Shoulder length hair styles for woman over 60

Age really is just a number. You may have spent 60-plus years figuring out what hairstyles look best on you, but don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting a change. Sometimes we want to emphasize new things and other times, the things we used to emphasize become what we want to hide. Ultimately, you'll look good with a cut and color you're comfortable with, but that doesn't mean it has to be the one you've had forever.

While you should actively consider your face shape and hair texture when choosing a style, there are plenty of other factors that go into the decision. How much upkeep do you want to do? Do you live an active life? More than others, some hairstyles will just feel right. To aid you in finding a new look, we've rounded up some beautiful women who found a style that flatters their features, along with tips from top stylists.

Meet the Expert

• Adam Livermore is a hairstylist and international educator at Oribe, based in New York City.

• Richy Kandasamy is a professional colorist and member of the R+Co Collective.

Keep reading for 30 of our favorite hairstyles for women over 60.

01 of 30

Curly Lob

Angela Bassett lets her curls live their best life in this side-parted lob. The shoulder length is perfect for her natural texture since it lends a little weight to curls and keeps them from poofing out. "For styling, R+Co Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray ($33) is perfect for hold at the root and big '60s volume," says Kandasamy. "You will also want to finish with R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray ($32) for light hold and movement."

02 of 30

Wavy Lob

Ellen Barkin looks as fabulous as ever with a wavy shoulder-length cut. It's trendy among women decades younger than her, but she easily pulls it off because it's perfect for her fine hair. By adding a slight wave to her 'do, she adds instant volume.

03 of 30

Pixie

Kris Jenner may have the most famous daughters on the planet, but she's a style icon in her own right. Her signature short hair is utterly flattering thanks to light layers and long sideburns that lend dimension and highlight her cheekbones, respectively. To keep this style from falling flat, work in a volumizing mousse.

04 of 30

Curly Bob With Bangs

Alfre Woodard embraces her curls and she couldn't look better. To replicate her 'do, ask your stylist to incorporate long layers, which will lend shape to your cut, and don't shy away from curly bangs. Woodard's chin-length cut complements her oval face shape but if you've got a round, diamond, or heart-shaped face you may want to opt for mid- to shoulder-length instead.

05 of 30

Long and Wavy

As women age, there is a tendency to go shorter but Madonna writes this off with her long, youthful mane. If you've got medium to thick hair, follow the Queen of Pop's lead by curling hair with a 1 1/2-inch wand and then tousling with fingers. It's visually effortless.

06 of 30

Layered Bob

Former Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld would have a hard time being anything but trendy, but her layered bob makes her even more so. It gives off all the vibes Roitfeld embodies: edgy, cool, and sophisticated, even though it's a less-styled route than most women her age take.

07 of 30

Afro

For those of you with textured tresses, Jennifer Lewis makes a strong case for wearing your hair au natural. Not only is her sculpted afro super stylish but it will also keep your hair routine to a minimum. Just be sure to nourish your mane by keeping it moisturized with a hydrating product like Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner ($13).

08 of 30

Voluminous Lob

If your hair is on the finer side, try blow-drying with a round brush and lifting locks as you go, which will amp up the volume. A spray like Living Proof's Full Dry Volume Blast ($29) will help add further volume and texture.

09 of 30

Sleek Ponytail

Looking to keep your hair off of your face while still looking stylish? Opt for an updo like the foolproof ponytail. If you've got medium to long tresses, slick back using Bumble and bumble Bb. sumogel ($31) into a high ponytail like Oprah here. Maybe even consider a middle part if you want to turn up the trend factor.

10 of 30

Wavy

Susan Sarandon has naturally wavy hair, and she doesn't bother trying to "tame" or straighten it with the blow-dryer/flat iron combo. Instead, she works with her waves, even enhancing them with the right tools and products (read: a 1-inch curling iron and Sunday II Sunday Revive Me Daily Moisturizing Spray, $31).

