21 Chic Hairstyles for Older Women That Will Look Fab at Every Length and Age

1. Short Bob

No doubt many older women use Helen Mirren’s hairstyles, especially this short bob, as inspiration. And for good reason! Though, it works best for certain hair types. “This style works so well for Helen mainly because it is the perfect style for her particular hair texture,” says Sarah Lund, hairstylist and Kevin Murphy Style.Master. “Baby fine hair textures tend to be fragile and break easily, wearing a neat cropped shape keeps the hair looking strong and healthy.”

2. Short Afro

Viola Davis’ natural texture makes for an ultra-chic cropped style. “The height and volume in Viola’s shape help to draw the eye upwards,” says Lund. “This aids in lifting her features creating a great overall look.”

3. Tousled Shoulder Length Hair

Jodie Foster’s shoulder-length hair is classic, but her face-framing highlights and natural grey hair give it a boost. “The soft, face framing highlights really work to brighten her face, making her skin glow,” says Lund.

4. Choppy Pixie

Jamie Lee Curtis’ choppy pixie is one of the most face-flattering ways to wear a pixie haircut. Plus, “embracing your grey, especially when combined with a chic haircut, feels so polished and put together,” adds Lund.

5. Wispy Bangs and Long Hair

Truth is, older women don’t have to go short. Just ask Jane Seymor! “[She’s] proof that mature women can still look incredible with long hair,” says Lund. And there are those wispy bangs. Textured, face framing fringe adds softness to her features.

6. ‘70s Bangs

Speaking of long hair, Goldie Hawn’s ‘70s-style bangs and long layers make her look so iconic. Plus, it’s a great, low-maintenance style for wavy hair.

7. Long Layers

Christie Brinkley’s hairdo works so well because it highlights those high cheekbones. The first layer hits right around the top, which is flattering on many face shapes. It continues to prove that long hairstyles work well on older women, too.

8. Long Bob Hairstyle

“A textured, long bob is such a flattering look for Tina Turner,” says Lund. “Her full fringe keeps the look fresh while her soft highlights accentuate her skin tone.” A true classic bob!

9. Sleek Lob

Don’t want to go too short? Take a cue from Suzanne Somers’ straight lob! “This sleek long bob works so well for Susane Somers because it maintains her signature blond look paired with a modern, chic style,” says Lund. 

10. Mid-Length Bob

“Mary Steenburgen’s mid-length bob with bangs is a versatile cut that still feels playful,” says Lund. This length is especially great for those with thin hair as it can add weight.

11. Medium-Length Hair

Meryl Streep’s classic, mid-length style isn’t the only thing low-maintenance about her hair look. It’s her hair color, too. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring! “This color is perfect to blend out any grey hair that may peek though between color services,” says Lund.

12. Layered Bob

Raquel Welch’s layered bob is the perfect hairdo for thick hair. “The best feature of Raquel's hair is that it really showcases her personality,” adds Lund. “The soft, feathered layers showcase her healthy, thick hair.”

13. Angled Bob

We often think of angled bobs as more severe, straight styles, but Jessica Lange’s wavy hair has the perfect texture to keep the style fresh and youthful. 

14. Loose Waves

Lynda Carter’s loose waves soften her more angular face shape. While sometimes it’s best to go with your natural texture, if you don’t have wavy hair, a curling iron can help you get a similar look.

15. Voluminous Curls

Bernadette Peters’ naturally curly hair looks youthful and healthy thanks to long layers and (probably) a great deep conditioner. “Keeping her natural curls healthy and moisturized keeps her look fresh,” adds Lund. 

16. Crimped Texture

Chaka Khan’s long hair shows her personality—especially in trendy crimped waves. And then there’s that gorgeous red hair color! “This works particularly well when paired with a darker, natural root to soften the look,” says Lund.

17. Sleek Long Layers

Beverly Johnson’s straight hair isn’t flat and dull thanks to long layers that create movement. The shorter, face-framing pieces add youthfulness. 

18. Full Fringe

Sure, you can go for wispy bangs but a thick, heavier style looks incredible on Gayle King. “A full fringe is a great way to hide features while accentuating the ones you love,” says Lund. “The shiny curls add to a fun, vibrant look!”

19. Low Ponytail

Older ladies sometimes feel like they need hair in their face to “hide” certain features. But it’s not true. Just look at how chic Oprah Winfrey looks with a slicked-back ponytail! Of course, there’s still a specific style here that flatters her face shape. “The slight volume helps create a longer, oval silhouette that is perfectly suited for her face,” says Lund.

20. Mid-Length Coils

Tina Knowles Lawson’s deep side part makes her curls look bouncy and healthy. Plus, the warm hair color is so flattering. “Tina’s honey-colored curls do a great job of warming her skin tone and making her eye color pop!” adds Lund.

21. Shoulder-Length Hair

“This is a great example of a classic bob which is a timeless look that’s never going out of style,” says Lund of Nancy Kwan’s shoulder-length hair. “The soft, rounded ends keep this looking modern and fresh.”

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