21 Best Hairstyles For Older Women With Thin Hair

October 28, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

Elderly woman with curly gray hair, wearing a gray sweater, smiling softly against a dark background, showcasing ideal hairstyles for older women.

Thin hair can pose challenges as we age, but the right hairstyle can enhance volume, texture, and confidence for older women. “Strategic cuts and styling can create the illusion of fuller hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 21 hairstyles is tailored for women over 70 with thin hair, featuring short, medium, and long styles that add fullness and complement various 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 elevate your style.

Why These Hairstyles Shine

These hairstyles are designed to boost volume, minimize scalp visibility, and require minimal upkeep, making them ideal for older women with thin hair. “Textured cuts and lightweight products enhance fullness,” Polko explains [1]. Aligned with 2025’s focus on eco-friendly products, natural gray tones, and low-maintenance looks, these styles suit fine hair, as seen in client stories like Patricia’s short pixie transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

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

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like Pureology Volume Mist for lift, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for texture, or Briogeo Shine Serum for gloss. Air-dry for natural looks, use a diffuser for curls/waves, or a round brush for volume.

  • 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 4-8 weeks to maintain shape; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce breakage and frizz.

Top 21 Hairstyles for Older Women with Thin Hair in 2025

Case Study: Patricia’s Short Pixie Transformation

Patricia, 72, a retired librarian with thin, straight hair, chose a short pixie with layers. “It makes my hair look fuller and takes no time to style,” she said. Her stylist used Pureology Volume Mist, creating a classic, low-maintenance look for her oval face.

1. Long Wavy Hair

Long Wavy Hair Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Long, loose waves adding volume, ideal for all face shapes.

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

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

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

2. A Pony Tie

A Pony Tie Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: High or low ponytail with a scarf, offering elegance for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Briogeo Shine Serum. (2) Tie hair loosely. (3) Wrap with a scarf. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Vintage, chic style lovers.

3. Voluminous Curls

Voluminous Curls Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Frizzy curls for volume, highlighting eyes for oval faces.

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

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

  • Best For: Vibrant, eye-catching style enthusiasts.

4. Straight Pulled Back Hair

Straight Pulled Back Hair Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Sleek, pulled-back style for straight hair, ideal for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply straightening lotion to wet hair. (2) Blow-dry with a flat brush. (3) Pull back loosely. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Smooth, polished style seekers.

5. Low Ponytail

Low Ponytail Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Relaxed low ponytail, complementing all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light styling cream. (2) Tie hair loosely at nape. (3) Pull gently for texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Effortless, stylish style lovers.

6. Short Pixie with Layers

Short Pixie with Layers Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Classic pixie with front layers, adding volume for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style layers for fullness. (4) Add mousse and hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Classic, low-maintenance style enthusiasts.

7. Medium-length Curls

Medium-length Curls Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Medium-length curls for vitality, versatile for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curls. (3) Style loose or in a bun. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

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

  • Best For: Voguish, versatile style seekers.

8. Soft Layers

Soft Layers Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Medium-length cut with delicate layers, adding fullness for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style for texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Modish, textured style lovers.

9. Low Bun

Low Bun Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Elegant low bun with exposed side layers, ideal for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light styling cream. (2) Gather hair into a low bun. (3) Secure with bobby pins. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Sophisticated, easy style enthusiasts.

10. Messy Ponytail with Bangs

Messy Ponytail with Bangs Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Loose ponytail with front bangs, adding volume for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Tie hair loosely. (3) Style bangs loosely. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Casual, voluminous style seekers.

11. Half-up, Half-down Hair

Half-up, Half-down Hair Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Feminine half-up style, adding volume for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist to crown. (2) Pull back top sections. (3) Secure with a clip. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Delicate, feminine style lovers.

12. Slicked Back Ponytail

Slicked Back Ponytail Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Timeless ponytail, highlighting the face for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Briogeo Shine Serum. (2) Blow-dry with a flat brush. (3) Tie into a ponytail. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Classic, polished style enthusiasts.

13. Blunt Lob with Layers

Blunt Lob with Layers Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Blunt lob with front layers, covering receding hairlines for all face shapes.

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

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

  • Best For: Youthful, voluminous style seekers.

14. Side-swept Bob Cut

Side-swept Bob Cut Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Sleek bob with side-swept texture, framing the face for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Sweep to one side. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Sophisticated, slender style lovers.

15. Side-swept Bun

Side-swept Bun Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Elegant bun with side part and loose strands, ideal for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light styling cream. (2) Part hair to one side. (3) Gather into a bun. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Versatile, chic style enthusiasts.

16. Short Pixie Cut

  • Description: Side-swept pixie, offering flexibility for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply mousse for grip. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Sweep to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

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

17. Sleek Back Updo

Sleek Back Updo Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Timeless, slicked-back bun, complementing all hair colors and round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Briogeo Shine Serum. (2) Blow-dry with a flat brush. (3) Gather into a bun. (4) Add shine spray.

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

  • Best For: Stylish, timeless style lovers.

18. Voluminous Pixie Cut

  • Description: Sleek pixie with volume, highlighting features for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style for fullness. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Classy, contemporary style enthusiasts.

19. Swept Back Hairstyle

Swept Back Hairstyle Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Tapered, feathered style, ideal for quick styling and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Sweep back with hands. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Effortless, textured style seekers.

20. Wavy Bob

Wavy Bob Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Textured bob with waves, adding sass for round faces.

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

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

  • Best For: Playful, curly style lovers.

21. Textured Bob

Textured Bob Hairstyles for older women with thin hair

  • Description: Bob with light outer layers, adding depth for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style for texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

  • Best For: Subtle, voluminous style enthusiasts.

Case Study: Margaret’s Voluminous Pixie

Margaret, 71, a retired nurse with thin, wavy hair, chose a voluminous pixie cut. “It gives my hair body and looks modern,” she said. Her stylist used Pureology Volume Mist, creating a sleek, low-maintenance look for her square face.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Scalp Visibility: Use volumizing products like Pureology Volume Mist; style with layers or bangs to cover thinning areas [2].

  • Flat Hair: Blow-dry with a round brush; use volumizing spray at roots [2].

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

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

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, hairstyles for thin hair trend toward textured bobs, pixies, and updos with eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and Pureology, popular on Instagram [2]. “Light layers and volume-boosting products are key for thin hair,” Polko says [1]. Side-swept bobs and voluminous pixies are trending for their ability to add fullness and elegance, per creativebooster.net [3].

Why These Hairstyles Shine

These 21 hairstyles empower older women with thin hair to embrace voluminous, low-maintenance looks that highlight their personality and features. From short pixies to long wavy hair, each style offers sophistication and ease. Explore guides on Best Products for Thin Hair or How to Style Thin Hair at Home for more tips.

References:

  • [1] Hair Adviser. (2025). 50 Best Hairstyles for Older Women with Thin Hair in 2025.

  • [2] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Hairstyles for Older Women with Thin Hair.

  • [3] creativebooster.net. (2025). 27 Stunning Hairstyles for Older Women with Thin Hair 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