If you’re looking for inspiring pictures of popular wash-and-wear haircuts for women over 50, then you’re in the right place!
A wash-and-wear haircut is a cut of any length that needs little to no styling. There is something liberating about owning a cut that will save you time and products!
These looks can take minutes off your styling routine. Whether it’s a pixie, a lob, or long hair, the right cut should not just be easy to maintain but also fitting to yourself.
“Communication during the consultation is key,” says hairstylist Marcy Wiegart from Missouri. Ask your trusted stylist about what suits your hair type. “Curly, straight, coarse, fine – all these can drastically change the style that you choose. Not every style is attainable on every hair texture,” she shares.
Your next question should be, “how often should I come in for a cut?” She tells us that “regular haircuts are key for any style, but some are more high maintenance than others. A pixie or short, sculpted bob will need frequent cuts as opposed to a longer, more casual style. If you can’t commit to certain levels of maintenance then that cut may not be best for your lifestyle.”
Purple shampoo and deep conditioner should be your new best friends. According to Marcy, “purple shampoo can help keep your hair toned and bright. Silver hair tends to be dry or coarse, and a weekly deep conditioner keeps it smoother and less frizzy.”
Enjoy these photos of wash-and-wear haircut ideas for women in their fifties!
#1: Swept Back Curls with Bangs
Swept back curls with bangs make a flattering and youthful hairstyle. What’s best about it is it only needs lesser effort to maintain. Such a hair trend is a good ol’ style with a touch of the modern one. Mature ladies in their 50s can relate to it and sport it very well than anyone else!
#2: Curled Pixie with Pink and Blue Accents
It’s always exciting to have an adventurous client in your chair who wants an interesting look. This woman has naturally curly hair that can be easily styled into a shorter pixie cut. I’m adding pink and blue accents for a more unique touch.
#3: Dark Curly Pixie
If you have this type of hair, a pixie cut could be the most manageable style. A pixie cut removes a lot of the hair’s weight and is a style that’s easy to manage and quick to style.
#4: Shaggy Mullet with Sweeping Bangs
A mullet is not as trendy as before. However, a shaggy mullet with sweeping bangs can prove the opposite. Instead of a short, normal haircut, ask for a shaggy mullet. You can enjoy being both stylish and practical!
#5: Pixie Hair with Deep Side Part
We’re excited to share that pixie power has arrived! If you’re looking for an essential example of chic pixie style, opt for a pixie haircut with a deep side part. It’s a simple but fashionable choice that’s sure to turn heads.
#6: Natural Grey Pixie with Long Bangs
A pixie cut in natural grey, along with long bangs, is a good option for hair that’s showing signs of aging. Not only does the style of the pixie cut compliment faces and hair that show signs of aging, but it also looks attractive in silver and mixed black and white colors.
#7: Copper Pixie with Shorter Pieces
People with fuller face shapes look stunning with a face-framing pixie cut. A pixie cut with shorter crown layers adds body and texture. Use your styling to outline and highlight the shape you like best. Pixie cuts, like all haircuts, can be customized to suit your style. When your hairstylist considers all your features, like hair texture and density, the result can be magical.
#8: Choppy Pixie with Short Side-Swept Bangs
Wash, rinse, and go with a choppy pixie and side-swept bangs! This sharp and cute cut, with its extra short length and super choppy layers, will make your mornings a breeze. No more struggling with styling!
#9: Undercut Pixie with Blunt Bangs
A short pixie cut with blunt bangs suits older women who like to show their artsy side. This posh crop needs little to set, but it gives a big change in your total look.
#10: Peach Pixie with Voluminous Layers
The peach color pairs with a very specific type of hair, and this is a great example of that match. The texturized pixie hairstyle not only complements the color but also adds more depth, creating a dimensional effect.
