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From baby curls to gradual greys, our hair goes on quite the journey with us as we age. With each passing decade, our hair changes along with our lifestyles, habits, and priorities. The pretty pigtails and intricate braids that took time and effort but felt oh so worth it as a teen might not have the same allure for a busy working mum, juggling life’s tasks but still wanting to feel attractive.
It's not just the colour of our hair that evolves. As we age, each stage of life brings natural changes in the texture of our hair due to natural factors such as genetics and hormonal changes. In your teens and twenties, your hair is probably at its healthiest with plenty of natural oils and hydration, but as you move into your thirties and beyond, there may be changes, such as increased dryness, thinning, or a shift in curl pattern.
With expert advice and the proper haircare routine, CLOUD NINE can help you achieve timeless, healthy and beautiful hair. In this guide, we will show you how to remain effortlessly on-trend at every stage with our guide to age-defying hair for every decade.
TRENDY TEEN HAIRSTYLES
Being young is all about self-expression, and trying out trending teenage hairstyles will never get old. Styling hair as a teenager is all about the balance between a busy school and social life while still looking cool and cutting-edge.
At this age, hair is naturally healthy, with an abundance of natural oils and an absence of damage caused by heat-styling. When trying out new looks, take care of your gorgeous hair, maintaining its lush condition with products like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Quick Dry Potion, which will minimise damage by reducing drying time. Before trying out new styles, use the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator to find the perfect safe heat setting for your hair.
1. Side Dutch braid
This sweet teen style is a fresh take on the more formal French braid. Both stylish and practical, the side Dutch braid is perfect for keeping hair secure and off the face for school and sport. Apply a touch of Magical Remedy for supple and sleek strands.
2. Long wavy half-up half-down
This style is easy to achieve with longer hair. If you’re not blessed with natural waves, then CLOUD NINE’s Curling Wand is here to help – but don’t forget to protect your naturally hydrated hair with our Magical Quick Dry Potion. Simply secure the front sections of your hair, leaving the waves to flow. You’ll be party-perfect with a touch of smoothing Magical Remedy.
3. Wavy ponytail with tendrils
This cute style has all the glamour with none of the maintenance. For the low-key glamorous look, dry hair with the Airshot Pro hair dryer, adding the diffuser attachment for type 2 (wavy), type 3 (curly) and type 4 (coily) hair. To add texture to hair or a wave to the face-framing tendrils, use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro.
COOL HAIRSTYLES FOR YOUR 20s
In your twenties, it’s time to be brave! It’s the decade to experiment with different styles, from bold cuts to playful textures. At this age, you’re likely to have a fast-paced lifestyle, flitting from long workdays to evening social events. This means having versatile hairstyles that transition from day to night as easily as you do.
CLOUD NINE’s heat styling tools help to create cool looks that last the distance – but remember to protect your hair with our Magical Quick Dry Potion and use the Temperature Calculator to find the best heat setting for your hair type.
4. The Italian bob
This sophisticated short bob with a deep side parting creates a touch of glamour with hair sweeping across to frame the face. It’s chic and glamorous – the perfect day-to-night style. The look can be perfected with the Slim Iron. If you have curly/oily hair, blow dry before straightening – and slip the Cordless Iron in your bag for 24-hour touch-ups.
H3 5. Textured lob
A slightly longer, more tousled version of the bob. The textured lob is cool and low maintenance, adding volume and movement to your hair. To create a straighter, sleeker style or add soft waves, use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro. For hair with a curl, brush through after washing with CLOUD NINE’s Wet Hairbrush and gently scrunch with a product before drying naturally.
6. Beachy waves
Fun, textured, and the ultimate ‘I woke up like this’ look. Beautiful, bouncy waves that switch effortlessly from the office breakroom to weekend brunch dates. For straight hair, this relaxed style can be created using the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to add soft waves. If you have naturally wavy hair, gently scrunch with the Airshot Pro hair dryer to enhance the texture. For type 3 or 4 curls, dry first before shaping with the Wide Iron for curves or the Curling Wand for more defined waves. Finish with a touch of Magical Remedy to smooth and add shine.
FABULOUS HAIRSTYLES FOR YOUR 30s
In your thirties life gets busy. You might be climbing the corporate ladder or juggling family commitments, meaning that you need a perfect hairstyle that looks gorgeously healthy, yet remains low maintenance. To help you create beautiful styles that transition from board room to dinner party, invest in styling tools and products that will keep your hair looking effortlessly chic all day long.
7. Sleek bob
Timelessly trendy and sophisticated, the sleek bob is the perfect choice for women in their thirties who want a polished yet easy to manage look. To achieve the glossy, ultra-smooth finish, use the CLOUD NINE Slim Iron which is perfect for shorter hair and fringes. Reduce drying time and lock in natural moisture for added shine with Magical Quick Dry Potion.
8. Mid-length fringe
Your thirties can be a time of reinvention, so why not try a mid-length fringe? Face-framing bangs can create the perfect subtle transformation. Ask an expert stylist for advice on the best fringe for your face shape and choose from soft wisps or a fuller dramatic side sweeping style. Use CLOUD NINE’s Slim Iron and a lightweight styling spray to keep your fringe looking flattering.
