Short Hair For Mature Women

Short Hair For Mature Women:
Why Try It and How to Choose a Style

Donna is a stylish 50-something woman who has always worn her hair shoulder-length or longer. She recently moved from the cool northern climes to the hot, humid south and suddenly found her long hair very hard to manage and just too much for the heat.

Send this page to a friend! (click here)

Sharon stone with short hair for mature women

Photo: Glenn Harris

After many months of procrastinating, she finally found a stylist she trusted, took the plunge and got a short, sporty style. When she saw her new look in the mirror for the first time, Donna burst into an amazed grin. She said, "All these years I was afraid to see my whole face... I never knew that short hair actually suits me."

Jane Lynch with short hair, 2011 - Photography: Richard Shotwell

Like many women, Donna had been trying to hide behind her hair. She thought long locks made her look more feminine, more pretty.

But her new short 'do opens up her entire face and draws attention to her sparkling eyes and smile, without making her look the least bit boyish.

Is Short Hair Right For You?

There are plenty of good reasons for the mature woman to consider short hair:

It can be easier to take care of, depending on the style.
It looks smart and professional.
It's ideal for women who like to swim or do other sports.
It can give your face a lift instead of dragging down your features as long hair can do.

Jodie Foster with short hair
Photo: David Gabber

Keeping your short cut in shape with regular trims will also improve your hair's health.

sigourney weaver mature short hair

Sigourney Weaver with short hair - London December 2009 - Photography: SolarPix

But possibly the best reason to consider going short is the boost it will give your confidence. After all, wearing a hairstyle that's flattering to your face, appropriate to your lifestyle, and easy to care for just has to feel good!

Short Hair Options

Now the hard part: which short hairstyle is the one for you? Above the ears and sleek? Fluffed around the ears and nape, with a soft curl? A blunt bob? Or a razor-cut spiky look?

If you've never gone short before, it can be hard to decide. The best starting point is to peruse lots of hairstyle magazines or look at our celebrity inspired popular hairstyles for ideas.

Then look at pictures of yourself over the years. Which haircuts looked best on you? Which ones do your friends and family say suited you best? When did you feel the most comfortable and confident with your appearance?

Sharon Osbourne with short hair
Photo: David Gabber

Your Hairstyle Help

There are some great tools available online that can help you, like this Online Hair Consultation. It will help you pick the style and hair color that suits you best based on things like your face shape, skin tone, age, eye color, hair thickness, etc. (and it's free!)

There are also hair visualization tools that allow you to try out different hairstyles and colors on a photo of your own face. If you're really nervous about making a change in your looks, some good disaster-prevention software can ease your fears: See this demo and try some styles.

Short hair
Courtesy of Frances London DuBose

Now take all this research to your favorite, most trusted stylist and make your final selection together. Then hop into that hair chair like the fearless, confident woman you are. You're about to do something that will make you feel 10 years younger and will re-acquaint you with your face again. Enjoy the transformation! - Get more tips on youthful hair styles for women.

Related Posts By Visitors

Mature Hair Cut - Casual Look A short and well-balanced hair cut that can be adapted to almost every face shape. A mixture of ash and medium golden blonde highlights helps to camouflage ...

Short Tousled Look for Mature Women Subtle layering, texture and volume can diminish appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Adding width to upper part of face with soft curls and strategic ...

How to achieve younger look for mature women This video shows how to create a younger look on a more mature skin using moisturizing and anti-wrinkle cream in combination with tips and tricks on how ...