12 Beautiful Updo Hairstyles for Women Over 50

“Elegance is a beauty that never fades.” As we age, our sense of style and elegance only grows, showing that true beauty lasts a lifetime. This shines through in everything we do, including how we wear our hair.

For women over 50, an updo is a wonderful way to highlight your natural beauty while keeping your look polished. Updos aren’t just for fancy events—they can bring grace and style to your everyday outfits, too.

There are so many beautiful updo hairstyles perfect for women in their 50s and beyond. From classic buns to modern twists, these styles are easy to do and add a touch of sophistication to your look.

Each hairstyle is both beautiful and simple, offering options for all hair types and preferences. With a few easy steps, you can create an elegant updo that makes you feel confident and fabulous.

Let’s explore some chic updos that will help you look and feel your best, no matter the occasion.

1. Elegant Beehive Updo

Want to feel like a diva from the 1960s? The beehive is back, and it’s one of the most flattering updos for women over 50 because it adds instant lift and volume to the crown.

Steps:

1. Section off the crown and gently tease it for volume.
2. Smooth the top layer with a comb.
3. Pin the teased section into a structured bun or twist.
4. Tuck in the ends neatly and secure with pins.

Stylist Tip: Spray a toothbrush with hairspray and use it to smooth flyaways for a polished finish.

Best For: Round or oval faces; it elongates the profile and gives a youthful lift.

2. Messy Bun

A messy bun is a classic and flexible hairstyle that looks lovely on women over 50. Its casual and effortless look can be both stylish and practical.

Steps:

1. Gather hair into a high ponytail.
2. Twist and wrap loosely into a bun.
3. Pin in place, pulling out a few strands for softness.

Stylist Tip: Use a texturizing spray before styling to add grip and fullness, especially if you have fine hair.

Best For: Square or heart-shaped faces, it softens strong angles.

3. Curly Side Bun

This hairstyle is perfect for showcasing your natural curls and adding a touch of elegance to your look.

Steps:

1. Apply curl cream or defining spray.
2. Part your hair and gather it loosely at one side.
3. Twist into a bun and secure.
4. Leave a few curls free for a soft frame.

Stylist Tip: Add a jeweled clip or silk scarf for a playful, youthful touch.

Best For: Long or oval faces, it balances proportions beautifully.

4. Classy Low Updo

Who says that being elegant has to be complex? A classy low updo is the perfect mix of something simple and something fancy.

Steps:

1. Smooth hair back at the nape.
2. Twist into a low bun.
3. Secure with discreet pins.

Stylist Tip: Use a shine serum for a sleek, polished effect.

Best For: Any face shape especially flattering if you have medium to long hair.

5. The Big Nape Bun

Have you ever wanted to say something without speaking? For easy style and volume, the big nape bun is the way to go.

With this style, your hair is pulled back into a big bun right at the base of your neck. This look is both daring and easy to make, and it makes you look both playful and classy.

Bold yet easy, this oversized bun adds fullness for women with thinning hair.

Steps:

1. Pull hair into a ponytail at the base of your neck.
2. Wrap into a large bun, securing as you go.
3. Gently tug sections for extra volume.

Stylist Tip: Use a hair donut insert if you want added thickness.

Best For: Women with fine or thinning hair, it creates the illusion of volume.

6. Elegant Low Bun with Wispy Side Locks

Want a look that is effortlessly classy with a touch of softness? That is exactly what you need: a stylish low bun with flirty side locks.

Steps:

1. Gather hair into a smooth low bun.
2. Leave thin strands out around the face.
3. Curl the wisps lightly for softness.

Stylist Tip: Great for formal events; pairs beautifully with pearl earrings.

Best For: Round faces, the side locks slim and elongate.

READ ALSO: The Best Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50

7. Twisted Updo with Accent Braids

Who needs to stick to one style when you can change things up? With their elegant look and fun, modern touch, the accent braids and twisted updo look great together.

Steps:

1. Create a few small braids at the front or sides.
2. Sweep hair into a twist or bun.
3. Weave the braids into the updo.

