Why You Should Try A Layered Bob Haircut If You're Older

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As we get older, it can grow harder to pick the right haircut. Seeing as our hair changes so much as we age, it's not uncommon to find our usual go-to 'do just isn't cutting it anymore, and finding a replacement look that toes the line of mature without being aging can be incredibly difficult. Enter the bob. Bob haircuts can be so flattering on older women, and one in particular reigns supreme: the layered bob.

"A layered bob is when the length is shoulder length or shorter and layered, which means there are different lengths throughout to give volume. It's different than other bobs because it has layers to give movement and texture, while a regular bob is usually one length with no layers," Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, exclusively explained to Women. 

The layered look can be particularly flattering because it adds style and shape to your tresses in a way the regular bob can't. It also helps disguise thinning hair, which many of us experience with age. "Layered bobs can give an overall illusion of thick hair if you have fine [or] thin hair," Hurtado told us. Another major bonus of the layered bob? Though it may seem one-dimensional at first glance, it can be styled in so many ways. "It impacts overall appearance by giving a classic, put together look and is versatile when it comes to styling," Hurtado said. "You can wear it natural, curled, or sleek."

Though your hairstylist can provide tailored advice on the most complimentary version of the layered bob for you, it's generally best to stay away from overly choppy or blunt layers as we get older. These can be harsh and aging (or even dated). Less sharp, face-framing layers will help soften your features and won't need the same level of trimming upkeep. It's perfect for those making the most of their retirement with regular vacations or those who simply don't want to return to the salon every couple of weeks.

If you're in search of layered bob inspo, you don't have to look too far. Plenty of our favorite celebrities have tried this cut, including Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry, who demonstrated how versatile it can be. At the 2025 NAACP awards, Union wowed with a voluminous take featuring rounded edges that created an incredibly flattering shape. Her bombshell version was likely created using a round brush and mousse for hold and volume, like TRESemmé's Amplified Volume Plumping Mousse.

When Berry rocked the layered bob at the "Never Let Go" premiere the year prior, though, she proved that the haircut doesn't need heavy styling to look good. She stunned with a gorgeous, more undone take and what appeared to be her natural curls, a style which could easily be achieved with texturizing spray and a diffuser. The chic look can also be styled into the fun, flippy bob that so many famous faced have tried, proving this haircut can work for a wide array of different hair textures and face shapes. So there's no excuse not to give it a go.