The ‘Mob’ Is the Cut That Hairstylists Think Everyone Over 50 Should Consider

The thing about short hair over a certain age (let’s call it 50, but that’s just an opening bid — anything higher up the ladder works, too) is that it’s a great idea in theory. After all, as hair ages, it (like our skin) becomes dehydrated, which can lead to dryness, brittleness, and dullness. Hair also loses pigment, which can decrease its luster. What better way to remedy all of that than with a significant lop? 

But then there’s the reality of short hair after 50. And the reality is that those of us who are now 50-plus came of age during the ’80s, when 50 looked more like 80 (see: The Golden Girls). Fortunately, according to the hairstylists we spoke to, today’s best options for the over-50 set bear no resemblance to Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, or Sophia (love them as we do). In fact, their looks were a product of weekly wash-and-sets at the salon, which few women over 50 have the time or inclination to do anymore, explains stylist Adir Abergel.

So, what does play for today’s mature woman? Looks that are softer, versatile, and allow for some experimentation with color if desired. All of which brings us to the mid-bob, or mob, which hits at the halfway point of the neck and offers lots of movement (and zero wash-and-set energy) for all hair types, including curls of all kinds.