As a hair stylist in my mid-thirties, I’ve discovered that my most inspiring clients are women over 60. There’s something magical about embracing what works for your lifestyle rather than chasing trends that don’t fit.
I’ll never forget my client Margaret, who came to me at 62 spending 45 minutes every morning fighting her hair. The breakthrough came when we found her perfect textured bob. She literally teared up, saying she felt like herself again for the first time in years.
Through countless transformations with clients like Margaret, my fabulous 65-year-old aunt Susan, and my mentor Dorothy who rocks a chic pixie at 68, I’ve learned the secret: great hair after 60 isn’t about fighting changes, it’s about celebrating this chapter with the perfect cut.
Ready to simplify your routine without sacrificing style? I’ve compiled 20 low maintenance hairstyles for 60 year old women that will have you looking polished and confident. These proven styles work for real women living their best lives.
Table of Contents
20 Low Maintenance Hairstyles for Women Over 60
Now for the fun part! I’ve organized these styles by length, starting with short options that offer maximum ease and working up to longer styles that still keep maintenance minimal.
Short Hairstyles
Short cuts are the ultimate in low maintenance styling. They dry quickly, require minimal product, and look intentionally chic even on your busiest mornings. Let’s start with the most liberating options.
1. Classic Pixie Cut
I’ll admit, I was terrified of going this short. But after watching my friend Margaret rock her pixie for three years, I finally took the plunge last spring. The classic pixie is liberating in ways I never expected.
The beauty of a well-cut pixie is that it looks intentional even when you roll out of bed. A tiny bit of texturizing paste worked through with your fingers, and you’re done. I get mine trimmed every four weeks, but between cuts, it grows out gracefully. It’s particularly flattering if you have strong cheekbones or beautiful eyes you want to showcase.
2. Textured Bob
This is what I call the “Swiss Army knife” of hairstyles. My stylist cuts subtle layers throughout my bob, which gives it movement and prevents that helmet-like appearance that scared me away from bobs for years. The texture means it looks good whether I blow it dry smooth or let it air-dry with a bit of wave.
I use a volumizing mousse on damp hair and either rough-dry it with my fingers or give it a quick blow-dry with a paddle brush. On lazy mornings, I sleep with slightly damp hair in small clips, and I wake up with perfect piece-y texture.
3. Layered Shag
Don’t let the word “shag” scare you; this isn’t the hairstyle from the 1970s. The modern shag is sophisticated and incredibly flattering for our age group. The layers create movement and volume, and the slightly messy finish means perfection isn’t required.
My friend Donna has the most gorgeous layered shag, and she maintains it by scrunching in some sea salt spray and letting it air-dry. She looks effortlessly chic, and I’ve never seen her spend more than five minutes on her hair.
4. Short Stacked Bob
This style has been my go-to for the past two years. The back is cut shorter and stacked, which creates beautiful shape and prevents that dreaded flat-back-of-the-head look. The front pieces are longer and frame the face beautifully.
I blow-dry mine under with a round brush, but honestly, it looks great even when I just run my fingers through it after air-drying. The key is finding a stylist who understands how to stack the back properly.
5. Cropped Curly Style
If you have natural curl or wave, this might be your holy grail. I convinced my sister to try this cut after years of her fighting her natural texture with flat irons and chemical relaxers. Now she uses a curl-defining cream and diffuses for about five minutes, or just air-dries on warm days.
The short length prevents the weight from pulling out the curl, and the right cut enhances your natural texture instead of fighting it. She gets compliments everywhere she goes.
6. Side-Swept Pixie
This is the pixie’s more feminine cousin. The longer pieces in front can be swept to one side, creating softness around the face. I love this option for women who want the ease of a pixie but aren’t ready for the drama of going ultra-short.
My neighbor tries this style and says her morning routine consists of working a tiny amount of styling cream through her hair and pushing it to one side. That’s it. She looks polished and put-together every single day.
7. Asymmetrical Bob
I was hesitant about this one because “asymmetrical” sounds complicated, but it’s actually incredibly easy to style. One side is slightly longer than the other, which creates visual interest and movement. The slight angle is flattering and contemporary without being too trendy.
The asymmetry means it doesn’t need to be perfectly styled to look intentional. A little tousling actually makes it look better.
8. Short Layered Cut
This is perfect if you want something between a pixie and a bob. The layers create texture and movement, and the length gives you options. You can style it sleek for more formal occasions or tousle it for casual days.
I think of this as the “starter short cut” for women who are nervous about going too short. It’s forgiving and grows out beautifully.
Medium Length Hairstyles
Medium length styles offer the perfect balance between versatility and ease. They’re long enough for styling options when you want them, yet short enough to air-dry beautifully for everyday wear.
9. Shoulder-Length Lob
The lob (long bob) has been my safety net style for years. It’s long enough to pull back if needed but short enough to air-dry beautifully. I get mine cut just at my shoulders with subtle layers for movement.
This length works with almost every face shape and hair texture. I can wear it straight, wavy, or even pull it into a low ponytail for exercise. It’s the most versatile cut I’ve ever had.
10. Layered Medium Cut
This is what I recommend to friends who want something longer but still manageable. The layers prevent the hair from looking heavy or triangular, and they create natural movement. I love how this cut looks when I scrunch some mousse into damp hair and let it air-dry.
The layers also help if your hair is thinning, as they create the illusion of more volume and thickness.
11. Blunt Bob with Bangs
I was terrified of bangs until my stylist convinced me to try soft, side-swept ones with my blunt bob. The bangs hide forehead lines and draw attention to the eyes, while the blunt cut looks clean and modern.
The maintenance isn’t as scary as I thought. I trim my own bangs between appointments with small scissors, just taking off tiny bits as needed.
