7 Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

When it comes to your hair, the idea that there are "rules" about what’s appropriate is long gone. In fact, medium-length hairstyles are a perfect sweet spot for women over 50, offering both versatility and style without overwhelming your natural texture.

As we age, hair can become thinner, drier or more fragile with age due to hormonal changes. That’s where a carefully chosen cut can work wonders. “Medium-length cuts provide structure without excessive weight, making them ideal for aging hair,” says coveted celebrity hairdresser and Certified Trichologist, Colleen Camp. And creating movement, boosting volume as well as helping to frame your face in flattering ways will make you feel like the best version of yourself. What more could you ask for?

The beauty of medium-length hair is that it’s low-maintenance but still gives you room to experiment with texture, layers or subtle angles that complement your face shape. And no matter what you’ve been told before, there’s no need to avoid any particular style because of age! Being strategic about how you cut and style your hair can address unique challenges without sacrificing your style.

Whether you want to embrace soft waves, the classic lob or go bold with face-framing layers, the right cut can add lift and texture, making it the ultimate choice for women who want a timeless yet modern look. Ready to find the perfect cut? Let’s dive into the seven best medium-length hairstyles for women over 50, according to celebrity stylists.

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7 Best Medium Length Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

1. Side-Swept Chic

Side-swept bangs are the secret weapon to adding dimension and a bit of glam to medium-length hair. Think about it—adding movement at the crown brings attention to your eyes and cheekbones while softening the overall look, offering just the right amount of face-framing.

Naomi Campbell’s iconic style is a perfect example. Her bangs, elegantly swept to the left, provide chic sophistication to the half-up look she’s rocking while still feeling youthful and fresh.

Whether you opt for a longer, softer side-sweep or a more dramatic bang, the key is that they blend seamlessly into your ‘do to create balance and movement without overwhelming the face, says celebrity stylist and Wella Professionals brand ambassador Briana Cisneros.

Plus, they’re low-maintenance enough to keep things easy but still pack a style punch, making them ideal for any woman who wants to add some flair to her everyday look.

Related: The 6 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

2. Soft Lob

With its gentle, textured waves, a soft lob adds volume and movement to create a fuller, more dynamic look without feeling too fussy. Meg Ryan’s iconic soft mane is the perfect example, with her effortless waves giving the hair a bouncy, lived-in feel that’s flattering for any face shape, says Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

The beauty of the lob lies in its versatility. It’s a style that's sophisticated enough for any occasion, but still fun and modern. Whether you keep the waves loose or add a bit of curl for extra bounce, a soft lob gives medium hair just the right amount of body and texture, making it an ideal choice for women looking for a flattering, age-defying style.

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3. Curly Shag

If you’ve got natural waves or curls, you know how amazing it feels to let your hair do its thing. But sometimes it needs a little help to take it to the next level. That’s where a curly shag comes in, bringing a fun, textured shape that works in perfect harmony with your natural texture. Just look at Zendaya, whose shaggy, rounded cut lifts curls and adds volume, giving a flawless amount of bounce and movement.

For that added volume, start by applying R+Co SUNCATCHER Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner then dry your curls with a diffuser, gently scrunching as you go. In no time, you’ll have a perfectly tousled ‘do that’s full of volume and shape—minus the frizz.

Related: 7 Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

4. Textured Lob

Julia Roberts is the queen of sophistication—and that's, in part, thanks to her perfectly-crafted textured lob. The ultimate choice for adding body and lift, this ‘do is especially flattering for fine or thinning hair thanks to the layered cut that creates effortless movement. The signature wavy texture is a perfect example of how this cut is ideal for mature women looking for a style that’s both flattering and easy to maintain, says Cisneros.

To keep your textured lob looking its best, start by using Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue to keep your hair healthy and repair any existing damage. For styling, create soft waves with a curling iron or flat iron, focusing on loose, natural bends that add volume without looking too done. Finish with a light texturizing spray to enhance the layers and add a bit of grit for lived-in finish.

Related: 7 Best Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

5. Long Layers + Soft Curls

Long layers with soft curls are a dynamic duo, offering just the right balance of volume and softness for a flattering, age-defying style. This combination creates a natural flow, helping to maintain volume and fullness, just like Andie MacDowell’s signature look. The layers add movement and texture, while the soft curls bring body without feeling too heavy or dated.

To achieve this red-carpet worthy ‘do, start with a lightweight mousse to add lift at the roots, then use a large-barrel curling iron or a wand to create loose, soft curls. Focus on curling in different directions to keep the look natural and full of movement, says Izquierdo. Once done, gently tousle the curls with your fingers to break them up, and finish with a flexible hairspray to hold the shape.

Related: The 6 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 With Glasses, According to a Celebrity Hairstylist

6. Square Layers

Square layers are a classic choice for medium-length hair, offering a clean, structured look that never goes out of style. By adding definition to the hair while maintaining a chic, modern edge, much like Cindy Crawford's iconic 90s looks we still can’t get enough of, this ‘do offers a flawless finish, says Camp. Not to mention, square layers hold their shape beautifully, giving your hair that effortlessly polished appearance.

To keep everything in place without losing movement, polish off your hair with a strong hold hairspray to give just the right amount of hold to keep your blown-out style intact while allowing for natural movement throughout the day.

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7. Strong Fringe

Want something ethereal and striking? Look no further than a statement fringe. A bold choice that brings a touch of drama while maintaining a modern vibe, this style is ideal for someone looking to inject a bit of personality into their hairstyle.

Whether you’re after a sharp, straight-across fringe or something a little softer, like Suki Waterhouse, it’s a style that frames the face beautifully and works wonders for adding structure to medium-length hair. The key to the perfect bang? Volume. Try spritzing a few pumps of Authentic Beauty Concept Airy Texture Spray to give your fringe the fullness they need without the damage of traditional teasing. Apply the spray directly to the roots, flip your head over, and massage it in to create instant, gravity-defying results.

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Related: 7 Best Volumizing Haircuts for Thin and Long Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists

Sources

• Colleen Camp, celebrity hairdresser and Certified Trichologist

• Briana Cisneros, celebrity stylist and Wella Professionals brand ambassador

• Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care