I’ll never forget when my mother, freshly in her 50s, came home from the salon with a new pixie cut she had been convinced to try. While the style was trendy and bold, it wasn’t quite the look she had envisioned. Instead of feeling empowered by her new haircut, she felt older and less confident. The truth is, as we age, finding the right haircut becomes more challenging. Our hair texture changes, our facial features mature, and what once worked for us in our 30s or 40s may no longer suit us as we enter our 50s. The key is to find a style that enhances our best features while being practical and easy to maintain.
Here are 10 haircuts to avoid if you’re over 50—and suggestions for what might work better:
1. Extremely Short Haircuts
While a pixie cut can look stunning on some women, going extremely short can be risky. Very short haircuts tend to accentuate every detail of your face, including fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, opt for a slightly longer pixie or a short bob that still adds softness around your face.
Better Alternative: A layered bob or a shaggy pixie that maintains some length will offer a modern look while framing your face more softly.
2. Long, Straight Hair
Long, sleek hair tends to drag down the face, making it look more elongated and emphasizing sagging skin. It can also appear flat, lacking the volume that mature hair often needs.
Better Alternative: Try a medium-length cut with soft layers. Layers will add movement and volume to your hair, creating a more youthful appearance.
3. Heavy, Blunt Bangs
Thick, blunt bangs can overwhelm the face, especially if they’re too long or too heavy. They can also draw attention to fine lines around the eyes or forehead.
Better Alternative: Go for soft, side-swept bangs. They’re more forgiving and can help disguise wrinkles without overpowering your features.
4. One-Length Haircuts
A haircut that’s the same length all around can look severe and dated. It also doesn’t provide the movement or texture that aging hair often needs to stay lively.
Better Alternative: Opt for a cut with layers or soft graduation. These add dimension and volume, making your hair look fuller and more dynamic.
5. Very Light Hair Colors
While blonde hair can brighten up your complexion, going too light, like platinum blonde, may wash out your skin tone and make you look pale. It can also be harsh against aging skin.
Better Alternative: Consider warm, honey-blonde tones or light caramel shades that complement your skin tone and give a softer, more flattering glow.