36 Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 50 That Feel Modern and Stylish

Reviewed by Nigella Miller

Several women over 50 make the choice to cut their hair short, and while it’s a practical and versatile option to consider, it’s far from the only one. "You don’t have to put yourself in a box and cut off all your hair after the age of 55," says hairstylist Alisha Leela. For those who prefer having a bit more length, the reality is you really can't go wrong with a cut that falls between the chin and a few inches below the shoulders—regardless of your age.

Ideally, the perfect medium-length hairstyle for you depends on a variety of factors—hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle—but by taking these into account, you can land on a stunning cut that will make you feel like yourself. Some of the most popular medium cuts include long bobs and shags, ironed pin-straight, or enhanced with waves. Bangs can frame the face while enhancing vibrance, and layers can lighten thicker strands and create movement. To prove the sheer amount of possibilities, we tapped hair pros Leela and Giovanni Vaccaro for their expertise on both trendy and timeless medium-length hairstyles. Ahead, keep reading to see 36 of the best medium-length hairstyles for women over 50 to try.

Meet the Expert

? Giovanni Vaccaro is the artistic director for hair at Glamsquad, an in-home hair, makeup, and nail service based in New York.

? Alisha Leela is a hairstylist at Canada's Bob + Paige Salon. She is based in Toronto.

Classic Lob

This haircut works for Diane Keaton because it doesn't compete with her spunky style. It's simple, easy to wear, and no-nonsense. You can smooth out the front section (allowing the back to dry naturally) for a quick dose of polish, or you can use a round brush to fully blow it out. "A lot of people are afraid and think it will take so long, but the bigger the round brush, the larger the section you can take," Leela says. "You could split the hair into four sections, blow-dry with a round brush, and be done in five or 10 minutes."

Curly Curtain Bangs

We often associate them with wispy layers or a sleek, blunt cut, but bangs are certainly for curly girls, too. (Exhibit A: This curly, curtain-style parting on Sandra Oh.) Style with lightweight Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse ($29) to get volume and definition without the crunch.

Wavy Lob

Voluminous layers and honeyed highlights—paired with a quick go-around of a one-inch curling wand—will give you a stunning wavy 'do like Iman's above. If you have fine hair, this style is ace at faking volume. To achieve a wavy look with minimal effort, Glamsquad hair artistic director Giovanni Vaccaro recommends sleeping in twists. "Create two-strand twists and secure with a satin scrunchie, so as not to leave creases," he says. "This works especially well for straight to wavy hair."

Tapered Volume

To recreate Meryl Streep's look, which appears more voluminous on top and thinner at the ends, ask your stylist if they think cutting your strands with hair- thinning scissors would work well for you. Thinner ends bring balance to the volume at the Oscar winner's roots, and the cut can even cut down on styling time.

Voluminous Layered Curls

One of the best parts of natural curls is how much volume is possible, and this shoulder-length style on Viola Davis adds dimension with layers and subtle bangs. The style works great on a round face, or the shape can also soften sharper features.

Feathered Bob

Rather than looking choppy, Angela Bassett's bob-length layers are artfully placed, with the shortest ones side-swept to achieve maximum volume. To replicate, first style with the Hot Tools Signature Series One-Step Blowout Detachable Volumizer ($54), then follow up with a one-inch curling iron and curl your ends outward. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the feathered layers in place all evening.

'70s-Inspired Shag

The '70s had no shortage of middle parts or face-framing Farrah Fawcett layers, and Octavia Spencer's style incorporates both for a new era. This modern take on the classic shag is all over the red carpet and doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. Try it out if you've got medium to thick strands, as it creates movement while still embracing all the volume.

Tousled Lob

A deep side part and tousled waves are perfect for any occasion. For this cut, ask your stylist for blunt ends if you're looking to feign a thicker mane, or get subtle layers for more movement. After creating waves with a curling iron or styling your own natural texture, spritz with a texturizing spray for that perfectly undone finish.

Wispy Layers

The secret to voluminous hair lies in a good cut and great styling (sprays, the right heat tools, etc.). Here, Michelle Pfeiffer shows off a gorgeous long bob that creates subtle volume and movement with wispy layers. Use a texturizing spray to get her tousled finish.

