As we age, our style and hair choices often evolve, but some haircuts just don’t stand the test of time. There are certain styles that, while once popular, can end up making us look older than we feel. It’s easy to get stuck in a style that we’ve been rocking for years, but sometimes it’s worth reassessing whether it’s still the right choice for us.
In this list, we’re taking a look at 17 haircuts women over 50 might want to avoid. These styles can sometimes age you or simply don’t complement the changing texture and volume of hair with time. But don’t worry—there are plenty of chic and flattering options out there that can enhance your look without feeling outdated.
The Perm
Remember the 1980s, when perms were all the rage? While they were once the epitome of style, perms can now look dated and unnecessarily harsh.
This look, with its uniform curls and crispy texture, tends to overpower delicate features, making it less suitable for mature faces. Instead, opt for a softer wave or embrace your natural texture for a more contemporary vibe.
Updating your hairstyle can refresh your overall appearance and boost your confidence. Consider a modern alternative that complements your facial structure and adds movement to your hair.
Bouffant Beehive
The bouffant beehive brings back memories of the swinging 60s, but its towering height feels out of sync today.
This structured style can age you by adding unintended volume that distracts rather than enhances. It’s time to trade the beeswax for a sleek, layered bob or pixie cut that frames your face beautifully.
Choose a hairstyle that’s easy to maintain and that modernizes your look, highlighting your best features. Simplifying your hair routine can also save time, allowing you to focus on enjoying life.
The Mullet
The mullet is a hairstyle that should remain in the past. Popular in the 80s, its “business in the front, party in the back” concept is outdated and unflattering.
This cut can create an awkward silhouette that doesn’t do justice to your sophisticated style. Instead, consider a long bob or layered cut that offers versatility and elegance.
A modern hairstyle can enhance your natural beauty and reflect your vibrant personality. Look for styles that provide movement and texture, giving your hair life and dimension.
Teased Crown
Teasing was once the go-to trick for adding volume, but the overly teased crown now feels more chaotic than chic.
This style can make hair appear damaged and brittle, aging your look rather than enlivening it. Embrace a healthier, voluminous style with soft layers or loose curls that flatter your face.
Modernizing your hairstyle can bring a fresh and youthful appearance. Instead of teasing, use volumizing products that nourish and protect your hair while giving you the lift you desire.
Poodle Perm
The poodle perm, characterized by tight, frizzy curls, is a look best left behind. Its resemblance to a fluffy canine may not be the style statement you wish to make.
Such tightly wound curls can overpower your features and create a dated impression. Consider loose, beachy waves or a sleek straight style that radiates a modern elegance.
Opt for a hairstyle that complements your natural texture and enhances your overall appearance. Modern hair techniques can provide the volume and movement you crave without the frizz.
Blunt Bob
While the blunt bob was once a symbol of edginess, its severe lines can now appear harsh on mature skin.
This cut can accentuate fine lines and lacks the softness needed to flatter gracefully aging features. Try a layered bob or a soft pixie cut that offers movement and a touch of whimsy.
Updating your hairstyle can create a more harmonious and youthful look. Choose cuts that integrate layers and texture to bring life and energy to your appearance.
The Shag
The shag haircut, with its uneven layers and choppy ends, was once a symbol of rebellion. However, it’s time to rebel against this outdated style.
The shag can come across as messy and disorganized, detracting from a polished image. Consider a sleek, modern cut that provides structure and sophistication.
A contemporary hairstyle can enhance your personal style and reflect your inner vibrancy. Explore options that offer sleek lines and defined shapes, giving your hair a fresh, clean look.
Feathered Layers
Feathered layers, made famous by Farrah Fawcett, were once the height of fashion. But today, they can make your hair appear thin and lifeless.
These layers can lack the fullness needed to complement maturing hair, making a fresh cut essential. Choose a style with structured layers or curls to add volume and bounce.
Revitalize your look with a haircut that offers body and flair. Modern techniques can bring out the best in your hair, ensuring that it enhances your natural beauty.
Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, with its uniform shape, might evoke nostalgia for the 1990s, but it’s not a look to revisit.
This style can create a boxy and unflattering silhouette, overshadowing your facial features. Opt for a more dynamic haircut that flatters your face shape and adds dimension.
Modern hairstyles can offer sophistication and style that reflect your personality. Embrace haircuts that are easy to manage and stylishly versatile for a fresh, updated appearance.
Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut, with its inward-curving ends, can be reminiscent of childhood styles. But its rigid form is rarely flattering for mature faces.
This cut can appear heavy and outdated, lacking the sophistication mature women seek. Explore softer cuts with layers that gently frame your face.
Choosing a modern hairstyle can highlight your features and convey elegance. Look for styles that offer both ease and versatility in styling, ensuring a polished and contemporary look.
Rat Tail
The rat tail is one of those styles that, thankfully, has fallen out of favor. Its singular, trailing strand can appear disjointed from the rest of your hairstyle.
This look can distract rather than harmonize with your overall style. Opt for a well-blended cut that integrates seamlessly with your hair, adding smoothness and continuity.
A modern approach to hair can provide a more cohesive and elegant appearance. Consider styles that offer sleek lines and a polished finish, enhancing your natural allure.
Curly Bangs
Curly bangs can be a tricky style to pull off, often creating unintended volume around the face.
This look can obscure your eyes and detract from your natural beauty, making it an outdated choice. Opt for straight or softly waved bangs that blend with your overall hairstyle.
Modernizing your bangs can refresh your appearance and highlight your best features. Look for styles that complement your hair texture and facial structure, giving you a more balanced look.
Asymmetrical Cut
While asymmetry in cuts can be trendy, overly dramatic versions can appear disjointed and exaggerated.
This style can create an imbalance that draws attention away from your face. Instead, choose a subtly angled bob or layered cut that offers sophistication and harmony.
Modern hairstyles can enhance your elegance and showcase your personality. Opt for styles that provide balanced lines and gentle movement, ensuring a refined and contemporary look.
The Flip
The flip hairstyle, with its outward-turned ends, was once the darling of the 60s. However, its retro charm doesn’t always translate well today.
This style can lend an old-fashioned appearance, overshadowing your modern flair. Embrace a chic bob or sleek cut that offers a fresh, up-to-date look.
Updating your hairstyle can enhance your confidence and emphasize your individuality. Look for cuts that add softness and volume, reflecting your vibrant energy.
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair, with its zigzag texture, had its moment in the 80s but now feels outdated.
This style can create a harsh, angular look that detracts from your natural beauty. Consider smooth, flowing styles or soft waves that complement your features.
Revamping your hairstyle can bring a touch of elegance and modernity to your look. Embrace styles that offer a natural flow and enhance your hair’s shine and texture.
The Pixie With Long Bangs
Pixie cuts are undeniably chic, but pairing them with long bangs can create an imbalanced look.
This combination can obscure your face and add unnecessary weight to the style. Opt for a balanced pixie cut that enhances your face shape and adds a touch of elegance.
A modern pixie can offer versatility and ease, reflecting your dynamic lifestyle. Choose styles that provide balance and highlight your features, ensuring a polished and contemporary appearance.
Frosted Tips
Frosted tips once spiced up styles, adding a burst of color. However, this look can now appear dated and harsh.
The stark contrast can detract from your natural beauty, making it a choice best left in the past. Consider subtle highlights or balayage that adds dimension and warmth.
Modern color techniques can enhance your hair’s natural beauty and add a youthful glow. Explore color options that blend seamlessly with your hair, creating a polished and luminous appearance.