Aging hair comes with its own set of challenges—texture changes, volume thins. It’s common to assume that once you hit a certain age, the goal is just to “keep it simple” or fade into the background with safe, short styles. But the truth is style doesn’t retire. And neither should your hair.

Too often, mature women are told to tone it down, cut it off or stop experimenting—but those rules are outdated. The modern woman in her 80s can wear her hair however she damn well pleases, whether that’s a sleek silver bob, soft curls full of movement, or a perfectly tousled pixie. "Low-maintenance" doesn’t have to mean boring, and practical can still feel polished. With the right cut, texture and finish, your hair can reflect exactly how you feel.

Looking for something with spirit, elegance and playful energy? Read on for seven celeb hairstylist-approved looks that prove there is no age limit on style.

The textured, bouncy bob is proof that volume and movement aren’t reserved for the under-40 crowd. It’s a flattering, high-impact style that works especially well for women over 80, particularly if you're dealing with fine or thinning hair. The soft layers and airy shape help create the illusion of fullness, while the texture adds dimension and bounce without overwhelming the face.

"It's one of those cuts that just gets better with age," says Joey Scandizzo, Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Creative Director of ELEVEN Australia. "It’s light, fresh and full of character.” Plus, it’s low-maintenance—ideal if you're not into constant styling but still want something that feels polished. To get the look, mist R+Co Sea Salt Spray on damp hair and rough-dry with your hands to enhance natural texture. Once dry, spritz some more texture spray at the roots for added lift, and finish with ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment to nourish and add shine, which is especially important for keeping silver strands looking vibrant.

This style brings drama, softness and shape all at once, making it a standout choice for women over 80 who want their hair to lift the face and the mood, says Scandizzo. The full fringe frames the eyes beautifully, while the layers add movement and body, which is especially helpful if your hair’s feeling a little thinner or flatter these days. For that Dolly-level lift, Scandizzo recommends starting by applying a volume spray (K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray is a must-try) at the roots and mid strand, then blow-drying with a round brush, concentrating on the crown. Use a curling iron to add bounce, brush it out for soft shape, and lock it in with your go-to hairspray for a 'do that's light, touchable and full of personality.

A classic center part is one of those timeless styles that never feels overdone, and no one wears it quite like Cher. It’s clean, elegant and elongates the face, making it especially flattering for mature women who want something polished but unfussy. “This center-parted style with soft waves is super flattering and timeless,” says Scandizzo. “It brings elegance and lengthens the silhouette without trying too hard.”

To mimic the iconic style, Scandizzo recommends prepping the hair with an anti-frizz serum to smooth the cuticle and eliminate any halo of frizz. Blow-dry with a large round brush for a sleek base, then use a wide-barrel curling iron to create soft, loose waves. Finish by working dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream through the mids and ends for subtle definition, and to give your 'do that Cher-level sheen.

There’s something powerful about embracing full, voluminous curls—just look at Diana Ross. Her iconic mane isn’t just hair, it’s a statement that exudes confidence and glamour. For women over 80, this kind of volume lifts more than just the roots, bringing energy to the whole face and defying the idea that aging means toning things down, says Scandizzo. To get that big, bold shape while keeping things soft (not stiff), apply ELEVEN Australia Keep My Curl Defining Cream to boost your natural curl pattern and keep frizz in check. Diffuse dry to lock in volume and shape, and finish with Nexxus Comb Thru Flexible Hold Hairspray to set the style while letting the curls move freely. It’s bold, it’s beautiful and it’s anything but quiet.

Anna Wintour’s signature look is the gold standard of bobs—a precise, chin-length cut with a blunt fringe that frames the face with just the right amount of edge. For women over 80, this style offers instant polish without the bulk or maintenance of longer hair. “It’s timeless and versatile,” says Scandizzo, who has styled Anna’s hair himself. “It works just as well in the office as it does on a night out, and it instantly elevates your style while keeping it effortlessly chic.” To recreate the look, blow-dry with a paddle brush, directing hair straight down for that crisp, clean shape. And don’t skip the final step: a drop of VERB Ghost Hair Oil smoothed over the ends and flyaways brings everything together with a sleek, glassy finish. It’s the difference between just styled and editorial-level polished.

There’s an ease to side-swept waves that feels both glamorous and completely wearable. Oprah’s version - soft, full of movement and subtly dramatic - is the kind of style that brings life to the hair, which for for women over 80, is especially flattering. The volume at the crown gives lift, the waves add softness, and the sweep across the face creates a natural frame that feels elegant but never stiff, says Scandizzo. Ready to try the look? Start by working Odele Volumizing Foam or root-lifting spray into damp hair to create body and bounce where you need it most. Blow-dry using a round brush to smooth and shape, focusing on lift at the crown. Then use a large-barrel curling tong to create loose waves, and gently brush them out for that soft, airy finish with just the right amount of movement. The result is a flattering, face-framing style that's as youthful and elegant as you feel.

The classic flipped bob is one of those styles that never goes out of fashion, and Martha Stewart proves just how elegant it can be at any age. With its clean lines and subtle curve under the chin, this cut offers structure without stiffness, polish without fuss. “Martha’s sleek silver bob is a classic cut that’s incredibly flattering for women over 80,” says Scandizzo. “It’s low maintenance yet high impact.” The shape frames the face beautifully while enhancing natural silver tones, making it a smart choice for anyone embracing their gray. And it's super easy to style, too. Simply apply Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Frizz Reduction Hair Oil through the mid-lengths and ends, then blow-dry with a round brush, flipping the ends slightly under to create that soft, face-hugging shape. A light mist of ELEVEN Australia Make Me Shine Spray Gloss adds the final touch—amplifying radiance and giving silver strands that luminous, healthy glow.

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