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20 Old-Fashioned Hairstyles Women Over 50 Need to Leave Behind (Plus 10 You Must Forget About)

20 Old-Fashioned Hairstyles Women Over 50 Need to Leave Behind (Plus 10 You Must Forget About)

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As you gracefully embrace your 50s and beyond, it’s a wonderful time to rethink your hairstyle. While some styles withstand the test of time, others, unfortunately, don’t. Let’s explore 30 hairstyles to reconsider, helping you achieve a more modern and flattering look. Remember, fashion is about feeling your best!

1. Permed Curls

© The Right Hairstyles

Permed curls can sometimes give a frizzy, outdated appearance. While curls are beautiful, overly tight perms can feel reminiscent of the 1980s. Consider opting for softer, more natural waves instead. This approach can enhance your features and add a touch of elegance. Embrace styles that offer movement and fluidity.

2. Beehive

© Click Americana

The beehive, though iconic, can look out of place today. It’s more costume party than everyday elegance. Try a chic updo that offers volume without the height. This not only updates your look but also complements your face shape beautifully. Keep it modern with subtle twists and turns.

3. Bouffant

© leeznyou

Bouffants often seem like a blast from the past. They require significant teasing, which isn’t ideal for hair health. Instead, think about a voluminous blowout. A contemporary blowout provides the lift you crave without damage. Soft layers can add depth, making your hair appear lush and vibrant.

4. Teased Layers

© dvcolour

Teased layers can be harsh on your hair, leaving it prone to breakage. Today’s styles favor smoother textures that move naturally. Opt for gentle layers that softly frame your face. This look is not only trendy but also healthier for your hair, minimizing the need for constant backcombing.

5. Poodle Cut

© maquariefletcher

The poodle cut, once popular, often results in tightly curled, close-to-the-head styles. These can look severe and dated. A looser curl pattern, allowing for a bit of bounce and volume, can be more flattering. This refresh provides a stylish and soft appearance, enhancing your natural beauty.

6. Feathered Bangs

© The Right Hairstyles

Feathered bangs were all the rage once but can now seem outdated. Consider straight or side-swept bangs for a refreshing change. This update can redefine your look, lending an air of sophistication. Experimenting with length and texture can provide fresh aesthetics without overwhelming your face.

7. Tightly Pulled Ponytail

© Cloud Nine

Tight ponytails, while sleek, can be harsh on your scalp and hairline. Instead, opt for a looser ponytail or a low bun. This gentler approach not only protects your hair but also adds a relaxed elegance to your overall appearance. It’s chic and comfortable for everyday wear.

8. Scrunchie-bound Ponytails

© Byrdie

Scrunchies have made a comeback, but overusing them can make your style look juvenile. Select elegant hair ties to maintain a polished appearance. These alternatives keep your style on-trend while avoiding the pitfalls of looking dated. They can also prevent hair damage from too much tension.

9. Helmet Hair

© The Right Hairstyles

The overly sprayed, stiff look doesn’t suit modern aesthetics. Hair should move and breathe. Embrace hairstyles that allow for natural movement, such as lightly textured bobs or layered cuts. These styles are not only more current but also healthier, preventing the brittle feel of helmet hair.

10. Short and Curly

© fashncurious

Short, curly styles can feel limiting. Consider a layered cut that allows curls to cascade softly. This update offers versatility and modern flair. By loosening the curls, you achieve a youthful bounce and vibrancy. It’s about celebrating your natural curl pattern in a way that feels fresh.

11. Pageboy

© the_history_of_hair

The pageboy, a relic of the past, can often mask your features. Think about a modern bob with irregular layers for a contemporary twist. This style highlights your features and provides a playful edge. It’s about updating the classic with a bit of personality, allowing for more expression.

12. Mullet

© atomicliz.does.hair

Mullets rarely flatter and often feel like a remnant of the past. Transitioning to a layered pixie cut can introduce a fresh and lively look. This change frames the face and adds dimension, moving away from harsh lines. It’s about creating gentle flow instead of rigid separation.

13. Hairspray Overload

© Reddit

Excessive hairspray can give hair an unnatural, rigid appearance. Aim for products that provide hold without the crunch. A light mousse or soft hold spray can maintain your style while allowing for movement. This approach ensures your hair looks alive and touchable, not frozen in place.

14. Super Short Buzz

© sm_lawless

While bold, super short buzz cuts can be unflattering. Instead, consider a soft pixie with varying lengths. This style can introduce softness and dimension. It’s about finding the balance between edgy and elegant, ensuring your hairstyle enhances rather than overpowers your natural beauty.

