Our Favorite Hairstyles for Women Over 60 (2024)

•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.

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 withR+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray($32) for light hold and movement."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 likeR+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Toning Masque ($42)to combat yellow brassy tones and to nourish locks," recommends Kandasamy.

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.

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.

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 outyour bangs while your hair is still very wet, as they have a tendency to dry faster than the rest of your hair.

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.

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.

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'sVolumifique Shampoo($35) and style with AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray ($24).

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 theseis with a curling iron. Opt for a barrel that's approximately one inch in diameter, like Hot Tools NanoCeramic Curling Iron ($65).

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.

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.

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.

Slicked-Back Pompadour

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