15 Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 50
Aging doesn’t mean compromising on style—especially when it comes to your hair. In fact, your 50s can be the perfect time to embrace the beauty of your natural curls. Curly hair, whether loose and wavy or tight and coiled, has a unique charm and vitality that can actually make you look and feel younger. Many women over 50 are discovering that their curls are not something to be tamed or straightened, but celebrated. Whether you’re embracing your natural texture or creating curls with a little styling help, these hairstyles will highlight your personality, frame your face beautifully, and work with your lifestyle.
Here are 15 gorgeous and practical curly hairstyles that are perfect for women over 50.
1. Shoulder-Length Layered Curls
This hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. By cutting the hair to shoulder length and adding soft, face-framing layers, the curls are allowed to move naturally without weighing the face down. This style works well with a variety of curl patterns, from loose waves to tighter ringlets, and the layers prevent the dreaded “triangle” shape that curly hair can take on when too thick. It’s also a great choice for women dealing with thinning hair, as the layers create volume and bounce.
2. Short Curly Bob
The short curly bob is timeless and sophisticated. Ending just around the chin or jawline, it opens up the face and highlights the cheekbones. This style is especially flattering for women with oval or heart-shaped faces, and it’s ideal for those who prefer a hairstyle that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. You can let the curls fall naturally or add a styling product for more definition. It’s simple, classy, and modern—proof that short hair can still be soft and feminine.
3. Curly Pixie Cut
For women looking to make a bold yet refined statement, the curly pixie is a fantastic choice. This cut is cropped close to the scalp on the sides and back, with longer curls on top that add texture and flair. It’s a great way to highlight your facial features and make styling easier in day-to-day life. A curly pixie cut is also ideal for active women or those looking to transition to a lower-maintenance routine without sacrificing style.
4. Long Curls with Side Part
Keeping your curls long doesn’t mean they have to feel heavy or unkempt. A deep side part brings a sense of asymmetry and movement to the look, softening your features and adding sophistication. This style works well with both natural grays and dyed tones, and it offers versatility—you can wear it loose and romantic or sweep it back for a more polished appearance. A side part also helps add lift at the roots, which is especially useful for finer hair types.
5.
Curly bangs may seem risky, but when done right, they can bring a fresh, youthful twist to your overall look. Pairing them with mid-length curls that hit just above the shoulders creates a balanced, face-framing shape. The bangs can be worn full and soft or slightly side-swept, depending on your personal preference and curl type. This style adds dimension, draws attention to the eyes, and works particularly well for softening forehead lines or drawing focus away from thinning spots.
6. Tousled Lob
The tousled lob—or long bob—is one of the most flattering cuts for women of any age, and it works beautifully with curly hair. This style usually hits just above the shoulders and includes layers to create shape and volume. The tousled texture adds a carefree, beachy feel that looks effortlessly chic. It’s perfect for women who want a style that’s modern yet mature, and it works well with a variety of hair colors, including salt-and-pepper and highlighted tones.
7. Soft Curly Shag
The curly shag is a revival of a classic ’70s cut, but it’s been updated to work perfectly for modern mature women. This style includes lots of layers throughout the crown and sides, creating a voluminous look that moves with ease. It’s particularly helpful for women with thinning hair because the layers make the curls look fuller and livelier. This haircut allows curls to fall naturally without too much product or effort and gives off a fun, slightly edgy vibe without being over-the-top.
8. Side-Swept Curls
There’s something inherently elegant about side-swept curls. Whether you create a dramatic sweep with a deep part or casually flip your hair to one side, this style is flattering and incredibly easy to maintain. Side-swept curls help create the illusion of volume on top, which is ideal for women with fine or thinning hair. This look can be worn casually during the day or dressed up for a night out. It’s romantic, age-defying, and incredibly flattering.
9. Afro-Inspired Natural Curls
For women with tight curls or coily hair, embracing your natural texture is not only stylish—it’s powerful. An afro-inspired shape allows your natural curls to shine without manipulation or heat damage. Have your curls shaped professionally to complement your face shape and desired volume. This look embraces natural beauty and celebrates texture in a way that feels freeing, bold, and dignified. Letting your natural hair grow in this way is also a wonderful tribute to cultural pride and authenticity.
10. Curly Updo
A curly updo is the perfect choice when you want a touch of elegance or need a more formal style for events. This could be a loose bun, a pinned twist, or even a puff style if you have tighter curls. The great thing about updos is they pull the hair away from the face, highlighting your facial features and offering a lift without surgery. With some pins, accessories, and a touch of styling cream, you can create a polished and flattering updo in under ten minutes.
11. Chin-Length Curls
Keeping your curls at chin length is a flattering choice, especially for round or square face shapes. This cut creates a clean line that brings attention to the jawline and neck. It’s a great compromise if you’re not ready for a very short style but want something manageable. Add layers or subtle shaping to keep it from feeling too bulky. Chin-length curls also dry quickly and are easy to refresh with a little water or curl cream.
12. Highlighted Curls
Adding highlights—or lowlights—can bring out the best in your curls by adding depth, dimension, and warmth. Soft caramel, golden brown, or ash-gray tones blend beautifully with naturally graying hair, giving it a radiant glow. Highlights work especially well in layered cuts, where the color can catch the light and define the curl pattern. Be sure to use color-protecting, hydrating products to maintain curl health and vibrancy.
13. Voluminous Curly Crop
The voluminous curly crop is a bold, stylish choice for women who want their hair to stand out. Cut close around the ears and back but left longer on top, this style lets curls spring upward and outward. It’s an excellent cut for making thin curls look fuller and for accentuating your natural curl pattern. It’s low-maintenance and highly fashionable—a great pick for women who are confident and ready to make a statement.
14. Defined Ringlets with Center Part
Defined curls give off a polished and put-together vibe, especially when paired with a clean center part. This style works well for women who like structure and form in their hair, and it can be achieved naturally or with the help of curl-enhancing products. The center part brings balance to the face and works best with symmetrical facial features. It’s a versatile look that can transition from day to night with minimal effort.
15. Salt-and-Pepper Curly Layers
Nothing is more graceful than embracing your natural silver or salt-and-pepper strands. When paired with a layered curly cut, the natural color adds contrast and character. The curls catch the light, and the gray hues shimmer rather than look flat. Layers prevent the hair from becoming too heavy, which is important as gray hair tends to be more wiry or coarse. This is a confident, elegant style that honors your age and your natural beauty.
FAQs
What is the best haircut for curly hair over 50?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but cuts that include soft layers, volume at the crown, and length that flatters your face shape are generally best. A layered lob, shag, or soft bob are all excellent choices.
Should I go short with my curly hair after 50?
Going short can be incredibly liberating and practical. It’s easier to maintain, often looks more youthful, and can accentuate your facial features beautifully. However, if you love your longer locks, there’s no rule that says you must go short—do what feels right for you.
Can curly bangs work for women over 50?
Yes, and they can be a game-changer. Curly bangs can soften the face, cover forehead lines, and add a fun, youthful twist. Just make sure they’re cut by someone experienced with curly textures.
How do I prevent frizz and dryness in aging curls?
As hair ages, it tends to get drier. Use sulfate-free shampoos, deep condition weekly, and avoid over-brushing. Incorporate oils like argan or jojoba and always sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize frizz.
