early adulthood, or vice versa.
More changes will happen over time due to the natural aging process and menopause-related hormonal changes. Just like the skin on our face and body changes with time, our scalp – and therefore our hair – also changes. However, with age, the changes go beyond mere hair types. You’ll likely experience changes in texture, color, and more.
As we age, the amount of active hair follicles (the openings through which individual hair strands grow) we have decreases. Our hair also loses pigmentation and turns grey or white. In addition, our scalp starts to produce fewer natural oils to hydrate our hair and smooth the hair cuticle. This leads to changes such as:
- Thinning/density loss
- Dryness
- Slower growth
- Volume loss
Navigating these changes can be frustrating, especially if you’re mourning the loss of thickness or softness, but know that you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s an inevitable part of life, and you can still have beautiful hair in your later years.
You’ll likely have to adapt how you treat your hair, from making changes in your care routine to choosing the right haircut.
What To Consider When Choosing Your Haircut As A Woman Over 50
Regardless of your age, it’s important to take some time to figure out what to ask your hairstylist when you go for a haircut. Having a good understanding of your needs and wants – both in terms of your hair’s unique texture and your lifestyle – will help you leave the salon feeling happy and fabulous.
Some things will never change, like choosing a cut that flatters your face shape and suits your styling preferences and overall lifestyle. But now that you’re over 50, you might also need to consider …
- Your hair texture. Have you been noticing age-related changes? If you’re experiencing newfound thinning or dryness, you may want to choose a cut that can mask or alleviate these issues.
- Growth patterns. Do you feel that regrowth takes longer now? Are you experiencing a change in your natural part or other areas of your hair that seem to be growing differently? Taking these into consideration might influence the length and style you’re looking for.
- Hair health. If your hair is feeling dryer than it used to and you’re struggling with breakage and split ends, you might need to go for a bigger chop to revitalize your hair.
And, of course, you’ll need to consider your own needs. Life is getting busier than ever, and maybe you don’t want to spend hours on your hair anymore. Choosing the right haircut over the age of 50 is all about finding the right balance of aesthetic appeal, versatility, and ease.
What Is A Low Maintenance Haircut?
Enter the low maintenance haircut. It’s one that doesn’t require a lot of work, both at home and in the salon. Think minimal or no styling at all – the lowest maintenance haircuts are simply wash and go! It’s also a cut that won’t need major upkeep at the salon, except for regular trims. In addition, it’s the type of haircut that makes sense for any occasion. You’ll be able to rock the same style from morning to night, even if your day plans look wildly different to your evening plans. From boardroom to beach, or farmer’s market to five star restaurant, it’ll always look good.
Anyone who leads a busy lifestyle and doesn’t want to spend too much time on their hair will love having a low maintenance haircut.
The Best Low Maintenance Haircuts For Women Over 50
1. Side-swept long pixie
You could keep it short and sweet with a classic pixie … or you could bring more lift and volume to your crown by holding onto a bit of length and adding in a gentle side-part. This hairstyle works well for those with naturally straight hair, or those who want to spend minimal time on styling.
2. Shaggy pixie
Another easy way to make a standard pixie cut go above and beyond? Ask for razored layers, which will add lift and texture. Plus, it’s also a more flexible choice for the growing out period between salon visits.
3. Textured bixie
A hybrid between a bob and a pixie, this lively cut is perfect for those who want shorter locks without losing volume. Keep the cut around jaw-length, and add in a liberal amount of layers to bring in lift and interest.
4. Textured shag bob with bangs
Soft, choppy layers offer extra volume and lift while framing the face, and the short length means washing and styling is a breeze! You’ll really only need to go to the salon for quick trims every few months.
5. Feathered bob
For a bob that’s a bit more timeless than rock’n’roll, opt for angled feathered layers that bring just the right amount of volume. This cut works especially well for those with naturally straight hair seeking extra lift and texture.
6. Flipped layer bob
Those who want to tap into their glamorous side will love a flipped layer bob. Reminiscent of the retro flip cuts of the 60s, this bob style is feminine, playful, and voluminous. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of work to achieve those flips. Just a little bit of time styling with a high-quality hair dryer or flat iron, and you’ll be good to go.
7. Side bang bob
Side bangs are a fantastic way to add volume and lift at the crown of the head, and they integrate seamlessly with pretty much any bob variation. This is a great choice for anyone who loves wearing a side part, or who loves chic, side-swept hairstyles.
8. A-line bob
A great way to frame your face and simplify your styling routine, this bob style starts off short at the back and gradually grows longer towards the front. It looks incredibly polished and sleek when worn straight, but also works well with a bit of texture and soft layers.
9. Sleek bob or lob
Love your naturally straight locks? It doesn’t get more chic or classic than a sleek straight bob. Choose your length accordingly – you can keep it streamlined by opting for a chin-length bob, or turn it into a lob by letting it fall to your shoulders. Matching bangs are welcome!
10. Mid-length feathered layers
If you prefer longer locks, feathered layers are a great choice for adding volume and bounce. It’s timeless, elegant, and surprisingly easy to maintain. Make sure you’re adding in lightweight hydrating products to keep your hair smooth, otherwise you won’t need to do much in terms of styling – the layers will do the hard work for you!
11. The ‘Rachel’
Jennifer Aniston may have popularized this face-framing collarbone-length look in her 20s, but it’s a cut that works well for any age. With its soft, wispy layers, extra long curtain bangs, and subtle side part, the Rachel is perfect for creating lift and volume. Modern iterations aren’t quite as choppy as the original cut, making it easy to maintain and even easier to admire!
12. Long layers
There’s no rulebook saying you have to go short after 50. If you love your long hair, own it! Adding in layers will help boost volume and create the illusion of extra density, and makes styling easier as they’ll create visual interest.
Conclusion – Low Maintenance Haircuts For Women Over 50
Mature hair comes with a lot of changes, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined for a future of bad hair days. Learning to work with your hair’s new texture and choosing the right haircut makes a world of difference. Whether you opt for a cute short crop or you keep your locks long, you can always add in extra texture and volume with strategic layers and clever side parts. And best of all? These cuts don’t even have to take a lot of work. Refer to this guide whenever you need inspiration for a low maintenance haircut!
