Hairstyles to avoid after 50: stylist advice

As we age, facial features, hair density, and the overall visual balance of the look change. What used to look striking and fashionable can, after 50, suddenly start to add severity, tiredness, or even age. At this stage, the hairstyle plays a key role: it either highlights strengths or emphasizes aspects you might want to soften. At Joy-pup, we will tell you which hairstyles women over 50 should avoid.

Straightened hair

Perfectly straight, tightly slicked-down hair visually weighs down the look and emphasizes hair thinning, which often appears with age. This type of styling makes the face look stricter and highlights minor age-related changes. Hairstyles with movement look much more flattering — a light wave, soft texture, and volume at the roots. Such shapes add liveliness, soften facial features, and create a well-groomed effect without excessive severity.

Center part

A geometrically strict center part emphasizes any facial asymmetry, which tends to become more noticeable over the years. In addition, this type of part draws too much attention to the hairline, making regrown roots or thinning areas more visible. Shifting the part to the side or creating a slightly messy zigzag line looks much more harmonious. Asymmetry in styling is a powerful visual rejuvenation tool: it softens facial features, balances proportions, and instantly adds natural volume to the hairstyle.

Slicked-back hair

Slicked-back hair exposes the face too harshly. This hairstyle often looks outdated and makes the overall appearance overly strict, emphasizing the forehead, nasolabial folds, and neck. Such a style deprives the look of the softness needed at an elegant age. Hairstyles where the hair naturally frames the face are perceived as much gentler. Light layering, texture, and loose strands create a sense of naturalness and visual lightness.

Black hair color

Rich dark shades, especially those close to black, create a sharp contrast with the skin. This emphasizes uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and signs of fatigue, making the look heavier. To achieve a more youthful and fresh appearance, colorists recommend switching to a softer palette. Shades of chocolate, caramel, golden nut, or honey blonde visually illuminate the skin, giving it a healthy glow. If you are not ready to give up dark hair, try complex coloring techniques such as balayage or shatush.

Half-up hairstyles and headbands

Half-up hairstyles with plastic clips, claw clips on the crown, or rigid headbands often create a dissonance with the image of an adult woman. They do not add youthfulness; on the contrary, they simplify the appearance and strip it of elegance. Much more flattering are minimalist options — neatly styled loose hair, a low bun, or a low ponytail.

Read also: 5 eyeliner mistakes that make you look older