Getting a new haircut can feel like a fresh start, but not every style turns out the way we imagine. Especially as we get older, it’s easy to fall into the trap of choosing a cut that doesn’t quite fit our lifestyle or flatter our features the way we hoped. If you’ve ever left the salon wishing you had gone with something different, you’re definitely not alone.
This list takes a look at some of the hairstyles that women over 50 often regret and why they don’t always work as we age. Plus, we’ve rounded up 10 cuts they recommend instead—styles that are not only flattering but also easy to maintain. After all, getting a haircut should make you feel more confident, not more complicated!
Regret: Tight Perm
Tight perms can be tempting for those seeking volume but often lead to unruly frizz. Over-processing hair with chemicals can damage the hair shaft, leaving curls looking unnatural and dry. Many women find this style difficult to maintain, requiring daily styling to tame frizz. It’s easy to feel stuck in a cycle of constant upkeep, without achieving the desired look. Often, the result is more about frustration than fabulousness. If you’re considering a perm, remember that loose waves might offer the flexibility and ease that tight curls lack.
Recommend: Soft Waves
Soft waves embody timeless elegance and are universally flattering. This style adds volume without the harshness of a tight curl, making it ideal for those who want a natural, effortless look. Soft waves are easier to manage, often requiring just a quick touch-up with a curling iron. They frame the face beautifully, highlighting your features without overwhelming them. The gentle flow of waves can add a youthful, vibrant touch to your appearance, enhancing your natural beauty with grace.
Regret: Bowl Cut
The bowl cut is often seen as an easy, low-maintenance option but can be unflattering due to its rigid shape. This style tends to accentuate face roundness, which might not suit everyone. It also lacks versatility, providing limited styling options. Many find it doesn’t age well and can feel trapped in a monotonous hair routine. The stark lines of this cut might overshadow softer facial features, leading to an unintended harsh look. Consider a style that offers more movement and shape, like a layered cut.
Recommend: Layered Bob
The layered bob breathes life into hair by adding dimension and volume. Unlike the restrictive bowl cut, this style offers versatility, allowing for various looks. The layers create a dynamic flow, framing the face beautifully and accentuating your best features. It’s stylish yet practical, easy to maintain, and can be dressed up or down with minimal effort. This cut adapts well to different hair types and textures, ensuring that every strand has movement and purpose.
Regret: Super Short Pixie
While a pixie cut can be bold, the super short version may leave you feeling exposed. This haircut demands confidence, and not all feel it complements their femininity or personal style. Maintenance is another consideration, as regular trims are necessary to keep the shape. The super short pixie might not accommodate those who enjoy versatility in styling. It can also highlight facial features more intensely, which some might find accentuates fine lines and wrinkles.
Recommend: Tousled Pixie
A tousled pixie offers a playful, textured take on the classic short cut. This version provides more movement and volume, making it a popular choice. With its relaxed layers, the tousled pixie softens the facial features, offering a youthful vibe. It’s easy to style with some texturizing spray and your fingers, allowing for a carefree look. This style brings out a lively, spirited energy that resonates well with many over 50, blending chic and comfort seamlessly.
Regret: Long, Straight Hair
Long, straight hair, while often admired, can become limp and lifeless, especially as hair naturally thins with age. This style may draw attention away from the face, creating a heavy look. It’s often perceived as needing constant maintenance to stay sleek and free of frizz. The lack of volume can make it challenging to style, leading to frustration. Consider a cut that incorporates layers or waves, which can add much-needed texture and fullness to your look.
Recommend: Long Layers
Long layers offer a graceful and dynamic alternative to flat, straight hair. This style infuses movement and volume, making it ideal for showcasing the hair’s natural beauty. Long layers are versatile, allowing for various styling options, from casual to sophisticated. They frame the face delicately, enhancing your features with a flattering silhouette. This cut harmonizes length with style, providing a rejuvenated look that’s both modern and timeless. Embrace the liveliness that long layers can bring to your hair.
Regret: Extreme Asymmetrical Cuts
Extreme asymmetrical cuts can be trendy, yet they are often divisive in appeal. They require significant styling to maintain their edgy look. Asymmetrical cuts might not suit everyone’s face shape or lifestyle, becoming impractical in daily wear. The imbalance can also emphasize asymmetries in the face or create an unintended uneven appearance. It’s a style that demands commitment to upkeep and a bold personality to carry off confidently. More balanced asymmetries might provide flair without the fuss.