#11: Soft Blonde Baby Shag with Bangs
This year, many people love a soft blonde baby shag with bangs! This hairstyle, reflecting a sense of nostalgia yet fashionable, will boost your confidence with its light and airy layers of manageable length.
#12: Very Short Hair with Baby Bangs
A very short haircut with baby bangs could be your choice. Live your life confidently and boldly. If you are a woman over 50 and want an easy-to-maintain style, try a French Bob with a micro bang. This style exudes sophistication, making it suitable for artists or modern businesswomen. The French Bob works well with slightly wavy hair and can be styled using Balm and Undressed by Hairstory.
#13: Medium Wavy Hair with Choppy Layers
It’s great to wear your natural hair texture comfortably and look attractive at the same time. Use Afterworld Organics Glow Cleanser for a co-Wash, and then style it into a razor-cut shag. Crown layers and side framing petals help to unleash your wave patterns for an easy wash-and-wear style. Salty sprays and balms can further enhance the look. Try using the Cult King Jelly Balm as your next product purchase to create hold and texture.
#14: Textured Pixie with Light Brown Color
One way to style your hair with minimal daily upkeep is to keep it short. A short, wavy, medium-textured hairstyle can create a natural wave and add movement to a pixie haircut. Using a matte balm such as Wax from Hairstory provides style control without making your hair heavy. Plan salon visits every 4-6 weeks for maintenance, or allow your hair to grow into a ‘pixie shag’ when you’re ready to change styles.
#15: Shoulder-Length Shag with Heavy Bangs
Opt for a shoulder-length shag with heavy bangs. Let your texture show in a carefree shag hairstyle that highlights your eyes and promotes wave formation. A soft, full bang can appear as a thin middle section with fuller sections framing the face. This hairstyle, when expertly blended into a layered shag, provides ample room for glasses and to show off prominent cheekbones. Maintain the style using afterworld organic Moisture lock for hold and touch-ability.
#16: Layered Curly Cut with Middle Part
For women over 50 with curly hair, a middle-parted, layered curly cut is a stunning style. This cut is flattering for curly hair. It gives layers and volume to hair without the dreaded ‘triangle hair’ effect.
#17: Short Stacked Pixie Cut with Side Fringe
A short-stacked pixie cut with a side fringe is an elegant and classy hairstyle that is easy to maintain and even easier to style. Even better, this crop looks particularly gorgeous in silvery and blonde tones.
#18: Messy Pixie with Partial Highlights
A messy pixie cut with partial highlights is a quick, easy style. It’s perfect for those who want less prep time in the morning. The highlights add brightness, and the layers provide a rough texture. Both make styling easy.
#19: Feathered Spiky Pixie Cut
There are several styles of pixie cuts, including the spiky version. You can either use a hard gel while the hair is wet to add spikes or let it air dry and then apply styling wax or hairspray to spike it up. Texture paste and clay create a matte look, whereas gels and hairspray give a shiny, wet appearance.
#20: Blonde Piece-y Pixie Bob
A blonde pixie bob is a popular and easy-to-style haircut for aging hair. People like this style for a good reason. You can easily customize this attractive style to match your face shape and skin color. Plus, it keeps the easy wash-and-go routine.
#21: Jaw-Length White Bob with Blunt Ends
If you’re going grey or are already fully there, you’ve got to try a jaw-length white bob with blunt ends. This type of bob style is not only trendy for aging hair but also very easy to maintain.
#22: Curly Inverted Bob with Bangs
Love your curls but need a change? Consider trying a curly inverted bob with bangs. The shorter length of the haircut makes it easier to manage curls and gives them more life and volume.
#23: Straight Short Hair with Wispy Bangs
Those with thin or straight hair should consider a short, straight haircut with light bangs. This hairstyle isn’t just easy to manage in the mornings, it’s also very stylish. You don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality!
#24: Side Part Pixie for Thinning Hair
A side-parted pixie is a simple way to boost body on thinning hair. Not only will the shorter length make finer hair look fuller, but the side part can be tailored to cover any areas with thinner patches.
