The power of an amazing haircut is undeniable. However, dealing with finding the perfect style (whether it’s based on your face shape or wanting to tap into the latest trends) can be daunting or even frightening—especially when it comes to short haircuts for women over 60.
As we grow older, our hair may not always behave the way it once did, which can be frustrating, to say the least. “For women over 60, the hair can often be a bit finer and drier than it was previously for them,” says Clara Purvis, celebrity stylist and owner of Noordwyck salon. “This means they might want to enhance volume and texture while adding moisture to keep it looking lush.”
But the key to a great haircut isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good too. Depending on the hair and the individual style, women can still have any hairstyle they choose. That said, with age comes higher recession areas and thinning hair on top, which just means layers, bangs or face framing layers are key. Not only does a haircut with these elements enhance our features, but it also helps boost confidence, reflect personality and complement your on-the-go lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to embrace a more modern, edgy look or prefer a classic, sophisticated style, the perfect haircut can rejuvenate your appearance and give you an extra confidence boost. Not sure where to start? Read on below for some of the most flattering and stylish cuts for women over 60.
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7 Best Short Haircuts for Women Over 60, According to a Celebrity Stylist
1. French Bob
A French bob is super flattering since it frames the face and adds layers to the hair. This super feminine and powerful ‘do is essentially the messier, more textured cousin of the iconic bob. “The shape is a mostly one length bob with just some soft textured layers towards the ends, combined with graduated French bangs that blend into a cheekbone grazing face frame,” says Purvis.
One of the common hair concerns as we age is hair thinning. The French bob, with its layers and textured finish, is excellent for adding volume and body to fine or thinning hair. The shorter length helps reduce the weight on the hair, giving it more lift and making it look fuller. It’s a great way to add the illusion of thicker hair without needing to resort to heavy styling.
2. Pixie Cut
According to Purvis, a pixie cut is super stylish and edgy, which can really give an empowered look. This short haircut is perfect for women who want a low-maintenance style with lots of personality.
As seen on the iconic Kris Jenner, a well-cut pixie adds volume at the crown, creating the illusion of thicker hair while providing an effortless, youthful look. One of the best things about the pixie cut is that it can be tailored to suit different face shapes—so whether you have a round, square, oval or heart-shaped face, there’s a pixie variation that will flatter your features.
Another advantage of the pixie is the added volume and texture it gives to fine or thinning hair. The layers in a pixie cut provide natural lift, making the hair appear fuller and thicker. If you want even more volume, we recommend applying Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray before your blowout to boost hair thickness and achieve a bouncy ‘do that will last all day.
3. Long Lob
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to default to getting a short haircut. No matter what age you are, the right haircut is all about how you feel about yourself—that’s what makes the look work.
A lob, as seen on the one and only Julianne Moore, is a great option for those with thicker hair that isn’t too dry, says Purvis. This is a great option for those who want a little more length without committing to long hair—it also allows for versatility, so you can wear it sleek or add some waves for a more relaxed, beachy look. If you find your hair needs a bit of TLC for added moisture, OWAY Smoothing Fluid is a great step to build into your hair care routine as it will add shine, help with frizz and restore dry, brittle hair.
4. Sleek Bob
Ahhh, the classic bob. A timeless haircut that never goes out of style, the bob adds structure and frames the face and accentuates the jawline, drawing attention to the eyes, as seen here on Jodie Foster.
To achieve this look, start by getting a haircut that’s cut straight across at the chin or slightly longer, with minimal layering for a smooth, sharp look, says Purvis. For a sleek finish, blow-dry hair straight with a round brush to add a little volume at the roots. Then, using a flat iron to further smooth out the hair, ensure each section is straight and shiny.
Pro tip: Apply a light styling serum or hair oil, like OUAI St. Bart’s Hair Oil, to keep the hair sleek and eliminate frizz, giving the bob a glossy, polished finish!
Related: 12 Things Stylists Are Begging Women Over 50 To Stop Doing if You Have Thinning Hair
5. Bixie Cut
The bixie combines the best of both worlds between a pixie and a bob. Bridging the two styles together, it creates a unique shape that has the volume of the pixie but with the versatility and length of the bob, says Purvis.
Any face shape, hair type or hair texture can rock a bixie too. The cut is perfect for people wanting a chop without committing to the maintenance of a short style. It’s fun, edgy and low-maintenance, making it perfect for women over 60 who want something easy and stylish.
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6. Tousled Layered Bob
A tousled layered lob is a great option for women with fine or thinning hair as it has lots of layers that add volume and movement. Adding texture while maintaining length creates the illusion of fuller, thicker strands while still allowing you to pull it back into your favorite up-dos, like ponytails and buns.
The layers also frame the face and draw attention to key features, such as the eyes and cheekbones, in a super flattering way. Best yet, the tousled texture doesn’t demand perfection, and you can often air-dry it or give it a quick blowout for volume. This makes it ideal for women who don’t want to spend an hour getting ready in the morning, but still want to feel polished and put together.
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7. Wolf Cut
Don’t let the name scare you. The wolf cut is a modern take on the shag that is uber flattering. With a shorter shape with tons of face framing bits, this ‘do has an edgier vibe that adds volume and thickness.
The wolf cut is ideal for women in their 60s who want to embrace their natural hair texture. Whether you have curly, wavy or straight hair, the wolf cut can be personalized to your needs and highlight your hair’s natural beauty. Bonus: For those with wavy or curly hair, the cut enhances the natural texture by creating movement and bounce without frizz!
For styling, Purvis recommends adding volume enhancing products to maintain bounce, as well as a moisturizing finishing product, like the Blue Dunes Moonage Haircream, which has frizz-fighting powers for a balance of moisture and maintaining a hold.
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