What Would You Look Like With a New Look After 50? 6 Transformations to Try

After 50, I think it’s easy to get comfortable with the same hairstyle and forget how much a fresh look can change the way you feel. I’ve wondered more than once, What would I actually look like with a completely different style?

So I decided to find out. I tried six different looks from subtle changes to styles that felt completely different from my usual hair. Some surprised me, some definitely weren’t for me, and a few made me think, Why haven’t I tried this before?

As you can see in my original photo, my hair was looking pretty flat, with gray roots showing and not much volume. I was ready for a change and wanted to see what a few different looks might do.

Here are the six transformations I tried and what I honestly thought about each one.

1. The Wavy Bob: Soft and Effortless

Transformation: I tried a softer shoulder-length cut with layers and loose waves, adding red glasses and lipstick for a little extra personality. The whole look feels fresher and more confident.

What I liked: The layers and waves give my hair much more movement and volume without making the change feel unrealistic. I also love how the red glasses and lipstick bring some personality to the look.

2. The Classic Pixie

After seeing myself with longer, softer waves, I wanted to go in the completely opposite direction. So next, I tried something much shorter - a classic pixie.

Transformation: I tried a classic side-swept pixie with black-frame glasses and a soft nude lip. The shorter cut gives my face a cleaner, more defined look while keeping everything simple and timeless.

What I liked: I love how polished but natural this feels. The black glasses add a little sophistication, while the nude lip keeps the focus on the haircut.

3. The Straight Bob

I wanted to see how a sleeker bob would look after trying the pixie. The straight cut feels polished and modern, while the round black-frame glasses and soft beige lip color keep the look understated and natural.

What I liked: The clean lines make the hairstyle feel more sophisticated, and the glasses add a nice touch without overpowering the haircut.

One thing I noticed: Compared with the wavy bob, this look feels more structured and a little less playful.

4. The Bob With Bangs

I wanted to see what a few inches of fringe would do, so I tried a classic bob with bangs and a soft matte nude lip. The bangs instantly change the feel of the haircut and give the look a little more character.

What I liked: The bangs frame my face nicely and make the bob feel fresh without being too dramatic. The nude lip keeps everything soft and balanced.

One thing I noticed: Bangs are a bigger commitment, so this is one look I’d probably want to try virtually before making the cut.

5. The Pixie With a Bold Twist

I wanted to try the pixie again, but this time with a little more attitude. The short cut paired with black cat-eye glasses and a satin red lipstick gives the look a much bolder, more confident feel.

What I liked: The red lip really brings the whole look together, while the cat-eye glasses add a touch of vintage glamour.

One thing I noticed: This feels like the most dramatic transformation so far. The glasses and red lipstick make it more of a complete beauty look, not just a haircut change.

6. The Voluminous Bob With Curtain Bangs

For my final transformation, I wanted something feminine and full of movement, so I tried a voluminous bob with soft curtain bangs, round black-frame glasses, and a glossy nude lip. The extra volume makes the style feel fuller, while the bangs gently frame my face.

What I liked: This might be one of my favorites. The glasses add a polished touch, while the glossy nude lip keeps the overall look soft and natural.

One thing I noticed: The volume makes a big difference in the overall transformation, so I’d probably need some styling to recreate this effect in real life.

Which Look Would I Choose?

After trying all six transformations, I think I’d choose the voluminous bob with curtain bangs. It feels like the best balance of fresh and familiar. I love the extra volume, the soft face-framing bangs, and how the round black glasses and glossy nude lip complete the look without feeling too much.

If you’re also considering a bob but aren’t sure which style would suit you, I’d recommend reading French Bob vs. Italian Bob: Which Bob Hairstyle Is Right for You?. It’s a helpful comparison if you’re deciding between two very different takes on the classic bob.

The best part of trying these looks virtually was being able to experiment without actually cutting or coloring my hair. With HairLook, I can upload my photo, choose a hairstyle, and see how it looks on me before making a real change.

Sometimes you just need to see yourself differently to realize that you’re ready for a change.

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