#25: Chest-Length Tousled Hair with Waterfall Fringe
If you want a wash-and-go style, chest-length tousled hair with a waterfall fringe is perfect for you. This sultry, shaggy chop saves styling time. You’ll be out the door quickly, feeling confident.
#26: Gorgeous Long Hairstyle
It’s easy to maintain a long style with a natural wavy texture just wash and wear. Use the right products like Hairstory Balm and Undressed on wet hair to hold the style for the entire day and even multiple days. The key is to allow your hair to air dry completely, then use your fingers to break it up and fluff. You can minimize frizz by avoiding touching your hair too much while it’s wet.
#27: Face-Framing Layers on Natural Silver Hair
Camouflage those pesky fine lines with a face-framing haircut with layers. Face-framing layers are layers that are cut shorter around your face. They can be cut to each person to help soften or blur features you dislike and enhance features you love. For clients over 50, start layers around the cheekbone. Or blend a fringe into face framing to hide fine lines and wrinkles of the forehead and eyes. Clients with a square face shape would do best with layers starting around the jawline to help create softness.
#28: Low-Maintenance Silver Hair
Ask your stylist for a low-maintenance silver hairstyle. Wear your aging hair easily by selecting a style that fits your hair texture and growth pattern. You know you have a great cut when you can wash and wear it.
#29: Razor Cut Shag with Razor Cut Bangs
A razor shag haircut with piecey bangs is a great choice if you want to add movement and texture to your aging hair. Be aware that this style works best on thicker, straighter hair textures. This style complements oval, pear, heart, and diamond face shapes. To enhance the look of your razor cut shag, use a light hold balm or wax from Hairstory when styling it. This will help bring out your new hairstyle without weighing down your locks. For added control, finish off with a hairspray like Cult+ King set spray.
#30: Dark Brown Bob for Straight Hair
Consider a dark brown bob for straight hair if you’re searching for a simple and cute style. If you can, blow dry your hair quickly using your hands to smooth your hair, or try air drying. I suggest not using a round brush on fine hair. Sometimes a round brush can rob your hair of all its body, leaving it limp. So grab your volumizing products and use your hands.
#31: Medium-Length Curls with a Side Part
Consider medium-length curls with a side part for a great wash-and-wear style. One of the best ways to achieve volume is with layers and a side part. Avoid combing or touching your hair with your hands to prevent frizz.
#32: Light Blonde Long Pixie
A blonde long pixie cut is perfect for women who are wanting more of a style. You don’t have to worry about spending too much time on this look. Consider using a molding paste for a textured hold that will last all day!
#33: The A Line Bob
The a-line bob is one of the best wash-and-wear haircuts for women over 50. With your locks’ natural root volume, a-line bobs are sure to suit you the most. It’s versatile for whatever hair type or color you have. If you wish to keep it simple with black shade plus the side bangs, it’s not even a problem!
#34: Messy Gray Pixie Cut
Consider an exquisite messy gray pixie cut, making you love your natural hair color more! Various tones of ashy white blonde and grey blend in together to create such a unique dimension. Don’t forget to finish off your look with texture, emphasizing more of the chop’s layers.
#35: Classic Straight Bob Cut in Your 50s
Rocking a classic straight bob cut in your 50s can be one of the best decisions you’ll make in your hair history. If you have a fine texture and brown locks, why hesitate to get a bob? For extra shine, oil can certainly enhance your chin-length cut.
#36: Blonde Mid-Length Layers
Forget the blunt cuts and adopt these blonde mid-length layers instead. Combine foilayage with a shadow root to enjoy its low-maintenance and natural effect. With the added bangs and its blowout style, the payoff is sure to stand out from the rest.
#37: Graduated Bob Haircut
Maximize the fullness of your 50+ locks by choosing a graduated bob haircut for your next look. Keeping your strands above your shoulders will maintain the round shape of the chop. Don’t hesitate to try a dimensional blonde or other hair color, as well, to give you a younger-looking edge.