Recommend: Subtle Asymmetrical Bob
A subtle asymmetrical bob offers a modern edge with understated elegance. This style maintains a sense of balance while adding a hint of creativity to your look. It’s easy to manage and style, providing a fresh twist on the traditional bob. The slight asymmetry can enhance your facial structure without overwhelming it, offering a contemporary flair without excessive commitment. This cut allows for personal expression, making it a favorite among those seeking a sophisticated yet chic appearance.
Regret: Bleached Blonde
Bleaching hair blonde can be harsh, especially on mature hair, often leading to breakage and damage. The upkeep of maintaining such a light color can be daunting, with frequent salon visits required to keep roots at bay. This look can also wash out the complexion, creating a stark contrast that might not be flattering. The bleaching process can strip hair of its natural luster, leaving it fragile and dry. Consider softer, more natural shades that complement your skin tone better.
Recommend: Soft Highlights
Soft highlights introduce a gentle dimension to hair, enhancing its natural color with warmth and depth. This style provides a sun-kissed appearance without the harshness of full bleaching. Highlights can be tailored to suit any base color, creating subtle variations that flatter the face. They require less maintenance than all-over color changes, making them ideal for those seeking low-effort beauty. The added brightness can revitalize your look, ensuring a youthful and radiant glow that complements your natural beauty.
Regret: Flat Top
The flat top, while bold, often falls flat for those over 50. This style is challenging to maintain and requires frequent trims to keep its angular precision. Its severe lines can overshadow softer facial features, leading to a more masculine appearance. Many find it limiting in terms of styling flexibility, making it hard to adapt to different occasions or moods. Opt for a style that offers softer contours and more versatility, allowing your personality to shine through with each strand.
Recommend: Textured Crop
A textured crop introduces personality and flair with its dynamic layers and playful movement. This style offers simplicity in maintenance while allowing for creative styling options. Its textured finish softens facial features, providing a harmonious balance between structure and flow. The crop can be customized to suit individual preferences, whether aiming for a chic, polished look or a more relaxed, tousled feel. This cut celebrates individuality and is perfect for those who want to express their unique style with confidence.
Regret: Tight Curls
Tight curls, though lively, can often be overwhelming and difficult to manage. They require a lot of care to maintain definition and prevent frizz. The style can become high-maintenance, with constant attention needed to keep curls looking their best. Over time, tight curls may also lead to tangling and breakage, particularly if the hair is fine or thin. Consider a style that offers more breathing room for your locks, such as looser curls or waves, which are typically more forgiving.
Recommend: Loose Curls
Loose curls are a delightful alternative, providing volume and bounce without the tightness. This style offers a sense of softness and femininity, easily enhancing your natural beauty. Loose curls require less frequent styling and are typically easier to maintain, making them a practical choice. They add a playful, relaxed vibe to your look, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re going for a casual day out or a glamorous evening, loose curls provide the versatility and charm that many find irresistible.
Regret: Mohawk
The mohawk is a daring choice that often divides opinions. Its bold nature requires constant styling and confidence to carry off. The look might not align with everyone’s lifestyle or professional setting, making it impractical for daily wear. The maintenance involved in keeping the mohawk sharp can be time-consuming. For those over 50, it might not gel with the desired image of sophistication or ease. Consider styles that incorporate edgy elements without the full commitment, like a layered undercut or subtle faux hawk.
Recommend: Undercut
An undercut introduces a touch of edginess while maintaining sophistication. This style allows for playful experimentation with length and texture, without the full commitment of a mohawk. It’s easy to manage and can be customized to suit personal preferences, offering a discreet yet bold statement. The undercut provides versatility in styling, allowing for a polished look or something more relaxed. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to refresh their appearance with a modern twist that still respects their personality and lifestyle.
Regret: High Ponytail
Though a high ponytail can appear sleek, it often puts strain on the scalp and hair. This tension can lead to headaches and potential hair loss over time. High ponytails can also expose hair thinning or receding hairlines, which some might prefer to conceal. The style may feel too severe, lacking the softness that many desire. Opt for lower styles that offer comfort and gentleness, such as a low, loose ponytail or a relaxed bun, which can provide elegance without the strain.
Recommend: Low Bun
The low bun is a classic option that blends elegance with simplicity. It’s gentle on the hair and scalp, avoiding the tension of high styles. The low bun can be styled in various ways, from sleek and polished to messy and casual, offering flexibility for any occasion. It frames the face softly, complementing your natural features without overshadowing them. This style provides an air of sophistication, making it a favorite for both everyday wear and special events, embodying timeless charm and ease.