As women age, hair texture and thickness often change, but maintaining chic hairstyles can still be simple and exciting. Thick hair is a blessing, as it offers natural volume and texture that can be styled in countless ways.
This article will explore a variety of hairstyles for women over 50 with thick hair, from pixie cuts to bob hairstyles to long layers. Whether you’re seeking low-maintenance hairstyles or something modern and youthful, we have you covered.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best hairstyles with layers, voluminous hair options, and even some face-framing hairstyles designed to make the most of your natural texture.
Understanding Thick Hair: Challenges and Benefits
Thick hair is often envied for its ability to hold volume and texture, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially for women over 50. As hair changes with age, it’s essential to choose styles that highlight its natural beauty while keeping it manageable.
Benefits of thick hair:
- Natural volume: Thick hair can easily hold voluminous styles without much effort.
- Versatile texture: Whether curly, wavy, or straight, thick hair can be styled in numerous ways.
- Healthy appearance: Thick hair often looks fuller and healthier than thinner strands.
Challenges of thick hair:
- Heavy weight: Without the right cut, thick hair can feel heavy and unmanageable.
- Frizz control: Thick hair tends to be prone to frizz, especially in humid environments.
- Maintenance: Keeping thick hair styled can be time-consuming without the right cut.
Choosing the right hairstyle can help manage these challenges while emphasising the benefits.
1.Chin-Length Bob with Layers
A chin-length bob is one of the most classic bob hairstyles for women over 50. The layers add movement, making thick hair easier to manage and style.
- Best for: Oval and square faces.
- Styling tip: Blow-dry with a round brush to give volume to the layers and ensure the cut doesn’t fall flat.
2.Layered Pixie with Highlights
A pixie cut with layers and balayage highlights gives a modern, youthful look. The layers reduce bulk, while highlights add dimension, keeping thick hair from looking too heavy.
- Maintenance: Requires regular trims to maintain the pixie shape.
- Best for: Women seeking a chic hairstyle that is both bold and easy to style.
3.Feathered Pixie
The feathered pixie is soft, wispy, and perfect for women who
want a low-maintenance hairstyle that still looks modern and stylish. It works great for managing thick hair.
- Best for: Heart-shaped and round faces.
Challenges of Thick Hair:
- Weight: Thick hair can feel heavy, especially without the right cut.
- Frizz: Thick hair is prone to frizz and requires more control in humid weather.
- Maintenance: Styles for thick hair often need more frequent trims or upkeep.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore 30 stylish options that enhance your thick hair while making it easier to manage.
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4.Chin-Length Bob with Layers
A chin-length bob with layers is perfect for adding movement to thick hair, keeping it light and easy to style. The layers help to prevent the bob from appearing too bulky, giving it a soft, natural flow.
- Ideal face shapes: Oval, square.
- Styling tip: Use a round brush to blow-dry your layers for extra volume and bounce.
5.Best Haircuts for Women Over 50 with Thick Hair
Haircut Style | Best For | Benefits | Styling Tips |
Layered Bob | Straight or wavy hair | Reduces bulk and adds dimension | Use lightweight serum to smooth flyaways |
Pixie Cut with Highlights | Women who want a bold look | Easy to maintain, adds volume | Use styling paste to define layers |
Shaggy Cut | Naturally wavy or curly hair | Creates texture and movement | Use texturizing spray for an effortless look |
Long Layers | Thick, voluminous hair | Distributes weight, easy to manage | Apply mousse to enhance waves and reduce frizz |
Feathered Pixie | Women seeking a modern look | Softens face, low maintenance | Apply lightweight pomade for texture |
6.Layered Pixie with Highlights
A layered pixie cut is one of the most low-maintenance hairstyles for women with thick hair. Adding balayage highlights creates dimension, making the pixie cut appear fuller and more dynamic.
- Best for: Women looking for a bold, modern look.
- Maintenance: Regular trims every 4-6 weeks are necessary to keep the shape defined.
7.Feathered Pixie
The feathered pixie is a playful, stylish cut that works well for managing thick hair. The feathering softens the edges of the cut, creating a look that is light and airy despite the hair’s thickness.
- Best for: Round and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling advice: Apply a light styling cream for texture, especially around the crown, to prevent it from flattening.
8.Textured Pixie with Cropped Sides
This textured pixie is edgier, with cropped sides and longer layers on top. The cropped sides help reduce the bulk of thick hair, while the longer top adds height and dimension.
- Ideal face shapes: Oval, square.
- Styling tip: Use a lightweight mousse to add texture and definition.
9. Layered Bob Hairstyles for Women Over 50 with Thick Hair
- Layered bobs are ideal for managing thick hair while adding texture and dimension.
