Ava Gilchrist
It's a commonly held belief that long hair is reserved for the young, and while celebrities like Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman are proving this outdated hair theory wrong, there are plenty of chic women convincing us that the bob haircut is the cut to get over 50.
It's no secret that everyone is obsessed with bob hairstyles right now, and I'm definitely one of those people. I'm so obsessed, in fact, that I'm seriously considering cutting off all my hair and going short, even after growing out my hair all year.
I was on the phone to my mum the other day, filling her in about my plan to get the chop, and she replied that she would also like to try a bob, but that she wasn't sure if she could pull it off at her age—her words, not mine!
Well, this beauty editor happens to truly believe that age means nothing, especially when it comes to your hair. Whether you're 25 or 50 years old, you can wear your hair however you want, and there should be absolutely no stopping you from trying out the latest trends—hair-related or otherwise.
In order to convince my mum that she should give a bob hairstyle a go, I thought I would round up some of the chicest women I know who are over 50 and absolutely rocking their short hair. From Helen Mirren's textured bob, Victoria Beckham's Posh Spice-esque '90s bob and even Penélope Cruz's sultry take on the square bob, there are so many different ways to wear a cropped length. Even after writing this I'm still struggling to decide which one I love the most. So, without further ado, keep on scrolling to see some of the best bob haircuts on women over 50. Whilst you're browsing, remember that age is just a number, and if you see a haircut that you like, then go for it!
Chic Bob Haircuts for Over-50 Women
1. Grece Ghanem's Side Fringe Bob
The deep-swept side fringe on Grece's bob gives it a chic finish. We also love how she's embracing her natural grey hair colouring.
2. Cate Blanchett's Side-Part Bob
If you didn't know, side parts hairstyles are back, and it seems that Cate Blanchett is a fan.
3. Halle Berry's Asymmetric Bob
Bobs don't have to be symmetrical. Halle Berry's asymmetrical, curly style looks so glamourous.
4. Penélope Cruz's Rounded Edge Bob
At 50 years old, Penélope Cruz's rounded-edge bob brings a sort of girlish femininity to the bob trends.
5. Christy Turlington's Chin Length Bob
Christy Turlington helped propel the bob's popularity in the '90s with her iconic bubble bob— a style that graced the runways of Versace, Chanel and Calvin Klein, amongst others. But in her 50s, the fashion icon is making the straight, chin-length bob just as covetable.
6. Jennifer Aniston's Layered Blunt Bob
There's not much Jennifer Aniston can't convince me on when it comes to hair. (This is the creator of The Rachel, after all). I love this layered blunt bob for the way it frames her face, but also softly bends at the ends for some movement.
7. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu's French Girl Bob
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is the ultimate chic Parisian. While she doesn't often divulge her French beauty essentials, it's clear that this bouncy French crop haircut is her go-to look.
8. Lucy Liu's Sleek Bob
That being said, you can never go wrong with a smooth, sleek style.
9. Viola Davis' Curly Bob
I predict that curly and wavy bobs are going to be huge this year.
10. Michelle Obama's Wavy Bob
It's easy to re-create Michelle Obama's loose waves. Use a small curling tong to add some movement.
11. Sarah Paulson's Jaw Length Bob
Jaw-length bobs are a bold beauty choice at any age due to the amount of maintenance they require. Still, Sarah Paulson's bendy short bob could convince me to throw caution to the wind.
12. Helena Christensen's Fringed Bob
Danish women often feel ahead of the curve in both beauty and fashion. (Such is the case with the Scandi bob.) But the original Copenhagen cool-girl, Helena Christensen, is also proof that the classics are timeless for a reason.
13. Linda Evangelista's Ombré Bob
Linda Evangelista is considered the definitive beauty chameleon. Indeed, her ability to transform her look through a radical new haircut is insurmountable. But when it comes to chic bob haircuts for women over 50, this balayage colouring could be her best look yet.
14. Chloë Sevigny's Pageboy Bob
Chloë Sevigny is arguably the coolest 50-year-old around, and this über-shot bob is perhaps the strongest argument for getting a pageboy cut.
15. Michelle Pfeiffer's Soft Wave Bob
Michelle Pfeiffer's bob is slightly on the longer side—a lob hairstyle, if you will—but her beachy blonde and soft waves is going straight onto my summer hair mood board.
16. Julianne Moore's Long Bob
One of the most arduous parts of getting a bob is that challenging period between lengths. Do you cut it short again when it's getting slightly awkward, or continue growing it out and live with the slightly shaggy 'do? Well, allow Julianne Moore's elegant, lived-in bob to convince you that getting a short haircut is worth the upkeep.
17. Victoria Beckham's Textured Bob
Ever since she stepped onto the world's stage in her little Gucci dress, Victoria Beckham has been the perennial poster girl for the bob. If you want a haircut that is slightly more mature, add plenty of texture to the body with gentle bends.
18. Renia Jaz's Asymmetric Curly Bob
Another stunning asymmetrical bob haircut.
19. Jane Fonda's Layered Bob
Want to elevate your bob this season? Add some layers and a wispy fringe like Jane Fonda.
20. Regina Hall's Balayage Bob
I love the subtle balayage on Regina Hall's brunette bob.
21. Helen Mirren's Bouncy Bob
So, so elegant.
22. Kris Jenner's Flicked Bob
Remember when Kris Jenner debuted a flipped bob hairstyle for the 2022 Met Gala? I loved this whole look.
23. Alfre Woodard's Blunt Bob
A sharp bob paired with a blunt fringe looks so sophisticated.
24. Jessica Lange's Wavy Bob
I'm telling you, wavy bobs are in.
25. Jennifer Lopez's Classic Bob
This bob hairstyle might look simple, but it's absolutely timeless.
26. Winona Ryder's Wavy Bob
This is giving me all of the French-girl vibes.
27. Naomi Watts' Middle-Part Bob
I think I'm going to take this picture to my hairdresser when I finally get the chop.
The Best Products for Your Bob Haircut:
Without using extreme heat, this award-winning hair dryer smooths, curls and shapes short hair with ease.
With five functions in the one hot tool, the styling possibilities for chic bobs are endless!
Use a straightener on the ends of your hair for or a flipped bob or to achieve that razor-sharp and sleek finish.
Styling bobs typically require a few hot tools, so prime your mane and prep your lengths with this hair stylist-approved heat protection spray from Colour Wow.
Once your hair is dry, add some loose waves to your bob with this BaByliss curling wand.
If you're blessed with naturally curly or wavy hair, help define the shape with this gel-based curl cream. Simply apply a small amount to towel-dried hair before styling.
If you prefer a smooth, sleek look, a blowdry brush will be your new best friend.
Add some shine spray for a healthy, glossy finish.
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