We may be more accustomed to seeing our daughters and twenty-something models like Hailey Bieber sporting a scraped-back updo with plenty of gel. However, a stylist claims that this look is the perfect anti-ageing hack for women in their 50s.
As well as providing a mini-facelift by pulling everything back, it also accentuates natural beauty and does not appear overly styled.
'Women over 50 are increasingly embracing the slick back hairstyle because it creates an instantly polished, lifted appearance that can be incredibly flattering and modern,' Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail.
'Unlike heavier fringes, which can sometimes close off the face or draw attention downward, a sleek swept-back style opens up the features, highlights the cheekbones and jawline, and gives a fresher, more confident overall look. It creates structure and elegance.'
The trend has already made its mark on the red carpet, with everyone from Pamela Anderson, 58, to Jennifer Lopez, 56, combing their tresses back to showcase their glowing visages.
Lisa said that women in their 50s need not feel they must hide behind softer styles or layers.
'The slick back also works beautifully because it communicates confidence and simplicity, two things that often become more refined with age and personal style,' she continued.
'A clean, slicked-back look can actually enhance natural beauty by allowing the skin, eyes and bone structure to take centre stage. It feels modern, powerful and effortless.'
Another reason the style can appear more youthful is because it creates visual lift. By directing the hair away from the face and adding subtle height at the crown, the eye is naturally drawn upwards, which gives a fresher, energised effect. Pairing the look with healthy shine and softer makeup keeps it elegant rather than severe.
She explained that the key is all about balance.
'It's not about creating a wet-look, ultra-tight finish, but instead a more wearable version with movement, texture and shine,' she explained.
'When styled correctly, it can feel incredibly chic and contemporary, proving that modern beauty is much more about confidence and attitude than following outdated age rules.'
Read on to see how Hollywood's over-50s club are ditching fringes and layers for age-defying slick backs...
Sharon Stone, 68
Sharon adds a whole new layer of trendy to her looks with a slicked-back hairstyle.
Lisa: Sharon Stone demonstrates perfectly how a slicked-back hairstyle can feel chic rather than harsh. Her versions tend to have softness and texture, which keeps the look modern and wearable. Sweeping the hair away from the face enhances her striking features and creates an effortless elegance that feels incredibly age-positive.
Pamela Anderson, 58
Pamela is fond of a slick-back look, which always highlights her fresh-faced, make-up free appearance.
Lisa: Pamela Anderson's softer slick back works beautifully because it strips everything back to effortless confidence. By wearing the hair away from the face with minimal fuss, it highlights her bone structure and glowing skin, creating a very modern, fresh feel. It also complements her recent move towards more natural beauty, proving that simplicity can often look far more youthful and elegant than overly styled hair.
Jennifer Lopez, 56
Jennifer shows off her age-defying looks when she pulls her hair back to demonstrate a glowing visage.
Lisa: Jennifer Lopez often uses the slick back to create a lifted, sculpted effect that feels glamorous yet powerful. The clean lines of the hairstyle showcase her cheekbones and jawline, while the shine adds a healthy, youthful finish. It's a look that balances sophistication with confidence, which is why it works so well on women over 50.
Kris Jenner, 70
Kris has long enjoyed a short haircut, but in recent years the reality star has experimented with trendy gelled-back looks.
Lisa: Kris Jenner has long embraced sleek, structured hairstyles because they enhance her strong features and signature style. A slicked-back finish gives a refined, powerful look that feels contemporary and sharp. It also reinforces the idea that confident styling choices can often appear more youthful than trying to disguise age with softer cuts.
Nicole Kidman, 58
Nicole loves experimenting with her hair, and stylist Lisa has praised her slicked-back looks as being ones that look 'polished' without being hard work.
Lisa: Nicole Kidman's slick back styles are a great example of understated glamour. The look elongates the face and creates a graceful silhouette, particularly when paired with softer makeup and clean tailoring. It gives an instantly polished appearance without relying on heavy styling or volume.
Keri Russell, 50
The stunning Keri used to like a short fringe that fell over her eyes, but has in recent years been brushing tresses away from her face.
Lisa: Keri Russell's slick back styles tend to feel effortless and contemporary, which is exactly why they work so well. By keeping the hair smooth and controlled while allowing some natural texture, the style creates polish without looking rigid. It enhances facial definition and gives a clean, confident finish that feels timeless rather than trend-led.
Naomi Watts, 57
Naomi is a fan of a slicked-back look, often favouring it over a styled fringe that sweeps over the forehead.
Lisa: Naomi Watts often wears softer slicked-back hairstyles that feel elegant and relaxed rather than severe. The look opens up her face beautifully and creates natural lift around the cheekbones and eyes. It's particularly flattering because it combines sophistication with softness, which keeps the style youthful and modern.
Emily Watson, 59
Over the years, actress Emily has ditched a long, layered fringe for a trendy 'wet' slick-back.
Lisa: Emily Watson's take on the slick back feels modern, wearable and effortlessly polished. The style frames the face in a very clean way, drawing attention to the eyes and skin rather than the hair itself. It's a great example of how understated styling can create a fresher, more elevated appearance.