9. Long layers
If you are in your thirties with long hair, then long layers are a secret weapon for a dramatic new look. You achieve all the glamour and volume without sacrificing any of the length. Even if your hair is fine and thin, it will still benefit from strategic long layers that create structure and bounce. CLOUD NINE’s Wide Iron is the perfect styling tool to create a smooth, polished finish.
GLOWING PREGNANCY HAIRSTYLES
As your pregnancy progresses, the hormone shifts often create changes in your hair. Increased oestrogen can lead to thicker, shinier hair, due to production of natural oils. As your hair and body undergo a transformation, embrace styles that make you feel your best, effortlessly. Take extra care of your changing hair with a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion, and check CLOUD NINE’s Temperature Calculator to find the best heat setting for your hair.
10. Layered bob
Keep your thick pregnancy hair looking sleek, fresh, and easy to maintain with a few strategic layers. A layered bob adds volume and texture but stays easy to style. The CLOUD NINE Slim Iron is perfect for smoothing layers while keeping body. Postpartum hair will also love this style as the layers help blend and disguise any hair loss and ‘baby hairs’ caused by regrowth.
11. Textured shoulder-length waves
For women with natural waves and curls, this style embraces your hair’s natural texture. It couldn’t be easier. Simply apply hydrating products and leave your waves to develop naturally. If your hair is type 1 (straight) but your goal is loose waves, then the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand is the tool for you. Take care of your pregnancy hair by checking the Temperature Calculator to style your hair at its perfect temperature.
12. Messy side bun
To create a cute yet cool up-do to complement your growing bump, simply gather hair to one side, securing it in a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail gently around the base and create a loose bun, which you can then secure using hairpins or a hairband. Then, loosen strands and tendrils to create the messy effect you want. For a textured, tousled look, use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro.
EASY AND CHIC POSTPARTUM HAIRSTYLES
Postpartum hair loss is totally normal but can feel stressful for tired new mums juggling the demands of a newborn, other children, and accompanying life changes. Finding the perfect, low-maintenance haircut and haircare routine at this time can feel like a lifesaver. The answer lies in styles that make you feel polished and put together with minimal effort. Remember to protect your changing hair with Magical Quick Dry Potion to keep it looking healthy while styling.
13. The tousled pixie
A low-maintenance, stylish short haircut, perfect for new mums who are short on time. To enhance natural texture, simply scrunch and tousle when drying. For straight hair, the Slim Iron can be used to add definition to shorter strands. Creating texture in the tousled pixie cut is also a great way to disguise post-partum thinning hair.
14. The half-up twist
Look sleek and put together in seconds. Perfect for busy new mums who don’t have time for a lengthy hairstyling routine. All you need is two sections of hair, taken from the front, and a twist before securing them with a hairband at the back. For added polish and elegance, you can keep flyway strands at bay with CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy.
15. The messy bun
The perfect updo to keep mums cool and hair safely away from curious baby hands. When you have long hair, a messy bun is a quick and easy way to add style while staying practical. If you want to add some glamour, tease out some face-framing tendrils using CLOUD NINE’s Curling Wand to create curls and texture.
Check out our guide to hormonal hair loss for more information about postpartum hair.
BEAUTIFUL HAIRSTYLES FOR PERIMENOPAUSAL HAIR
Perimenopause is a time of transition, and you might find that what’s worked before is no longer right for your changing hair. Hitting 50 can be the perfect time to embrace a reset and try a new approach to care for hair that might be thinning or changing in texture. Try new hairstyles recommended for 50-year-old women and feel confident as you enter a new era in your life. Protect your changing hair and use the Temperature Calculator to find the ideal heat setting for your hair.
16. The soft pixie
This sophisticated, low-maintenance style is perfect when embracing changes in your hair. It adds volume and can make thinning hair appear fuller. It’s also a simple way to transition into grey hair. Use the CLOUD NINE Slim Iron for subtle shape and added texture.
17. The shoulder-length lob
This is an ideal style choice for older women with medium-length hair. It offers the elegance of a longer cut while creating movement and volume to counteract the thinning that can come with hormonal changes. The 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro is ideal for adding subtle waves or texture, creating a soft, face-framing effect.
18. Voluminous layers
Adding voluminous layers is a fantastic way to add body to mid-length hair in older women. Hair can become finer with hormonal changes, and layers create the appearance of fullness effortlessly. You can ask your stylist to incorporate layers that disguise and add lift to thinning areas. Use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to enhance the texture and polish in your medium-length hair.
RADIANT HAIRSTYLES FOR MENOPAUSE
Embrace the changes in your hormones and hair and take this time of transformation as an opportunity to find the perfect style for this stage of your life. You may see changes in the texture, volume and colour of your hair, but the key is to find a cut and styling approach that works with these shifts, enhancing its natural qualities. As your hair adapts to menopause, revisit the Temperature Calculator to find the ideal heat styling setting for your hair.
