Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 by Face Shape

As we get older, it’s important to know the best hairstyles that suit us. And for good reason!

Choosing the right hairstyle is the difference between looking frumpy and looking fabulous.

As a woman over 50, it’s so easy to look older than I am. Between wearing the wrong clothes and applying mascara incorrectly, any small mistake can make me look ten years older.

If you’re reading this, I’m sure you can relate.

But don’t lose hope yet! Picking the right hairstyle can help you look ten years younger! Today, I’m going to tell you how to pick the best hairstyles for women over 50 by face shape.

What Are the Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50?

Just because you’re a woman over 50 doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun hairstyles!

Many women don’t realize it, but there are so many hairstyle options for women this age. The secret is choosing the right style, and this has more to do with our face shape than with age.

So, are you ready to know which hairstyles will suit you?

First, you need to determine your face shape. There are four main face shapes: round, oval, heart, and square.

Now, there are many more face shapes than just these four. Rectangle, diamond, triangle—the list could go on. However, these tend to be variations of the main four face shapes. Also, some women don’t match one particular face shape. Instead, they are a blend of different face shapes.

If this sounds unfamiliar, don’t worry!

This article can still help you find the best hairstyle for your unique face shape. All you need to do is find which of the four main shapes is most similar to yours.

Remember to do some trial and error, too! Who knows, you may even find that a wide variety of hairstyles suit you!

WATCH THIS: Hair Tricks To Make You Look Younger | Hair Style Guide For Face Shape! 

How to Figure Out Your Face Shape

Many women struggle to determine their face shape, but don’t panic! With the often conflicting information available online, it’s easy to get confused. In reality, determining your face shape is super easy!

To do this, stand in front of a mirror to study your face, and use this handy guide.

If your…

✔ face is approximately the same width as the length

✔ chin and jawline are rounded

✔ forehead and jawline are about the same width

You have a round face.

If your…

✔ face has a slightly rounded jawline

✔ forehead is slightly wider than the jawline

You have an oval face.

If your…

✔ chin is pointed

✔ cheeks blend into your jawline

You have a heart-shaped face.

If your…

✔ chin is square or flat

✔ hairline is straight

You have a square face.

READ ALSO: How To Find Your Face Shape

The Best Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes

Have you found your face shape? Great! Now let’s go on finding the right hairstyle for your face shape using this guide:

Round Face

Several round-faced women over 50 have amazing hairstyles—just look at Katie Couric and Queen Latifah!

If you have a round face, your usual complaint might be that your facial features are so close together.

The solution? Long hairstyles!

Long layers draw the eye down and make the face look longer. A long bob or lob draws attention away from the roundness of the face.

Want to stick to shorter hair? They can work, too!

Short hairstyles, like pixie cuts, do the opposite of elongating your face, but this isn’t a bad thing. The right short hairstyle can do a great job of balancing out the face.

But bear in mind that if you do decide to go short, keep your pixie cut longer on the sides and textured. The key to short hairstyles is to add weight, not volume.

Slightly off-center parts are great, too, because they draw the eye down, which makes the face seem longer. Side bangs and face-framing layers bring attention to the right features and help give a youthful effect.

Whatever you choose, avoid these top three mistakes: heavy bangs, chin-length haircuts, and round hairstyles (such as a rounded bob). All of these hairstyles for women over 50 will only make your face look rounder.

Oval Face

The oval face shape is typically considered to be the “ideal” face shape. This is because nearly any hairstyle looks fantastic on an oval face!

From short pixie cuts to blunt bobs to long, flowing locks, women with oval faces can pull off just about any look!

To emphasise your face shape, here are three tips to keep in mind:

1. First, be sure your hairstyle doesn’t hide your face. After all, you have the ideal face shape! You should show it off!
2. Second, avoid flat and long hairstyles, as these will make your face look too long. Instead, add layers for a youthful vibe and to emphasise your hair’s natural texture.
3. And third, use your hairstyle to highlight your favourite facial features! Steer clear of chunky, blunt, or wispy bangs, which conceal too much of the face.

Heart Face

While the round and oval face shapes can be quite similar, it’s easy to spot a heart-shaped face. Heart-shaped faces have protruding chins that tend to be the focal point of their entire face.

Women with heart-shaped faces should find a hairstyle that makes the lower half of their face look fuller – for instance, hairstyles that draw attention away from the forehead while accentuating the cheekbones are ideal.

The top picks for these types of heart-shaped faces are pixie cuts and bob hairstyles.

On the other hand, be wary of any hairstyles that add too much volume or slick your hair back. They will only make your chin stick out even more instead of balancing your face.

Square Shape

If you have a square face, lobs and other long hairstyles tend to look best, as these soften your features.

Choose long, flowy hairstyles with soft waves and round layers for an ultra-feminine look. Long side bangs and waves are also great variations to consider. This is especially helpful for women with fine hair or thin hair texture.

For hairstyles to avoid, steer clear of harsh hairstyles, like blunt bangs and a chin-length, blunt bob, as well as anything too short. These looks will enhance the sharp angles of their face instead of softening them.

READ ALSO: 20+ Flattering Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes In Your 50s

Hair Texture Tips for Women Over 50

Now, you may be thinking, “All these tips are great, but will they still look good with my thin, graying hair?”

As women age, it’s common to experience both graying and thinning of the hair. Embracing these changes while maintaining a stylish and healthy look is entirely possible with the right approach.

Choose the Right Haircut

Opt for shorter styles like a soft, curly bob or pixie cut, instead of keeping long hair, which can make thinning hair appear fuller and more voluminous.

These cuts also highlight the natural beauty of gray hair. Avoid overly long styles that can weigh down thin hair and emphasize thinning areas.

Add Layers and Texture

Incorporate layers and textured cuts to add depth and movement to thinning hair. If you have natural curls, this is your time to shine!

Plus, shoulder-length waves or a feathered pixie bob are both great options for creating the illusion of thickness and making hair look more dynamic.

Use Volumizing Products

Thick hair is usually elusive at this age. It’s a good thing, volumizing products exist!

Invest in a good round brush and volumizing styling products designed specifically for thinning hair.

These products can lift the roots and add body, giving your hair a fuller appearance. Look for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh your hair down.

Embrace Your Natural Gray

Gray hair can be striking and elegant. Use a silver-enhancing shampoo to keep your natural hair vibrant and reduce any yellowing or dullness.

Consider a toner or glaze to add shine and maintain a healthy appearance.

My Hairstyle

One of the best ways for women over 50 to look younger is by picking the right hairstyle. This is one of my best anti-aging tips!

Like many women, I have always enjoyed having long, straight hair, but I had to refresh my style as I aged.

As you can see, I kept my long length but decided to add face-framing layers in the front and a few longer layers in the back. I also added side bangs and facial framing highlights.

This hairstyle accomplishes two things. First, the loose waves from the layers help my face look fuller. Second, the bangs and highlights draw attention to my favorite features—my eyes and cheekbones.

I hope you found this guide to finding the right hairstyle by face shape as a woman over 50 helpful!

Now, I want to know: What is your face shape and how do you style your hair?

Let me know in the comments below if you would like to see more articles about hairstyles and hair care for women over 50!

Also, make sure to pin this so you can easily pull it up when you need a quick guide!