20 Shaggy Hairstyles for Women Over 50 That Add Volume
Shaggy haircuts are one of the easiest ways to get your hair moving again, especially after 50. They add lift at the crown, soften the face, and take away that heavy, one-length look that can feel aging.
The best part is you can make a shag work at almost any length. Go short if you want quick styling. Stay collarbone length if you like a little coverage around the neck. Keep it longer if you still want ponytail days.
When you ask for a shag, focus on these two things: where the layers start and how the ends are finished. Higher layers bring volume. Softer ends keep it modern. And if you wear bangs, choose a fringe that blends into the shape so grow-out stays easy.
Ahead, you will see 20 shaggy hairstyles for women over 50, from airy bobs to longer, face-framing layers. Each one has its own vibe, but they all share that light, lifted feel that makes hair look healthier.
1. Airy Layers Around Cheekbones
Soft shag layers sit right at the cheekbones, so the face looks lifted without heavy styling. The ends stay light and wispy, not blunt. Ask for subtle texture through the crown if you want easy volume that still feels natural.
2. Bixie Shag Haircut
This bixie shag gives you that cute, piecey shape with less weight around the sides. The shorter back keeps the neckline clean, while the longer top adds movement. It is a good pick if you like wash-and-go styling with a little edge.
3. Bottleneck Bangs Shag
Bottleneck bangs soften the forehead and blend into the layers, so nothing looks choppy or harsh. They are easy to sweep to the side on days you want a more open look. This works especially well if you like a gentle, face-framing shape.
4. Choppy Crop Shag
A choppy crop shag is short, textured, and intentionally undone in the best way. The top has lift, and the sides stay airy so it does not feel bulky. Style it with a pea-size texturizing paste to keep the pieces separated.
5. Collarbone-Length Shaggy Lob
This shaggy lob hits the collarbone, so it still feels feminine but not fussy. The layers keep it from sitting flat, especially around the crown. It is a strong option if you want something that looks good air dried or quickly blown out.
6. Curly Shag With Curly Fringe
This curly shag keeps the shape bouncy and light, with a fringe that actually blends instead of sitting like a block. The layered cut helps curls stack nicely, not triangle out. Use a curl cream and diffuse for soft volume.
7. Feathered Shag Blowout
Feathered layers plus a blowout give you that airy, swingy movement that looks polished without feeling stiff. The ends flip softly away from the face, which is super flattering after 50. A round brush and light mousse are enough.
8. Kitty Cut Shag
The kitty cut is that in-between shag that feels soft and wearable, not overly messy. You get face-framing pieces, gentle layering, and ends that tuck or flip easily. It is perfect if you want movement while keeping a smoother, cleaner finish.
9. Modern Shag With Face-Framing Layers
These face-framing layers do the work for you by shaping the front and giving instant definition. The rest of the cut stays light, with texture that keeps it from looking helmet-like. It is great for fine hair that needs lift.
10. Modern Shag With Long Layers
A modern shag with long layers keeps the length you love but adds enough texture to stop it from looking heavy. The layers start higher to boost volume, then taper into soft ends. It is easy to style with loose waves or a quick blow dry.
11. Pixie Shag With Wispy Fringe
This pixie shag keeps the crown full and the edges light, so it never looks flat or severe. The wispy fringe softens the forehead and blends into the texture. Use a tiny bit of styling cream to keep the layers airy, not spiky.
12. Rachel-Inspired Shag Layers
These Rachel-inspired layers give you that bouncy, face-framing shape with movement through the ends. The cut lifts the cheek area and keeps the length feeling light. Blow it out with a round brush, then flip the front pieces away from your face.
13. Razor-Cut Shag Bob
A razor-cut shag bob gives the ends that soft, broken finish that looks modern right away. It is great when you want texture without chunky layers. Ask your stylist to keep the perimeter light so the shape stays swingy, not heavy.
14. Shag With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs make a shag feel instantly softer, especially around the eyes and cheekbones. They blend into the layers so the grow-out looks easy. This is a solid choice if you like styling options, part it down the middle or sweep it to one side.
15. Shaggy Bob With Blunt-ish Ends
This shaggy bob keeps the ends a little blunt, which helps the hair look thicker while still having movement. The layers are subtle and concentrated up top for lift. It is a nice in-between if you want shag texture without a super wispy finish.
16. Shaggy Bob With Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are an easy shortcut to a softer look, and they pair perfectly with a shaggy bob. The layers add volume at the crown, while the fringe pulls attention toward the eyes. Style with a quick blow dry and a light root spray.
17. Soft Shag With Root Smudge
A root smudge gives this soft shag extra depth, so the layers look fuller and more defined. It also makes grow-out less stressful between appointments. Keep the ends light and piecey, and use a shine serum on the mid-lengths for a smooth finish.
18. Soft Shaggy Bob Haircut
This soft shaggy bob is all about gentle texture that still looks neat. The layers are blended, not choppy, so it moves without looking messy. It works well for straight to wavy hair, especially if you want volume without teasing or heavy products.
19. Textured Shob Haircut
A textured shob sits between a shag and a bob, with lift at the crown and a clean, wearable length. The ends are light, so it does not hug the cheeks. If you have fine hair, this shape helps it look fuller with minimal effort.
20. Wavy Shag Haircut
This wavy shag brings out natural bend and gives the hair that easy, lived-in movement. The layers keep waves from clumping into one heavy shape. Scrunch in a light mousse, air dry, and shake it out at the roots for soft volume.
Shaggy Haircuts For Women Over 50: FAQs
Do shaggy haircuts work for thin or fine hair?
Yes, as long as the layers are placed smart. Ask for light, blended layers that start around the crown for lift, and keep the ends soft. Too many layers through the bottom can make fine hair look wispy, so balance is everything.
What should I ask for if I want a shag that is low maintenance?
Tell your stylist you want a shag with soft layers, not choppy ones, and an easy fringe like curtain bangs or a side-swept bang. These blend into the haircut, so they grow out nicely. A cut that looks good air dried is the goal.
How do I style a shag without heat?
Start with a light mousse or curl cream, then scrunch and let it air dry. Once it is dry, flip your head forward and shake the roots with your fingertips for volume. If you want more shape, tuck the front pieces behind one ear and leave the other side loose.
Wrap-up
A good shag should feel like it is doing the work for you. It should give you shape, movement, and a little lift without needing perfect styling every day. If you are torn between two cuts, pick the one that matches your routine, not the one that needs the most effort.
Bring your favorite photos to your stylist and point out what you like. Is it the bangs, the crown volume, or the lighter ends? Those details matter more than the name of the cut.
And once you find your version, keep it fresh with small trims and a light styling product. Shags look best when the layers stay airy and the ends stay soft.
