As you get older and your long hair starts to feel high-maintenance, you might consider chopping off your hair. (It's certainly not required, though, which Ree Drummond will tell you. "Maybe I'm simply used to being a girl with long hair, or maybe I'm clinging to my youth!" she jokes about her signature red locks. If you're not ready to try a short haircut, that's okay—the best medium-length hairstyles for older women will give you the perfect in-between that balances length with manageability.
Wondering which medium-length look is right for you? You'll probably want to pick a hairstyle for older women that suits your face shape, bone structure, and personal style, but functionality is just as important. Just take it from Ree! "I once got the Jennifer Aniston Friends cut—short and stacked in the back—and I couldn't style it for the life of me," Ree admits. Low-maintenance hairdos like a high ponytail, a messy updo, or a half-up, half-down are chic and effortless, and they'll stay intact all day long. Other styles like dramatic curls or thick bangs will look equally as stunning, but they'll require a bit more upkeep.
If you need ideas and inspiration for your new 'do, read on for the best medium-length hairstyles for older women that will look great on any hair color!
After you've found the perfect style, follow these tips and tricks:
A low ponytail always looks effortless and chic. This medium-length hairstyle for older women draws attention to the face, yet it's so easy to pull off yourself. Add some body by keeping the strands on top slightly loose, like Meryl Streep's hairstyle here.
2
Bouncy Layers
Amy Sussman//Getty Images
Goldie Hawn’s bouncy, face-framing layers and soft bangs comprise a medium-length hairstyle for older women that looks polished and put-together—without seeming stiff. “Our hair changes as we age," says Nadia Vassell, owner of Nadia Vassell Salon in New York City. "Adding soft layers will it give some fullness and movement."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Long Curtain Bangs
Karwai Tang//Getty Images
If you're contemplating bangs but you're on the fence about making the full transition, consider longer curtain bangs paired with a soft, layered look. Halle Berry's elegant hairstyle proves that you can add dimension and texture to medium-length hair without needing a complete overhaul.
4
Undone Updo
Taylor Hill//Getty Images
Sandra Bullock's loose updo is a soft, romantic hairstyle perfect for older women with medium-length hair. The pulled-back look highlights the neckline, while the loose front pieces beautifully frame the face. Having your strands off your neck is also a practical pick for the warmer months!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Bold Center Part
Taylor Hill//Getty Images
A blunt center part looks clean and sophisticated, but it's also a clever trick for concealing thinning hair around the hairline, according to beauty expert Cheryl Kramer. To accentuate this classy style, tuck your strands behind your ears and shoulders, like Michelle Yeoh demonstrates here.
6
Effortless Barrel Waves
NBC//Getty Images
Loose, brushed-out barrel waves add instant volume to medium-length hair, especially if you part yours to the side. Marine Cosseron, a hairstylist and colorist at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon in New York City, says the low-maintenance style works well for naturally wavy hair, since it holds a curl well.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Face-Framing Layers
Getty Images
When in doubt, add layers! They're universally flattering, and they bring bounce and body to any head of hair. To style it, follow Jennifer Aniston's lead with an effortless, blown-out look.
8
Loose Push-Back
Lionel Hahn//Getty Images
This medium-length hairstyle for older women, as seen on Gillian Anderson, involves gently combing the hair back without losing height or volume. Be sure to finish off the look with some hairspray, so you can maintain the style through the day.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Mermaid Waves
Dave Benett//Getty Images
Use a one-inch curling iron to achieve tousled waves like Cameron Diaz's. With this hairstyle, you'll look like you just stepped off the beach! These mermaid-like waves will also add subtle movement to a center part.
10
Tousled Layers
Monica Schipper//Getty Images
Julianne Moore's soft layers and wavy hairstyle make her medium-length mane look so elegant yet effortless. To switch up your everyday style and add some visual interest every now and then, consider tucking the front strands on one side of your part behind your ear.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Shoulder-Length Shag
Michael Stewart//Getty Images
The oh-so-trendy shag is just the right amount of chic and mussy with choppy ends, layers near the top, and plenty of texture. Ciara even finished off her style with piecey bangs. This one works great on almost every hair type and texture, too.
12
Flipped-Out Lob
Michael Buckner//Getty Images
Inspired by the '60s and '90s, it's no surprise that the flipped-out look is back. Rosamund Pike's lob goes glamorous with slicked hair at the top and blunt ends that flip up. You can achieve this by drying with a round brush or by using a straightener.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Pinned-Back Curls
John Shearer//Getty Images
Kerry Washington's bouncy and perfectly mussed-up curls are made even better by the glittering accessory that pins back one side. Just look at how the style works to highlight her facial structure.
14
Straight, Shiny Locks
Pascal Le Segretain//Getty Images
Long framing layers add shape and movement to an otherwise straightforward 'do while drawing attention to the face. To get Gwyneth Paltrow's look, you can simply blow dry your hair with a round brush or use a straightener.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Crimped Waves
Dia Dipasupil//Getty Images
Strategically messy waves with a hint of barely-there crimped pieces offer the seemingly natural style that we all strive for. Salma Hayek's texture can easily be made with a mousse or beachwaver.
16
Messy High Bun
Amy Sussman//Getty Images
A perfect day-to-night hairdo, the messy bun takes away the struggle of making sure every piece is in place but still leaves you feeling beautifully put together. Here, most of Sandra Oh's locks are pulled up while her tousled bangs are left down for added allure.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Voluminous Curls
Taylor Hill//Getty Images
You can't go wrong with some curls and a whole lot of teasing. Just take it from Reba McEntire whose layers and bangs look incredibly full and healthy thanks to this fluffy style.
18
Lightly Tousled Tresses
Steve Granitz//Getty Images
Michelle Pfeiffer's shoulder-hitting, tousled tresses are the epitome of effortless style, and the perfect middle ground between straight and wavy. Try using a sea salt spray for added texture.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Bouncy Waves
Ethan Miller//Getty Images
The iconic blowout look is back in a big way. For a voluminous style of loose curls that scream effortless glamour, just like Angelina Jolie, try using hot rollers or a hair dryer brush.
20
Old-Hollywood Curls
Todd Williamson/NBC//Getty Images
Kyra Sedgwick's polished look gives a hint of Hollywood glamour without being over the top. Her deep side part frames her face and adds to the drama.