7 Best Short Hairstyles For Women Over 50 With Gray Hair

Gray hair is meant to be shown off and proudly displayed with a haircut and hairstyle that does it justice. The best haircuts for women over 50 with gray hair provide lift to the face, more fullness that can help combat natural thinning that often occurs over time, and will help your grays look shiny and healthy.

The great news is that you have nothing but options. From super-short and chic to medium and manageable to long and tousled, there are plenty of amazing hairstyles that will work beautifully with gray hair. We rounded up seven of our all-time favorites to inspire you to book that salon appointment and treat yourself to a fabulous new ‘do.

1. Shag

A modern shag haircut takes the shape that became popular in the ‘70s — with very short layers that gives it a ton of movement — and incorporates elements like bangs or a trendy lob length that reaches the collarbone or slightly below it. The shag is great for free spirits who want a little fun in their hairstyle and it is an unexpected change from classics like bobs and pixies.

2. Layered Bob

On that note, we never met a layered bob we didn’t love — gray layered bobs are at the top of that list. The layered bob stops at the chin and features shorter layers that make it look more voluminous. This is especially wonderful if you have shedding and thinning that are making you feel self conscious.

3. Pixie

The pixie is a classic. With its signature short sides, short back, and length on top that can be personalized so that it’s sophisticated or funky, it gives you tons of options. Don’t shy away from pixies if you have curls or waves, either — just ask your stylist to cut and shape your pixie to bring out your beautiful natural texture.

4. Blunt Cuts

If you have straight or fine gray hair, a blunt cut can make the ends look bulkier and more voluminous and the lack of layering helps strands fall flat and smooth — perfect if you want to focus on making your hair look shiny. Although the blunt bob is a favorite length, this cut also works beautifully with lobs and medium lengths.

5. Buzzcut

The buzzcut is the lowest maintenance cut imaginable (aside from the salon trips needs to retain its short length) and it looks playful and creative when paired with gray hair. This cut is short all over, often with sharp side burns or bangs that frame the face.

6. Tapered Bob

A tapered bob gives the traditional bob a little bit of an edge. It features a shorter back and then gradually gets longer until it reaches its lengthiest layer in the front. This look is sophisticated, low maintenance, and ideal for thinning hair.

7. French Bob with Bangs

The French bob is just a tad shorter than the classic bob — it cuts off above the jawline rather than at the jawline. Adding bangs to the French bob makes it look truly more French chic and will give gray hair serious sophisticated style.