Stylist Tip: Add metallic or jeweled pins for a playful accent.

Best For: Women with thicker hair who want structure and detail.

8. The Everyday Bun

When you want to look stylish without a lot of work, you might want a simple hairstyle. Which is why the everyday bun is so useful!

Steps:

1. Gather hair into a mid-level bun.
2. Secure loosely for a relaxed finish.
3. Add pins or clips as needed.

Stylist Tip: Perfect for “second-day” hair, spray dry shampoo at the roots first.

Best For: Busy days, errands, or casual lunches.

READ ALSO: 20 Stunning Hairstyles For Women Over 50 Who Want A New Look

9. Messy Updo with Twisted Sections

Ever feel like trying that perfectly imperfect look? This disheveled updo blends laid-back style with elegance, featuring twisted sections for a chic finish.

Steps:

1. Take small sections, twist them loosely.
2. Pin each twist randomly.
3. Leave soft pieces framing the face.

Stylist Tip: Mist with texturizing spray to hold without stiffness.

Best For: Women with medium hair who love natural texture.

10. Vintage Roll Updo

With this hairstyle, you pin up the rest of your hair neatly and roll the front part of your hair into a smooth, structured roll. It is perfect for women over 50 who like looking a little old-fashioned. 

Steps:

1. Roll the front portion of hair into a smooth barrel.
2. Pin back the rest into a neat bun.
3. Finish with shine spray.

Stylist Tip: Use velcro rollers first for easier shaping.

Best For: Oval faces, it highlights cheekbones and jawline.

READ ALSO: 30+ Youthful Hairstyles & Haircuts for Women Over 50 

11. Updo with Dreadlocks

Who says updos can’t be bold and unique? Doing your hair up with dreadlocks is a beautiful and classy way to style them. To get this look, you should gather your dreadlocks into a stylish bun, twist, or even braid.

Steps:

1. Gather locks into a bun, twist, or braid.
2. Secure with pins or decorative bands.
3. Tuck shorter pieces neatly.

Stylist Tip: Add a silk scarf or gold cuffs for added flair.

Best For: Natural hair lovers who want a polished yet bold look.

12. Classic French Twist Updo

The French twist updo is the most classic and elegant hairstyle ever. For this sleek, put-together hairstyle, twist your hair up and tuck the ends in.

Steps:

1. Gather hair at the back, twist upward.
2. Tuck the ends into the roll.
3. Secure with long hairpins.

Stylist Tip: Perfect with a spritz of strong-hold spray for events.

Best For: Oval or heart-shaped faces.

READ ALSO: 20 Thinning Hair Styles to Hide Female Hair Loss

How to Care for Updo Hairstyles for Women Over 50

Updo hairstyles can be a stylish and practical choice for women over 50. Here are some tips for caring for your updo:

Before Styling:

• Prep your hair: Wash and condition your hair with products suitable for your hair type. Use a heat-protectant spray if you’re planning to use hot styling tools.

• Detangle: Gently detangle your hair to prevent breakage.

Styling Tips:

• Choose the right style: Go for updo hairstyles that complement your face shape and hair texture. Consider styles that can help disguise thinning hair or add volume.

• Secure your hair: Use bobby pins and hairspray that match your hair color to blend in with your style.

• Be gentle: Avoid pulling or tugging on your hair too tightly, as this can cause breakage.

After Styling:

• Sleep with care: If possible, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage.

• Refresh your style: If your updo starts to lose its shape during the day, gently touch it up with a little hairspray or a few bobby pins.

• Avoid excessive styling: Try to limit the frequency of using hot styling tools to prevent damage.

Additional Tips:

• Consider extensions: If you have thinning hair, extensions can be a great way to add volume and fullness to your updo.

• Get regular trims: Regular trims can help maintain the health of your hair and prevent split ends. 

• Protect your hair: Wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in the sun or cold weather to protect your hair from damage.

