Lions Gate Films / Courtesy Everett Collection Clea DuVall speaks to PEOPLE exclusively about the legacy of her movieBut I'm a Cheerleader, which came out in 2000 Jamie Babbit's romcom set at a gay conversion therapy camp has since been recognized as a cult favorite and trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation Fans have approached DuVall to sayBut I'm a Cheerleaderhelped them come out and feel less alone, the actress-filmmaker says AsBut I'm a Cheerleadernears its 25th birthday, it's clearer than ever to starClea DuVallthat the cult classic maintains a powerful legacy for LGBTQ+ audiences — one much more impactful than she realized while making it. "We had no idea," she says of the film's status as a trailblazer. "We were just making this tiny little movie in Palmdale, California. We were all so young — just a bunch of little punks running around the set and giving [director Jamie Babbit] a hard time." A laugh-filled queer romcom set at a conversion therapy camp would be a daring venture in 2025, let alone 1999 when it was filmed. "Especially at that time, there were not a lot of people doing things like that," DuVall, 47, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue celebrating Pride month. "It was very ahead of its time." Directed by Babbit with a script from Brian Wayne Peterson,But I'm a CheerleaderstarredNatasha Lyonneas Megan, a high school cheerleader shocked to realize at a family's intervention that she may be a lesbian. DuVall played Graham, Megan's eventual love interest and the conversion therapy camp's bad girl. The comedy also starredRuPaul,Melanie Lynskey,Michelle Williams,Julie Delpy, Cathy Moriarty, Mink Stole and more. Although DuVall recalls that she "wasn't out" at the time — "the press cycle for that movie was brutal for me," she says, "promoting a gay movie and not talking about being gay" —But I'm a Cheerleaderallowed her to "play a character that was less of the stereotype of what we were at the time used to seeing lesbian characters be." Mark Lipson/Kushner-Locke/Ignite/Kobal/Shutterstock Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Calling it "the most rewarding thing I had ever done," DuVall adds that she has repeatedly heard from fans saying the film "gave them the courage to come out, and it made them feel comfortable, and it made them feel seen." At one film festival, she recalls, a mom and daughter approached DuVall and Lyonne, 46. "They had driven for four hours to see this movie because the kid really wanted to see it, and the mom really wanted to make it happen for her, and it really meant a lot to them." It was "being able to see gay characters portrayed in this way and have a happy ending," DuVall says, that resonated. "She said that she felt it made her feel less afraid and less alone." Parents, too, she adds, are part of a child's journey of coming out. "They need these movies as much as their kids do." But I'm a Cheerleaderwill celebrate its 25th birthday on July 7. Also among its fans:Elliot Page, who in 2021spokeabout how such a LGBTQ+ film "offers somebody a lifeline. And I know that representation has done that for me." Read the original article onPeople
Friday, May 30, 2025
Clea DuVall Reflects on 25 Years of “But I’m a Cheerleader” Helping LGBTQ+ Fans 'Feel Less Afraid' (Exclusive)
'O.C.' Star, 43, Stuns in White, Rapunzel-Like Dress on L.A. Red Carpet

'O.C.' Star, 43, Stuns in White, Rapunzel-Like Dress on L.A. Red Carpetoriginally appeared onParade. Rachel Bilson, forever etched in our memories as the stylish Summer Roberts fromThe O.C., proved her fashion icon status remains firmly intact as she attended a chic Isabel Marant event inLos Angeleson Thursday, May 29. The 43-year-old actress dressed in a stunning white Rapunzel-like dress that perfectly embodies the French designer's signature bohemian elegance. The event, a luncheon and dinner hosted byNet-a-PorterandIsabel Marant, drew a fashionable crowd, but Bilson's simple style turned heads. Her choice of attire was a long, flowing white dress that featured romantic, voluminous sleeves, delicate detailing, and an effortlessly graceful silhouette. The textured fabric and ethereal quality of the gown gave the feeling of a modern fairytale princess stepping out in style. Bilson herself seemed pleased with her ensemble, sharing glimpses of her lookwith her followerson social media. Complementing the dress, Bilson opted for a chic