25 Cute Hairstyles for Black Women Over 50 Years Old

If you're over 50 and finding it hard to pick a hairstyle that reflects your true self, don't worry—you're not alone. Many women in this age group struggle with choosing a look that flatters their hair type and personal style.
But no matter what your circumstances may be, it is possible to find a haircut that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. To help get you started, we've compiled a list of 25 of the best hairstyles for black women over 50, including simple pixie cuts, long hairstyles, elegant protective styles, and more. So go ahead and browse until you find your next best style!

1. Tousled Straight Pixie Cut

MUST TRY!|THE QUICKEST WAY TO STYLE YOUR PIXIE!| Short Hair Tutorial!| Roxy Bennett


A sleek, straight pixie cut with a deep side part is always in style and easy to maintain. If you want to keep things simple, just straighten your hair and go. Or, add some highlights for Dimension and interest.
Many celebrities sport a short pixie cut, including Halle Berry, Rihanna, and Ciara. If you're looking for some Hollywood inspiration, Janelle Monáe is also known for her signature style. In fact, the short pixie is one of the most popular hairstyles among black women over 50 – especially those with relaxed hair.
If you're thinking about trying out this trendy coif yourself, check out this helpful Youtube tutorial

2. Edgy Pixie Cut

How to Style a Pixie Cut/Spikes
Worn by celebrities like Halle Berry, the edgy pixie is perfect for anyone looking to make a statement. Get a choppy pixie cut, and then style it with gel to create small spikes.
Don’t be afraid of trying out trendy styles – age is just a number! This style is great at showing off your personality as you walk around town and it’s one of our favorite low-maintenance short natural haircuts for black females.

3. Curly Pixie Cut

Tapered Cut on Natural Gray Hair Part 2
Showcase your beautiful curls with a voluminous short pixie. This hairstyle reduces tangles, making it easy to maintain your ringlets.
Wear it with a side or middle part, whichever you prefer. If you want to mix things up, taper down the sides for a faux-mohawk style that’s all the rage! 
In 2020, Jada Pittman-Smith got a new hairstyle that opted for blonde curly pixie hair. This has become an iconic look for her over the year and many people attempt to recreate it. It is often referred to as one of the most beautiful short hairstyles because it is easy to maintain without a lot of upkeep. If you want to try this style for yourself, check out this helpful YouTube video tutorial below:

4. Super Cropped Pixie

For women who want a low-maintenance hairstyle, an ultra-short, close-shaved cut is the way to go. This style is perfect for showing off platinum silver or blonde curls and can be worn for everyday or special occasions. Pixie cuts have long been associated with non-conformity and empowerment for women, and this shaved style embodies those qualities beautifully.
cropped pixie haircuts are definitely eye-catching. Another awesome thing about them is that they're really low maintenance compared to longer hairstyles.
This YouTube video will show you how easy it is to get the look.

5. Raised Boy Cut

This is a pixie style that gives you lots of volumes. The hair is blown out and brushed up to create a raised look. This short black hairstyle is both sleek and voluminous, giving you the best of both worlds.
With this striking and easy-to-manage style, you can feel confident expressing your unique beauty!

6. Bowl Cut

For black women searching for a short haircut, a bowl cut is an excellent option that looks great on oval-shaped faces. If you have an oval face, this style may be ideal for you and can easily be tailored to fit your personal aesthetic. The bowl cut works well with natural salt and pepper hair or highlights.
Blast those pesky split ends with this style! The bowl cut can also be worn in a blunt cut or with choppy, layered pieces. ease your tension with little to no daily styling required, you'll save loads of time in the morning for other important tasks ... like making breakfast! All you need is a cute outfit and some heels to put together an amazing look that will turn heads at any event.
Still not convinced? Check out this video for instructions on how to do a bowl cut.

7. Kinky Curly Short Hair

TWA Wash & Go | How I Style My TWA | Super Defined, Easy and Quick | Ro Edition

One more smashing hairstyle choice for ladies with curly hair is kinky curls that are cropped short. Lupita Nyongo pulls this look off wonderfully.
You can wear your loose curls in a high-volume style, or go for a defined TWA using gel and other products to help keep things in place better. And if you really want to step up your game, accessorize with some decorative clips or fashionable headbands. This helpful YouTube video will show you how easy it is to recreate this style at home.