#38: Choppy Pixie with Side Bangs
Ask for a choppy pixie with side bangs for a classy cut that suits your golden blonde. Shorter layers will add movement and volume to the style, perfect for a 50-year-old stunner like you.
#39: Wavy Lob for Thin Hair
Aim for a subtle volume and achieve fuller-looking tresses. Here’s the perfect wavy lob for thin hair that you have. Embrace brown balayage on a medium-length mane to both frame and freshen up your face.
#40: Short Layers for Fine Hair
Short layers for fine hair creates a movement and the appearance of fullness that you need. Your warm honey blonde will also look amazing in a haircut for fine hair, so don’t waste time. Go for it!
Q&A with style creator, Anna Marroquin
Hair Stylist @ Hair By Anna at Top Nails and Hair Salon in Kitty Hawk, NC
How would you describe this look?
Opt for a cut that’s timeless, edgy, modern, and chic. I love the texture and piece-y look. I focused on making sure my client would be able to recreate the look on her own. I wanted to make sure in selecting her hair color, that it complemented her facial features!
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would recommend using a texturizing paste and root lift mousse to achieve the finished look. Layered cuts are for anyone who wants a stylish look and for someone on the go who wants to have a modern look!
#41: Side Parted Long Bob
Here’s a lovely side-parted long bob for you that’s easy to style! It goes a few inches beyond the shoulders, which appears chic with a few soft waves added to the ends. But, the low-maintenance aspect of lobs doesn’t stop there! Its ash brown color will let you grow out your natural dark tresses.
Q&A with style creator, Michele VanFossen
Salon Owner/ Education Director @ POP Hair Art in Kerrville, TX
How would you describe this look?
The cut is a modern lob shape with soft internal layering and a bit of movement added around her face. Once the “bones” of the cut are completed, I went back in and customized the way her hair moves and shifts by strategically removing unnecessary weight in specific areas.
It’s super easy to style. Start with a thermal protectant applied first from the scalp to the ends and comb through. Then, use a thickening spray that is applied from mid-shaft to the ends. Blow-dry upside down until about 85% dry, then section it off and finish with a medium to large round brush. Be mindful to use the concentrator on the end of your blow dryer for more control and fewer fly-always. For the finishing touch, wrap sections around a 1″ curling iron, let cool (to help set the curls and waves), and then either run your fingers through or use a wide-tooth comb to break up the curls for a more organic look.
The coloring is a balayage service (which is hair painting) with some lightener and a bond protector added to ensure the health of the guest’s hair. After processing, we applied a glaze which shifted the tone and added shine.
Any advice for someone considering it?
It’s a great look for that on-the-go woman. The color is very low maintenance, needing only to be taken care of a few times a year or more often if you would like it a bit bolder. You can style it in so many ways. Straight, high or low pony, change up the part, or change the size of the curling iron or how you wrap the hair around the iron, pulling just the sides up and away from your face. It’s long enough and pretty enough to wear naturally without looking sloppy. It’s also a great length for a multitude of updos.
The best hair type is fine to medium hair. I like to say hair thickness is like either palm trees (tall and skinny) or pine trees (short & wide). The best type would be a forest full of palm trees.
Most face shapes work well with a medium length with the exception of a rectangular face. There are 5 basic face shapes. Circle, square, oval, rectangular, and triangle. A mid length is flattering on most faces. If someone has a rectangular face shape, simply shorten the look a couple of inches or add a fringe (either side-swept or all the way across the forehead). It will draw the eye outwards and balance out the look.
#42: Thick Silver Bob with Fringe
Ready for a haircut that won’t require you too much of styling? Turn your jaw-length chop into a stylish masterpiece by choosing an ideal shade for it. A thick silver bob with a fringe for ladies over 50 is what you’ve been looking for. Its elegant dimension is what makes it youthful, fun and trendy, after all!
