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50 CHIC AND REFRESHING SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Embrace your age with style! Short hair can be incredibly flattering and rejuvenating for women over 50. Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, there’s a perfect short hairstyle to enhance your features and boost your confidence. Let’s explore a variety of chic and refreshing options that will inspire you to make a stylish statement. Get ready to discover the perfect short haircut to compliment your unique beauty!

CHOPPY PIECE-Y PIXIE

A choppy pixie cut is a popular choice for women, offering a perfect blend of classic and modern vibes that showcase your personality. Women of all ages want to remain stylish and fabulous. Just as we thoughtfully select wardrobe pieces based on the latest trends, our hairstyles deserve the same attention. With these chic cuts, you’ll not only look great but also feel amazing!

SALT-AND-PEPPER FEATHERED PIXIE

There are countless ways to style your pixie cut. For a standout look, try spiky layers at the crown paired with side-swept bangs. Adding highlights can also make a significant impact.

SOFT BOB WITH SIDE BANGS

The best hairstyles are those that are comfortable, suit your lifestyle, and make you look fabulous. Consider replacing your everyday bun or ponytail with a chic, youthful bob. Embrace style and elegance as you age gracefully!

TWO-TONE TEXTURED PIXIE

You’ve likely seen plenty of cute pixie cuts, but this standout style is truly exceptional. With layers all around, charming feathered bangs, and a striking blonde color with dark roots, it combines femininity and class in a stunning way.

SHAGGY BOB WITH CURTAIN BANGS

A shag cut on straight hair exudes a modern, sophisticated vibe. The swoopy curtain bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair, creating a stunning look. The rooted blonde color adds an extra touch of allure, making this style even more irresistible.

SIGNATURE SMOKY GRAY PIXIE

Everyone should discover their signature look that reflects their personal style, personality, and lifestyle while highlighting their best features. This gray pixie cut could become her unique X factor.

NECK-LENGTH POLISHED LIFTED BOB

Is edgy your style? A new stacked shape, plenty of texture, highlights, and a splash of bright color can make a bold statement and leave you as thrilled with the result as this stunning model. Short cuts don’t have to be boring!

BOB WITH PIECE-Y BANGS

Layered styles are perfect for achieving a softer look. Choppy bangs add definition and dimension, while the A-Line bob shape brings an element of grace and sophistication to your hairstyle.

SALT-AND-PEPPER BIXIE WITH LONG BANGS

Here’s a great example of gray blending that appears completely natural and requires minimal maintenance. However, regular salon visits are essential to keep the temples neatly trimmed.

BLONDE PIXIE WITH POMPADOUR BANGS

This beautifully textured style is ideal for those with a high forehead. It opens up the face and gives the impression of hair swept back by a breeze, enhancing the volume and dynamic quality of the look.

SPIKY GRAY PIXIE

This pixie cut looks fantastic from both the front and back! It features voluminous hair on top while staying close to the scalp in the back. Adding glasses will make the look perfectly complete!

SALT-AND-PEPPER UNDERCUT PIXIE

A tight pixie with long top layers is a delightful choice. It strikes the perfect balance between youthful and mature, offering a chic and elegant appearance.

PLATINUM SHAG WITH CURTAIN BANGS

This refreshing messy hairstyle beautifully combines choppy ends and trendy curtain bangs, with the outer edges cascading into longer strands on the sides to elegantly frame the face.

GORGEOUS STACKED BRONDE BOB

Among the many hairstyle options, the stacked bob remains a timeless choice for women of all ages. When paired with the “bronde” trend, which blends brown and blonde hues, it offers a chic variation of this classic bob. Originating in the 60s, this versatile bob suits all hair textures and face shapes, thanks to its endless variations!

CLASSIC BOB WITH DARK UNDERNEATH

Don’t hesitate to choose a bob—it offers endless possibilities. Adding layers can enhance the movement of your bob, and cutting the hair to just at the nape of your neck will expose and elongate your neck for a flattering effect.

FEATHERED PIXIE PLUS FULL BANGS

The innovative blend of wispy side-swept strands on the crown with dense straight bangs across the forehead makes this one of the most edgy styles on our list. It also adds impressive fullness to the front.

BLONDE PIXIE WITH SHORT BANGS

Incorporating a short, thinned-out fringe into a voluminous crop is a great choice. It highlights the eyes and conceals forehead wrinkles without creating harsh lines.

LAYERED HAIR FULL OF WAVES

This heavily layered hairstyle is ideal for thick hair, as it reduces bulk and adds texture. The highlights further enhance the movement and brighten the face.

PIXIE SHAG FOR THICK HAIR

Embrace a casual and playful vibe with this trendy, messy crop. Its sassy, disheveled look ensures you’re always ready for any occasion!

CHOPPY SILVER FOX PIXIE

This chic crop is low-maintenance and effortless. Simply dampen your fingers with mousse or gel, run them through your hair, and flaunt one of the boldest pixie cuts around.

CLASSY JAW-LENGTH FRENCH BOB

This elegant chestnut brown bob features slightly curled ends, making it versatile for both casual and business settings. To switch to a more relaxed style, simply replace the curled ends with beachy waves.

SLENDER GRAY FEATHERED PIXIE

A wispy crop with feathered layers can give fine hair a thicker, fuller appearance. Add side bangs for a chic and elegant finish.

LAYERED BOB WITH HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

Highlights and lowlights are frequently used in hairstyles for good reason. Highlights add a graceful, touchable quality, while lowlights create depth and dimension. This fabulous, no-fuss bob breaks away from traditional sleekness with its funky layers and defined ends, exuding a super modern vibe. It’s also an excellent choice for those looking to flatter a fuller figure.

LONG JAGGY PIXIE

Let your hairstyle reflect your personality at all times. If you’re aiming for an edgy look, go for it! Choppy layers throughout your pixie cut will give it a captivating, edgy vibe.

PIXIE BOB WITH WISPY LAYERS

A shag cut can be sexy, professional, or romantic, depending on how you style it. If you have a bright and playful personality, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

FLY AWAY SHAGGY BOB WITH BANGS

For a messy yet stylish appearance, opt for a shaggy bob! Although it originated in the 70s, the shaggy bob remains as trendy as ever. It’s ideal for oval face shapes and works well with both thick and fine hair.

SOFT CURLY BIXIE

This elegant coif is perfect for naturally curly hair. The bixie cut turns your everyday curls into a stylish and stunning curly crop. Typically paired with an undercut or tapered back, it highlights a slender neck and adds volume to your hair. Additionally, a curly pixie is an excellent choice for thin hair, as the textured curls create a fuller, more sophisticated look.

CUTE GRAY PIXIE WITH BANGS

Styling your gray hair into a pixie cut is a great way to maintain a fashionable and polished look as you age. Neat feathered layers and face-framing bangs can help conceal a thinning hairline.

TAPERED GILDED GRAY PIXIE

Looking for a bolder option than a bob? The tapered pixie is perfect for you. Add texture by slicing the hair to resemble bird feathers, a technique inspired by the 1980s Charlie’s Angels that continues to be trendy today. Embrace the daring look of a tapered, feathered pixie!

DELICATE FEATHERED CROP

Hair can be playful, and this is the perfect example! Opt for soft feathered layers to add volume and babylights for a touch of subtle sparkle. Keep your look youthful and vibrant!

TAPERED GRAY PIXIE

Make the most of volume and shape with the stunning tapered pixie. Opt for a glamorous metallic gray for added flair, or stick with your natural color for a classic look.

NEAT CHIN-LENGTH BOB WITH LAYERS

True to its name, this chin-length bob highlights your cheekbones and jawline, enhancing the natural contours of your face and giving you a youthful appearance. Layers are a popular choice, as they are achieved by cutting the hair at varying lengths to add texture and dimension.

DEBULKED CHOPPY SALT-AND-PEPPER BOB

If you’re after a head-turning look, this is it. Enhance your classic bob with uneven choppy layers to add captivating dimension. Combine this with blunt-cut edges for a striking finish. Gorgeous blonde highlights, particularly in ashy or silver tones, provide a stunning twist to the style.

HONEY BLONDE LAYERED BOB

Bobs are timeless and suit women of all ages. Long bobs, in particular, are especially captivating. Adding multiple layers can give your hair beautiful movement and dimension.