Byrdie Tip

The shorter you go, the better your hair will be at holding? its shape. However, if you want to keep your length or rock a longer style, layers can help you achieve volume and body.

Curly Lob

Embracing your natural curls like Oprah Winfrey will make things much easier on your hair, allowing for your texture and volume to shine. Ditching the chemicals and excessive heat undoubtedly improves your hair health—the main trick is learning your curl type and how to accentuate it. To get soft ringlets, use the Naturalicious Divine Shine Moisture Lock & Frizz Fighter ($21) for shine and flyaway protection.

Coily Bob

Here, Alfre Woodard's tapered curly bob just barely grazes her shoulders—a perfect length for anyone who wants something simple yet versatile. To lend shape to this cut, have your stylist incorporate long layers. And since moisture is key to keeping curls defined and healthy, be sure to invest in a leave-in conditioner.

Gradual Lob

Blythe Danner's gradual lob—a haircut that's longer in the front and shorter in the back—creates the appearance of more length with less maintenance. Throw in a slight wave, and you've added a nice boost of volume to thin fine hair. The blonde color blends in nicely with grays peeking through, completing this visually effortless look.

Face-Framing Bottleneck Bangs

If you can't find us, we'll be attempting to replicate Halle Berry's effortlessly waves. The main components are the face-framing bottleneck fringe in front, plus a voluminous, tousled texture, which you can create either by enhancing your natural waves or curls or employing the help of a curling iron. In case your style could use more body, douse your strands with Sexy Hair's Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray ($23).

Long Layers

The key to a great medium-length cut lies in the layering. Long layers add body to flat or fine hair, texture to thick hair, and control to curly hair. Just be careful not to layer too much in the back—too many layers could end up making your style look choppy and jagged.

Half-Up, Half-Down

A half-up, half-down 'do is simple, but can be exquisitely chic when done right like Laura Dern. "This style will keep hair off your face, but still feels a little more done with your length left out," Vaccaro says. "All you need is an elastic, a few bobby pins, and a tail comb to create clean lines."

Accessorized

If you already have medium-length hair and are looking for a way to mix it up without a whole new cut or color, try throwing on an accessory. Salma Hayek's bejeweled headband is the perfect touch to her sleek 'do. Tease your hair slightly at the crown to get instant volume.

Blown-Out

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that a classic blowout will never not be on-trend, no matter your hair length. Lynn Whitfield's glossy style is easy to achieve with a large round brush and a dryer with the nozzle affixed. To make the process even more seamless, try a heated blow dry brush like Drybar's Double-Shot Blow-Dry Brush ($155)

Byrdie Tip

For more volume at the fringe, pop on a Velcro roller and let it sit while you finish getting ready.

Sleek Side-Parted Bob

Lucy Liu's bob-length style features a side part and ends flipped slightly inward to lend fullness to her strands. The result is sleek and polished—but be forewarned that you'll need regular trims to maintain those clean ends.

Asymmetrical Lob

If you're not ready to commit to an asymmetrical cut, create a temporary version of the look by pinning your hair to one side and securing it in place with a pin or barrette. Your hair will appear fuller and thicker in this style, especially if you spritz in a bit of texturizing sea salt spray à la Cate Blanchett.

Low Ponytail

Looking for a super-low-maintenance, medium-length hairstyle that's tailor made for second-day hair? Take a cue from Nicole Kidman and her effortless red carpet look. To achieve this yourself, work in a volumizing spray and gently pull hair back into a low ponytail. Pull out a few pieces at the front if you want it to look less structured.

Balayage Lob

Leave it to Jennifer Lopez to offer an iconic take on the standard lob. Here, balayage highlights add so much interest. Notice how the lightest color is concentrated around the face, which offers a sun-kissed look.

Feathered Layers

Goldie Hawn offers a throwback style with this '70s-inspired feathered look. Here, long curtain bangs are swept to the sides and layers are blown outward, creating a youthful look that helps highlight all your best features.

Wavy Lob

A shoulder-length lob is great air-dried, but you can amp things up with defined, voluminous waves, as seen here. Use a small-barreled curling iron to replicate the look—and add a mix of highlights and lowlights for an even more exciting take on the look.

