16 Trendy Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025: Vibrant, Low-Maintenance Looks

October 29, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

Smiling woman with long, wavy blonde hair, a chic style for women over 50, wearing a white top with black trim against a dark backdrop.

Wavy hairstyles are incredibly versatile for women over 50, offering a youthful, dynamic look that enhances natural texture and movement. “Waves add softness and volume, perfect for mature hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 16 wavy hairstyles is tailored for women over 50, featuring textured layers, vibrant colors, and face-framing elements to suit various hair types and face shapes. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape compatibility to boost confidence and style for busy lifestyles.

Why These Wavy Hairstyles Shine

Wavy hairstyles enhance natural texture, add volume, and require minimal styling, making them ideal for women over 50. “Textured waves create movement without heavy maintenance,” Polko explains [1]. These styles align with 2025’s focus on eco-friendly products, natural textures, and vibrant hues like silver and balayage, as seen in client stories like Anna’s textured wavy lob transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for soft layers or razors for textured waves. “Cuts should enhance wave patterns and frame the face,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like SheaMoisture Curl Cream for definition, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for texture, or Pureology Volume Mist for lift. Air-dry for natural waves, use a diffuser for definition, or a curling iron for structured waves.

  • Scalp Care: Nourish with sulfate-free shampoos like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! and weekly rosemary oil massages to promote growth, per Dr. Carter [2].

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce frizz and breakage.

Top 16 Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025

Case Study: Anna’s Textured Wavy Lob Transformation

Anna, 53, a marketing consultant with thick, wavy hair, chose a textured wavy lob. “The waves make my hair look vibrant and effortless,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a low-maintenance, voluminous look for her oval face.

1. Textured Wavy Lob

Textured Wavy Lob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length lob with textured waves, ideal for thick hair and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for wave definition. (3) Scrunch for texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Contemporary, voluminous style seekers.

2. Long Soft Waves

Long Soft Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Long, silver waves with vintage charm, versatile for updos or downdos, best for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light texturizing spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for soft waves. (3) Style loosely or in a half-up. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Elegant, glamorous style lovers.

3. Wavy Pixie

Wavy Pixie Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short, piecey pixie with waves and highlights, accentuating features for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or blow-dry with fingers. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Bold, textured style enthusiasts.

4. Long Waves

Long Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Long waves with balayage highlights, offering a sun-kissed look for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Scrunch for movement. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 8 weeks. Use color-safe shampoo [2].

  • Best For: Feminine, natural style seekers.

5. Wavy Layers For Shoulder Length Hair

Wavy Layers For Shoulder Length Hair Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length cut with heavy layers, reducing bulk for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Air-dry or blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style layers to frame face. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Glamorous, voluminous style lovers.

6. Face-Framing Wavy Layers

Face-Framing Wavy Layers Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length waves with face-framing layers and blonde highlights, softening features for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style layers to frame face. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Use color-safe shampoo [2].

  • Best For: Delicate, vibrant style enthusiasts.

7. Layered Bob with Side Swept Bangs

Layered Bob with Side Swept Bangs Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Textured bob with waves and side-swept bangs, ideal for fine or thick hair and round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or blow-dry with fingers. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Manageable, textured style seekers.

8. Soft Waves For Medium-Length

Soft Waves For Medium-Length Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length waves with flowing lines, versatile for ponytails or downdos, best for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light texturizing spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style loosely or in a ponytail. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Adaptable, feminine style lovers.

9. Tousled Waves

Tousled Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length tousled waves with side fringe, adding volume for fine hair and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or blow-dry with fingers. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Full, healthy-looking style enthusiasts.

10. Side Parted Shoulder-Length Waves

Side Parted Shoulder-Length Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length waves with a side part and feathered layers, enhancing structure for pear-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or curl with iron for definition. (3) Part to one side. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Versatile, natural style seekers.

11. Waves with Swooping Side Bangs

Waves with Swooping Side Bangs Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Mid-length waves with long side-swept bangs, adding flair for silver hair and oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light texturizing spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Sophisticated, vibrant style lovers.

12. Braided Bohemian Waves

Braided Bohemian Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Long waves with a loose braid, offering a romantic boho vibe for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry for waves. (3) Add loose braid. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Romantic, carefree style enthusiasts.

13. Center Parted Waves

  • Description: Shoulder-length waves with a center part, enhancing natural curls for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or use rollers for waves. (3) Part center. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Natural, tousled style seekers.

14. Shoulder-Length Wavy Lob

Shoulder-Length Wavy Lob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Wavy lob with silver ash-brown tones, adding volume for fine hair and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Scrunch for texture. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Use color-safe shampoo [2].

  • Best For: Timeless, voluminous style lovers.

15. Textured Waves

Textured Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length textured waves with balayage, enhancing shine for all hair types and face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Use color-safe shampoo [2].

  • Best For: Healthy-looking, vibrant style enthusiasts.

16. Wavy Updo

Wavy Updo Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Wavy updo with a messy finish, adding volume for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light texturizing spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Pull into a loose updo. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Elegant, easy style seekers.

Case Study: Lisa’s Braided Bohemian Waves

Lisa, 56, a writer with long, wavy hair, chose braided bohemian waves. “The loose braid and waves give me a carefree, romantic look,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a low-maintenance, boho style for her round face.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Frizz in Waves: Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly and air-dry or diffuse on low heat; use anti-frizz serum [2].

  • Flat Hair: Air-dry with Pureology Volume Mist or blow-dry with a round brush; use volumizing spray at roots [2].

  • Dry Scalp: Weekly rosemary oil massages; use sulfate-free shampoos, per Dr. Carter [2].

  • Color Fading: Wash less frequently with cold water; use color-safe products like Briogeo [2].

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, wavy hairstyles trend toward textured lobs, natural curls, and eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture, popular on Instagram [2]. “Wavy cuts with balayage or silver tones add vibrancy and ease,” Polko says [1]. Lobs, pixies, and bohemian styles are trending for their versatility and low maintenance, per creativebooster.net [3].

Why These Wavy Hairstyles Shine

These 16 wavy hairstyles empower women over 50 to embrace stylish, low-maintenance looks that enhance natural texture and complement active lifestyles. From textured lobs to wavy updos, each style adds volume and movement. Explore guides on Best Products for Wavy Hair or How to Style Wavy Hair at Home for more tips.

References:

  • [1] Hair Adviser. (2025). 50 Trendy Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025.

  • [2] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 50.

  • [3] creativebooster.net. (2025). 27 Stunning Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025.

About Jessica Hamilton


essica Hamilton is the visionary behind Expert Hairstylist. With over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, she has honed her craft as both a stylist and a creative director. Jessica’s passion for hairstyling is matched only by her commitment to helping others discover their best selves through their hair. When she’s not at the salon, Jessica enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring new hair trends.

    Jessica Hamilton