15. Half-Up Teased Crown

© Hair Adviser

Half-up styles with a teased crown can seem old-fashioned. Opt for a sleek half-up look without the excessive volume. This adjustment brings a sense of modernity and ease. It’s a style that works for both casual and formal settings, offering a fresh take on a traditional concept.

16. Curly Perm Lob

© theresamatthews9526

The curly perm lob can feel overdone. Consider soft waves instead, which add texture without the dated vibe. A more relaxed curl pattern can be flattering and versatile. This look complements different face shapes and brings a youthful energy to your style, keeping it lively and chic.

17. Bowl Cut

© YouTube

The bowl cut is often associated with a juvenile appearance. Opt for a layered, textured bob to introduce sophistication. This change enhances your features with a bit of flair. It’s about blending practicality with style, ensuring your hair looks effortlessly chic and suitable for any occasion.

18. Blunt Bangs

© badlandshairstudio

Blunt bangs can appear severe. Consider opting for wispy or side-swept bangs to soften your look. This adjustment brings a gentle touch to your appearance, creating a more harmonious balance. It’s a subtle change that can make a significant difference, highlighting your eyes and cheekbones.

19. Straight Bob

© kristynamoore

While classic, a straight bob can sometimes lack dimension. Add subtle waves or layers to introduce movement. This style adaptation offers a contemporary edge while maintaining the bob’s elegance. It’s about finding a balance between structured and relaxed, providing a fresh and appealing silhouette.

20. Heavy Fringe

© Goldsupplier’s Blog

Heavy fringes can overwhelm delicate features. A lighter, textured fringe can offer a more balanced and open look. This small shift can redefine your face, drawing attention to your eyes and smile. It’s a simple yet effective way to update your hairstyle while maintaining a sense of individuality.

21. Shaggy Layers

© thehairstyleedit

Shaggy layers can sometimes appear unkempt. Opt for structured, soft layers instead. This choice introduces elegance and sophistication, ensuring your hair looks intentional rather than accidental. It’s about refining your style to enhance your natural beauty, with each layer thoughtfully placed.

22. Pineapple Updo

© curlfriendari

The pineapple updo, with its high placement, can feel dated. A low chignon or bun provides a more contemporary flair. This style exudes grace and is suitable for various occasions. It’s an update that maintains style while offering comfort, showing that sophistication and ease can coexist.

23. Side Rat Tail

© funk.soul.barber

The side rat tail is an outdated choice. Instead, consider a sleek side braid that adds elegance. This alternative is more refined and versatile, fitting for both casual and formal settings. It’s about embracing simplicity with style, ensuring your hair complements your overall look.

24. Flat Top

© artbyhector

The flat top can be too stark. Transition to a softly rounded cut to introduce subtle curves. This change softens your overall appearance and adds a modern touch. It’s about creating harmony between style and structure, allowing your features to shine through without the harsh lines.

25. Hippy Braids

© ALLAHUAKBAR060

Hippy braids, while nostalgic, can seem out of place. Opt for a single, elegant braid that offers simplicity and sophistication. This alternative brings a timeless quality to your look, maintaining a sense of freedom without appearing juvenile. It’s a modern twist on a classic idea.

26. Crimped Hair

© curlygingerjulie

Crimped hair often looks dated. Consider smooth waves or curls for a current feel. This change offers texture without the crimp’s rigidness. It’s about creating a soft, touchable style that feels both fresh and lively, celebrating your natural beauty while maintaining a sense of modernity.

27. Tight Finger Waves

© esstiqbeauty

Tight finger waves can feel too vintage. Opt for looser waves that suggest movement and freedom. This update retains elegance while stepping into the present. It’s about capturing the essence of waves without rigid patterns, allowing your hair to flow naturally and beautifully.

28. Pixie with Long Sideburns

© Latest-Hairstyles.com

Long sideburns on a pixie cut can drag the style down. Consider shortening them for a cleaner look. This tweak brings a balanced and contemporary vibe, complementing your face shape. It’s a subtle adjustment that makes a significant impact, enhancing the chic nature of a pixie cut.

29. Overly Bleached

© Goldsupplier’s Blog

Overly bleached hair can appear harsh and damaging. Instead, opt for softer, multidimensional highlights. This approach adds depth and richness, creating a more natural look. It’s about embracing a color that complements rather than overwhelms, ensuring your hair looks vibrant and healthy.

30. Spiky Hair

© YouTube

Spiky hair can be too edgy and stark. Soften the spikes for a gentler style. This adjustment introduces texture without the hardness. It’s about finding a balance that feels contemporary and approachable, allowing your hair to express individuality while remaining stylish and age-appropriate.