Women are no longer getting their hair cut simply because they’ve reached a ‘certain age’. Experimentation is in and Google search around bobs for women over 50 is currently booming, largely because celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Penélope Cruz and Halle Berry have proved that this trending haircut is chic at any age.
With so many bob iterations to choose from, you can dip your toe into the trend with a grown-out bob; add softness around the face with a pageboy bob or go for a blunt ‘bubble bob’ if your hair is on the thin side. Either way, it’s worth remembering that the ends are the oldest part of the hair strand so they understandably get weaker over time. A cut will freshen up the tips but also add more movement and volume.
“If it looks great and makes you feel confident, then age becomes a less important factor,” says Samuel Broadbent, a hairstylist at Hershesons London salon. “Wearing a bob at any age is a statement and when done right is really flattering. The only thing to consider is that if you currently have long hair, make sure you feel ready to make the change and step into your new you.”
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know – from a mood board of inspirational bobs designed specifically for women over 50, advice on what cut to ask your hairdresser for and pro tips on how to style a bob at home.
What should you consider before getting a bob if you’re over 50?
Before deciding on the cut, a hairstylist will take into account your hair texture and the density of your strands. This is especially important if your hair has started to thin – something that’s not uncommon for women over the age of 50 due to hormonal changes during menopause.
“Fine hair can collapse easily, so the cut needs to work with your natural texture,” says Izzy Warren, who also works at Hershesons and says she’d opt for a bob that sits either at the middle of the neck or skims the jawline on thinning strands. “Keeping the length shorter helps to maintain this blunt baseline. I tend to avoid longer lob lengths on very fine hair, as they can sometimes fall flat and feel a little limp. If you do go slightly longer, maintaining a strong outline is essential.”
What are the best bobs for women over 50?
According to Samuel, the best bob styles for women over 50 tend to lean more towards choppy and chunky textures to keep the look modern.
“It’s often good to avoid over-layered and graduated bobs as these styles can be considered a touch dated,” he says. “If we are going to mix it up, let’s keep it fresh. Many people opt to add some sort of bang with a bob, be it full or grown out. A little framing goes a long way around the face for women over 50, helping to soften features.”