Our Favorite Hairstyles for Women Over 60

11 of 30

Blunt Bob

Lynn Whitfield's sleek bob is timeless. If your hair is on the finer side, opt for blunt ends like Whitfield to make your mane appear thicker. To style, straighten hair, spritz with a bit of Redken Shine Flash Shine Spray ($23), and tuck behind the ear. The result is très chic.

12 of 30

Burgundy Updo

Megan Mullally's burgundy color is proof that there are worse things than not being able to hang onto your natural color. The dark red shade adds a nice contrast to her fair complexion—and complements nearly every other skin tone, too. With color being the star of this look, opt for simple styling like a loose updo with face-framing tendrils.

13 of 30

Tousled Shoulder-Length

If you're going gray you can always dye it but Diane Keaton makes a strong case for making the gray hair transition. "Diane Keaton always has great hair," says Livermore. "I love that she wears her natural color, and her styles are always classic but also a little tousled and frisky." Add a little bit of volume powder like Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Powder Play ($19) at the roots to get that extra lift and fullness.

14 of 30

Tousled Waves

Michelle Pfeiffer proves that tousled waves are just as good for the red carpet as they are for the beach. If you have a diamond or square-shaped face like Pfeiffer, a side part and waves will soften your angular features. To get her visually effortless look, simply prep hair with a sea salt spray then air-dry.

15 of 30

Side-Swept Bangs

Beauty Beverly Johnson's long, lush locks—extensions or not—show that you don't have to compromise on length as you age. Meanwhile, caramel highlights brighten her complexion. If you're curious about bangs but you are worried about the commitment, side-swept bangs are your hassle-free solution.

16 of 30

Super-Sleek Bob

If there's one thing we can be sure of with Iman, it's that she's not afraid of a hairstyle change. We won't deny that we love when she wears her hair long but this super-sleek bob is head-turning. Prep hair with Goldwell Kerasilk ($32) before blow-drying with Conair InfinitiPro Hair Dryer to achieve straight and shiny perfection.

17 of 30

Blunt Bangs

Jane Seymour has always worn her hair long—it's sort of her trademark. Here, she couples a lengthy mane with lash-grazing blunt bangs that bring out her eyes. To keep straight hair from going limp, add long layers to create just the right amount of volume.

18 of 30

Side Flip

If you're like Gloria Estefan and you've got a natural curl or wave to your hair, embrace it. Natural texture lends body and fullness to thinning hair—as does a deep side flip. To keep curls defined and frizz-free, moisturize with Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream ($22).

19 of 30

Bouncy Waves

There are few people in this world more well-known for their beauty than Christie Brinkley. From the late 1970s to today, she's consistently represented the laid-back, California style of looking good. "To get that perfect 'Bardot’ blonde, you will want to use a great toning mask like R+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Toning Masque ($42) to combat yellow brassy tones and to nourish locks," recommends Kandasamy.

20 of 30

Voluminous Lob

As Livermore notes, the length seen on Loretta Devine is a great example of one that works perfectly for her face shape. "Her hair length is always just grazing the base of her neck and her styles are always soft, smooth, and voluminous," he says.

21 of 30

Curtain Bangs

Goldie Hawn's feathered 'do is pure bombshell. Curtain bangs and long layers help to frame her face and slightly flipped out ends add just the right amount of sass.

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Lob With Bangs

Mary Steenburgen's chestnut-hued lob gets bonus points for bangs that up the cool factor while simultaneously hiding forehead wrinkles. When it comes to styling this look, keep in mind that a blow-dryer is your friend. Pros recommend blowing out your bangs while your hair is still very wet, as they have a tendency to dry faster than the rest of your hair.

23 of 30

Dreadlock Bob

Whoopi Goldberg brings sophistication to dreadlocks à la bob. The shoulder-grazing length perfectly frames her face and is a breeze to maintain. Spritz locs with a daily dose of Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray ($21) to keep this style looking fresh.

