21 Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

November 12, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

Smiling woman with medium-length, highlighted hair, perfect for women over 50, against a gray and white background.

Medium-length hairstyles are a game-changer for women over 50, offering versatility, manageability, and a youthful edge that boosts confidence. “A good haircut is like a perfect accessory—it frames your face and elevates your entire look,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 21 medium-length hairstyles, tailored for fine to thick hair, incorporates layers, bangs, and texture to enhance volume and vibrancy. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape compatibility to ensure a polished, modern appearance.

Why Medium-Length Hairstyles Shine for Women Over 50

Medium-length hairstyles are ideal for women over 50 as they add volume, reduce weight, and frame the face to soften fine lines and wrinkles. “These cuts are low-maintenance yet sophisticated, perfect for active lifestyles,” Polko explains [1]. They suit professional or casual settings, complement glasses, and align with 2025’s eco-conscious beauty trends, as seen in client stories like Emma’s shoulder-length shag transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for point-cutting or feathering to add texture without over-thinning. “Precision enhances curl or wave definition,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like Pureology Volume Mist for straight hair or SheaMoisture Curl Cream for curls. Use a round brush for volume, a flat iron for sleekness, or diffuse for 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 [3].

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-6 weeks to prevent split ends; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce frizz and breakage.

Top 21 Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025

Case Study: Emma’s Shaggy Bob Transformation

Emma, 52, a graphic designer with fine, wavy hair, chose a shoulder-length shaggy bob. “The layers and side part gave my hair volume and made styling a breeze,” she said. Her stylist used Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, creating a chic, low-maintenance look perfect for her creative lifestyle and oval face shape.

Deep Side Parted Medium-Length Cut

Deep Side Parted Medium-Length Cut Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Wavy cut with a deep side part and caramel-blonde tones, adding bounce for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Use velcro rollers for lift. (4) Finish with light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Vibrant, glamorous style seekers.

Wavy Shoulder-Length Hairstyle

Wavy Shoulder-Length Hairstyle Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Wash-and-go layered cut with soft waves, framing round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream to wet hair. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for wave definition. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, chic wave lovers.

Angled Lob

Angled Lob Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Striking lob with short crown layers and side-swept bangs, ideal for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Add tousled waves with a flat iron. (4) Set with light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks. Scalp oil massage [3].

  • Best For: Bold, structured style enthusiasts.

Bob with Long Side Bangs

Bob with Long Side Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Golden blonde bob with frosty highlights and face-framing bangs, great for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream for curls or Living Proof Heat Protectant for straight. (2) Diffuse or flat-iron. (3) Sweep bangs to the side. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Elegant, colorful style lovers.

Medium-Length Feathered Cut

Medium-Length Feathered Cut Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Salt-and-pepper lob with feathered layers and ombré, ideal for thinning hair on oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style layers for movement. (4) Add light shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Sophisticated, low-maintenance style seekers.

Shoulder-Length Shaggy Bob

Shoulder-Length Shaggy Bob Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Voluminous shaggy bob with a side part, showing color depth for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Add waves with a flat iron. (4) Finish with shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Feminine, voluminous wave enthusiasts.

Layered Cut with Long Side Bangs

Layered Cut with Long Side Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Brown base with highlights, softened by a side part, ideal for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to frame face. (4) Add loose waves or keep straight.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Versatile, professional style lovers.

Side-Swept Wavy Bob

Side-Swept Wavy Bob Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Reddish-brown curly bob with a pink undertone, perfect for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Sweep to one side. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Bold, wash-and-wear style seekers.

Long Hair with Face-Framing Layers

Long Hair with Face-Framing Layers Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length brunette with layers for thin hair, ideal for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush or use heated rollers. (3) Style layers to frame face. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Soft, voluminous style enthusiasts.

Bob with Blunt Bangs

Bob with Blunt Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Edgy blunt bob with straight bangs, ideal for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Flat-iron for smoothness. (3) Style bangs straight. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Dramatic, classic style lovers.

Shaggy Haircut with Bangs

Shaggy Haircut with Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Multi-layered shag with blended bangs, lengthening all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Pin bangs to the side if desired. (4) Add volumizing spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Adaptable, face-framing style seekers.

