4 Bob Styles That Look Great On Older Women

There are different ways that your hair changes as you age, including its thickness and texture, which may prompt you to seek a new style, or even just a slight change. So, the bob may be just the hairstyle for you. But which bob do you pick when there are seemingly countless versions of the short 'do? According to our expert Angela C. Stevens, hairstylist and founder of Trace Beauty, "The most flattering bobs on women of a certain age highlight their face and neck line." She tells us exclusively, "The key is to experiment until you find the look that feels best to you." She recommends trying wigs to see if you like a certain shape or length. "Then consult an expert who can give you the cut and help suggest the best products for maintenance."

It's also a good idea to talk with your hairstylist to make sure the look you are seeking will work with your face shape and hair texture. And while Stevens adds, "There's no one size fits all for flattering styles," these four bob cuts tend to look fabulous on older women.

A bob with soft layers is one of the hairstyles perfect for older women with fine hair because it gives the appearance of movement that prevents it from looking flat, while adding softness to the face. As the photo on the left shows, the layers add a bit of volume at the crown, giving the hair an instant lift.

A chin-length blunt bob is one of the short hairstyles that can make you look older, so adding in soft layering along the bottom helps prevent a line from looking too harsh. Wearing a bob with waves is another way to add softness and movement when you go to style this look. If you have natural waves, then air dry and go; if you need to add them with a curling iron, be sure to use a heat protectant beforehand to avoid damaging delicate strands.

If a long bob hasn't been in your hair arsenal before, consider it a secret weapon for looking great. Hairstylists tell us the absolute best and worst hairstyles for older women, and the lob is one worth trying, as it's both flattering and offers versatility. If a sagging jawline is a concern, this cut helps add definition and framing to the area.

And how is it more versatile? While a bob can be a simple wash-and-go hairstyle, a slightly longer version allows for more styling options, like pulling it into a chic low ponytail or a half-up hairstyle, for example. The lob also looks great sleek and straight, wavy, or with natural curls, so it offers versatility in that regard as well. A pro hairstylist will cut a lob to suit your face shape; for instance, adding the appearance of more width in the hair to create balance with a long face shape.

If you're an older woman blessed with curls, here is your arena for showing off a confident, energetic hairstyle. As is the case with any bob hairstyle, the key is in the soft layers. By adding subtle layering — as opposed to choppy, sharp angles — through curly hair, it allows spirals to sit in their own space, which adds movement, volume, and youthfulness to a haircut. Women with curls have an added bonus of natural oomph in their hair that can give the appearance of a lifted look, which is especially helpful if facial sagging is a concern.

Though this look has a bit of a wild feel to it, don't forget to keep your stylist appointments booked regularly. "Keeping up with trims every six to eight weeks will be very important to keep the shape looking impeccable," pro Angela Stevens tells Glam exclusively.

While center parts have been the go-to hair look for years now, it doesn't mean everyone has to wear one. In fact, moving your part around can add volume to the hair. A side part can also add softness. That goes for side-swept bangs as well. Adding a fringe that gently slopes across the forehead to meet the bob is chic as well as flattering on older women.

The key to wearing bangs with a bob is to keep soft, airiness in mind. Wispier bangs are better than thick ones, especially if you have thin or thinning hair. And hairstylist Angela Stevens reminds us that you can try before you cut. "Bangs can be challenging if you sweat a lot or aren't used to hair in your face," she tells Glam exclusively. "Try clip-in bangs first to see if you enjoy the look before committing." But even if you do get a soft side-swept fringe added in, it's easy to pin it to the side if you're not in the mood for bangs.