35 Playful Curly Hairstyles For Older Women With Timeless Style

If you’re thinking about refreshing your style, there’s no better way to do it than with a playful, curly hairstyle. No matter your curl type or hair length, there’s something undeniably charming about curls that flow and move with ease. With these curly hairstyles for older women, you’ll get the perfect look that lets your hair shine with personality and style!

1. Soft Curly Layers with Bangs

Soft Curly Layers with Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair and blonde highlights.

This fun curly hairstyle features soft, bouncy layers that add volume, along with charming short bangs. The combination of layers and bangs gives this style an easy-going feel, making it perfect for creating movement without too much weight. This style is low-fuss and incredibly versatile!

2. Voluminous Loose Curls

Voluminous Loose Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair.

These gorgeous loose curls create an eye-catching shape with plenty of bounce. The loose structure allows the curls to flow freely. It’s the kind of style that’s perfect when you want hair that looks big but isn’t over the top.

3. Voluminous Silver Curls

Voluminous Silver Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with gray hair.

These voluminous silver curls bring out the beauty of natural texture. The curls are left to sit loose, creating a full-bodied effect with lots of dimension. For styling, a lightweight mousse or gel can help keep the curls defined and minimize the frizz.

4. Curls and Layers with Side-Swept Bangs

Curls and Layers with Side-Swept Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair.

This curly haircut brings together structured curls with wispy side-swept bangs for an elegant finish. The layers add body and movement to the curls. The side bangs soften the look. So sophisticated!

5. Curly Shag with Bangs

Curly Shag with Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with dark honey blonde hair.

Shags are always a hit, and this curly version adds a playful touch to your look. The shag layers create a fun, textured look, and the bangs keep the style fresh. The curls are left soft but with plenty of movement, giving the shag a lightweight feel.

6. Silky Long Coils

Silky Long Coils Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with black hair.

These silky, long curls are the definition of elegance. The hair cascades in smooth, shiny coils that are soft to the touch but still full of volume. This style is great if you love long hair with definition and structure. You can define these coils with a hydrating curl cream that adds shine. (This style is as much about shine as it is about volume.)

7. Shoulder-Length Highlighted Curls

Shoulder-Length Highlighted Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair and caramel highlights.

With shoulder-length curls, you can play up your hair’s natural texture while adding a bit of lightness for extra flair. The highlights in this style add striking dimension, bringing out the best in your curls. Keeping the curls at shoulder length gives the style a breezy feel without sacrificing volume.

8. Long Tousled Curls

Long Tousled Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with warm blonde hair.

These long, tousled curls are lush with just the right amount of volume and texture. The length allows the curls to create a soft, flowing look that feels lightweight despite the length. With some texturizing spray or mousse, it’s easy to create the tousled effect.

9. Shoulder-Length Curls for Thick Hair

Shoulder-Length Curls for Thick Hair Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with gray hair.

For women with thicker hair, these shoulder-length curls are a beautiful way to showcase texture. The curls sit at just the right length to create body. The thickness of the hair adds a luxurious feel to the controlled look.

10. Medium Side-Swept Curls

Medium Side-Swept Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with golden brown hair.

This medium-length style is a blend of structured curls and a side-swept look. The sweeping action to one side gives a flattering lift at the roots while keeping the curls soft and defined. The medium length keeps the curls from weighing down, making them bouncy and light.

11. Cropped Wispy Blonde Curls

Cropped Wispy Blonde Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with short platinum blonde hair.

This cropped style is perfect for women looking to keep their hair short and stylish. The light and wispy curls create a soft, ethereal look. By keeping the curls loose and the length cropped, you’ll get a style that is both light and full of texture.

12. Voluminous Copper Curls

Voluminous Copper Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with copper red hair.

High-volume curls like these make a statement with their thick, lush texture. The fullness in this style gives your hair a vibrant look, especially in these warm and rich copper tones. You’ll love how much movement and shine this hairstyle brings!

13. Curly Layered Bob

Curly Layered Bob Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with highlighted brown hair.

This curly bob is all about balance – short, structured, and full of lift. The layers help the curls fall naturally, creating a rounded shape. By keeping the length close to the chin, the style has a flattering shape without sacrificing volume. For extra definition, use a light curl cream and scrunch the curls to help them keep their shape while drying.

14. Voluminous Shoulder-Length Natural Curls

Voluminous Shoulder-Length Natural Curls Hairstyle on a black woman with dark brown coily hair.

These voluminous natural curls offer plenty of body while maintaining a soft, touchable look. The shoulder-length cut allows the curls to be defined but still free to move. This is a beautiful, full-bodied style that embraces the natural texture while feeling light and bouncy.

15. Long Curly Layers

Long Curly Layers Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with blondish brown hair.

With long layers and full curls, this hairstyle gives you that flowing, romantic look. The layers create movement, and the curls add texture and dimension. The result is a dreamy, voluminous look with plenty of texture and life.

16. Voluminous Soft Curly Bob

Voluminous Soft Curly Bob Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with platinum white hair.

This voluminous bob packs a punch with its soft, full curls. These curls add just the right amount of volume and are giving us Marilyn vibes. The result? A full-bodied, chic bob with plenty of movement and style.

17. Tousled Layered Curls

Tousled Layered Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair.

Layers make these curls look more defined and airy rather than dense or weighed down. These layers also give your hair movement, which keeps the curls looking lively and full of bounce. If you want to keep the curls in place while creating more definition, use a curl-defining mousse or cream.

18. Tapered Silver Curls

Tapered Silver Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with gray hair.

A tapered cut adds structure, giving the style a sophisticated edge while maintaining the curls’ softness. By keeping the curls tight and defined, this look keeps its shape throughout the day. This style is a beautiful blend of structure and natural texture.