- This style is perfect for women over 50 who want a low-maintenance, youthful look.
- Layering helps reduce bulk and prevents the hair from feeling too heavy.
- Best for women with straight or slightly wavy hair to show off the cut’s clean lines.
- Styling Tip: Use a lightweight serum to smooth flyaways and maintain shine.
10. Short Bob with Bangs
A short bob with bangs adds a youthful, fresh look that works exceptionally well for women over 50. The bangs frame the face, while the bob length provides a flattering shape for thick hair.
- Best for: Oval, heart-shaped faces.
- Styling suggestion: Blow-dry the bangs straight to highlight your facial features, and use a texturizing spray to keep the bob lively.
11.Shoulder-Length Shaggy Cut with Layers
The shaggy cut has made a huge comeback, and it’s especially effective for women over 50 with thick hair. The shag’s layers add movement and keep the hair from feeling heavy.
- Ideal face shapes: Square, oval.
- Styling tip: Use a diffuser when blow-drying to enhance your hair’s natural waves.
12.Layered Lob (Long Bob)
The layered lob is a perfect compromise for those who want a longer bob. It keeps the hair lightweight with layers that add dimension and prevent a flat look.
- Best for: Women seeking a modern haircut that provides volume without excess bulk.
- Styling tip: Add loose curls with a curling iron for a soft, wavy finish.
13.Face-Framing Lob
A face-framing lob is ideal for women with thick hair who want to soften their features. This cut uses subtle layers to frame the face while maintaining length at the back.
- Best face shapes: Heart, square.
- Styling tip: Use a straightener to gently curl the ends towards the face for a sleek, professional look.
14.Shoulder-Length Layers
For those who prefer shoulder-length hair, this style features layers that reduce the bulk of thick hair, making it more manageable while keeping the length.
- Best for: Women with round or oval faces.
- Styling tip: Blow-dry with a paddle brush for smoothness or use a curling iron for soft waves.
15. Pixie Cuts for Thick Hair
- Pixie cuts can be great for women over 50 looking to embrace a chic, modern style.
- Layered pixies add texture and keep thick hair from looking too voluminous.
- Works well with highlights or balayage to add depth and dimension.
- Perfect for a low-maintenance routine and quick styling.
- Styling Tip: Use a light styling paste to define the layers and add movement.
16.Tousled Mid-Length Layers
This relaxed, tousled hairstyle is both casual and chic. It gives off an effortlessly youthful vibe, perfect for women who want volume and texture without too much effort.
- Best face shapes: Square, heart.
- Styling tip: Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair for a beachy, tousled finish.
17.Bob with Face-Framing Highlights
A classic bob can be elevated with face-framing highlights that brighten up the face and add depth to thick hair. This style is timeless and suits a wide range of face shapes.
- Best for: Women seeking a subtle yet youthful look.
- Face shapes: Oval, round.
- Styling advice: Use a flat iron to create soft, sleek edges, ensuring the highlights shine through.
18.Long Layered Waves with Bangs
This style combines long layers with bangs, creating a soft, elegant look that flatters thick hair. The layers reduce the heaviness of long hair, while the bangs add youthful energy.
- Best for: Oval, heart-shaped faces.
- Styling tip: Use a curling wand to create loose, romantic waves.
19.Long Wavy Layers
For women who love long hair, long wavy layers are the way to go. These layers help control thick hair, reducing the weight while adding movement and texture.
- Best for: Square and round faces.
- Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray and scrunch your hair for a naturally wavy look.
20.Swoopy Layers with Bangs
Swoopy layers add height and volume, making this style perfect for thick hair. Adding bangs softens the overall look, framing the face while creating a youthful, lively vibe.
- Ideal face shapes: Heart, oval.
- Styling suggestion: Blow-dry with a large round brush to create volume at the crown and gentle waves.
21.Angled Bob with Long Layers
This angled bob adds drama and flair to thick hair. The long layers help control the thickness, while the angled cut gives the appearance of a longer neck and a slimmer face.
- Best for: Women with thick, straight hair looking for a sharp, clean look.
- Styling tip: Flat iron for a sleek finish, ensuring the angled cut stands out.
22.Long Wavy Layers with Highlights
If you’re looking to embrace long hair while keeping it manageable, opt for long wavy layers with highlights. The highlights will add depth and dimension, making your hair appear lighter and more dynamic.
- Best face shapes: Heart, oval.
- Styling tip: Use a wide-barrel curling iron for loose, beachy waves.
