For women over 50, hairstyles can be as timeless as Audrey Hepburn or as outdated as a rotary phone. While fashion is cyclical, some hairdos are best left in the past. This light-hearted guide explores 28 such styles with humor and insight, helping you embrace a modern look with graceful confidence.
1. La ruche
The beehive, once the queen of the 1960s, is now a towering reminder of times gone by. While fun in its heyday, this gravity-defying style can make you look more like a time traveler than a trendsetter. Opt for something less voluminous and more current to keep your look fresh and vibrant.
2. Une frange en plumes
Feathered bangs flew in like a breeze during the 1970s. Today, they may add unwanted fluff to your frame, leaving you looking outdated. Instead, try softer bangs that blend seamlessly with your hair’s natural texture. This way, you maintain a youthful appearance while paying homage to the past in a subtle way.
3. Le mulet
The mullet, fondly known as “business in the front, party in the back,” should remain a distant memory. This style, often linked to rock legends, may not translate to today’s sophisticated beauty standards. Consider a chic bob or a layered cut that offers movement, elegance, and a modern twist.
4. Permed Curls
Permed curls, a favorite of the 80s, can be more frizz than fierce today. These tight spirals often age your look rather than refresh it. Swap out perm rods for a sleeker, smoother style that frames your face with gentle waves, maintaining elegance and a youthful zest.
5. Cheveux crêpés
Crimped hair, synonymous with the 1980s dance floors, should stay at the disco. This zigzag style doesn’t complement mature hair textures and can appear overly rigid. For a contemporary touch, try tousled beach waves, which exude a relaxed and natural elegance suitable for any occasion.
6. Bouffant
Bouffants, with their sky-high volume, once signified glamour. Today, they may add unnecessary height and unwanted attention. Consider styles that allow for soft, natural volume, like a layered cut or a loose updo. These options provide a nod to elegance without the extra inches.
7. Rat Tail
The rat tail, a quirky remnant of the 80s and 90s, is better left in the era of mixtapes. This peculiar tail can be more distracting than flattering. Try a sleek, even cut that complements your features. A polished appearance will highlight your best attributes without the need for an accessory tail.
8. Poodle Perm
Poodle perms, with their tight curls and fuzzy texture, often resemble a beloved pet more than a chic style. These curls can overwhelm your face, adding years instead of subtracting them. Choose a hairstyle that offers soft, open waves, providing a delicate and airy appearance to enhance your features.
9. Feathered Flip
The feathered flip, reminiscent of 70s TV stars, can appear more costume than current. This style’s outward flicks may not flatter all facial shapes. Instead, consider a layered cut with inward curls, subtly framing your face and offering a gentle lift that enhances rather than detracts from your natural beauty.
10. Coupe du bol
The bowl cut, often associated with childhood memories, is best left behind with your school uniform. Its blunt, uniform shape can be unforgiving on mature faces. Opt for a more tailored style that provides dimension and movement, such as a soft pixie or a layered bob that complements your features.
11. Spiky Hair
Spiky hair, a rebellious nod to the punk era, might feel more porcupine than playful. Its sharp edges can be harsh against softer, mature features. Consider styles that incorporate texture without the sharpness, using gentle layers to add interest and movement, creating a balanced and youthful look.
12. Tresses de maïs
Cornrows, though culturally rich and diverse, can be a challenging style to maintain over time. They may pull at the scalp, causing discomfort or damage. Instead, explore braided styles that are less taut but still express your personality, offering both comfort and a touch of bohemian flair.
13. Spiral Perms
Spiral perms, with their tight, corkscrew shapes, often spell more chaos than charisma. These curls can overwhelm your natural texture, adding unnecessary bulk. Choose styles that offer loose, flowing waves. These create a gentle bounce that frames your face with sophistication, providing a chic and relaxed appearance.