8. Short Afro

Get defined, shiny curls for your short, natural hair type 4 with this 2021 TWA routine.
If you have type 3 or 4 curls, letting them be free is the way to go! rock a full and voluminous afro with undefined coils. This style, commonly referred to as a teeny weeny afro or TWA can be worn without part; but adding a deep side will add shape and dimension to the style (think: Diana Ross in the 70s).
Another group of women that often sport this style is those who have recently had big chop to start their natural hair journey. It's a chic, beautiful way for African American women to enter the world of natural hair.

9. Finger Waves

As its name suggests, finger waves are a vintage hairstyle from the 50s that uses your fingers to create a feminine yet attention-grabbing flattened waves on short hair. This style can last for up to a week and looks great when accompanied by hair clips or pins. If you're interested in trying out this look, click here.

10. Straight, Side-Parted Bob

One advantage of natural hair is that it provides endless opportunities for interesting and unique styles. A short bob on straight hair is a sophisticated look that is especially flattering for women with round face shapes. This style can be worn with or without a side bang, depending on your preferences.
It typically comes down to chin length and is usually worn with a side part, as most women find that asymmetry looks best with their face shape. Short hair is easy to maintain and will transition beautifully from everyday wear to evening events.
A sleek, straight bob can give you a whole new look. Be sure to use heat-protectant hair spray before styling to help reduce the risk of heat damage.
If you're not sure how to style a straight bob, check out this video tutorial.

11. Asymmetrical Bob

Learn how to turn a boring bob into an asymmetrical cut! This style is achieved by cutting one side of the hair shorter and more angled than the other. Commonly, this look is worn with a deep side part. By asymmetrically cutting your hair, you add dimension to an otherwise one-dimensional hairstyle and create a flattering face frame that’s bound to catch some attention.
This classic style looks amazing with your natural hair color, but adding some highlights can really make it pop. It’s a fun and unique look that often requires the help of a professional unless you are confident in cutting your own hair.
Check out this video to learn how to do an asymmetrical bob.

12. Curly Bob with Side Bangs

Horizontal Graduation Bob Haircut on Curly Hair | Textured Bob Haircut Step by step
Do you want a versatile hairstyle that flatters your face? If so, then a curly bob with side bangs may be the style for you. This beautifully textured look has many dimensions and can frame various face shapes - just ask Kerry Washington or Michelle Obama.
Ready to achieve this stylish 'do? Watch this video to find out how it's done!

13. Loose, Shoulder Length Curls

Here's how to curl your hair with a flat iron in 8 easy steps:
1. Start with clean, dry hair parted down the middle. If your hair is particularly frizzy, you may want to apply some leave-in conditioner or heat protectant before starting.
2. Clip one side of your hair back and begin working on the other section in small 2-inch sections.
3. Place the flat iron at the roots of each section and clamp down, then twist the iron away from your face while turning it downwards towards the ends of your strands about midway through each section4 After you’ve rolled all sections up onto themselves like this, let them cool for a few minutes so that they can set into place5 Unclip individual curls and mess them up slightly with fingers until they look natural – avoid brushes as they will make straight lines6 Once all sections have been unclipped7 Finish off by misting hairspray over entire head8 And voila! You’ve got beautiful loose shoulder-length curls

14. Wavy Shoulder Length Hair

Are you looking for a new hairstyle that is both stylish and modern? Then look no further than shoulder-length waves! This style has been worn by Michelle Obama and many other celebrities and it exudes youthfulness and sophistication. Whether you choose to pair the cut with highlights or leave your hair color natural, there are plenty of ways to make this look work for you. And if you're not sure how to create shoulder-length waves with a curling wand, don't worry – we've got you covered! Just check out this YouTube video for step-by-step instructions.

15. RETRO PIN-UP CURLS

Classic Pin Curls #SalonWorkDo you want to achieve the gorgeous, feminine look of retro pin-up curls? This elegant style became popular in the 50s and it is still a go-to hairstyle today! To create flat curls using pins, start with shoulder-length or short hair. If you have shorter pieces that frame your face, they will curl beautifully. Check out this YouTube video​ to see how it's done.

16. High Updo ​

If you want to look confident and regal this Valentine's Day, consider an updo hairstyle. This type of style is perfect for more formal occasions and can be achieved with straightened hair. For a high updo, sweep your locks up and pin them atop your head in a voluminous pattern that imitates a faux hawk. If you have an oval-shaped face, this style will suit you well. Watch the included video to learn how to do a quick high updo on natural hair.