Shoulder-Length Feathered Cut

Shoulder-Length Feathered Cut Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Brunette with caramel highlights and flipped-up layers, ideal for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Flip layers outward. (4) Add light shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Scalp oil massage [3].

  • Best For: Warm-toned, voluminous style enthusiasts.

Medium-Length Shag

Medium-Length Shag Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Low-maintenance shag with long layers and wispy bangs, perfect for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers or flat-iron for straight look. (3) Style bangs with mousse. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Classic, feminine style lovers.

Medium Haircut with Wispy Bangs

Medium Haircut with Wispy Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Bronde fluffy cut with choppy bangs, adding flair for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for fluffiness. (3) Style bangs with fingers. (4) Add wave-enhancing spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Modern, textured style seekers.

Shoulder-Length Curly Haircut

  • Description: Ringlet curls with a fringe, softening broad foreheads for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly. (2) Diffuse or air-dry for curl definition. (3) Style fringe to frame face. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim dry every 5-6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Curly, youthful style enthusiasts.

Medium Curly Shag

 

  • Description: Shoulder-length curly shag with highlights, adding fullness for thin hair on round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply curl hair oil. (2) Diffuse for definition. (3) Scrunch for volume. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim dry every 5-6 weeks. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Vibrant, low-maintenance curl lovers.

Medium Wavy Haircut With Bangs

Medium Wavy Haircut With Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Wavy cut with wispy bangs, softening features for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Diffuse or use rollers for waves. (3) Style bangs airily. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Feminine, carefree style seekers.

Shoulder-Length Hair With Face-Framing Layers

Shoulder-Length Hair With Face-Framing Layers Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Layered cut with jawline-starting layers, adding bounce for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Curl layers for movement. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Youthful, flowing style enthusiasts.

Shoulder-Length Haircut With Curtain Bangs

Shoulder-Length Haircut With Curtain Bangs Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Voluminous cut with side-swept curtain bangs, ideal for thin hair on all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply volumizing mousse. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to frame eyes. (4) Add light shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Timeless, edgy style lovers.

Lob With Blunt Ends

Lob With Blunt Ends Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Sleek lob with even baseline, creating fullness for thinning hair on round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush for lift. (3) Flat-iron for sleekness. (4) Add root-lifting spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Polished, fuller-looking style seekers.

Lob With Layers

Lob With Layers Medium length Hairstyles For Women Over 50

    • Description: Layered lob with front-face framing, offering versatility for oval faces.

    • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Curl front layers for lift. (4) Add light hairspray.

    • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [3].

    • Best For: Adaptable, voluminous style enthusiasts.

Case Study: Diane’s Curly Shag

Diane, 55, a retired nurse with thin, curly hair, chose a medium curly shag. “The highlights and shoulder-length cut made my curls pop and hid my grays,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a vibrant, low-maintenance look for her active lifestyle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Flat Hair: Blow-dry with Pureology Volume Mist and a round brush; avoid heavy products [3].

  • Frizz in Curls/Waves: Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly and diffuse on low heat; use anti-frizz serum [3].

  • Dry Scalp: Weekly rosemary oil massages; use sulfate-free shampoos, per Dr. Carter [3].

  • Split Ends: Trim every 4-6 weeks; bangs biweekly if included.

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, medium-length hairstyles for women over 50 trend toward textured, voluminous cuts with eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture gaining popularity on Instagram [3]. “These hairstyles offer effortless elegance and confidence,” Polko says [1]. Natural tones like salt-and-pepper, bronde, and reddish-brown with highlights are trending, enhancing vibrancy and complementing mature skin tones.

Why These Hairstyles Shine

These 21 medium-length hairstyles empower women over 50 to embrace confidence-boosting, low-maintenance looks. From sleek lobs to curly shags, each cut enhances volume, frames the face, and suits active lifestyles. Explore guides on Best Volumizing Products for Thin Hair or How to Maintain Healthy Curls at Home for more tips.

About the Author:
Laura Polko is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist with 20+ years of experience, specializing in mature clients. Her precision cuts and eco-conscious styling create timeless, voluminous looks. Follow her on Instagram @laurapolko.

References:

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

  • [2] Latest-Hairstyles. (2025). 35 Medium Haircuts for Women Over 50 That Work for Thin Hair.

  • [3] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Medium Hairstyles for Women Over 50 with Fine Hair.

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