23 Beautiful Hairstyles For Over 50 And Overweight -

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The search is on for hairstyles for over 50 and overweight women.

As older women, we experience things like hormonal changes that lead to thinning hair. That usually leads to reduced volume or even changes in texture. In some cases hair can become coarser or finer.

This makes it hard to find a hairstyle that adds volume and fullness without overwhelming the face shape or body proportions.

For example, a flat hairstyle might emphasize a double chin, or the width of the face, while a cut with too much volume may not feel flattering if you have thinner hair.

Generally speaking, hairstyles that use side-swept bangs, long layers, or asymmetrical cuts can help elongate the face and draw attention away from the chin.

In this post, I’m going to help you with face shape considerations and all the styles that will flatter you the most.

Face Shape Considerations

Finding the right hairstyle that complements your face shape is crucial to achieving a balanced look.

Professional hairstylists believe that matching hairstyles to face shape is essential to achieving a flattering, balanced look.

The key is to create harmony between the haircut and the client’s natural features, highlighting the best aspects of the face while minimizing areas they might want to downplay.

However, some stylists also stress the importance of adapting the style to personal preferences, hair texture, and lifestyle. That way, you ensure that the result is not only flattering but also functional and authentic to the individual.

The following is a list of common face shapes with a list of the best hairstyles for each.

Flattering Hairstyles for Over 50 and Overweight

I’ve put together a selection of hairstyles fo over 50 and overweight people that takes into account face shape and the most flattering styles typically associated with your facial features.

Round Face Shape

A round face typically has soft, curved lines and the width and length of the face are roughly equal. The goal for hairstyles is to elongate the face and create an illusion of more defined angles.

Round Face Hairstyle Options

Try long, wispy layers. The added length helps draw the face downward, making it appear slimmer.
Long, side-swept bangs are also an option because they break up the roundess, adding an angular element.
An asymmetrical bob has one side longer than the other. That helps create length and reduces the appearance of fullness.
Have you considered a textured pixie? Ask your stylist for their thoughts if you’re not sure. Pixie’s are short haircuts with some volume on the top. When done right it can give the appearance of a more elongated face.
A shag with layers involves messy layers that add dimension and divert attention from the width of the face.

Oval Face Shape

An oval face is longer than it is wide, with balanced proportions and softly rounded features. This face shape is considered the most versatile, allowing for many different hairstyles.

Oval Face Hairstyle Options

The classic bob at chin-length works well It helps frame the face without overwhelming it.
A blunt bob is typically longer with blunt ends. This emphasizes the elegant, balanced shape of an oval face.
Wavy layers are also a great option for an oval face. The waves create movement while maintaining the face’s natural symmetry.
Side-parted hair can be used with a bob or long hair. It adds interest and dimension to any face shape.
And finally, a curly bob could be an option, especially if you have natural curls. When cut at chin-length, you get volume and a soft frame around your face.

Square Face Shape

A square face is characterized by a strong, defined jawline and a broad forehead. The goal is to soften the angles and add roundness to the face.

Square Face Hairstyle Options

A layered bob with soft, feathery layers around the face can help soften the jawline.
A wavy shag brings movement and softness around the face.
Side-swept bangs can help break up the squareness of the forehead while adding softness.
The curved shape of a rounded bob can balance out the sharper lines of a square face.
Loose, soft curls add roundess and soften the overall appearance.

Heart Face Shape

Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and a narrower chin, with cheekbones that often stand out. The focus is on balancing the wider forehead with the narrower jawline.

Heart Face Hairstyle Options

A chin-length bob creates width where the face narrows, balancing the proportions.
Curtain bangs are soft, parted bangs the help frame the face, reducing the width of the forehead.
Have you heard of a wavy lob? This type of hairstyle adds soft waves at shoulder length and adds volume around the chin and jaw, balancing out the heart shape.
A side-swept pixie is a great idea. It’s easy to maintain and the longer, side-swept bangs soften the area around the forehead.
Long layers with curls help bring fullness to the lower half of the face.

Diamond Face Shape

A diamond face is widest at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jawline. The aim is to balance the cheekbones and soften the pointed chin.