17. Twisted Updo

The twisted updo is a beautiful and intricate take on the classic updo. It’s perfect for summer weddings, church services, or fancy dinners. If you like to look polished all the time, this style is a great choice. As a bonus, the style keeps your hair off of your face and neck, helping to keep hot flashes and night sweats under control.
If you're experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or other menopause symptoms, check out this quick and easy updo. In just ten minutes, you can have a fashionable do that will help keep you cool all day long.

18. Long Silver Locs

Watch this short video to see how easy it is to get long silver locks! Protective hairstyles are a great way to keep your hair healthy, and they can be worn by women of any age. This style looks best on ladies with a slender, oval face shape, but like any long hairstyle, it can be customized to suit anyone. Try wearing it down for everyday errands or styling it in a half-up/half-down bun, high bun or low side-swept style for special occasions.

19. BRAIDED LOW BUN

This low updo with braids is a perfect way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking chic. This style is ideal for African American ladies with thick, natural hair. To get the look, watch this easy YouTube tutorial.

20. Sleek and Simple High Bun

The high bun is both easy and quick, making it a great style for when you want your hair out of your face. Whether you're dressing up or down, this look is versatile and chic. Round-top buns are perfect for highlighting layered side bangs and adding dimension to any hairstyle. To achieve the sleekest possible finish, WATCH THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO.

21. Long Rope Twists

Not sure how to do long rope twists? No problem! This guide will show you, step by step, how to achieve this popular protective hairstyle. Long hair is flattering for any face shape but especially works well on women with longer oval-shaped faces. You can also mix up the length, thickness, and color of your rope twists to create different looks. Have fun exploring what works best for you!
Looking to add a new dimension to your look? Try braiding hair in neutral black or brown, playful rainbow tones, or bold silver! 
Learn how to do long rope twists by watching this YouTube video.

22. BOX BRAID BOB

HOW TO: Cut Bob Box Braids

If you're looking for a trendy alternative to long box braids, then the box braid bob is perfect for you! The stylist will simply cut the braiding hair short, blend it with your natural hair, and finish by curving the ends slightly inward. This creates a chic and elegant look that is much easier on your scalp and looks great for any occasion.
Not sure how to do this style yourself? Check out this helpful YouTube video for inspiration and step-by-step instructions.

23. Mini Twists

If you have natural gray or silver hair, mini twists are a beautiful and low-maintenance way to protect your curls. This style works on short or long hair and complements any face shape. Thin grey twisted hairstyles are becoming increasingly popular for graying hair. You can learn how to do them in this video tutorial.

24. Straight, Long Hair Natural Hair

The styles you can achieve with long hair render it a timeless classic. If you’re lucky enough to have long hair naturally, consider yourself ahead of the game.
No worries if you weren’t born with Rapunzel-like locks – extensions, weaves, and wigs can help you get there. Few things are as gorgeous as a head full of healthy, cascading silver strands. You won’t be able to resist this look for long!
Long, straight hair is a versatile style that can be worn in many different ways. You can try different updos and styling techniques for formal events or everyday wear. This style looks great on everyone, but it especially compliments those with oblong or oval face shapes. 
Watch this video to find out how to achieve long, shiny gray locks!

25. Long and Natural Curly Hair

​To all the ladies out there - you're never too old for long, flowed curls! If you can grow healthy hair or want to wear a wig that flows down your back, then goes for it. Wearing long curly hair down is unquestionably beautiful although it does require more upkeep than short black hairstyles.
Let your natural curl flow freely by simply not styling it, or use rollers and/or curling iron to enhance your look even further. You could also create bouncy Curls with a simple wash-and-go routine if you have naturally curly hair.
If you want to learn how to style your long gray curls, watch this YouTube video. Some other great curly hairstyles include side-swept bangs, short bangs, Bantu knots, a layered undercut, and a fashionable ponytail. These styles also look good on different types of women and can help accentuate your facial features.
Before you style your short hair with a curling iron or blow dryer, be sure to use a heat protectant. This will help keep your hair healthy and strong. Some of our favorite short hairstyles are the chic pixie cut, loose waves, or a short curly afro after cutting off all your relaxed ends. All of these styles will show off your beautiful facial features!

Conclusion

Black ladies have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to hairstyles. This list is only the beginning, there are many other possibilities out there depending on your imagination and creativity. Just because you're starting to get gray hair doesn't mean that you can't experiment with different styles and find the perfect look for you!
Trying out new hairstyles is a great way to find something that fits your age, lifestyle, and personality. Experiment with different styles until you find something that makes you feel confident and beautiful!