24 of 30

Mid-Length and Feathered

Haven't you heard? Feathered hair is making a comeback. And who better to demonstrate that than former Charlie's Angel, Jaclyn Smith? Her do's got plenty of body and dimension that is actually relatively easy to achieve. Simply separate your hair into sections before curling and brushing out the ringlets, so as to add more volume. To keep this look modern, tousle with fingers.

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Oversized Volume

Diana Ross's iconic mane is proof that over-the-top volume looks just as good over 60 as it does under 30. While this style works best with medium to thick hair, those with finer strands can add body with the right volumizing products. Start with Kérastase's Volumifique Shampoo ($35) and style with AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray ($24).

To maximize volume, use a diffuser to blowdry hair upside down while scrunching gently.

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Brushed-Out S-Waves

Tina Knowles is proof that amping up waves with excess volume can still be classic. The easiest way to achieve brushed-out S-waves like these is with a curling iron. Opt for a barrel that's approximately one inch in diameter, like Hot Tools NanoCeramic Curling Iron ($65).

27 of 30

Curly Crop

Jane Fonda's bouncy curls add tantalizing texture to straight strands. To get the look, twist hair around a flatiron, alternating the direction you twist the hair with each section. Finish with a volumizing hairspray such as Kenra Volume Spray 25 ($20) to keep curls lifted and in place.

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Side-Swept

Styling long hair doesn't have to be a production. By sweeping hair to one side and adding a slight wave, Michelle Yeoh achieves a full and healthy-looking mane.

29 of 30

Retro Flip

A slight hair flip transforms Hiam Abbass's lob from classic to flirty. To achieve a similar style, curl your locks, then sweep hair so that it falls predominantly to one side. Finish with a shine-inducing spray.

30 of 30

Slicked-Back Pompadour

Perhaps one of our favorite short-haired muses, Tilda Swinton's slicked-back pompadour looks great at any age.

FAQ

• What type of shampoo is best for mature or gray hair?

  As graying hair tends to turn yellowish as you age, it's best to keep it bright and well-maintained with a purple, toning shampoo. Keep in mind that products with a purple tint should be used once every week or two, to ensure the hair doesn't actually turn purple.

• How do you prevent mature or gray hair from turning dry or brittle?

  A high-quality daily conditioner is imperative to counteract the dry nature of gray hair. Also, a deep moisturizing treatment (used once a week) will help impart shine and gloss.

• Can those over 60 still rock long hair, or should they try and stick to shorter styles?

  Long hair looks great on a wide range of ages — and works particularly well on those with medium or thick locks (just ask for lots of layers, to add volume).

  Does shoulder length hair make you look younger or older?

  Forget what you thought about long hair past the age of 40—thick hair actually looks more youthful and polished when it falls shoulder-length or longer. Shorter hair has a tendency to expand at the ends, leaving you with an unflattering triangle effect.

  What is a good haircut for a 65 year old woman?

  50 Haircuts for Women over 60 That Look Exceptional.

  Pixie Haircut for Women over 60. ... .

  Gray Layered Bob. ... .

  Gray Layered Long Bob. ... .

  Mid-Length Wavy Gray Bob. ... .

  Wedge Haircut for Women over 60. ... .

  Medium Salt and Pepper Haircut. ... .

  Short Gray Pixie with Bangs. ... .

  Short Bob with Highlights..

  What is a good hairstyle for a 60 year old woman fine hair?

  Hairstyles for Women Over 60 with Fine Hair.

  Strawberry Blonde with Volume..

  Shoulder Length with Fringe..

  Layered Long Pixie..

  Short Natural Black Hair..

  Messy Super Light Pixie..

  Single Length Bob Cut..

  Highlights with Fringe..

  Top Volume Pixie Cut..

  How should a 65 year old woman wear her hair?

  After 65, avoid long, non-layered cuts. "A good guideline for mature beauties is to select a look that softens." Rivera notes that face-framing layers are great for this purpose. Other options include long, textured bangs or a layered bob or collarbone cut.