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23. Pros and Cons of Hairstyles with Layers for Thick Hair
Hairstyle | Pros | Cons |
Layered Bob | Reduces bulk, adds volume, and frames the face | Requires regular trims to maintain shape |
Long Layered Waves | Adds movement, ideal for natural curls or waves | Can be time-consuming to style for straight hair |
Layered Pixie | Low maintenance, youthful and fresh | Not suitable for all face shapes |
Shaggy Cut with Layers | Perfect for adding texture and a youthful look | May require extra product to manage frizz |
Textured Waves with Layers | Great for enhancing natural texture | Needs some effort to avoid flatness |
24. Voluminous Updo
A voluminous updo is perfect for weddings, parties, or formal events. This style takes advantage of your thick hair’s natural volume, creating a full, elegant look that keeps the hair off your face.
- Best for: Women with naturally voluminous hair.
- Styling tip: Use volumizing mousse and a teasing comb to add extra lift at the crown.
25.Bob with Balayage Highlights
If you’re looking for a versatile, stylish cut that works for both casual and formal occasions, a bob with balayage highlights is the way to go. The balayage adds depth, while the bob’s sleek shape remains sophisticated.
- Best for: Women who want a classic look with a modern twist.
- Styling tip: Use a smoothing serum to keep your bob sleek and shiny.
26. Hairstyles with Bangs to Frame Your Face
- Adding bangs to your haircut can help frame the face and soften features.
- Side-swept bangs work well for women over 50 and add a touch of youthfulness.
- Thick hair pairs well with bangs as it provides natural volume and texture.
- Consider pairing bangs with layers to enhance the effect.
- Styling Tip: Use a round brush while blow-drying to keep bangs sleek and well-shaped.
27.Silver Layers with Side-Swept Bangs
For women with silver hair, adding layers and side-swept bangs can create a youthful, fresh appearance. The layers add movement to thick hair, while the bangs frame the face beautifully.
- Best for: Women with thick, straight, or wavy silver hair.
- Styling tip: Use a shine spray to enhance the natural shimmer of your silver strands.
28.Salt and Pepper Curls
Embrace your natural salt and pepper hair with defined curls that show off your hair’s natural texture. This style works wonders with thick, curly hair, adding bounce and volume.
- Best for: Women with curly or wavy thick hair.
- Styling advice: Apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and use a diffuser to bring out your natural curls.
29. Layered Bob with Flipped Ends
A layered bob with flipped ends is a fun, retro-inspired look that works great for women with thick, silver hair. The flipped ends add a touch of playfulness, making this style youthful yet polished.
- Best for: Women with naturally straight or wavy hair.
- Styling tip: Use a curling iron to flip the ends outward, giving the hairstyle a lively and dynamic edge.
30. Rounded Layered Bob
The rounded layered bob is a sleek and sophisticated option that keeps thick hair under control while enhancing its volume. This style works well for women with silver or gray hair who want a polished, professional look.
- Best for: Oval or heart-shaped faces.
- Styling advice: Blow-dry with a round brush to create smooth, rounded layers that sit neatly around the face.
31.Textured Waves with Layers
Adding textured waves to thick hair helps reduce bulk while maintaining a youthful, soft appearance. Layers make this style even more manageable by breaking up the density of the hair.
- Best for: Women with naturally wavy or curly hair.
- Styling tip: Use a lightweight mousse and a curling iron to define soft waves, making thick hair more dynamic.
32.Layers with Flipped Ends
For women who love a playful yet polished look, layers with flipped ends are ideal. This style is fun and can make thick hair appear lighter and more manageable.
- Best for: Square and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling tip: Use a medium-barrel curling iron to flip the ends upward for a retro, voluminous style.
33.Volume-Reducing Layered Cut
If you want to minimise the bulk of thick hair, ask your stylist for a volume-reducing cut that strategically removes weight from the inner layers of the hair, keeping the style light without losing volume.
- Best for: Thick, heavy hair.
- Styling tip: Use a smoothing serum and a flat iron to keep the style sleek and frizz-free.
34.Balayage Highlights
One of the most popular trends for women over 50 is balayage highlights. This technique involves painting highlights onto the hair to create a natural, sun-kissed look that adds dimension to thick hair.
- Best for: Women looking to add subtle lightness and dimension to their thick hair.
- Styling tip: Use a leave-in conditioner to maintain the health and shine of your highlighted hair.
35. Shaggy Cuts for a Textured, Youthful Look
- Shaggy cuts with layers are perfect for managing thick hair while keeping the style fresh.
- These cuts add a youthful, casual vibe, making them great for women over 50.
- Shaggy layers break up the density of thick hair, creating natural movement.
- Best for women with naturally wavy or curly hair to enhance the texture.
- Styling Tip: Use texturizing spray to maintain the tousled, effortless look.
36.Face-Framing Highlights
For a softer, more subtle effect, try face-framing highlights. These highlights brighten the area around your face, giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
- Best for: Women with medium-length to long hair.