Woman with angular face demonstrating hairstyles for over 50 and overweight

Diamond Face Hairstyle Options

A side-parted bob with a deep side part creates an asymmetrical effect that balances high cheekbones.
As mentioned earlier, a wavy lob with layers softens the angles of the face, while waves add fullness around the chin.
Chin-length curls add volume at the jawline, balancing out the cheekbones.
A textured pixie with bangs can add softness around the forehead and reduces focus on a pointed chin.
A wavy lob with layers softens the angles of the face while adding fullness around the chin.
Chin-length curls are a great way to add volume at the jawline.
A textured pixie with bangs add softness around the forehead.
A curly shag offers layers that help fill out hte lower half of the face.

Oblong Face Shape

An oblong face is longer than it is wide, often with a straight profile and less width in the cheek area. The goal is to shorten the appearance of the face by adding width and volume on the sides.

Older woman with oblong face demonstrating hairstyles for over 50 and overweight

Obline Face Hairstyle Options

A blunt bob adds width, balancing the long face shape.
Soft waves or curls help create width at the sides, giving the illusion of a shorter face.
Side-swept bangs across the forehead visually shorten the length of the face.
A layered bob (long bob) with soft layers at the ends adds volume and create balance without making the face appear longer.
A short shag with layers at the ends adds volumes and creates balance as well.

Triangular Face Shape (Pear Shape)

A triangular face has a narrower forehead and wider jawline. The goal is to balance the face by adding width at the forehead and softening the strong jawline.

Triangular Face Hairstyle Options

A layered pixie with volume on the top adds height and width to the forehad.
A wavy bob with soft curls can help balance the broader jawline by adding volume at the top.
A side-parted bob (deep side part) can help break up the width of the jawline and draw attention upwards.
A chin-length shag that hits just at the chin brings movement and softness when layers are added. This can help reduce focus on the jaw.
Voluminous curls at the top of the head balance out the width around the chin area.

Each of these face shapes benefits from specific hairstyles that create balance, softness, and dimension. The key is to enhance the natural proportions of the face while diverting attention from areas you’d prefer to minimize.

older woman with triangular face demonstrating hairstyles for over 50 and overweight

Let’s Have a Look at These Hairstyles

If you read through the different face types noted above, you probably saw a similarity in some of the hairstyle types. Bobs are mentioned a lot because they offer so much versality. They’re easy to style and, when combined with a good side-part or soft fringes, can nicely frame just about any face type.

Hairstyles That Highlight Your Best Features

The following types of hairstyles should help give you an understanding of what they are, and why they work.

1. Layered Bob

Smiling woman with a bob demonstrating hairstyles for over 50 and overweight

Layers work by adding movement and softness around the face, creating a flattering and dynamic look.

A chin-length bob, or one that extends slightly longer, frames the face beautifully while drawing attention to your features without highlighting fullness. For added elegance, subtle inward curls or a side-swept bang can enhance the overall style.

2. Long Layered Hair

Incorporating layers while maintaining some length helps elongate the face, creating a vertical line that gives the appearance of a slimmer profile. Soft waves or curls beginning at the chin add a touch of softness, enhancing the overall look with a balanced and flattering effect.

3. Shoulder-Length with Soft Waves

Waves add movement and dimension, helping to make the face appear longer and softer. A shoulder-length cut is perfect for those who prefer some length while still keeping the hairstyle manageable. For styling, use a curling iron to create loose waves or a texturizing spray for a more natural, effortless wave.

4. Pixie Cut

This bold cut highlights the eyes and cheekbones, creating a slimming effect for the face. A slightly longer pixie with added volume on top provides height, which helps balance rounder face shapes.

For a modern and playful look, incorporating texture or layers is a great styling option.

5. Shag Cut

A shag cut with plenty of layers creates a messy, textured appearance that adds volume to the hair and draws attention upwards, enhancing the overall shape.

To achieve a chic, effortless look, style with tousled waves for a relaxed yet stylish finish.

a woman with short dark hair wearing a blue shirt and earrings

6. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs are effective in breaking up the width of the face and drawing attention to the eyes, creating a more balanced look. They also soften the forehead, giving a youthful appearance. For the most flattering effect, keep the bangs long and wispy to add softness and elegance.

