Best 7 Medium-length hairstyles for women over 50

Medium-length hairstyles for women over 50 are getting well-deserved attention, and for reasons that are easy to see. These style cuts hit just the right note: long enough to provide ample styling possibilities, but short enough to be uncomplicated to handle—a huge bonus for anyone with a hectic schedule or fluctuating hair requirements. From gentle waves and tiered lobs to streamline straight cuts and edgy shags, medium haircuts today are crafted to please any face shape, hair type, and individual.

No rulebook says hair must go short after 50. Celebrities like Viola Davis, Jennifer Connelly, and Sandra Oh prove that mid-length styles can look chic, youthful, and sophisticated at any age. Whether embracing your natural grey, adding subtle highlights, or experimenting with face-framing layers, medium-length hair can refresh your look without a dramatic chop.

Ready to discover your new go-to style? Find the most stylish and low-maintenance medium-length hairstyles for women over 50, along with professional advice to ensure you look and feel fabulous, no matter the day.

Most Popular Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 50

Table of Contents

1. Long Bob (Lob)

Lob is an evergreen, hanging just below the shoulders. It suits all hair types and facial shapes and gives a sleek yet mature look. Soft waves or subtle layering can be added to provide volume and movement, and make the hair look fuller and more vibrant—medium-length hairstyles for women over 50.

Why Choose a Long Bob or Medium-Length Cut?

Universally flattering for most face shapes and hair types
Adds movement and volume, especially with layers or texture
Easy to style for both casual and formal occasions
Long enough to pull back, but short enough for easy maintenance
Can help soften facial features and create a more youthful appearance

2. Layered Cuts

Layers provide texture and body, which is particularly helpful for thinning hair. Feathered layers or gentle, face-framing layers can create a youthful lift and avoid making hair look flat.

Why Select Layered Medium-Length Cuts?

Give volume and motion, particularly useful for thinning or fine hair.
Frame the face and blur features, which can look younger.
Looks great on any hair texture—straight, wavy, or curly.
Low maintenance and simple to style, balancing between short and long hair.

3. Textured Bob

A shoulder-length bob with waves or texture is easy to style and can be styled straight, wavy, or curly. This style is becoming for fine or thick hair and can be worn with side-swept or curtain bangs for extra softness.

Why Select a Textured Bob?

Creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, particularly useful as hair thins with age.
Texture and layers create movement, so the style appears dynamic and up-to-date.
Simple to style and maintain, ideal for active and low-maintenance lifestyles.

4. Shag with Curtain Bangs

The contemporary shag is characterised by uneven layers and curtain bangs, which add volume and a fun, trendy feel. This cut is good for natural waves or curls and is easy to maintain. Medium-length hairstyles for women over 50.

Benefits for Women Over 50

Youthful Look: The layers and curtain bangs together produce a fresh, ageless appearance that can shave years off your look.
Body and Movement: Shag cuts are meant to add body and movement to the hair, which is particularly helpful for fine or thinning hair that is typical after 50.
Low Maintenance: Shags are versatile and low maintenance, playing nice with natural texture or a rough, air-dried look. They also wear well when they grow out, stretching the space between salon visits.
Face-Framing: Curtain bangs and feather layers frame the eyes and cheekbones, flattering all but the broadest faces.

5. Beach Waves

Hair of medium length styled in loose beach waves creates the appearance of thicker, fuller hair and provides a casual, youthful finish. This style is easy to wear and suitable for informal as well as formal events.

Why Beach Waves Work Well for Women Over 50

Adds Volume and Movement: Beach waves create a natural-looking body, which is ideal for fine or thinning hair, common with ageing.
Softens Facial Features: The loose, tousled waves help frame the face gently, softening lines and enhancing a youthful glow.
Versatile and Low Maintenance: Easy to style with or without heat tools, and looks great both casual and dressed-up.
Enhances Natural Texture: Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or slightly curly, beach waves can be enhanced or created with styling products.

6. Collarbone-Length Side Part

A side part with ends flicked back relaxes facial features and lends a refined touch. This look is particularly flattering on women with glasses.

Key Features and Advantages

Face-Framing Effect: Side part eases facial contours and can correct proportion imbalances, making it a good choice for older faces.
Versatility: Collarbone length is long enough to be used in updos and ponytails but short enough to be easy to manage and style.
Volume and Movement: The addition of soft layers or light waves adds body and movement, which can restore thinning or fine hair.
Low Maintenance: It needs less maintenance than longer cuts, but still allows for styling options.
Works with Natural Colour: Accepting silver or salt-and-pepper shades at this length appears chic and contemporary.

7. Blunt Cut with Subtle Layers

For those with straight or slightly curly hair, a chin- or shoulder-length blunt cut with subtle layers provides a smooth, polished look and can create definition on the jawline.

Key Features and Benefits:

Sleek and Sophisticated: The blunt cut provides a clean, sharp edge that frames the face elegantly, giving a timeless and refined appearance.
Softness and Volume: The subtle layers add texture and lift, which is especially beneficial for fine or thinning hair, creating the illusion of fuller, healthier locks.
Face-Framing: Layers around the face soften features and can be tailored to enhance your natural bone structure, making it a flattering choice for mature women.
Low Maintenance: This cut is relatively easy to style and maintain, requiring regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the ends healthy and the shape intact.
Versatile Styling: Works well straight, with gentle waves, or with a slight tousle for a more relaxed look.

Styling Tips and Considerations for Medium-length hairstyles for women over 50

Select styles that suit your face shape, hair density, and lifestyle.
Layers and waves can create the illusion of volume, particularly for thinning hair.
Side-swept or curtain bangs can soften the features and create a trendy look.
Medium-length hair is versatile—style it up for a formal occasion or loose for a relaxed look.
Highlights or balayage can add depth and a youthful sheen.

Low-Maintenance Options

Textured bobs and shaggy haircuts need very little daily styling—some texturising spray or curl cream can make the style last.
Natural waves or curls and wash-and-go styles are best for low-maintenance care.
You can check some special low-maintenance, short natural haircuts for black females here.

Medium-length hairstyles for women over 50 offer a perfect balance of style, versatility, and practicality. Whether you prefer a layered bob, a chic shag, or soft waves, these cuts can enhance your natural beauty, add volume, and frame your face in flattering ways. With options that suit every hair texture and lifestyle, medium-length styles are easy to maintain and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Ultimately, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with layers, bangs, or colour to find the look that suits your personality and needs. With so many stylish options available, embracing a fresh, medium-length cut can help you look and feel your best at any age.