Denise McAdam is an expert on hairstyles for older women. Whether your hair is short or long, thick or thin, she knows exactly what to do to make you look your best.
For 40 years, Denise has worked with women from all walks of life. She has worked her magic on celebrities, royalty, models, and the rest of us. Through it all, she has learned the secrets of what it takes to deliver the best haircuts and hairstyles for women of any age.
Exploring Short Hairstyles for Older Women
As our hair gets a little thinner with age – and I know about this phenomenon first hand – short hair is often the way to go. Personally, I’ve resisted the urge to cut my hair too short, but, after talking with Denise and looking at all of the amazing short hairstyles for older women, I’m honestly reconsidering!
In today’s interview, I talk with celebrity hairdresser, Denise McAdam. I hope that you enjoy listening to her advice. If you have any questions for Denise, please add them in the comments section at the end of this article. Enjoy the show!
Denise starts by reminding us of two important things. First, short hair can look quite masculine, so, it’s important to make sure that it has some height and movement. Secondly, if you’re going to go short, you need a great cut!
Let’s summarize the main options that Denise and I discussed when it comes to short hairstyles for older women.
18 Best Short Haircuts for Women Over 60
Very short hairstyles are pretty easy to style, and you even have more styling options than you may think. You can sleek it, wear it messy, or style it back. The only thing with short hairstyles is that you need to visit your hairstylist more often for upkeep.
Beautiful Blonde Pixie
We all love Dame Judi Dench and her wonderful blonde pixie haircut. Adding a little bit of volume and short wispy bangs create a super feminine look.
Messy Grey Pixie
This messy pixie looks great if you have thick hair and are a little edgy. Perfectly messy!
Sleek White Pixie
Soft layers and wispy short bangs is easy to style.
Grey Side-Swept Pixie
Bold, choppy, and all-natural! We love it.
Stylish Platinum
Soft upswept curls are always trendy and suit many face shapes.
Tailored Short Bob Hairstyles
Another short hairstyle for older women to consider is the more dramatic smooth bob. This is the haircut that television host Suze Orman became famous for.
Denise points out that women in the public eye, such as journalists, corporate leaders, and politicians often go for this haircut and sculpt it back and to the side. They opt for soft hairstyles, letting their hair fall over their foreheads, with an edge of elegance.
The tailored “bob” can be a sassy, sexy, and professional-looking cut, which is perhaps why I chose it for most of my corporate career.
One thing that Denise reminds us is to keep the hair slightly shorter at the back. This helps with the chin line, which may have become beautifully jowly.
Short Bob with Highlights
Suze Orman is known for her perfect short bob hairstyle. Add highlights to create texture.
Textured Short Bob for Thick Hair
Add layers at the back of a short bob hairstyle for a softer look and added volume.
Longer Bob with Bangs
No-layer bob and bangs softens the features.
Layered Short Bob
Add layers to the style if you want more bounce and texture.
Short Bob Hairstyle with Oomph
This is definitely not a wash-and-go style as it needs a blow-out and some teasing. Looks fabulous!
Layered Chin-Length Hairstyles
Another short hairstyle for older women is the layered, chin-length style. This is the hairstyle that is preferred by actresses like Jane Fonda and Meg Ryan. Both of these women use a brush to flick the layers of the cut and give their hair fullness and sparkle.
Light and layered, this cut can create an organic look. The hair is long enough to fall into your eyes and give a sense of seductiveness.
Big Soft Curls
Meg Ryan wears this chin-length hairstyle very well. Natural-looking blonde flirty curls soften and flatter her features.
Flicked Highlights
Timeless Jane Fonda wears this hairstyle with elegance and grace. The added highlights in her bangs and around her face create softness and perfect texture.
Loose Waves
Large loose waves and a longer version of this hairstyle looks amazing in natural grey.
Big Curls
Create side part longer curls for a flirty look.
Curls with Oomph
Blow out the hair to add volume.
Swept Back Natural Curls
This versatile hair styling mousse from Paul Mitchell enhances texture with long-lasting memory that controls frizz and flyaways while adding shine and balancing moisture.
Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray
Thai dry texturizing spray from Kristen Ess creates a soft, matte texture or lived-in look.
Verb Sculpting Clay
This sculpting clay from VERB is a pliable pomade that provides medium hold, natural texture, and flexibility to re-shape your hair throughout the day as you wish.
Living Proof Amp2 Instant Texture Volumizer
Living Proof makes this great styling cream that creates amplified volume, touchable texture, and flexible hold.
Kenra Professional Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 creates separation and texture with a soft, moveable touch and feel. Flexible styling without stiffness!
Oribe Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste
Oribe molding paste is a texturizing formula that defines hair while lending a soft touch and shine.
Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray
Thermal Creations from TRESemmé is a heat protection spray for hair that is heat-activated to help guard against harsh styling damage and hold your hair shape.
The Tiny Tress Press from Drybar
Small, travel size, hair straighteners are best for short hairstyles. The Tiny Tress Press is perfect for styling your short hair everyday.
Do you have a short haircut? Which one? What questions about haircuts and hairstyles for older women have you wondered about? Please join the conversation.