19. The textured crop
Short and chic, this is a brilliant option for older women with thinning hair. This stylish crop has a youthful modern edge and with just a touch of wax or texturising spray is easy to maintain, keeping your look fresh all day long. Keeping hair short is also a low maintenance way to introduce your natural greys.
20. The feathered lob
This is a soft and flattering style that adds volume and a glamorous edge to hair which may be thinning. The delicate ‘feathered’ effect creates a natural lift and adds dimension to your hair. This style suits both straight and naturally wavy hair, making it a versatile choice. The CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro can help define the layers, giving hair a fuller, more youthful appearance.
21. Loose waves
Menopause can create a loss of volume in hair, and loose waves are a simple and stylish way to add an elegant lift. The CLOUD NINE Curling Wand will create gentle, loose curls and waves that frame your face, adding shape and shine. This easy-to-manage style adds a touch of glamour, no matter the occasion.
SHORT AND CHIC HAIRSTYLES FOR OLDER WOMEN
Short hairstyles look chic, are easy to maintain, and add shape and definition to hair which may be thinning. What’s not to love? Textured and tousled cuts are a great option if your hair is losing volume on top and you want to create the illusion of thickness. A short hairstyle is also a great way to embrace your natural grey hair, allowing you to find a style that suits your silver shade.
22. The classic pixie
This classic short cut is a timeless go-to option for older women with thick hair looking for an elegant, low-maintenance hairstyle. Its flattering effect enhances facial features and adds structure and shape if hair starts to thin. To add polish and definition, try CLOUD NINE’s Slim Iron to create a modern look.
23. The sleek bob
The sleek bob is a sophisticated, low-maintenance, shorter style, framing the face and accentuating the jawline and neck. The healthy shine and lustre of the bob can be created and maintained with CLOUD NINE’s Original Iron.
24. The tapered crop:
This contemporary cut is a bold and confident style selection for women who want to look good with minimal effort. It is longer on top, creating the illusion of fullness, and shorter at the back, adding height and structure while remaining manageable. The additional length on top makes it versatile, allowing it to be styled to a sleek or tousled finish. Simply add a texturizing wax or spray to define the layer and add body.
Check out our guide to grey hairstyles for inspiration on how to embrace your natural silver hues.
ELEGANT HAIRSTYLES FOR OLDER WOMEN WITH THINNING HAIR
As we age, hair can start to thin, and the texture can change. This is a natural part of ageing. The key to regaining confidence is finding flattering hairstyles that make you feel beautiful. Looking elegant while creating body and volume with your new style will allow you to embrace your changing hair.
25. The layered pixie
This is a brilliant choice for older women with thinning hair, as it creates the illusion of volume and adds texture while remaining lightweight and easy to maintain. The shorter layers provide a natural lift and frame the face. It’s also an excellent trick for disguising sparse areas by adding structure.
26. The wispy bob
This light and delicate cut is a great option for creating softness around the face, while the layers create the illusion of volume without weighing hair down. Your stylist can use their expertise to create strategic layers around thinning areas, leaving you looking fabulous with minimal effort.
27. Soft layers
If you’re an older woman with longer hair, thinning doesn’t need to mean a drastic cut. You can keep the length and simply add soft layers to create added movement and dimension. Layers will create lightness, giving your hair the appearance of natural volume. Add a loose curl with CLOUD NINE’s Curling Wand for a boost of old-school glamour.
Check out our guide to styles for thinning hair. Be inspired to find the style that works for you.
GORGEOUS HAIRSTYLES FOR OLDER WOMEN WITH MID-LENGTH HAIR
Getting older doesn’t mean compromising on gorgeous hairstyles. Mid-length hair is one of the most versatile options as you age, giving the perfect balance between style and practicality. The range of styles is endless, from lobs and layers to feathered cuts and fringes. Cutting in a fringe (sometimes called bangs) with your mid-length look can be the perfect solution for anyone suffering from progressively thinner hair.
28.The lob
A long bob is a sleek and sophisticated look which is still long enough to be versatile. This timeless and elegant cut is easy to maintain and style. For finer hair, the CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro hair dryer can make all the difference. By focusing on the roots with a round brush while blow-drying, you can achieve additional volume and lift.
29. Wavy lob
The lob - with a little something extra. This style is perfect if you already have a natural wave or curl in your hair. And if you have straight hair and want to create a wavy lob, then the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand is the perfect tool. It creates subtle, loose curls that add body and natural volume. This relaxed look is perfect to add a lift to thinning hair.
30. The classic blowout
Nothing says timeless elegance like a classic blowout. With the aid of the CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro hair dryer and a round brush, your mid-length hair can have that smooth and voluminous salon-finished feel. The technique helps lift the roots, adds shine, and gives the appearance of thicker, healthier hair.
Check out our hair dryer styling blog, where we break down the best ways to achieve a flawless salon-quality blowout at home.
Whatever age you are, whatever stage of life you’re in, there’s a perfect timeless style for you. Use this guide to discover it.
We’d love to see your amazing hairstyles from every age and stage of life. Tag@cloudninehair and share your timeless styles on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.