Q&A with style creator, Jemma Winters
Salon Owner / Hair Stylist @ Jemini Hair Artistry in Calgary, AB
How would you describe this look?
Thick hair can easily take over someone’s look as a whole. I believe in keeping thick hair tamed with a strong edge and lots of movement in the interior of the hair. The length of her hair suits her face shape. We added some width to her chin with a blunt edge but also did some tapered layers underneath to elongate her neck and head shape.
We paired it up with a beautiful color. To keep her arctic blondes under control (she’s 75% grey), we kept the base a light blonde and added some depth with lowlights. I always love contouring the face with some brighter blondes to make the skin have a youthful glow.
Any advice for someone considering it?
When styling a bob cut at home, I recommend blow-drying all your hair forward to not give a definite part. Also by blowdrying forward, you get a natural volume as well as showing off the texture of the cut.
Picking the right products is key to achieve a bob with bangs. For thick hair, I love to use a thermal protectant, anti-frizz, and a smoothing lotion to give a bit of hold also to tame your beautiful natural texture.
Bobs are recommended for heart shape or oval face shapes. If your face is round, I would recommend picking a length somewhat shorter to create the illusion of a jawline. If your face is square, I would suggest keeping it slightly longer and giving it some face-framing to soften your look!
I suggest blowdrying to achieve your hair, as air drying could look unpolished and out of control. For days that you’re tight on time, skip out on the flat iron and blow-dry a little longer with a comb. Comb everything forward and direct your hair forward with the blow dryer and comb simultaneously until dry. Let cool. Then, create your part. And voila!
If you want to create a soft wave, I suggest curling in vertical sections temple up. Underneath the temple, don’t curl. Once vertical sections have cooled, shake it out with a powder spray or dry shampoo to give it that tousled, effortless look.
Another secret is to do a deep part and tuck the one side behind the ear and wear a set of beautiful earrings!
#43: White Shaggy Lob
Here’s a white shaggy lob that’s made low maintenance by the shadow root. Movement is sure not to look overdramatic in a mid-length chop.
Q&A with style creator, Michelle Garrish
Salon Owner / Hair Stylist @ Blush Hair & Beauty Lounge in Washington, NC
How would you describe this look?
The cool thing about a shaggy long bob is that it’s actually flattering on people of all ages! I believe that’s why shags are coming back so soon. As you know, different versions of shag haircuts have been around for quite some time. The last trend, of course, was made popular by Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s. That culture has made a huge comeback, so, likewise, a modern version of the haircut has also reappeared. What makes a shaggy lob haircut a little more modern than its predecessor in my experience was creating the perimeter with a slope downward toward the face.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Asymmetrical cuts are still very popular as well, so we are seeing a lot of hybrid styles reemerging. A shag cut could be categorized by calling it an asymmetrical lob. However, once you add the shorter layers to it and frame the bang around the face just a bit, you now have more of a shaggy lob. Add a few beach waves and some texturizing spray, and you have a very cute and casual style that will complement most face shapes and age groups.
The color, I did as well. She is a natural blonde and wanted a cool tone all over with a bit of a shadow route. I gave her a balayage effect by doing teasy lights all over the head and using Schwarzkopf Blonde Me Lightener with a bonder added to it since we were going over her in with bleach which had been previously lightened. Once the foils were out, I turned her that pair with shades EQ gloss 9P and 9V. I also route tapped her with shades EQ 7n.
#44: Asymmetrical Pixie
Consider a short pixie bob. It’s a low-maintenance cut with many fun options for styling. It’s the perfect way to transition into a short hairstyle. The best thing about a bixie cut is the contemporary elegance it carries with lots of volume and texture. It’s timeless and classy.
