Time to stop hiding those temples—let’s talk strategy, not surrender.
Thinning at the sides? You’re not alone. As the years roll in, so do the changes, and your temples are often the first to whisper that story. But guess what? The right hairstyle can flip the script entirely.
We’re talking cuts that lift, shape, and soften. Styles that bring attention to your eyes, not your hairline. It’s not just about coverage—it’s about confidence.
This isn’t a list of boring “dos and don’ts.”
It’s a spotlight on 12 hairstyles that actually work for thinning temples—and 8 that might sabotage all your effort. If your current look is secretly aging you, it’s time for a change.
Let’s reclaim the hair game, one flattering style at a time.
Soft Pixie Cut
The soft pixie cut is a timeless and chic option for women over 50. It adds volume where needed and draws attention away from thinning temples.
The textured layers create a playful and dynamic look. With a gentle side sweep, it frames the face beautifully.
This hairstyle exudes confidence and is easy to maintain. Its versatility allows for both a polished office look and a relaxed weekend style. The pixie’s simplicity is its charm, making it a favorite among many.
Layered Bob
A layered bob offers a sophisticated style that remains popular across all ages. Its multi-dimensional layers add volume and body, perfect for camouflaging thinning areas.
The cut’s versatility allows for straight or wavy styling, offering a fresh look each time. Its ease of styling and maintenance makes it ideal for busy lifestyles. A timeless classic, the layered bob complements the natural beauty of mature women.
Feathered Shag
Feathered shags bring an energetic vibe to any look. This layered hairstyle adds volume and movement, ideal for thinning temples. The feathers create an illusion of fuller hair, adding depth and dimension.
It’s a hairstyle with a youthful flair, blending sophistication with fun. Its adaptability to different textures makes it a go-to for many. Feathered shags are bold, offering a unique style statement.
Chic Chignon
The chic chignon is a sophisticated updo that adds elegance to any occasion. Perfect for thinning temples, it gathers hair gracefully, creating an illusion of volume.
This style is timeless, often seen on red carpets and formal gatherings.
The chignon’s sleek nature offers a polished look, complementing evening wear splendidly. It’s the epitome of classic elegance, ideal for those special nights.
Wavy Lob
The wavy lob, or long bob, is a versatile hairstyle that suits women of all ages. Its soft waves add texture and volume, countering the appearance of thinning temples.
This style is casual yet chic, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. The lob’s length offers flexibility, with enough hair to style in various ways. It’s the perfect blend of laid-back and polished.
Classic Updo
A classic updo is the epitome of sophistication. It pulls hair away from the face, creating an elegant frame and drawing attention upwards. Ideal for hiding temple thinning, this style adds volume at the crown.
Perfect for formal occasions, the classic updo brings an aura of grace and refinement. Its timeless appeal suits any age, making it a staple for many. The updo’s structure is both practical and stylish.
Textured Crop
The textured crop is a bold choice for those seeking a modern look. Its layers add depth, creating a fuller appearance ideal for thinning temples.
This short style is both edgy and sophisticated, offering a fresh take on classic short haircuts. With minimal maintenance, it’s perfect for the active lifestyle of many women over 50. The textured crop is about embracing boldness with flair.
Curly Bob
Curly bobs add a playful and youthful touch to mature looks. The curls create volume, perfect for disguising thinning temples. This hairstyle is both lively and elegant, suitable for various occasions.
Its low-maintenance nature is ideal for those who prefer simplicity. The curly bob’s charm lies in its ability to blend fun with sophistication, making it a favorite among many women. It’s a style that radiates joy.
Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs offer a subtle change that can make a significant impact. They draw attention to the eyes, taking focus away from thinning temples. This style adds a touch of softness and femininity.
Bangs can be paired with various cuts, enhancing their versatility. They provide a youthful touch without drastic changes. Side-swept bangs are a simple yet effective way to refresh a hairstyle.
Voluminous Curls
Voluminous curls exude glamour and sophistication, perfect for making a statement. They create the illusion of thicker hair, ideal for those experiencing thinning.
This style is versatile, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
The curls’ volume adds a dramatic flair, enhancing the overall appearance. Voluminous curls are about embracing bold and beautiful with confidence.
Long Layers
Long layers offer a graceful and elegant look for women over 50. They add movement and texture, helping to disguise thinning areas. This style’s flexibility allows for various styling options, from straight to wavy.
The layers add an air of sophistication, while the length offers a timeless appeal. It’s a style that enhances natural beauty, perfect for those who prefer a classic look. Long layers are all about subtle elegance.
Tousled Waves
Tousled waves bring a relaxed and effortless vibe to any look. This casual style adds texture and volume, ideal for thinning temples.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy a laid-back yet chic approach to hairstyling. The waves’ natural appearance offers a youthful and energetic feel. Tousled waves are about embracing carefreeness with style.
Tight Ponytail
The tight ponytail pulls hair away from the face, emphasizing facial features.
However, for those with thinning temples, this can exacerbate the issue by pulling hair further back and highlighting sparse areas.
While sleek and polished, this style may not be the best choice for everyone.
It’s important to consider the impact on hair health, as the tension can lead to breakage. For those with temple thinning, gentler styles may be more flattering.
Straight Middle Part
The straight middle part is a clean and modern look, but it can expose thinning areas around the temples. This style offers a sleek appearance, yet highlights sparse spots rather than concealing them.
It works best for those with even hair density. For women experiencing thinning, it might be beneficial to opt for a side part instead. The middle part’s precision is its strength and weakness.
Slicked Back Bun
A slicked back bun is elegant but can accentuate thinning temples. By pulling hair tightly back, it reveals areas that might be better camouflaged with softer styles.
The bun is ideal for formal occasions, adding a touch of sophistication.
However, for those concerned about temple thinning, looser styles may offer a more flattering look. It’s about balancing elegance with consideration for hair health.
Wet Look Hair
The wet look hair trend offers a bold and edgy style but is not ideal for thinning temples. This style slicks hair back, highlighting sparse areas rather than concealing them.
While it creates a striking and contemporary appearance, it might not suit everyone.
For those with thinning concerns, other textures and styles could be more flattering. The wet look is about making a statement but requires careful consideration.
High Top Knot
The high top knot is a trendy and practical style, but not ideal for thinning temples. Pulling hair up tightly can expose sparse areas, potentially worsening the appearance of thinning.
Although it offers convenience and a modern look, it might not suit everyone.
For those with temple thinning, styles with softer framing might be more beneficial. The top knot’s practicality is both its advantage and downside.
Sleek Ponytail
The sleek ponytail is a polished and stylish choice but may not suit thinning temples. Pulling hair back tightly can emphasize sparse areas, making thinning more noticeable.
While it offers a neat appearance, it’s important to consider individual hair health.
For those with concerns about thinning, looser styles might be more flattering. The sleek ponytail is about elegance but requires thoughtful styling.
Blunt Cut
The blunt cut is a bold and modern choice, but it can highlight thinning areas. Its straight lines offer a sharp look, yet expose temple thinning without softening edges.
This style is ideal for those with even hair density. For women experiencing thinning, layered cuts could offer a more balanced appearance.
The blunt cut’s strength lies in its simplicity, but it might not suit every hair type.
Center Part Waves
Center part waves are a classic and elegant style, but they can expose thinning temples. While waves add texture, the middle part draws attention to sparse areas.
This style works well for those with even hair distribution. For thinning temples, a side part or different layering might be more flattering.
Center part waves are about balance, offering elegance with a need for careful consideration.