12. Wavy Mid-Length Style
This style celebrates natural texture rather than fighting it. If you have any natural wave, a good cut will enhance it beautifully. I scrunch in some curl-enhancing cream and let it air-dry for effortless waves.
Even if your hair is naturally straight, you can create soft waves by braiding slightly damp hair before bed or using foam rollers while you have your morning coffee.
13. Graduated Bob
Similar to the stacked bob but longer, this cut is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer toward the front. It creates beautiful lines and is incredibly flattering for the neck and jawline.
I love how this cut moves when I walk. It has a sophisticated swing that makes me feel elegant even in casual clothes.
14. Side-Parted Medium Length
Sometimes the simplest styles are the most elegant. A good cut with a deep side part creates beautiful angles and frame the face naturally. This is my go-to style for important events because it always looks polished.
I can air-dry this style or give it a quick blow-dry with a paddle brush. Either way, it looks intentional and put-together.
15. Textured Midi Cut
This cut falls somewhere between the shoulders and collarbone and has subtle layers throughout for texture. It’s modern and fresh without being trendy. The texture means it doesn’t need to be perfect to look good.
I use a texturizing spray and scrunch it in, then either air-dry or diffuse. It creates beautiful piece-y texture that looks effortless.
Longer Low-Maintenance Options
Yes, you can absolutely have longer hair after 60! The secret lies in the right cut and embracing techniques that work with your natural texture rather than against it.
16. Long Layered Cut
Yes, you can have longer hair after 60 if that’s what makes you happy! The key is having enough layers to prevent it from looking flat or lifeless. Long layers create movement and prevent that stringy look that can age us.
I keep mine past my shoulders and use a lightweight mousse for volume. The layers allow it to air-dry beautifully, and I can still pull it back when needed.
17. Soft Waves
This is romance in hair form. Soft, loose waves are feminine and elegant and can be achieved with minimal effort. I use a large barrel curling iron on small sections, then brush through the curls to soften them.
For an even easier option, try braiding slightly damp hair in two or three loose braids before bed. You’ll wake up with beautiful, soft waves.
18. Long Bob (Lob) with Layers
This is the longer version of the classic lob, hitting just past the shoulders. The layers prevent it from looking too heavy and create beautiful movement. It’s sophisticated and works for both professional and casual settings.
I love that I can wear this style straight, wavy, or pulled back. It’s like having three hairstyles in one.
19. Straight Long Style
If you have naturally straight hair, embrace it! A well-cut long straight style can be incredibly chic. The key is having subtle layers to prevent it from looking flat.
I use a smoothing cream and either air-dry or give it a quick blow-dry with a paddle brush. It’s sleek and sophisticated with minimal effort.
20. Loose Curls
If you have natural curl, longer loose curls can be stunning. The key is the right cut to prevent triangle-shaped hair and the right products to enhance your natural texture.
I scrunch in curl cream and either air-dry or diffuse. The curls are soft and romantic, and I get compliments every time I wear my hair this way.
Styling Tips and Tricks for Easy Maintenance
Let me share some game-changing tips I’ve learned through years of experimentation and conversations with hair professionals.
Essential Products for Mature Hair
First, invest in quality products designed for mature hair. Our hair needs more moisture now, so look for sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioning treatments. I use a volumizing mousse for fine hair days and a smoothing cream when I want sleek styles.
A good heat protectant is non-negotiable if you use any styling tools. Our hair is more fragile now, and heat damage shows more easily.
Quick Styling Techniques
Here’s my five-minute morning routine: I work a small amount of product through damp hair, scrunch gently, and either air-dry or give it a quick blast with the diffuser. That’s it.
For overnight styling, try sleeping with slightly damp hair in loose braids or clips. You’ll wake up with perfect texture and zero effort required in the morning.
Tools That Make a Difference
Invest in a good paddle brush for smooth styles and a wide-tooth comb for curly hair. A quality blow dryer with multiple heat settings will cut your drying time in half. For curly hair, a diffuser attachment is a game-changer.
Color Considerations for Low Maintenance Looks
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: gray hair. I resisted my grays for years until I realized how much time and money I was spending on touch-ups. When I finally embraced my natural silver, people started complimenting my hair constantly.
Embracing Gray Hair
Gray hair can be absolutely stunning when it’s properly cut and cared for. Use a purple shampoo weekly to prevent yellowing, and invest in good moisturizing treatments. Gray hair tends to be coarser, so it needs extra hydration.
Low-Maintenance Color Options
If you’re not ready to go fully gray, consider highlights or lowlights that blend with your natural color. Root shadowing techniques can help you go longer between color appointments. I see my colorist every 12 weeks instead of every 6, and my hair still looks great.
Color Placement Strategies
Strategic color placement can enhance your cut and make maintenance easier. Face-framing highlights can brighten your complexion, while subtle lowlights add depth without requiring frequent touch-ups.
Professional vs. DIY Maintenance
I learned this lesson the hard way: know your limits. I can trim my bangs and do basic maintenance, but I leave the actual cutting to my stylist. A good cut is the foundation of easy maintenance.
Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your cut looking fresh. Between appointments, focus on keeping your hair healthy with good products and gentle handling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make the mistakes I made in my learning process. Over-styling with too much heat will damage your hair. Choosing a style that doesn’t fit your lifestyle will lead to frustration. Skipping regular trims will make even the best cut look messy.
Most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you what you should do with your hair because of your age. If you love it and it makes you feel confident, that’s all that matters.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a chic pixie, an elegant bob, or longer waves, the key is finding a style that works with your natural texture and fits your lifestyle. The best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Don’t be afraid to consult with a professional stylist who understands mature hair. Your hair journey after 60 can be exciting and empowering. Embrace the changes, find what works for you, and enjoy the freedom that comes with a truly low maintenance style.