If you’re considering losing your length, you should keep in mind the texture and condition of your hair. Although it requires little maintenance on a day-to-day basis, it’s important to keep visiting your stylist for trimming and care because it can lose its shape quickly. Also, there are so many options and face shapes that a cut and style can be adapted to including your unique personality and lifestyle.
#45: Simple Cropped Cut
If looking for a bold hair trend for your makeover, a cropped pixie fits the bill! It’s the simple cropped cut that will look edgy on your dark brown hair. The secret to a textured, brush-up style is utilizing a styling cream or wax.
Q&A with style creator, Wayne Joseph Washington
Senior Director @ Rush Hair One New Change in London, UK
How would you describe this look?
A look is chic and feminine – a beautiful statement style. Although short, it can be worn in a variety of ways to suit what you’re wearing or depending on mood. It’s a classic pixie shape with a textured fringe, but when styled up and back, it gives a very strong sense of personal style.
Always use a heat protector like L’Oreal Pli, as it has some hold. Don’t put too much product on the hair, and let the finishing product do the talking. My preference is a finger dry with a hairdryer, directing the hair the way you would like it to sit. Finishing off the style with a matte clay (softer clay if preferred), comb your fingers through to create the separate and desired texture.
Any advice for someone considering it?
A shorter style on a lady for me screams confidence. It’s your face laid bare. Petite faces and delicate features work best for a pixie style. It’s for a busy woman on the go, as there’s no fuss in styling. Although, you can curl with a small wand or slick down fully for a wet look, for an event that needs more drama. It’s a truly timeless and beautiful shape.
#46: Youthful Bob with Side Bangs
A youthful bob with side bangs works perfectly on dense hair. What makes it younger-looking is how the blonde highlights carry out a dimension. Notice how the length follows the jawline to pull off a flawless round shape.
Q&A with style creator, Evan
Barber / Stylist @ Madril Hair Design in Boise, ID
How would you describe this look?
Opt for highlights to blend with your existing gray. It’s a very heavy partial babylight highlight. Partial means that the top and sides are foiled back to back, extending beyond the crown in the back, so it gives the illusion that the entire head is highlighted. The foil placement really works well for a bob haircut.
The graduation of the shape is cut really high, so there is plenty of volume through the top. The sides were not cut at a drastic angle at the request of the client. The texture was created by deep parallel point cutting into the shape vs. using a razor.
Consider a classic shape that is modern while having versatility and ease. It’s short but can be worn straight (as shown) or curled with iron for some soft waves.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Women with a wider jawline that is square will want to wear the front a little longer to take away the focus on that area. Think about your hair type and what it can do. Less is more for fine hair. You don’t need too many products. Here, I used L’anza Zero Weight Gel for the mid strand to ends for control and L’anza Root Effects to give the root area lift as I blow dry the style with a medium round brush.
For more volume, I use a smaller round brush. I blow-dried the back keeping the airflow down while using my fingers to contour the hair with the head shape. I finished off with L’anza Air Paste, which is like a spray wax, to give that lived-in texture without it being too heavy. It also has enough hold to where you don’t need a finishing spray. People with medium to coarse hair will need to use more smoothing products and flat iron to create a sleek look.
People with curly hair who want to achieve a bob with side bangs may spend a little more time on it with a flat iron for that sleek finish. What’s great about this for curly hair is that you have the option to also wear it natural, and it will look great! My recommendation is to have your stylist smooth it out and personalize the cut (i.e. weight removal/fine-tuning it for precision). If it looks great smooth, it will look great in its natural state. Curl enhancing products will really keep the hair tame while accentuating those natural locks. L’anza Curl Define Cream is a great product choice for bobs. I prefer creams over mousse because mousse leaves the hair dry. I like a soft curl. My recommendation is to finger twist sections and air dry those curls as opposed to diffusing them.
What’s great about a bob style is that it truly is a wash and go. It doesn’t take too much time and effort to achieve , which is perfect for the person with an active or on the go lifestyle.
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