Fluffy Layers with Bangs

Naomi Campbell's fluffy hair looks great when paired with blown-out bangs. To get a similar result, use a round brush on bangs while you blow out hair, aiming the nozzle of the dryer downward to blast the bangs with air. Our at-home blowout tips will provide all you need to get this look at home.

One-Length Waves

Wavy hair gets volume from texture, so no layers are necessary. For an alternative way to add interest and definition, make like Daisy Fuentes and add a heavy dose of highlights throughout.

Razored Ends with Texture

Sandra Bullock's razored ends and piecey texture keep this look from feeling overly serious, and her lowlights add further dimension. Replicate the look by spraying texture spray on blown-out hair—be sure to protect and prime your hair before styling, using a heat protectant.

Shoulder-Length Layers

Layers add volume and movement to an otherwise straightforward 'do. This uber-modern look pairs the look with a center part. We love Taraji P. Henson's natural shade, but this look also works with highlights or color if you so desire. Use a product like Color Wow's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment ($28) to keep things straight and smooth.

Shoulder-Length Waves

Courteney Cox's tousled shoulder-length waves beautifully show off her glossy hair. Here, moisture is key, so be sure to invest in quality conditioning treatments to keep locks shiny. For added bounce, hit your roots with a volumizer post-styling.

Piecey Lob with Bangs

In this piecey long bob on Robin Wright, shaggy bangs add weight and movement. Bangs are especially youthful, as they cover the forehead and help highlight your most radiant facial features, like the eyes and cheeks. This style gets added dimension from heavy highlights throughout.

Face-Framing Layers

This youthful style sees shoulder-grazing layers that begin just below the chin. The result is a loose style that appears longer than it actually is. We love Jennifer Aniston's center part here, too, which is very modern.

Blown-Out Layers

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a shining example of making beauty and style choices that ooze youth and exuberance, and we love this glam moment from the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Ask your stylist for a layered shoulder-length cut, then style it into a blowout for bouncy volume as seen here.

Sleek Glamour

Julianne Moore consistently rocks a stunning medium-length hairstyle with subtle layers, and for the 2022 Met Gala, she took it into statement territory with a deep side part and a sleek yet voluminous blowout. Her timeless glamour moment proves that sometimes all you need to shake up your look is to style your current cut in a new way.

Brushed-Back Volume

Can't decide between wearing your hair up or down? Make like Julianna Margulies, who made a stunning statement with a voluminous take on slicked-back hair. A good hairspray will simultaneously provide hold and help you achieve your desired level of lift.

Blunt Wavy Lob

A blunt bob or lob is always sure to make a statement, as Maya Rudolph has proven in countless ways over the years. Here, a sleek, hydrated wavy texture helps the cut to stand out—a good deep conditioner and shine spray will help you to achieve this finish.

Wavy Bob with Bangs

In this slightly shorter take on the wavy bob, Thandiwe Newton embraces layers and parted bangs to boost her style's texture and movement. It's just one of many examples of how leaning into waves and curls creates an effortless vibe that looks great on any age.

Sleek Side Part

Side parts are experiencing a bit of a renaissance (not that they really ever left in our book!), so it makes sense that the part has also made a big comeback on the red carpet. Queen Latifah's take involves shiny sleek locks–a perfect addition to a vampy bold lip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does shoulder-length hair make you look younger or older?

Shoulder-length hair works for anyone—regardless of your age. While societal standards might encourage you to go shorter as you age, this is not a must. There are plenty of medium-length styles that look great on women of all ages.

Should older women have layered hair?

You can have layered hair no matter your age. However, what's most important if you're considering layers is your hair texture. Since layers can make hair appear lighter and thinner, they're not highly recommended for fine textures—if you do want them, talk with your stylist about a result that balances volume with movement. Those with thick strands will benefit most from adding layers since this technique helps remove weight and add movement.

Should a 50-year-old woman wear bangs?

Bangs are stylish and versatile, making them a great option for any age or hair texture. They're also great at hiding fine lines and wrinkles on your forehead—in case that's a concern of yours. To find bangs that will look the best on you, be sure to consider your hair type, hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle.

Up Next: 30 Mid-Length Hairstyles for All Hair Types

Read the original article on Byrdie.