As we gracefully age, our hairstyle choices often evolve. However, some styles might not complement us as well as we’d hoped. Here, we explore 29 hairstyles that women over 50 frequently wish they hadn’t chosen, along with reasons why these styles may not be the best fit.
1. Tight Ponytail
A tight ponytail can pull the skin on your face, making lines appear more pronounced. This hairstyle often creates tension, leading to headaches over time. Instead, consider a looser style. It offers a relaxed appearance while minimizing discomfort.
2. Bleached Blonde
Bleached blonde hair, while striking, can be damaging. The process strips natural oils, leaving hair brittle. This often results in breakage and split ends. Opt for a more natural shade that suits your complexion for healthier locks.
3. Pixie Cut
Though low-maintenance, pixie cuts can sometimes emphasize facial features you might prefer to soften. You may find yourself missing the versatility of longer hair. Consider a bob, which provides flexibility and softness.
4. Voluminous Perm
Voluminous perms can overwhelm your natural features, making your face look fuller. The upkeep can be demanding too. If you love curls, try soft waves instead for a more natural look and easier maintenance.
5. Jet Black Dye
Jet black hair dye can create a stark contrast with your skin tone, highlighting imperfections. It also shows root regrowth more visibly. Choose a shade closer to your natural color to better blend and flatter.
6. Micro Bangs
Micro bangs require constant upkeep and can be unflattering by shortening your face. They often demand daily styling, becoming more of a chore than a joy. Opt for side-swept bangs for a softer, more forgiving appearance.
7. High Bun
The high bun can make you appear overly severe, drawing attention to fine lines. Its tightness can also be uncomfortable. Consider a low, loose chignon that offers elegance without the harsh pull.
8. Mullet
Mullets, though once trendy, can feel outdated quickly. Their unique shape is hard to style and maintain. Instead, try a modern shag cut; it offers texture and an updated feel without the commitment.
9. Super Long Hair
Super long hair can be cumbersome, often thin, and hard to keep healthy. It may weigh you down and feel unmanageable. Mid-length styles offer a balance between length and ease of care, giving you freedom and style.
10. Shaved Head
A shaved head is bold but may expose features you prefer hidden. It can also be a drastic change that’s hard to reverse. A closely cropped cut provides a similar look with added softness.
11. Tightly Coiled Curls
Tightly coiled curls can be difficult to manage and may lead to breakage. They require significant upkeep for definition. Soft waves or loose curls offer a more relaxed, less stressful alternative.
12. Flat Ironed Straight
Constant flat ironing can leave hair looking lifeless and dry. The heat damages strands, leading to split ends. Embrace your natural texture with products that promote curls or waves for healthier hair.
13. Neon Colors
Neon colors, while fun, often clash with your skin tone and require frequent touch-ups. They can fade quickly, leaving your hair looking patchy. Softer pastel shades might offer vibrancy without as much maintenance.
14. Bowl Cut
Bowl cuts are a challenging style to pull off. They often frame the face in an unflattering way, emphasizing roundness. A layered bob offers more movement and suits various face shapes better.
15. High Contrast Highlights
High contrast highlights can be harsh, highlighting hair damage and outgrowth. They require constant maintenance to look fresh. Subtle balayage or lowlights blend better with your natural hair, offering a softer look.
16. Asymmetrical Bob
Asymmetrical bobs can be edgy but may not suit everyone’s face shape. They often demand more styling to maintain balance. A classic bob provides a timeless look that’s easy to style and maintain.
17. Top Knot
The top knot, though trendy, can create tension headaches and emphasize fine lines by pulling the skin. Opt for a loose ponytail or a half-up style, which offers comfort and a relaxed look.
18. Deep Side Part
Deep side parts can unbalance the symmetry of your face, making one side appear fuller. They often require frequent adjustments. A center part provides a balanced look with less fuss.
19. Spiky Hair
Spiky hair can be harsh and may emphasize facial lines. It often requires a lot of product and styling. A softer, tousled look can offer similar volume without the severity.
20. Layered Locks with Extensions
Extensions can add volume, but they often tangle and require additional upkeep. They might not blend well with thinning hair. Consider volumizing products or a shorter, layered cut to enhance natural fullness.
21. Burgundy Red Dye
Burgundy red dyes can clash with your natural complexion, making skin tones appear washed out. They also fade quickly. Opt for a more natural, warm hue that complements your skin better.
22. Rattail
Rattails can seem outdated and awkward to style. They don’t flatter most face shapes and require constant trimming. A modern, sleek cut offers a more polished appearance.
23. Flat Top
Flat tops can appear severe and are difficult to maintain. Their structured look feels outdated and requires constant shaping. A soft, layered cut offers more flexibility and a contemporary feel.
24. Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights can look unnatural and highlight damage. They create stark lines that grow out quickly. A balayage technique offers a more natural, sun-kissed appearance that blends seamlessly.
25. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips, reminiscent of past decades, can look dated and don’t age gracefully. They require frequent touch-ups. Consider subtle highlights that enhance your natural color without overpowering it.
26. Tapered Cut
Tapered cuts can be challenging to maintain, often requiring frequent visits to the salon. They might not suit all hair textures. A layered bob can offer a similar look with less hassle.
27. Feathered Layers
Feathered layers can sometimes add too much volume, making hair look unmanageable. They can also date your look. A sleek, blunt cut can modernize your style while still offering movement.
28. Frizzy Perm
Frizzy perms often lead to unmanageable hair, requiring constant taming efforts. They can make hair appear dry and brittle. Embrace smoother styles or natural curls for a low-maintenance, polished look.
29. Color Blocking
Color blocking can be overwhelming and often doesn’t complement aging features well. It demands regular upkeep due to rapid growth. Subtle color variations can add interest without overshadowing your natural beauty.