10 Best Shag Haircuts For Women Over 70 That Look Instantly Chic

I’ve always believed that age is just a number when it comes to style.

After seeing my mom transform her look with a fresh haircut at 72, I’m convinced that the right style can truly make anyone feel vibrant and confident.

The shag haircut, with its textured layers and face-framing shape, is perfect for women over 70 who want a modern, low-maintenance style that still looks put-together.

Here are my top picks for shag cuts that’ll have you looking effortlessly chic in no time.

1. Soft Layered Shag

Nothing says elegant yet trendy like a soft layered shag. I adore how this cut creates natural movement without feeling too wild or untamed. The gentle layers around the face soften features while the tapered ends remove weight that can drag down fine hair.

My aunt Martha got this cut last year and immediately looked ten years younger! The beauty of this style is how it works with gray or silver hair, adding dimension that one-length cuts simply can’t achieve. You’ll need minimal styling too – just a bit of mousse scrunched into damp hair and you’re good to go. Even on days when you don’t feel like fussing, this cut maintains its shape and charm.

2. Feathered Shag With Side-Swept Bangs

The magic of feathered layers paired with side-swept bangs creates a youthful frame that’s still age-appropriate. This combo is my personal favorite recommendation for women who want to hide forehead lines without committing to heavy straight-across bangs.

The feathered texture throughout adds body to thinning hair – something many of my older clients struggle with. When the layers are cut properly, they create that coveted movement that makes hair look healthier and more abundant. A quick blow-dry with a round brush is all it takes to style this cut. The side-swept bangs can be pinned back on hot days or styled forward when you want a more polished look for special occasions.

3. Pixie Shag With Textured Crown

Short doesn’t have to mean boring! The pixie shag combines the convenience of a pixie with the attitude of a shag. I’ve seen this style completely transform women who thought their only option was the typical “old lady” short cut.

The textured crown creates height and fullness where many women need it most. The shorter sides keep things neat while the longer, piece-y top maintains that signature shag character. It’s like having the best of both worlds.

Styling takes mere minutes – just work a small amount of texturizing paste through the top sections with your fingers. This cut grows out beautifully too, meaning fewer trips to the salon and more time enjoying your chic new look.

4. Shoulder-Length Shag With Curtain Bangs

For ladies who aren’t ready to go short, this mid-length option offers the perfect balance. I recommended this to my mother-in-law who wanted to keep some length but needed more style and movement.

The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones rather than neck wrinkles. They blend seamlessly into the rest of the cut, creating a cohesive look that’s both modern and flattering.

The layers throughout give the hair swing and body that a one-length bob simply can’t match. This style works wonderfully for women with slightly wavy hair, though straight-haired ladies can achieve a similar effect with minimal styling time.

5. Curly Shag With Rounded Shape

Curly-haired women often think they can’t wear a shag, but that’s simply not true! A properly cut curly shag celebrates natural texture while creating a flattering shape. My friend Carol embraced her curls at 75 after decades of straightening, and this cut made all the difference.

The rounded shape keeps the silhouette soft while the strategically placed layers remove bulk where it’s not wanted. Unlike some cuts that make curly hair triangle-shaped, this style distributes volume evenly.

Care is surprisingly simple – just use curl-enhancing products and either air-dry or diffuse. The cut itself does most of the work, meaning you’ll look put-together even on your laziest days.

6. Razor-Cut Shag With Wispy Ends

The razor-cut shag has become my secret weapon for clients with fine hair. The razor technique creates soft, wispy ends that give the illusion of fullness without harsh lines. When my salon partner tried this on her 77-year-old mother, the transformation was incredible.

The precision of razor cutting allows for ultra-thin layers that move naturally and don’t look choppy. The wispy ends prevent that heavy, weighed-down look that can age a woman instantly.

This style requires minimal product – just a light volumizing spray at the roots. The cut itself creates the texture, so there’s no need to add more with heavy styling products that can make fine hair look greasy or flat.

7. Classic Shag With Modern Fringe

Some cuts never go out of style, and the classic shag is one of them. I’ve updated this iconic look with a modern fringe that suits mature faces perfectly. The combination feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

The layers follow the traditional shag pattern but are softened to flatter older women. The fringe can be customized – heavier for those wanting to conceal forehead lines or wispier for a more subtle effect.

Styling options are endless with this versatile cut. Wear it sleek for elegant occasions or tousled for a more relaxed vibe. Either way, you’ll enjoy a style that harkens back to the free-spirited 70s while looking completely current.

8. Tousled Bob Shag

Who says bobs have to be prim and proper? The tousled bob shag breaks all the rules in the best possible way. After seeing how this style transformed my neighbor’s thin, limp hair at age 73, I’ve been recommending it left and right.

The combination of bob length with shag layering creates fullness and texture that’s perfect for fine hair. The tousled finish feels modern and youthful without trying too hard to look young.

This style actually looks better with a bit of bedhead, making it ideal for women who don’t want to fuss with perfect styling every day. A spritz of texturizing spray and a quick scrunch with your fingers is all it takes to refresh this cut.

9. Long Shag With Face-Framing Layers

Long hair after 70? Absolutely! The key is adding structure with a shag cut. I helped my client Barbara maintain her longer locks while giving her a more current style that doesn’t drag down her features.

The face-framing layers are crucial here – they lift the face visually and prevent that heavy curtain effect that can make anyone look older. The longest pieces hit just below the collarbone, maintaining length without going to extremes.

This style works beautifully with natural waves or can be blown out straight for a sleeker look. The varied layer lengths throughout create movement and body that long, one-length hair often lacks, especially as it thins with age.

10. Choppy Shag With Textured Fringe

For the bold woman who wants to make a statement, the choppy shag delivers instant edge. My client Judith, at 78, switched to this style after decades of conservative cuts and suddenly started getting compliments everywhere she went.

The deliberately uneven, textured layers create a modern, artistic look that stands out from typical older women’s haircuts. The choppy fringe draws attention to the eyes while disguising forehead wrinkles without looking like an obvious cover-up attempt.

Despite its edgy appearance, this style is surprisingly low-maintenance. The deliberately messy texture means it doesn’t need to be perfectly styled – in fact, it looks better with a bit of natural dishevelment.