10 Haircuts You Won’t Regret

4. The classic bob

This one-length haircut is always cool and universally flattering. It’s the combo of blunt bottom line and chin length (give or take an inch) that also makes a bob the perfect thickening haircut for fine or thin hair. You can’t lose. Cate Blanchett and Julie Bowen favor a side part, while Naomi Watts enjoys a center-parted version. Choosing a part that suits you counts, and here’s why: A side part is, frankly, the sexier choice, and it softens features and works for everyone. Middle parts are useful for slimming a full face or for disguising a receding hairline at the temples and a double chin or saggy jawline.

Will it work for you? Bobs are a surprisingly easy-care haircut. The only commitment you need to make is for salon trims every six weeks or so to maintain the sharp sleek line and eliminate split ends.

(Left to right) Marcia Gay Harden, Carrie-Anne Moss and Embeth Davidtz

Arturo Holmes/WireImage; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

5. The layered bob

This laid-back version of the bob is piece-ier, or what salon pros call a “shattered” or “messy” bob. This means the basic shape stays the same, but instead of a blunt cut there are textured ends and long layers. Choose a layered bob to release any natural wave, curl or body that’s been hiding in your longer hair. Though air or diffuser drying is always a good choice with this cut, you can also emphasize the texture and layers with a little heat-styling. Check some layered bob variations on Marcia Gay Harden, Carrie-Anne Moss and Embeth Davidtz. 

Will this work for you? Sure, if you like the idea of a bob but fear getting locked into a daily blow-dry and flat-iron routine again, want a cut that grows out easily without a rigid maintenance schedule, and prefer to encourage your natural texture going forward.

(Left to right) Sharon Osbourne, Jane Fonda and Lisa Rinna

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

6. The polished shag

Heavily layered haircuts with bangs and a “shaggy” and a bedhead look are trendier than ever now among young women. However, more sophisticated shags like those on Jane Fonda, Lisa Rinna, Rita Moreno and Sharon Osbourne are popping up, too, especially for those who want a groomed look. These shags are full and feathery around the top half of the face but taper and tuck behind the ears — with lots of flicked-out ends. While they could be worn naturally shaggy, they’re often plumped, shaped and styled with hot tools and products for an edge with elegance.  

Will it work for you? If you have got plenty of medium to thick hair and a preference for statement earrings, like tucking your hair behind your ears and can deal with a few hot rollers and hair spray — give it a go.

7. The long bob or “lob”

Hovering between the mid-neck and collarbone, a lob is the gateway cut for long hair — and here’s why. Just by snipping a few stringy, thin, damaged inches off the bottom, you gain healthier-looking hair, a more versatile length for styling (that’s a time-saver, too!) and the illusion of a longer neck and torso. It’s probably the most asked-for haircut now among celebs over 50, like Gayle King, Lisa Kudrow and Catherine O’ Hara ... and the rest of us, too! Ask for long undetectable layers, or what stylists call “invisible” layers, to add more texture and body.

Will it work for you? The only question here is finding your comfiest cutoff point. Be specific and show your stylist exactly where you want your hair to fall — by gesturing instead of estimating by inches. His idea of “take 3 inches off” and yours may be vastly different! Test a few possible lengths yourself at home in the mirror, with some masking tape, before heading to the salon.​

Sigourney Weaver (left) and Martha Stewart

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue; Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

8. The split-level lob

Some lob fans prefer a little more chiseling or sculpting to the hair around the upper face, with a few well-placed layers to call attention to features and to personalize the cut. This creates an almost bi-level bob that features a long sideswept bang, or long layers at cheek or mouth level. This look (which Helen Mirren used to sport) is a longtime signature haircut for Martha Stewart and Sigourney Weaver, who keep tweaking the details every year to keep it fresh.

Will it work for you? Yes, if you have broad cheekbones or a round face and like the contemporary look of layers and bangs, but you want a classic cut to make it your own. Keep these photos on your phone and bring them to the salon for a show-and-tell at the precut consultation..

(Left to right) Amy Poehler, Amy Sedaris and Meg Ryan

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Universal Pictures; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

9. Shoulder-length with waves

For some women age 50-plus, a lob still feels too short. But truly long hair (we’re talking bra-length here) feels like we’re trying too hard to hang on to a youthful look. Enter shoulder-length hair (give or take an inch) to bridge the gap. An off-center or side part makes it flatter, soft waves make it on-trend, and they’re a favorite look for celebs like Meg Ryan, Amy Poehler, Amy Sedaris and Edie Falco. Kicking up the color with highlights emphasizes texture, and a balayage technique lets you go months between touch-ups.

Will it work for you? If you prefer a casual downtown boho look, like your hair on the longer side and don’t want to fuss much with styling — but are willing to splurge on some color — it is time to cut your way-too-long-to-be-doing-you-any-favors locks to the shoulder.

(Left to right) Carla Bruni, Christie Brinkley and Jane Seymour

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Don Arnold/WireImage

10. Just add bangs

This is one of the most underrated haircut changes. It’s for women who love their hair as is but want a fresher look. It’s the snip that many long-hair “lifers” — like Mary Steenburgen, Carla Bruni, Jane Seymour, Halle Berry and Christie Brinkley — have chosen to rejuvenate their own Rapunzel-like manes. But if you’ve read my tips above, you already know that cutting bangs — from a full fringe to a feathery sweep — works for almost every length of haircut.

Will it work for you? Absolutely!

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.