MomSkoop
Finding the perfect hairstyle after 50 can feel like a fresh start, and medium-length cuts offer the best of both worlds. They’re easy to manage, flattering for most face shapes, and versatile enough for any occasion.
Whether you prefer sleek and polished or soft and textured, there’s a medium-length style that will make you look and feel fabulous.
1. Shoulder-Length Bob
A shoulder-length bob has been a go-to choice for decades, and for good reason. This cut hits right at the collarbone and frames the face beautifully without requiring tons of styling time.
One of the best things about this haircut is how it works with almost any hair texture. Whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, or even slightly curly, the bob adapts easily.
Styling is simple—just blow-dry with a round brush for volume or let it air-dry for a more relaxed vibe. Adding light layers can give movement and prevent the ends from looking too heavy. This classic style never goes out of fashion and suits both casual and formal settings perfectly.
2. Layered Lob (Long Bob)
Picture a bob that’s just a bit longer, reaching past your shoulders with soft layers throughout. That’s the layered lob, and it’s incredibly flattering for mature women who want movement and dimension.
Layers prevent the hair from sitting flat against your head, which can happen as hair texture changes with age. They create bounce and body that make you look more youthful and vibrant.
Styling options are endless—wear it straight for a polished look or add loose waves for something more romantic. The layers also make this cut easier to manage than one-length hair, reducing styling time significantly.
3. Soft Shag Cut
Remember the shag from the ’70s? It’s back, but with a softer, more refined twist that’s perfect for women over 50. This cut features choppy layers throughout that create incredible texture and volume.
The beauty of a modern shag is how effortlessly cool it looks. You don’t need to spend hours styling—just scrunch some mousse through damp hair and let it air-dry for that lived-in look.
This style works particularly well if your hair has lost some thickness over the years. The layers create the illusion of fuller, more abundant hair while keeping things light and airy around your face.
4. Feathered Layers
Feathered layers bring a gentle, flowing quality to medium-length hair that’s both feminine and sophisticated. The technique involves cutting layers that blend seamlessly into each other, creating soft movement.
This approach works wonders for adding volume around the crown while keeping length at the bottom. Your hair appears to have more life and energy without looking choppy or overdone.
Styling requires minimal effort—a quick blow-dry with your fingers running through your hair usually does the trick. The feathered effect naturally directs hair away from your face, highlighting your features beautifully. It’s an excellent choice for those who want something low-maintenance yet elegant.
5. Blunt Cut Lob
Sharp, clean lines define the blunt cut lob, where all the hair ends at exactly the same length. This creates a bold, modern statement that exudes confidence and style.
Many women worry that blunt cuts might look too harsh, but when done correctly, they actually make hair appear thicker and healthier. The solid line at the bottom creates visual weight and fullness.
This style requires hair to be relatively straight or styled straight to show off the clean edge. Regular trims every six to eight weeks keep the line sharp and fresh. Pair it with a center or side part for different looks throughout the week.
6. Wavy Shoulder-Length Cut
Soft waves cascading to your shoulders create an effortlessly beautiful look that’s both romantic and practical. This style celebrates natural texture while keeping hair at a manageable length.
If you have naturally wavy hair, this cut is a dream come true. Simply enhance what you already have with a bit of sea salt spray or curl cream.
For those with straighter hair, loose waves can be achieved with a curling wand or even overnight braids. The shoulder-length keeps waves from pulling down too much, maintaining that bouncy, youthful appearance. This versatile style transitions easily from day to night with minimal touch-ups needed.
7. Textured Mid-Length Cut
Texture is the secret ingredient that takes ordinary hair and makes it extraordinary. A textured mid-length cut uses various cutting techniques to create depth, dimension, and visual interest throughout your hair.
Point-cutting and razor techniques help remove bulk while adding movement that makes hair look more dynamic. The result is hair that never looks flat or boring.
Styling products like texturizing spray or dry shampoo enhance the piecey, lived-in quality of this cut. You’ll love how modern and fresh it feels without being too trendy or difficult to maintain at home. It’s perfect for active women who don’t want to fuss with their hair constantly.
8. Side-Parted Medium Cut
Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest impact. A deep side part instantly adds sophistication and asymmetry that flatters most face shapes beautifully.