19. Curly Top Knot

Curly Topknot Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with gray hair.

For a fun and elegant look, the curly top knot is a great way to keep your curls out of your face. The top knot showcases the curls beautifully, adding height and texture. The loose curls cascading from the knot keep the look soft and feminine. Use a texturizing spray to add grip and hold to the curls.

20. Long Highlighted Curls

Long Highlighted Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with highlighted brown hair.

This style is both full of texture and rich with color. Subtle highlights add depth to LONG curls, making them pop with a bit of extra shine. Keeping the curls long allows for plenty of volume, and the highlights create a beachy, sun-brightening finish.

21. High Volume Gray Curls with Face-Framing Highlights

High Volume Gray Curls with Face-Framing Highlights Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with highlighted gray hair.

This curly style is all about embracing your thick hair and natural curly texture. The subtle highlights delicately blend in around the face, giving a soft contrast and extra pop to the curls. If you’re aiming for something with height, you can easily ask your stylist for layers to achieve that lift and definition.

22. Curly Updo with Loose Tendrils

Curly Updo with Loose Tendrils Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair, side view.

This curly updo is a stunning choice if you’re looking for a touch of romance without sacrificing the beauty of your natural curls. The loose tendrils that fall delicately around the face soften the appearance of the updo. It’s the type of style that feels light and feminine but also elegant.

23. Cropped Curly Layers with Bangs

Cropped Curly Layers with Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with light brown hair.

If you want to wear your curls shorter, this cropped curly cut with layers and bangs is a fabulous option. The layers provide structure while keeping the curls bouncy and full. The addition of bangs adds a playful touch, perfect for keeping the look youthful and casual.

24. Curly Tapered Afro

Curly Tapered Afro Hairstyle on a smiling older black woman with brown hair.

This curly afro gives you beautiful, bold contours with its rounded shape and tight curls. The tapered cut is a great way to reduce bulk around the sides and back while keeping height at the top for a striking look. This style is all about texture, and it works best when the curls are moisturized and defined, so don’t forget to use a rich leave-in conditioner or styling butter to keep curls looking lush.

25. Curled Shoulder-Length Layers with Bangs

Curled Shoulder-Length Layers with Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with copper hair.

Curling shoulder-length layered hair with bangs gives you a soft, voluminous look. The styled curls give the hair a polished, playful texture. Adding bangs gives the style some structure, balancing the volume of the curls and drawing attention to your eyes. To get this look, you can use a curling iron or hot rollers to create soft, defined curls.

26. Curly Long Bob

Curly Long Bob Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with silver hair.

The long bob, otherwise known as a lob, is a flattering hairstyle that gives you just the right balance between short and long hair. The length is enough to show off the curl’s texture while keeping the look refined. The striking silver tones add a touch of sophistication to this shoulder-length style.

27. Soft Face-Framing Curls

Soft Face-Framing Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair.

This look is all about softness and gentle movement. Loose curls fall naturally around the face and create a framing effect. The curls aren’t overly defined, which gives it a somewhat relaxed feel.

28. Voluminous Pin-Up Curls

Voluminous Pin-Up Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with red hair.

This vintage-inspired curly style is full of glamour and body. The large, defined curls are reminiscent of old Hollywood and bring a sense of sophistication to the cut. The volume adds height and drama, making it a standout choice.

29. Curly Brunette Lob

Curly Brunette Lob Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair.

Looking for a playful and stylish curly hairstyle? This look delivers just that. The mid-length curls create a voluminous feel, perfect for adding some bounce to your style. These curls fall just above the shoulders, making it a great choice if you want volume but without too much length to deal with.

30. Medium-Length Curly Layers

Medium-Length Curly Layers Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with coppery brown hair.

These lovely medium-length layers are perfect for adding lift and volume to your curls without too much length to maintain. The layers work together with the curls to create a textured and full-bodied look. So flattering!

31. Long Silver Curls

Long Silver Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with long gray hair.

This long, silver-curled hairstyle is one to consider if you have a thick mane. The longer length gives the curls a natural, flowing vibe. The texture adds some softness. To keep your curls hydrated, try a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing curl cream.

32. Shaggy Curls with Bangs

Shaggy Curls with Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with copper hair.

This curly style is perfect for adding volume without feeling too structured, thanks to the tousled, uneven layers that give it a playful feel. The bangs bring extra dimension, softening the look while blending into the rest of the hair. The layers help distribute the weight evenly, preventing your hair from feeling heavy or flat.

33. Curly Salt-and-Pepper Pixie

Curly Salt-and-Pepper Pixie Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with a salt and pepper hair color.

A short, curly pixie is the perfect solution for women who find their curls hard to manage but still want to keep their texture intact. Going short reduces the effort it takes to style while letting the natural curls shine. The pixie cut also helps to eliminate the weight that can pull your curls down, making them appear bouncier and more defined.

34. Rounded Shoulder-Length Curls

Rounded Shoulder-Length Curls Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with brown hair and highlights.

This rounded, shoulder-length cut features gorgeous curls that give the hairstyle a full, rounded shape. The curls are perfectly shaped to create volume all around. If you want fullness and structure, this curly style is an excellent option.

35. Copper Curls with Bangs

Copper Curls with Bangs Hairstyle on a smiling older woman with copper red hair.

These curls with bangs provide a practical option for women who want a bit more structure without sacrificing style. The shoulder-length curly cut is perfect for taming unruly curls, making them easier to manage while showing off their natural bounce. By keeping the length around the shoulders, this style avoids the weight that often drags curls down, leaving them voluminous and defined.