When summer arrives, many of us suddenly want the same thing from our hair: less effort, more movement and a style that feels fresh without requiring hours in front of the mirror. And if you’re over 50, finding a cut that works with your hair – not against it – can make all the difference.
‘Summer is always the time of year when many of my clients over 50 come into the salon wanting a real refresh,’ says Zacharie Jardin, senior stylist at Jo Hansford. ‘They want hair that feels lighter, fresher and easier to manage in the heat, but still stylish and modern.’
According to Jardin, there’s been a noticeable move away from overly polished styles and towards softer, more natural-looking cuts. ‘Women are embracing softer shapes that feel natural and confidence-boosting,’ he explains. ‘The best haircuts for women over 50 today are modern, soft and full of personality.’
From chic pixie cuts to the face-framing style French women swear by, these are the five haircuts Jardin recommends for summer.
1. The modern pixie cut
Celebrity inspiration: Michelle Williams
The pixie cut has long been a power move, but today’s version is softer, more textured and infinitely more wearable. If your hair has become finer over time, this cut can work wonders, creating the illusion of fullness while drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
‘It’s one of the most empowering styles for women over 50,’ says Jardin. ‘A textured pixie instantly creates the illusion of thicker hair, making it ideal for finer or thinning strands.’
The real summer appeal? It keeps your neck cool during heatwaves, dries in minutes and requires very little styling.
Best for: Fine or thinning hair, oval and heart-shaped faces.
2. The feathered cut
Celebrity inspiration: Halle Berry
Consider this the cool-girl comeback haircut of the season. Feathered layers add softness, bounce and movement without sacrificing length, making them particularly flattering on mature hair.
According to Jardin, feathering helps add volume exactly where many women start to lose it. The result is hair that feels lighter, fuller and more dynamic.
‘The airy layers stop hair from feeling heavy or flat in the heat,’ he says, making it an ideal choice for warmer weather.
Best for: Medium-density hair and round or square face shapes.
3. The classic short bob
Celebrity inspiration: Sharon Stone
If you’re looking for something timeless, it’s hard to beat a great bob. Elegant and polished, the short bob remains one of the most requested salon cuts among women over 50 – and for good reason.
A well-cut bob creates structure and shape while helping hair appear thicker and healthier. It also frames the jawline beautifully, giving the entire face a lifted appearance.
For summer, it’s practical too. The shorter length feels cool and manageable during hot weather while still looking sleek enough for weddings, holidays and evenings out.
Best for: Straight or softly wavy hair and oval or longer face shapes.
4. Long layers
Celebrity inspiration: Andie MacDowell
Contrary to outdated beauty rules, long hair can look incredibly chic after 50. The secret is ensuring it has movement.
‘Soft layers are the secret to keeping longer hair youthful and modern,’ says Jardin. Rather than allowing hair to sit heavily around the face, layers create softness, body and natural lift.
They’re also surprisingly practical during summer, removing excess bulk so longer hair feels lighter and easier to manage on humid days.
Best for: Thicker hair types and anyone who wants to maintain their length.
5. The ‘French facelift’ haircut
Celebrity inspiration: Sophie Marceau
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok recently, you’ve probably heard whispers about the ‘French facelift’ haircut. Unlike dramatic anti-ageing transformations, this trend is all about subtle face-framing layers that naturally enhance your features.
‘Strategic face-framing layers help lift the cheekbones and jawline, creating a fresher, more youthful appearance without looking overdone,’ explains Jardin.
The beauty of this cut is that it works with your natural texture rather than fighting it, making it particularly easy to style during summer. In fact, the relaxed, effortless finish is exactly what makes it feel so chic.
Best for: Most hair textures and anyone looking for a softer, low-maintenance update.
The summer haircut rule to remember
Whichever style you choose, Jardin says the biggest mistake women make is holding on to cuts that no longer work with their hair’s texture or density.
‘I think many women hold onto cuts that no longer suit their hair texture or density,’ he says. ‘Softer layers and movement almost always look fresher and more flattering than heavy or flat styles.’
His advice? Work with your natural texture, embrace movement and don’t underestimate the power of a great cut. After all, sometimes the easiest way to refresh your look for summer is simply a trip to the salon.