Parting your hair to one side creates volume on the heavier side while the other side sweeps elegantly across your forehead. This draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones in the most flattering way.
The medium length keeps things balanced and prevents the style from looking too extreme. You can switch your part occasionally to give your roots a break and create slightly different looks. Pair this with any cut style—straight, wavy, or layered—for instant elegance and polish.
9. Medium Cut With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs part down the middle and frame both sides of your face like, well, curtains! They’re longer than traditional bangs and blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair.
This bang style is incredibly forgiving and works with various face shapes. The soft framing effect draws attention to your eyes while gently camouflaging forehead lines if that’s a concern.
Maintenance is easier than with blunt bangs since they grow out gracefully without that awkward in-between stage. Style them with a round brush, sweeping them to each side, or let them air-dry for a more casual appearance. They add youthful energy without looking like you’re trying too hard.
10. Face-Framing Layers
Strategically placed layers around your face work like natural contouring for your features. Starting around the cheekbones or chin, these shorter pieces draw the eye inward and highlight your best attributes.
Face-framing layers soften angular features and add dimension to rounder faces. They create movement right where you want it most—around your face where people naturally look first.
The rest of your hair can remain longer, giving you versatility for updos or half-up styles. These layers require minimal styling—just a quick blow-dry with a round brush to flip them slightly outward or inward, depending on your preference. They grow out beautifully too, maintaining their shape between salon visits.
11. Shoulder-Length Cut With Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs are light, airy, and delicate—the complete opposite of heavy, blunt bangs. They gently graze your forehead and blend beautifully with shoulder-length hair for a soft, feminine look.
These bangs are cut with thinning shears or point-cutting techniques to remove weight and create that feathery texture. They won’t overwhelm your face or require constant trimming like thicker bangs might.
Styling is wonderfully simple—just blow-dry them lightly with your fingers or a small round brush. They work especially well for women with fine or thinning hair since they don’t require much density. The wispy texture adds a youthful, carefree quality that feels fresh and modern.
12. Choppy Layered Lob
Want something with a bit more edge? A choppy layered lob features intentionally uneven layers that create a cool, modern vibe with tons of personality.
The choppy technique removes weight and adds texture throughout, making hair look fuller and more dynamic. It’s particularly great for women whose hair has become finer over time.
This style has an effortlessly undone quality that’s very on-trend right now. You can style it messy and tousled for a casual look or sleek it down for something more polished. The versatility means you’ll never get bored, and the low-maintenance nature means you won’t spend forever in front of the mirror.
13. Sleek Straight Medium Cut
Glossy, straight hair that falls smoothly to your shoulders radiates elegance and sophistication. This polished look never goes out of style and works beautifully for professional settings or special occasions.
Achieving this style requires a good flat iron and quality heat protectant spray. The key is working in small sections to ensure each strand is perfectly smooth and shiny.
While this style requires more effort than some others, the payoff is worth it. You’ll look put-together and confident, with hair that catches the light beautifully. Consider getting a keratin treatment if you want to reduce daily styling time while maintaining that sleek appearance.
14. Medium Cut With Soft Curls
Bouncy curls at medium length create volume, movement, and a romantic quality that’s absolutely stunning. This style celebrates texture and brings joyful energy to your overall appearance.
If you have naturally curly hair, the right cut can help your curls form more uniformly and reduce frizz. Layers cut specifically for curly hair prevent the dreaded triangle shape.
For those without natural curl, a curling iron or hot rollers can create beautiful results. Medium length is ideal because curls don’t get weighed down like they might with longer hair. Use curl-enhancing products and diffuse dry for best results. The feminine, playful quality of this style takes years off your appearance.
15. Layered Shoulder-Length Cut With Volume
Volume at the crown makes all the difference in creating a youthful, lifted appearance. A layered shoulder-length cut designed specifically for volume addresses one of the most common concerns for women over 50—flat hair.
Strategic layering throughout, especially at the crown, creates natural lift and body. Your stylist can also add shorter layers on top that stand up more easily, giving height where you need it most.
Styling involves blow-drying with your head flipped upside down or using a round brush at the roots. Volumizing products applied at the roots before styling help maintain lift throughout the day. The result is hair that looks fuller, healthier, and more vibrant than ever.