5 Medium Length Haircuts That Are So Flattering On Older Women

Though many women opt for shorter cuts as they get older, stars like Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston prove medium length hairstyles can still be incredibly flattering in your 50s and beyond. To ensure you pick the perfect medium 'do for you though, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind first.

Celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Jennifer Korab exclusively told Women.com that it's imperative you consider your lifestyle when choosing your new cut. For example, if you're super busy with work or grandchildren and don't have a lot of time to dedicate to the salon, a haircut that needs regular styling and trimming may not be the one. "Whether you love to style or prefer easy maintenance, your haircut should work with your lifestyle — not against it," she explained. Color can have a big effect on your locks, too. "The right haircut can enhance natural grays, especially when paired with face-brightening color placement," she shared, so remember to ask your hairdresser for tailored advice depending on your coloring.

But what about cuts? Korab broke down the most complimentary styles for us, no matter your hair texture.

A layered version of the lob (that's a long lob) can work with many different hair textures and is one of the most flattering haircuts for women over 50. Layered hair refers to when the strands are cut at several different lengths. "[This] adds volume and movement while framing the face — great for thinning hair and a polished, youthful look," Jennifer Korab explained. 

The layered style is particularly perfect because hair can naturally thin as we get older, but this will make your tresses look fuller without the need for hair extensions or constant styling. It's also not as big of a commitment as a short bob, which makes it great for those who want to experiment with slightly shorter hair. To make it a true lob, keep it around shoulder-grazing length.

Those with round faces are often steered away from rounded cuts because they can exaggerate the head's shape. But, for older women, that can actually be more flattering. Our faces naturally lose fat and droop as we age, and the lack of blunt and sharp angles in this style cut will emphasize the roundness in the face, making older women look more youthful by softening aging facial features like sunken cheeks. This cut is ideal for those with natural curls and plenty of volume.

A shoulder-length cut with layers that frame the face is another way to bring the focus to the face in a complimentary way. As Jennifer Korab told us, "[It] softens features and subtly lifts the face."

Korab explained this style can work for almost every hair texture, from straight to wavy. That's because, depending on your locks, it can be incredibly versatile. This cut offers the chance to wear your hair naturally, but it's also long enough to experiment with a range of styling options, from straightening to curling. It's also long enough to wear in a practical ponytail or another easy hairstyle that's less damaging.

For older women fortunate enough to be blessed with natural curls, the curly shag is the ultimate go-to cut. "[It's] low-maintenance, airy, and full of bounce," Jennifer Korab explained. 

Because this voluminous 'do doesn't require constant maintenance, it's ideal for anyone who doesn't want to become a salon regular or spend hours styling it at home. Just remember, though, that letting a curly shag, which is also a great cut for flattering gray hair, grow too long may result in your locks losing volume at the root due to the weight of the strands.

Some women can experience hair loss during menopause, which can result in a receding hairline. However, a shoulder-length cut with curtain (or sideswept, if you prefer) bangs can disguise the signs of hair loss around the forehead and soften the face at the same time.

Keep in mind that this cut may be too high-maintenance for some. Depending on your hair's texture and how prone it is to getting greasy, you may need to wash and style your bangs regularly to keep them looking their best.