25 Best Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

November 12, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

Smiling woman flaunts curly hairstyles for women over 60, with gray hair and a blue shirt against a neutral background.

Curly hairstyles are among the most beautiful and adaptable options for women over 60, effortlessly conveying edginess, elegance, and romance. “Curly hair celebrates individuality and vitality, making it a perfect choice for mature women,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

These 25 curly hairstyles, tailored for fine to thick curly or wavy hair, incorporate 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 scalp health advice for a polished, youthful appearance.

Why Curly Hairstyles Shine for Women Over 60

Curly hairstyles are ideal for women over 60 as they add volume, embrace natural texture, and require minimal styling to look vibrant. “Curls bring life to hair, counteracting thinning and adding a youthful bounce,” Polko explains [1].

These low-maintenance styles complement glasses, highlight natural grey or colored tones, and align with 2025’s eco-conscious beauty trends, as seen in client stories like Maria’s curly bob transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for layering or texturizing to enhance curls without over-thinning. “Avoid heavy cuts to maintain curl integrity,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply curl-enhancing products like SheaMoisture Curl Cream or DevaCurl SuperCream for definition. Diffuse on low heat for bounce or air-dry for natural texture.

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

Top 25 Curly Hairstyles for Women Over 60 in 2025

Case Study: Maria’s Curly Bob Confidence

Maria, 66, a retired teacher with medium-thick curly hair, chose a curly layered bob. “The layers gave her curls definition and volume, making styling effortless,” says Polko [1]. Maria uses SheaMoisture Curl Cream, feeling vibrant for community events.

Curly Pixie

Curly Pixie Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Edgy pixie with long curls on one side and a shaved floral-patterned side, ideal for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream to damp hair. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for curl definition. (3) Finger-style long curls. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4 weeks to maintain shape. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Bold, expressive style seekers.

Defined Bouncy Curl

Defined Bouncy Curl Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Well-defined, bouncy curls with layers, perfect for heart-shaped faces with natural or styled curls.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse on low heat. (3) Scrunch curls for bounce. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Vibrant, defined curl enthusiasts.

Loose Crimped Curls

Loose Crimped Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Modern crimped lob with S-wave curls and a center part, flattering round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher. (2) Use a crimping iron for S-waves. (3) Part in center. (4) Add light mousse for hold.

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

  • Best For: Trendy, contemporary style lovers.

Naturally Curly Pixie

Naturally Curly Pixie Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Classic, fuss-free pixie with natural curls, ideal for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream. (2) Finger-style curls. (3) Air-dry for natural texture. (4) Add light gel for definition.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4 weeks. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, classic style seekers.

Curly Wedge Cut

Curly Wedge Cut Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Stylish wedge with manageable curls, perfect for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse or air-dry for texture. (3) Tousle with fingers for a relaxed look. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Effortless, chic style enthusiasts.

Light Curls With Front Bangs

Light Curls With Front Bangs Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Glamorous chin-length curls with textured front bangs, framing heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher. (2) Diffuse curls. (3) Style bangs with fingers for texture. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Romantic, glamorous look lovers.

Curly Round And Voluminous Hair

Curly Round And Voluminous Hair Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Salt-and-pepper round curls with layers for volume, ideal for thin hair on oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for bounce. (3) Scrunch for volume. (4) Add light mousse.

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

  • Best For: Youthful, vibrant curl embracers.

French Bob With Curls

French Bob With Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Timeless French bob with loose curls, perfect for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream. (2) Diffuse on low heat. (3) Finger-style curls for definition. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Classic, stylish curl lovers.

Side-Parted Long Curly Hair

Side-Parted Long Curly Hair Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Long, flowing curls with a side part, flattering all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher. (2) Diffuse or air-dry for texture. (3) Part to the side. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Long-hair enthusiasts with confidence.

Loose Curls

Loose Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Mermaid-like loose curls with layers for thick hair, ideal for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for definition. (3) Scrunch for airy texture. (4) Add balayage for a sun-kissed look.

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

  • Best For: Thick-haired, romantic style seekers.

Short Curly Hair

Short Curly Hair Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Tapered short curls with soft front pieces, great for glasses-wearers on round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse. (3) Style front pieces to frame eyes. (4) Add light gel.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Soft, low-maintenance style lovers.

Middle Parted Shoulder-Length Curls

Middle Parted Shoulder-Length Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Shoulder-length curls with a middle part, framing square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for definition. (3) Part in center. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Face-framing, elegant curl enthusiasts.