- Styling tip: Apply a shine-enhancing serum to make your highlights stand out.
37.Copper Curls
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider embracing copper tones. Voluminous copper curls add warmth and vibrancy to your look, complementing thick hair and bringing out the rich tones.
- Best for: Women with warm undertones.
- Styling tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream to define your curls and make the colour pop.
38.Silver or Ash Gray Hair
More women over 50 are choosing to go naturally grey or silver, and ash grey hair has become a popular colour trend. This sleek, sophisticated colour enhances thick hair, adding a modern touch.
- Best for: Women embracing their natural grey.
- Styling tip: Use a purple shampoo to keep the grey tones bright and free from yellowing.
39. Add Layers for Movement
When working with thick hair, adding layers helps distribute the hair’s natural volume, preventing it from looking bulky or heavy. Layers create movement and dimension, allowing for more dynamic styling options.
- Tip: For long layers, ask your stylist to create soft, blended layers that flow naturally with your hair’s texture.
40. Hair Care Tips for Thick Hair: Dos and Don’ts
Do’s | Don’ts |
Use lightweight products to avoid weighing down thick hair | Don’t use heavy oils or creams that make the hair greasy |
Trim regularly to prevent split ends and maintain shape | Avoid over-layering as it can lead to frizzy ends |
Embrace your natural texture with curl-enhancing products | Don’t overuse heat styling, which can damage thick hair |
Choose a layered cut to manage volume | Don’t skip conditioning, as thick hair needs moisture |
41.Use Lightweight Products
Using heavy creams or oils can weigh down thick hair, making it appear greasy or flat. Instead, opt for lightweight styling products like mousse or texturizing spray to keep the volume without adding unnecessary weight.
- Best products: Volumizing mousse, dry texturizing spray, lightweight serums.
42.Embrace Your Natural Texture
If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, embrace it! Thick hair tends to hold natural curls or waves beautifully. Use curl-enhancing products to define your texture and keep frizz under control.
- Tip: Apply curl cream to damp hair and diffuse to create defined, frizz-free curls.
43.Avoid Over-Texturizing
While texturizing can help remove some of the bulk from thick hair, over-texturizing can result in frizzy, unmanageable ends. Work with your stylist to find the perfect balance between reducing weight and maintaining a polished, healthy look.
- Tip: Ask for subtle internal layers that reduce weight without making the ends too thin.
44.Low-Maintenance Layered Bob
A layered bob is one of the best easy-to-maintain hairstyles for women over 50. It works especially well for thick hair because the layers provide movement without requiring constant upkeep.
- Best for: Women who want a stylish cut without daily styling.
- Styling tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner and let your hair air-dry for a natural, textured look.
45.Short Textured Layers
For those looking for a no-fuss style, short textured layers are the way to go. This low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for thick hair, as it removes bulk while giving the hair a fresh, modern look.
- Best for: Women seeking a youthful hairstyle that doesn’t require much effort.
- Styling tip: Use a light pomade or styling cream to give texture to the layers.
46.Tousled Lob
A tousled lob is perfect for women who want a longer style without the hassle of long-hair maintenance. The layers in this cut allow for natural movement, and the tousled look gives a carefree, youthful vibe.
- Best for: Women with naturally wavy or straight hair.
- Styling tip: Spritz on a sea salt spray to enhance the tousled, beachy waves.
47. Long Layers for Managing Volume in Thick Hair
- Long layers help distribute the weight of thick hair, making it easier to manage.
- This style works particularly well for women over 50 with natural waves or curls.
- Layers add movement, making thick hair look less bulky and more dynamic.
- Perfect for a polished, sophisticated appearance that doesn’t require excessive upkeep.
- Styling Tip: Apply a lightweight mousse to enhance waves and reduce frizz.
48.Voluminous Updo for Special Occasions
When it comes to special events, you can take advantage of the natural volume that thick hair offers by opting for a voluminous updo. This style keeps your hair off your face while showcasing its fullness in an elegant way.
- Best for: Formal occasions like weddings or galas.
- Styling tip: Use a volumizing mousse and tease the crown to achieve maximum height.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the perfect hairstyle for women over 50 with thick hair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a variety of chic hairstyles from layered bobs to pixie cuts and long waves there’s something to suit every face shape, hair texture, and personal style. The key is finding a cut that highlights your natural volume and texture while ensuring it’s easy to maintain.
Whether you opt for face-framing layers, a shaggy cut, or elegant balayage highlights, these styles are designed to help you embrace your thick hair with confidence. Remember, the right products and styling techniques can make a world of difference in how your hairstyle looks and feels on a daily basis. With regular trims and a well-suited cut, you’ll enjoy not only the look but also the ease of managing your thick hair.