What to Look for in Hair Products for Updo Hairstyles (Especially Over 50)

Here are key features you should look for, given the needs of hair over 50, and what updos demand:

Features or Need	Why It Matters	What to Look For in a Product
Hold without stiffness	Updos must stay in place, but mature hair can be more fragile and show flyaways. Too stiff makes hair look hard or brittle.	Flexible-hold hairspray, light gel/pomade with medium hold, creams or serums that smooth rather than crisp.
Volume & lift at roots	Hair often thins, loses density, or becomes limp. Updos often need lift to look elegant.	Root-lift sprays, volumizing mousse, texture powder, spray powders.
Texture & grip	Gives control, helps pins stay in place, adds body.	Dry shampoos, texturizing sprays, sea salt sprays, powders.
Moisture, nourishment, and gentle formulas	Hair over 50 often is drier, more prone to breakage. Harsh products or alcohol-heavy formulas will damage.	Look for hydrating ingredients (argan oil, shea butter), avoid excessively drying alcohol, use heat protectants.
Shine & frizz control	Grey hair and mature strands can show frizz and dullness more; updos can expose uneven texture.	Serums, smoothing creams, shine sprays. Also anti-humidity sprays.
Easy-to-remove	Heavy buildup from many styling products + frequent pinning can weigh hair down.	Washable pomades, lightweight leave-ins, clarifying shampoo option.

Recommended Types of Products & When to Use Them

Here are product types and when to apply them in the updo process:

• Volumizing / Root-Lifting Spray or Mousse: on damp hair before blow-drying or diffusing to give lift at the roots.

• Texturizing Spray / Dry Shampoo / Texture Powder: after drying, before styling the updo, to give grip and reduce slipperiness (especially for fine hair).

• Smoothing Cream / Pomade / Gel for Hairline & Flyaways: for sleek edges or parts, tame frizz.

• Strong-Look Hairspray (Flexible or Firm Hold): to set the style once finished. Flexible hold allows movement; firm hold for formal events or in humid conditions.

• Heat Protectant Spray / Serum: before any heat tools (curling, blow-drying) to prevent damage.

• Shine Serum / Oil: optional finishing touch for glamour, to add natural-looking sheen without greasiness.

Best Hair Products to Use with Your Updos (Over 50)

To make these updo styles behave and still feel gentle on mature hair, here are a few product recommendations and how to use them:

Product	How & When to Use
Root-lifting spray or mousse	Use when your hair is damp. Spray or spread through roots, then blow-dry or diffuse while lifting at the crown. Great for styles like beehive, French twist, big nape bun.
Texturizing spray / dry shampoo / texture powder	Dust or spray lightly before styling. These help pins grip better and give more body. Especially helpful if hair is too smooth or silky to hold an updo well.
Heat protectant	Any updo that requires curling or blow-drying should begin with a heat protectant. Helps reduce damage, keep hair elastic, reduce frizz.
Smoothing cream or pomade	Use sparingly along edges or on side pieces to tame flyaways or parts. Helps styles look polished rather than frizzy. Choose water-based or lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your updo.
Hairspray (flexible or firm)	Once you’ve styled, mist hairspray all around. For humid or long-event days, use a stronger hold. For everyday looks, choose flexible hold so you can still move freely.
Shine finishing oil or serum	A drop on palms, then lightly smooth over the finished updo to add shine and soften texture. Avoid applying too close to the scalp so it doesn’t look greasy.

Closing Thoughts

Updo hairstyles for women over 50 are about highlighting your beauty, adding a little lift, and making you feel fabulous at any age. Whether you prefer sleek and polished or relaxed and romantic, there’s an updo here that will fit your style and lifestyle.

When choosing an updo hairstyle, it is important to consider your hair type and texture. If you have thin hair, you may want to choose an updo that adds volume. You may want a sleeker updo with thick hair.

It is also important to choose an updo that is easy to style and maintain. Some updo hairstyles require a lot of time and effort to create, while others are relatively simple.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

♡ Love ♡,

Schellea

FAQs on Updo Hairstyles For Women Over 50