14. Vidal Sassoon Cut
The Vidal Sassoon cut, once revolutionary in its geometric precision, may now feel too rigid. Its sharp lines can appear severe rather than stylish. Instead, opt for a softer, more adaptable haircut that complements your natural hair texture, embracing a look that feels fresh and full of life.
15. Teased Hair
Teased hair, with its voluminous lift, can quickly veer into the realm of extremes. This style often leads to tangles, both literally and stylistically. Consider a look that offers volume through layers rather than teasing, crafting a sophisticated silhouette that maintains a modern elegance without the need for constant comb-outs.
16. Flattop
The flattop, a symbol of 80s cool, can seem more military than mod on mature women. This cut’s straight lines can be too harsh. Opt for a softer silhouette with flowing layers or a styled pixie cut that highlights your features and brings a touch of flair and femininity.
17. Wedge Cut
The wedge cut, once hailed for its sleek angles, may now cut too sharply into chicness. Its defined edges can feel stark against softer, mature faces. Try a modern bob or layers that offer movement and grace, complementing your natural beauty while providing a nod to elegance without the rigidity.
18. Flat Ironed Ends
Flat-ironed ends, once a hallmark of early 2000s style, can leave hair looking lifeless and flat. This overly sleek finish lacks dimension and movement. Consider styles that add soft curls or waves to the ends, providing texture and vitality. A little bounce can transform your look from flat to fabulous.
19. Mohawk
The mohawk, bold and defiant, can appear more costume than classic as we age. Its upright statement can overshadow your natural beauty. Opt for edgy layers or an undercut paired with longer lengths to capture the mohawk’s spirit. These styles offer a modern twist without the commitment to spikes.
20. Shag Cut
The shag cut, once a rockstar staple, can appear more disheveled than dashing. Its uneven layers may age your look instead of energizing it. Opt for a structured cut that provides movement and shape without the mess. A refined silhouette will keep you looking stylish and feeling confident.
21. Liberty Spikes
Liberty spikes are all about standing tall, but they may come off as more pointy than polished. These spiky towers can clash with the elegance of maturity. Consider textured layers that add interest and dimension without the sharpness, ensuring your hairstyle enhances rather than overwhelms.
22. Pageboy
The pageboy, a nod to medieval times, can feel more court jester than chic today. Its uniform shape may not suit all face types. Opt for a more flowing style that adds layers, providing movement and a touch of modernity. A soft, layered bob can keep your look timeless.
23. Rideaux à franges
Curtain bangs, while once a signature 70s style, can seem less curtain and more clutter. These bangs may obscure rather than enhance your features. Instead, consider face-framing layers that open up your visage and highlight your best attributes, bringing a sophisticated softness to your overall look.
24. Punk Mohawk
A punk mohawk screams attitude but might shout a bit too loudly past a certain age. Its extreme height and sharpness may overpower your natural elegance. Opt for softer edges and an asymmetrical cut that captures the essence without the extremes, showcasing a playful yet mature style.
25. The Rachel
The Rachel, once beloved by fans of the 90s sitcom, can look dated rather than delightful now. Its choppy layers may not work with all textures. Consider a modern layered cut that offers a softer transition and a flattering frame, enhancing your natural beauty and providing a contemporary twist.
26. Pixie with Long Tail
The pixie cut with a long tail, though a daring fusion, might feel more confusing than creative. The contrast between short and long can be jarring. Opt for a cohesive pixie style that’s consistent throughout, offering a neat and modern silhouette that complements your features without the unexpected surprise.
27. Micro Braids
Micro braids are intricate and beautiful but can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Their tight weave might not favor all hair types or scalps. Consider larger, looser braids that maintain the beauty of braided styles without the tension, offering a graceful and comfortable look that’s easier to maintain.
28. Pompadour
The pompadour, with its towering height, can feel overwhelming rather than glamorous. This dramatic lift may not flatter all face shapes. Choose a style with softer volume, such as a voluminous blowout or gentle curls, that offers a subtle elegance. This approach ensures your look is both stylish and sophisticated.