Bouncy Silver Curls

Bouncy Silver Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Vintage-glam shoulder-length curls in silver, ideal for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher. (2) Diffuse for bounce. (3) Scrunch curls for volume. (4) Add light mousse.

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

  • Best For: Timeless, silver-haired style seekers.

Long Curly Back-Combed Hair

Long Curly Back-Combed Hair Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Long curls with back-combed volume and styled edges, perfect for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply styling gel and mousse. (2) Diffuse or air-dry. (3) Back-comb crown for volume. (4) Style edges with gel.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Dramatic, long-curl lovers.

Curly Layers

Curly Layers Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Medium-length curly layers for romantic texture, ideal for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for definition. (3) Scrunch for bounce. (4) Add light gel for hold.

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

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

Curl With Side Bangs

Curl With Side Bangs Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Chin-length curls with side bangs, adding sophistication for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream. (2) Diffuse curls. (3) Sweep bangs to the side with volumizing spray. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Elegant, versatile style lovers.

Curly Faux Hawk

Curly Faux Hawk Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Bold faux hawk with shorter sides and longer curly top, ideal for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry for natural texture. (3) Style top curls with fingers. (4) Add gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4 weeks. Scalp oil massage [3].

  • Best For: Edgy, unique style enthusiasts.

Textured Curls

Textured Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Layered curls with natural cascade, perfect for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher. (2) Diffuse or air-dry for texture. (3) Scrunch for definition. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Natural, versatile curl lovers.

Curly Half-Updo

Curly Half-Updo Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Half-updo with crown curls secured, leaving loose curls to frame round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream to damp hair. (2) Gather top section and secure with clips. (3) Diffuse loose curls. (4) Add light mousse.

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

  • Best For: Romantic, event-ready style seekers.

Cropped Curly Bangs

Cropped Curly Bangs Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Short wavy bangs with curly bob, framing oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse curls. (3) Style bangs with texture spray. (4) Add decorative clip for flair.

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

  • Best For: Trendy, personalized style lovers.

Short and Sweet Curls

Short and Sweet Curls Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Low-maintenance short curls with defined texture, ideal for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream. (2) Diffuse or air-dry. (3) Scrunch curls around face. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Graceful, low-maintenance curl enthusiasts.

Curly Ponytail

Curly Ponytail Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Timeless curly ponytail with optional accessories, flattering all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Gather curls into a ponytail. (3) Tease crown for volume. (4) Add decorative clip.

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

  • Best For: Versatile, day-to-night style seekers.

Curly Afro

Curly Afro Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Voluminous rounded afro celebrating natural texture, ideal for heart-shaped faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Ouidad Curl Quencher. (2) Fluff with a pick for volume. (3) Diffuse for shape. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Bold, natural beauty embracers.

Curly Shaggy Bob

Curly Shaggy Bob Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Shaggy bob with soft waves, ideal for curly/wavy hair on round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse or air-dry for texture. (3) Tousle for undone look. (4) Add light mousse.

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

  • Best For: Effortless, sophisticated style lovers.

Tousled Curls with Layers

Tousled Curls with Layers Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 60

  • Description: Layered, tousled curls for a laid-back yet polished look, flattering oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply DevaCurl SuperCream. (2) Diffuse for definition. (3) Tousle with fingers for texture. (4) Add light gel for hold.

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

  • Best For: Casual, modern curl enthusiasts.

Case Study: Jane’s Curly Faux Hawk

Jane, 62, a retired artist with thick curly hair, chose a curly faux hawk. “It’s bold and lets my personality shine,” she said. Her stylist used DevaCurl SuperCream to define curls, making this low-maintenance style perfect for her creative lifestyle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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

  • Flat Curls: Use Ouidad Curl Quencher and scrunch for bounce; avoid heavy products [3].

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

  • Split Ends: Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain curl shape.

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, curly hairstyles for women over 60 trend toward voluminous, textured cuts with eco-friendly products like SheaMoisture, DevaCurl, and Briogeo gaining popularity on Instagram [3]. “Curls are a celebration of natural beauty, offering effortless vibrancy,” Polko says [1]. These styles enhance curl patterns while aligning with sustainable beauty standards.

Why These Hairstyles Shine

These 25 curly hairstyles empower women over 60 to embrace their natural texture with confidence. From edgy pixies to romantic layered curls, each style enhances volume and frames the face. Explore guides on Best Curl-Enhancing Products 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 Short Hairstyles for Women Over 60 in 2025.

  • [2] Latest-Hairstyles. (2025). 35 Short Haircuts for Women Over 60 That Really Work for Thin Hair.

  • [3] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Short Hairstyles for Women Over 60 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