How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
Bored with the same hairstyle you’ve worn since your twenties? Craving a confidence boost?
Your 50s and 60s can be the perfect time to revamp your image. Perhaps you’re transitioning to an exciting new career and looking for a classy new hairstyle to match.
You may have also noticed changes in your hair’s colour and texture. But these can act as your body’s way of signalling that it might be time to try a fabulous new style. After all, who doesn’t love a makeover?
So, for inspiration, we’ve pulled together 11 gorgeous hairstyles to try if you fancy changing up your look.
1. Long wavy bob
Blythe Danner
Short bouncy waves are ideal for achieving a fun, fresh, playful appearance at any age. Waves add volume to fine hair whilst framing and elongating a rounder face. Over the years, this soft, feminine style has been rocked by celebrities such as Blythe Danner and Helen Mirren – both of whom are over 50.
2. Messy updo
Halle Berry
The messy updo is a practical yet classy option for women with long hair. Skip the seriousness and severity of a sleek, gelled updo and opt for the sassy, carefree version. The trick with this youthful style is to purposely leave strands out of place to create an effortlessly tousled look – for subtle control, hairpins are a must!
3. Long layers
Sarah Jessica Parker
Fifty-six-year-old Sarah Jessica Parker is the queen of luscious long layers, and you can be, too. If you want to inject more life into your hair without losing length, layers are a great way to add flair. Long hairstyles are best if you have minimal hair damage, and can be especially effective on grey hair.
4. Pixie cut
Judi Dench
Best suited to a slim, square face, the confident pixie cut is the ultimate short hairstyle for women looking to eradicate split ends and accentuate facial features. This fierce style is low-maintenance day-to-day but requires a trim every 4–6 weeks. Actress Judi Dench has a long history with this style, always appearing beautifully edgy.
5. Embrace natural curls
Wanda Sykes
If you’re tired of spending hours styling curly hair, why not consider hanging up your hair straighteners and embracing your natural curls or waves? Hair becomes drier with age, and straighteners only make this worse. If years of straightening have damaged your natural curls, it might be worth giving your hair more freedom and focusing on the condition instead. For improved shape and definition, you could also try adding layers.
6. Asymmetric bob
Helen Mirren
The asymmetric bob typically flatters women with round faces as the angles of the cut balance the roundness of the face. This hairstyle is worth a try if you’re looking for a fresh, modern look that creates a seamless balance between soft and edgy.
7. Curtain or side-swept bangs
Meryl Streep
Bangs are a welcome addition to almost any hairstyle wanting a refresh. From the pixie to the long-layered cut, bangs frame and soften the face whilst bringing an element of youth. Nearly all style icons in their 50s and 60s have experimented with bangs – they’re a timeless go-to option that can be grown out or pinned back if you fancy a change soon after.
8. Full fringe
Lorraine Kelly
Try adding a full fringe to a classic bob or long sleek style to disguise a large forehead. Opt for a longer fringe to draw greater attention to the eyes and create a natural, playful look. Lorraine Kelly is an advocate of the full fringe – and at 66 years old, she looks incredible.
9. Blonde highlights
Ellen Degeneres
Blonde highlights are a great way to mask grey and offer warmth to your hair if you aren’t ready to embrace your grey roots. However, it’s worth noting that silver hair is very much on trend these days. So why not keep your greys and celebrate your natural beauty?
10. Sculpted bob
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda has showcased the sculpted bob on and off for years, knocking years off her age every time. The bob curves outward for maximum volume, making it vivacious and full of personality. This style is ideal for women looking to have stylish fun with their hair.
11. Classic shoulder-length bob with sweeping layers
Diane Keaton
This hairstyle is the epitome of classy, sophisticated and feminine – and the best part is, it looks particularly chic when styled on grey hair. The sweeping layers add movement and volume to a sleek, shiny bob, bringing it to life.
Final thoughts…
Not all hairstyles listed will be suitable for everyone. It’s always worth discussing your options with your hairstylist before making a final decision. Try to avoid cutting and/or colouring your own hair at home unless you feel confident that you know what you’re doing. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
We hope that these styles have inspired you to try something new, or have at least got you thinking about all the options available. And, if you find that a style isn’t quite to your liking, there’s nothing stopping you from experimenting with another.
If you’re looking for more hair styling tips, check out our hair care section. Here, you’ll find everything from the best updo hairstyles to how to add volume to fine hair.
What is your go-to hairstyle? Have you tried anything new recently? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines