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I’ve spent decades looking for the perfect hairstyles, just to find that the right hairstyle for me changes as I age. When my thick hair turned to thin hair, I realized I had to switch things up and find a style that gave the illusion of volume — without requiring too much work. I looked specifically for low-maintenance hairstyles that fit two criteria: first, they had to be wash and wear haircuts; second, they had to hold their shape and body all day long. These are the six that I landed on. They’re fun and a little flirty, while also being uniquely suited to mature women’s hair texture.
Easy Wash and Wear Haircuts for Women Over 60
Low-maintenance hairstyles don’t have to be boring. Whether you’re looking to change your hair color, swap your side part for a middle part, or find wash and wear haircuts for inspiration, the looks on this list fit the bill. There are long and short hairstyles, plus tips for a professional hairstylist.
1. A Classic Bob
If a versatile hair style is what you want, a classic bob is the look for you. A bob hairstyle works on short, medium-length, and long hair, and it’s easy to style, whether you prefer blow-drying or air-drying. Typically, bobs fall around the jawline or the ears, and they often include face-framing bangs that complement the wearer’s facial features. For women with gray hair, the bob is especially nice, as its clean, crisp lines have a sophisticated, pulled-together quality that reflects the well-earned wisdom of the wearer.
2. Short Pixie Cut
A short haircut that will never go out of style is the pixie cut. Pixie cuts are typically tight to the head, though contemporary trendy looks have provided variations on the foundational cut. Because of their length, pixie haircuts tend to be playful, especially when combined with color or balayage. This style gets its name from the pixie fantasy character, which makes sense since it’s soft, feminine, and pretty. It’s definitely one of the best hairstyles in the “short haircuts for women over 60” category, not least of all because pixie cuts are among the most low-maintenance hairstyles. The shorter your pixie haircut, the less styling and washing that’s required. While pixie cuts can look cute on just about anyone, they especially flatter women with a heart-shaped or round face. For additional dimension, choppy bangs or side-swept bangs can be added to pixie cuts.
3. Lob
A lob is ideal for women who want both length and convenience. Lob is short for “long bob,” although the cut is technically in the medium-length hairstyle category. Typically, a bob haircut falls somewhere between the ears and the jawline. Lobs, by contrast, fall between chin-length and shoulder-length. When the hair reaches the collarbone or lower, it’s considered too long to be a lob. One of the lob’s best qualities is its versatility. It’s long enough to work in a ponytail or twist hairdo, and it can be worn with layers or bangs for extra movement and volume. To elevate this low-maintenance cut, add a couple soft waves with the curling iron and finish with a spritz of hairspray or other volumizing styling products.
4. Messy Shag
There’s nothing more effortlessly playful than a messy shag. There are so many benefits and advantages to the shag, no matter your hair length or face shape. That’s because messy shag styles are individualized and cut specifically to flatter the wearer’s face shape, style preferences, and natural hair texture.
Messy shags can be just about any length, so if you’re looking for a longer hairstyle, it could work. Shorter shags tend to have feathery light edges that add movement and volume. They match well with loose bangs, like curtain bangs or wispy bangs, and are best for women with thick hair. That’s because messy shags are created by running a razor through the tresses — it’s what gives them their unfussy texture. Messy shags are meant to look fun and free-spirited. When it comes to styling a shag, simply run your hand or comb through your tresses to get its signature tousled look.
5. Loose Wavy Cut
Another new look worth exploring is a loose wavy cut. Loose and wavy hair complements all face shapes, and — provided you have some texture to your hair — requires little to no styling. When it comes to the details of a loose wavy cut, it’s all about personal preference. It can be layered to boost volume and create natural waves, and bangs can be added and customized to suit the wearer. Typically, a loose wavy cut is a medium-length hair style, falling at least below the shoulders. (How long you choose to cut yours is, of course, up to you.) One of the reasons I love this style is because it looks great with colors like ombre or balayage. If you’re looking to spice up your style, the length and flair of this cut might be the way to go.
6. Undercut
If you’re the adventurous type, the undercut is the bold, edgy cut you crave. Naturally daring, it can be worn in styles from outrageous to subtle. For the latter, try an undercut hidden below a messy shag. For a wilder style, combine it with a pixie haircut or other short style. Consider an undercut on one side of the scalp or at the nape of the neck. (Side note: women experiencing hot flashes will appreciate the relief this cut provides.)
A Cut Above
Whether you’re looking for chic and elevated hairstyles that speak to your wisdom and grace or something fun and playful, the above cuts deliver. Better still, they require little maintenance and look fabulous all day long.
When it comes to low-maintenance, high-impact hairstyles for older women, the options extend beyond what our mothers and their mothers had. Versatile bobs and lobs, striking pixie cuts, and choppy shags are cool, unfussy wash and wear haircuts that can be adjusted to suit all hair types and textures. So don’t limit yourself. Be bold, be confident, be you.
