The right haircut and hairstyle can be the most powerful weapon against aging for older women. If you’re a woman over 50 or a woman over 60, start with your hairstyle to give your entire look a youthful reset! Today, thanks to modern haircutting and hairstyling techniques, it’s easier than ever to appear 10, 20, even 30 years younger! So don’t waste another second! Check out these haircuts and hairstyles for older women, and for every length and texture. You’ll also find priceless tips and tricks from the smart hair professionals at Matrix, and it doesn’t begin to do justice to the incredible and beautiful range of brunette haircolor shades. From honey to cocoa to chestnut to mahogany, the haircolor options for brunettes are unlimited and truly gorgeous! Here are 23 of the best brunette haircolor shades around, handpicked and customized for every skin tone by the pros at Matrix.

1. Smooth Pixie Cut

Nothing beats the ease of a short haircut, and this cute crop is probably the easiest hairstyle of them all.  And don’t think that just because it’s short, you don’t have styling options!  Hairstyling products like styling creams, pastes, gels and waxes let you create textures that range from smooth and sleek to piece-y or ruffled.

Age-busting tip: Short hair comes alive when there’s lots of dimension in your hair color.  Ask your stylist for different colored highlights that are one, two and even three shades lighter than your natural hair color.  Also, a slightly deeper “shadow” at the roots will give your lighter hair even more “pop.”

2. Choppy Pixie Cut

If your hair is fine, this pixie haircut with punk rock attitude is for you.  Lots of layers throughout the entire cut will give your hair plenty of lift and volume.  And the short, messy bangs will give you a playful, youthful look.  You can blow-dry this style so it’s smooth, or you can simply work in some styling paste, lift and arrange your hair with your hands and let it dry naturally.

Age-busting tip: If your hair has become too light over time, it could be aging you.  If that’s the case, your stylist can add lowlights—these are highlights in reverse.   For example, a few honey-colored lowlights in a solid, light blonde color will add interest and movement to your overall hair color, which is truly an age-defying strategy!

3.  Off-The-Face Soft Wavy Bob

Up and away are two words that can instantly erase years for older women.  In a short haircut like this, the soft waves are lifted and swept off the face.  The result is chic, feminine and flattering!  If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, apply a curl-enhancing formula to damp hair and dry it with a diffuser.  Once dry, use a small curling iron to refine your waves.  Direct all of your hair away from your face and leave the ends out of the iron for a modern look.

Age-busting tip: If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, ask your stylist to hand paint highlights along the curves of your curls for the most natural- and youthful-looking hair color.

4. Modern Shag Haircut

Remember the shag haircut from the ‘70s?  Believe it or not, there’s an evolved version that is the perfect haircut for older women.  It has choppy layers that go from front to back with shorter layers and wispy bangs to frame the face.  When styling, use a small round brush to flip the layers upward for airy movement.

Age-busting tip: When it comes to hair color, warmth is your best friend.  Shades of golden blonde, honey and caramel will enliven your complexion and give you a youthful glow!

5. Short Natural Hair Texture

If you’ve spent decades struggling to tame your natural hair texture, now may be the time to set it free.  A close, curly crop is sophisticated and stylish, and will allow your hair to remain as healthy as possible, which is so important for older women.  Keep coils consistent and springy with an anti-frizz curl gel that defines and provides strong curl definition.

Age-busting tip: As you age, your scalp produces less oil, which frees you from shampooing as often.  To refresh your hair and scalp without using a harsh shampoo, try a cleansing conditioner for curly hair.

6. Layered Bob

Bring your bob up to date with lots of flirty layers.  Layers can start at the jaw, with shorter pieces around the face to keep hair full and lively.  Add sexy side-swept bangs for a coquettish touch. 

Age-busting tip: Full hair is more youthful than fine hair.  Plump skinny strands with root lifter spray that boosts your hair at the roots and gives all-over volume.

7. Textured Bob

Classic, one-length bobs can be severe, but a bob that’s gently texturized on the ends is a soft, flattering hairstyle for older women. Depending on how thick or fine your hair is, your hairstylist will cut  into the last few inches of your length with a razor or with the tips of the scissors to create lightweight, airy movement.  Another youthful feature?  Soft, side-sweeping bangs to frame your face and draw attention to eyes and cheekbones.

Age-busting tip: Be tool-smart.  Blow dryers and irons help tame and control your texture as you get older, but they also can cause damage.  Use the best quality tools your budget allows, and shield your hair from damage with a heat protectant each time you style your hair.

8. Sassy Bob

A cute bob with a short, choppy fringe and a few face-framing layers give you instant French flair!  The shape is flirty and feminine, helps fine hair look fuller and is wonderfully easy to style.  Just dry with a round brush, bending the ends under, then mist with a light-holding hair spray to keep hair in place and resist flyaways.

Age-busting tip: Rocking your silver color frees you up from regular hair color touch-ups and gives you an elegant appearance.  However, it’s important to make sure your grays are always soft, supple and conditioned, without a trace of brassiness or warmth.  Regular use of a neutralizing shampoo will keep your white hair bright, clear and soft.

9.  Classic Long Layers

If you’re an older woman and you have always worn your hair long and loose, changes in color and texture can make it difficult to make the transition to something more flattering as you mature.  Long layers and side-parted bangs at cheekbone level provide the perfect solution. You can still enjoy long hair, but the layers add bounce and fullness that lift your features and brighten your face. 

Age-busting tip: It goes without saying that covering gray hair instantly erases years if not decades.  The best gray coverage is soft and natural-looking with lots of dimension. The roots should be a little bit darker, and ask you stylist to add lighter highlights, which will illuminate your face and your overall hair color.

10. Long and Wavy

A great way to keep your hair length with age is to polish things up with beautiful waves.  Get your “Victoria’s Secret” on by curling your hair with a two-inch wide curling iron, focusing on the center and ends of each section.  Add glamour with a deep side part and try a rich, dramatic hue like copper or chestnut for stunning drama.

Age-busting tip: No matter what length you choose to wear, one thing is for sure.  The shinier your hair, the younger you will look. Glossy hair is a symbol of youth and vitality!  To keep your strands looking younger than springtime, head to the salon for regular trims to avoid frayed ends and for regular glossing treatments that will add moisture and seal in shine.