40 Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Older Women to Try in 2024
These cuts are flattering on just about anyone!
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As you get older, you might consider chopping off some of 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 with a good amount of length that's still super easy to manage.
So, which medium-length haircut in our collection is right for you? When you head to the hairstylist, it's important to be realistic about how much time you're really willing to put into your hair, as Ree knows first-hand: "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," she says. Low-maintenance styles like a lob (long bob) are perfect if you want an effortless look that has room to grow out, while dramatic haircuts featuring bangs will likely require a trim every two to three weeks.
Read on for the best medium-length hairstyles for older women that will look great on any color. Once you've found your perfect new cut, protect it with the best heat protectants and make sure you know how to properly blow-dry hair, and how often you should wash your hair. For more inspiration, check out these ombré hairstyles and tips for transitioning to gray.
Loose Push-Back
This hairdo seen on Gillian Anderson involves combing the hair backward ever so gently. You'll want to leave in some height and make it appear as if your tresses naturally lay this way. Use a bit of hairspray to maintain the style through the day.
Barely-There Layers
Julianne Moore's soft, medium-length waves benefit from subtle layers throughout. Tucking front strands behind the ear also makes for a simple change from your day-t0-day hairdo.
Shag With Bangs
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.
Flipped-Out Lob
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.
Pinned Curls
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.
Straight Layered Locks
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.
Crimped Waves
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.
Messy Updo
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.
Voluminous Curls
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.
Blowout Curls
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.
Lightly Tousled Tresses
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.
Polished Waves
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.
Side-Swept Waves
Diane Lane's side-swept style is super flattering for any face shape. Tuck one side behind your ear for an even more sophisticated look (and to show off some cute tassel earrings!).
Curly Bob
A curly bob never goes out of fashion. Viola Davis' look is playful, feminine, and easy to style whether you're dressing it up or down.
Sleek Lob
Maya Rudolph's lob is made even more sleek and stylish with an of-the-moment middle part. If you're wondering how to get shiny hair like Maya's, try a product with ingredients like argan oil and grapefruit extract, celebrity hairstylist Marissa Marino recommends.
Curtain Bangs
If you're contemplating bangs but not sure you're ready to make the commitment, consider Elizabeth Banks' soft, layered look. Longer curtain bangs like these will add dimension and texture to your medium-length look without requiring too much maintenance.
The Wet Look
Juliette Binoche's wet-hair look is chic and sexy. You can achieve this style by applying a high-shine pomade to damp hair and blow-drying it straight back.
Layered Lob
Face-framing layers add interest and texture to Diane Keaton's simple hairstyle. It looks great in gray, if you ask us! (Check out our collection of the best gray hair color ideas for even more inspiration.)
Curly Updo
Nicole Kidman's voluminous updo is softened by curly tendrils that frame her face. For a casual take on this look, use an oversized clip (or as Ree would say, chip clip!) to secure your hair at the top of your head.
Curled Under Lob with Bangs
A shoulder-length lob with gently curled-under ends would look good on anyone, and can be easily achieved with a hot air brush. Heavy bangs add a feminine finishing touch.
Audrey is the assistant editor at Food Network Magazine and The Pioneer Woman Magazine.
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