7. Chin-Length Bob with Bangs

This hairstyle frames the face in a way that doesn’t overwhelm it, making it especially flattering for round faces. The straight edges provide an angular contrast that balances the face’s softness. For a polished, classic look, slightly curl the ends under.

8. Textured Lob (Long Bob)

The lob length helps elongate the neck, while texturing adds volume without making the hair look bulky. This versatile cut works well with many face shapes. For added dimension, style it with beachy waves or tousled layers.

9. Curly Crop

A short, cropped cut works well for women with naturally curly hair by enhancing their natural texture and creating a fun, youthful look. The curls add volume without making the face appear wider. To define the curls and add bounce, use a curl-enhancing cream.

10. Voluminous Short Hairstyles

Adding volume at the crown gives the illusion of height, helping to elongate the face and balance its proportions. To enhance fullness on top, blow-dry the hair upwards or use a volumizing mousse.

11. Asymmetrical Bob

An asymmetrical cut, featuring one side longer than the other, creates an edgy, modern vibe while also lengthening the appearance of the face. For styling, you can either flat-iron the longer side for a sleek finish or add soft waves to introduce more texture.

12. Mid-Length with Feathered Layers

Feathered layers add softness around the face and help prevent the hair from appearing flat. Mid-length cuts can create the illusion of a longer face, which is quite flattering. For added volume, blow-dry the layers to flip them out.

13. Classic Short Bob with Parted Bangs

A short bob with a center or side part creates a clean, sleek silhouette, while parted bangs add balance and soften the overall look around the face. To achieve a timeless and sophisticated style, keep the hair straight and sleek.

14. Side-Parted with Volume at the Crown

A deep side part effectively shifts the focus away from a fuller face, while adding volume at the crown creates height, resulting in a slimming effect. To enhance this look, use root-lifting products to boost volume at the top.

15. Textured Pixie with Longer Layers

A textured pixie with longer layers around the face creates a soft and feminine look, while the short length ensures it’s low-maintenance. To keep the hairstyle looking fresh and lively, experiment with different textures.

16. Short Haircuts with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs help break up the face, creating a light and airy appearance. A short cut adds structure, keeping the overall style polished yet soft. For the best effect, thin out the bangs to achieve a light, feathered look instead of a blunt finish.

17. Sleek, Long Bob (Blunt Lob)

A sleek bob that falls just above the shoulders creates a streamlined look, elongating both the neck and face while the blunt ends add structure. For a sleek, polished finish, straighten the hair with a flat iron.

18. Curly Bob

If you have natural curls or waves, a curly bob can enhance volume and movement while framing the face without drawing attention to the neck. To achieve soft, defined curls, use a curl cream or mousse for styling.

19. Shoulder-Length with Curtain Bangs

Shoulder-length hair provides versatility, and curtain bangs that part in the middle create a flattering frame around the face. To style the bangs, use a round brush to sweep them away from the face for a polished look.

20. Stacked Bob

A stacked bob adds volume at the back of the head, creating height that helps balance the face, while the longer front keeps the style sleek and modern. For added lift, blow-dry the back with a round brush.

21. Medium-Length Shag with Side Bangs

A shag with side-swept bangs introduces movement and layers that help balance rounder face shapes while drawing attention to the eyes. For a flattering effect, keep the bangs longer and soft.

22. Shoulder-Length Hair with Soft Curls

Soft curls create a voluminous, balanced look that adds width to the hair, effectively drawing attention away from the neck and shoulders. For best results, use a large-barrel curling iron to achieve loose, bouncy curls.

23. Straight Lob with Face-Framing Highlights

A straight lob with highlights around the face brightens the complexion and adds dimension without adding bulk. For a more refined look, choose subtle highlights or lowlights to enhance depth.

Summing It Up

Each of these styles offers a modern twist while considering the needs of women over 50 who want to emphasize flattering features and maintain a youthful, confident appearance.

Getting a new haircut that flatters the shape of your face is a great feeling. There’s nothing like walking out of that salon with your head held high.

For me, the best haircuts are those that require minimal effort. Ultimately, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist. They can offer you much more customized advice on hairstyles that will look best on you as an individual.