15 Top Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50 (2025)

November 4, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

A person with shoulder-length hair—perfect for thick hair over 50—wears a light top against a dark background.

hick hair offers natural volume and texture but can be challenging to style and manage. “The right cut reduces bulk while enhancing fullness,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 15 hairstyles for women over 50 with thick hair incorporates layers, face-framing elements, and modern shapes to create stylish, low-maintenance looks. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape compatibility to highlight thick hair’s potential and boost confidence.

Why These Hairstyles Shine for Thick Hair

Hairstyles for thick hair balance volume and manageability, reducing weight while maintaining structure. “Layered cuts and strategic texturing tame thickness without sacrificing style,” Polko explains [1]. These styles align with 2025’s focus on natural textures, eco-friendly products, and versatile looks, suiting active lifestyles and complementing glasses, as seen in client stories like Maria’s layered lob transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for layering or razoring to reduce bulk and add movement. “Long layers and face-framing cuts enhance manageability,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like Pureology Volume Mist for straight hair, SheaMoisture Curl Cream for curls, or Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for texture. Use a round brush for volume, a flat iron for sleekness, or a diffuser for curls.

  • 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.

15 Top Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

Case Study: Maria’s Layered Lob Transformation

Maria, 53, a business owner with thick, wavy hair, chose a wavy layered lob. “The layers lightened my hair and made it easier to style,” she said. Her stylist used Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, creating a low-maintenance, voluminous look for her oval face.

1. Voluminous Updo

Voluminous Updo Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Elegant updo with swept-back volume, ideal for special occasions and oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Gather into a high bun with center parting. (4) Add shine serum.

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

  • Best For: Sophisticated, romantic style seekers.

2. Tousled Mid-Length Layers

Tousled Mid-Length Layers Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length layers with tousled texture, adding volume for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for messiness. (3) Style layers for movement. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Effortless, stylish look lovers.

3. Rounded Layered Bob

Rounded Layered Bob Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Chin-length bob with soft layers, reducing bulk for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Flat-iron for sleekness. (3) Style to hug neckline. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Polished, timeless style enthusiasts.

4. Layers with Bangs

Layers with Bangs Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Long layers with side-swept bangs, framing the face for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].

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

5. Voluminous Curls

Voluminous Curls Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Short, layered curls with bounce, enhancing volume for round faces.

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

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

  • Best For: Vibrant, curly style lovers.

6. Face-Framing Bob

Face-Framing Bob Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Chin-length bob with soft, stacked layers, ideal for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style front to frame face. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

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

7. Feathered Bob

Feathered Bob Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Jaw-length bob with feathered edges, reducing bulk for oval faces.

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

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Elegant, versatile style seekers.

8. Bob with Bangs

Bob with Bangs Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Short bob with side-swept bangs, adding personality for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Edgy, classic style lovers.

9. Wavy Layers

Wavy Layers Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Long, wavy layers reducing bulk, ideal for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Tousle with fingers. (4) Add sea salt spray.

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

  • Best For: Feminine, flowing style enthusiasts.

10. Feathered Layers

Feathered Layers Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Mid-length feathered layers, creating lightweight flow for all face shapes.

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

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Sassy, vintage-inspired style seekers.

11. Angled Bob

Angled Bob Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Bob with angled front layers, elongating the neck for oval faces.

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

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Modern, structured style lovers.

12. Shaggy Cut with Layers

Shaggy Cut with Layers Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length shag with full layers, adding texture for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for messiness. (3) Style layers for volume. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Youthful, fashionable style enthusiasts.

13. Face-Framing Lob

Face-Framing Lob Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length lob with face-framing layers, softening features for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style front to frame face. (4) Add shine spray.

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

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

14. Layered Pixie

Layered Pixie Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Short pixie with textured layers, reducing bulk for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style layers for volume. (4) Add light hairspray.

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

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

15. Wavy Layered Lob

Wavy Layered Lob Hairstyles For Thick Hair For Woman Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length lob with wavy layers, managing bulk for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.

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

  • Best For: Effortless, stylish wave enthusiasts.

Case Study: Linda’s Voluminous Curls

Linda, 56, a teacher with thick, curly hair, chose voluminous curls. “The layers made my curls manageable and gave me a vibrant look,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a low-maintenance, bouncy style for her round face.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Excessive Bulk: Add long layers and use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to reduce weight [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].

  • Shape Loss: Trim every 6-8 weeks; bangs biweekly if included.

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, hairstyles for thick hair trend toward layered cuts, face-framing elements, and eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture, popular on Instagram [2]. “Long layers and textured ends make thick hair manageable and stylish,” Polko says [1]. Lobs, shags, and bobs with bangs are trending for their ability to balance volume and enhance mature features, per creativebooster.net [3].

Why These Hairstyles Shine

These 15 hairstyles empower women over 50 with thick hair to embrace voluminous, manageable looks that highlight natural texture. From voluminous updos to wavy layered lobs, each style reduces bulk and suits active lifestyles. Explore guides on Best Products for Thick Hair or How to Style Thick Hair at Home for more tips.

References:

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

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

  • [3] creativebooster.net. (2025). 27 Stunning Hairstyles for Thick Hair 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