VOLUMINOUS LAYERED SILVER BOB

Embrace your natural gray hair and elevate it with a silver balayage bob! While this style has been a hit with younger generations, there’s no reason you can’t be a standout. It’s fluffy, modern, and complements any aesthetic you’re drawn to.

LACONIC GRAY BLONDE PIXIE

The pixie cut is a fantastic and low-maintenance choice for straight hair. It also complements elegant facial features and a slender figure, adding a refreshing touch to your look.

HIGHLIGHTED TAPERED PIXIE

If you’re a fan of low-maintenance living, you’ll adore this sassy crop that requires minimal styling. The secret is straightforward: razor-cut layers add volume without needing a blowout, and highlights allow you to extend the time between color appointments.

CRISP LAYERED ROUNDED BOB

Nothing exudes grace and elegance like a neatly rounded bob with layers. As you gain experience with age, this hairstyle reflects your sophistication while keeping you stylish and timeless.

SPIKY SILVER PIXIE

Stay stylish with this stunning crop that’s sure to make you stand out. Lavender shades are perfect for cool skin tones, but they can also complement warmer undertones depending on your personal style!

SALT-AND-PEPPER TAPERED BIXIE

As gray blending gains popularity, gray hair is no longer something to hide. Challenge stereotypes with fresh and unique hair color techniques and trends!

SHATTERED BRUNETTE LONG PIXIE

The pixie cut is a timeless and easy choice that appears on any list of hairstyles for all ages. It’s a nod to the 1960s Twiggy pixie while remaining suitable for any generation. Achieving a “shattered” look, the pixie features texturized ends created with a razor, adding and defining the hair’s texture.

ELONGATED PIXIE WITH SIDE BANGS

We adore playful pixies for their youthful charm, and this grown-out version is styled with trendy asymmetry. It features bangs swept to one side, blending seamlessly with the longer strands at the temples.

SILVER FEATHERED PIXIE

Pixie cuts are undoubtedly among the trendiest and most low-maintenance styles. Opt for a light blonde shade to cover grays, adding a fashionable and youthful touch. The silver hair color also gives fine hair a thicker, fuller, and more captivating appearance.

SALT-AND-PEPPER PIXIE SHAG

Embrace your natural hues with a refreshing crop that’s both minimalist and easy to maintain. Stay classy and graceful with various shades of salt and pepper.

UNIVERSAL PIXIE WITH HIGHLIGHTS

Pixie cuts are a timeless choice that suits any age. Embrace this classic style and add highlights for extra dimension to keep your look vibrant and fresh.

WHITE UNDERCUT PIXIE

These bold crops work beautifully with both sleek straight hair and stubborn curls. Plus, they have a slimming effect that enhances your overall look.

GRAY BOB WITH DARK ROOTS

The stacked bob is a chic, casual, and low-maintenance style. Dark roots add a touch of sophistication to silver hair, giving it a more polished and youthful appearance.

WEDGE TO LOOK YOUNGER

Modern wedges are a top choice for straight hair, offering a sophisticated flair for both thick and thin locks. This style features stacked layers in the back and long, wispy pieces in the front. Don’t underestimate the impact of highlights—they add an extra touch of elegance to your crop!

FEATHERED LONG UNDERCUT PIXIE

An undercut pixie is a fantastic age-defying choice. Tousled long pixies offer a youthful and sassy vibe, perfect for a fresh look. Sweep the bangs to one side for a chic touch. The layered pixie adds fullness to your hair, while the side-swept fringe helps conceal forehead wrinkles. Opt for a light hair color or highlights to achieve a trendy, picture-perfect finish.

BOYISH TAPERED FEATHERED PIXIE

It has a noticeable rejuvenating effect, as it enhances the contours of the face and gives the cheekbones a lifted appearance.

CONCLUSION

Embracing a chic and refreshing hairstyle after 50 can be a liberating experience. With countless options available, there’s a perfect short haircut to suit every face shape, hair texture, and personal style. So, embrace your age, experiment with different looks, and enjoy the freedom and versatility that short hair offers.

THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.