and understated approach to her hair and makeup, letting the gown take center stage. Her dark locks provided a beautiful contrast to the white fabric, and her overall presentation was one of sophisticated yet relaxed glamour – a look she has perfected over her years in the spotlight. Known for her impeccable taste since her days onThe O.C., where her character Summer Roberts became a teen-style icon of the early 2000s, Bilson has maintained a strong presence in the fashion world. She's often spotted at high-profile shows and has been a long-time admirer and wearer of Isabel Marant's designs. While she juggles motherhood and her ongoing career, which includes her popularBroad Ideaspodcast, where she often reminisces about herO.C.days and discusses current topics, Rachel Bilson continues to make memorable appearances. 'O.C.' Star, 43, Stuns in White, Rapunzel-Like Dress on L.A. Red Carpetfirst appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Dolly Parton Admits She’s ‘Anxious to See’ Her Debut Musical Which Has Given Her 'Mixed Emotions' and Made Her 'Cry' (Exclusive)
Jason Kempin/Getty Dolly Parton spoke to PEOPLE about the emotional journey of creating her first-ever musical,Dolly: An Official Musical The show willkick off with previews in Nashville on July 18 and officially opens in Nashville on Aug. 8 before heading to Broadway in 2026 Dollywill feature new and classic songs with a non-linear take on Parton's life story, blending country roots with full Broadway orchestration Dolly Partonis finally coming for the big lights of Broadway — but the country superstar says it's been a long time coming. In an interview with PEOPLE tied to the release of her new single-serve frozen meals with Conagra, the "Jolene" singer spoke about what it was like to watch the stories of her life play out on stage during the process of putting togetherDolly: An Official Musicaltogether during casting and creation "I have a lot of mixed emotions about the whole thing. It was very emotional, you know, just to watch the whole thing," she told PEOPLE candidly. "When it started, I'd cry some, and then I'd laugh some, and I think, 'Oh, my Lord, why did I do that?' Or just, 'How did I ever have the time to do all that?' So you have a lot of mixed emotions and have thoughts about every part of it." Jason Kempin/Getty Dolly, which is Parton's debut musical, starts previews in Nashville at the Fisher Theater for the Performing Arts on July 18 before making its official opening on Aug. 8. The show is set to premiere on Broadway in New York City in 2026. The "9 to 5" singer, who ironically told PEOPE that rehearsals for the musical will actually be running from 10 to 6, shared that the show has been years in the works and that she's been waiting for what she felt was the right time to tell a thorough and full story of her life. And of course, she was hands-on throughout the process. "I wrote a lot of the original songs, in addition to the fact that we will be using the hit songs that people know, telling the stories and the timeline and when they're recorded," she says. "But actually, I've been working on it for years, and it does feel good to finally have it almost here." Fans can expect music new and old and a look at some of the most pivotal moments in Parton's career, but not necessarily in a linear timeline. "It's got a lot of good country music in it, lot of good country stories, but it also has a lot of the big orchestration, all the things that I've always dreamed about having my songs and stories on stage and telling my life story.I waited for a while till I was this old so I could tell it so, so I could tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth — So, help me, Lord!" Jason Kempin/Getty She continued on with a laugh, "That's why it's so hard to put a show together, you can't just tell it like it is and how it happened at that time. You have to kind of weave it around, make sure you get the story right, but that everything works for the sets and all the changes of clothes. I never knew so many things were involved in putting a Broadway show together. But I'm excited about it, and I'm anxious to see it myself." Parton, however, will not be performing in the show herself. In fact, she'll be enjoying a much deserved break onceDollyhits production. "I'm going to be tied up here in Nashville all summer, working on [the musical] until through August, for sure," she says. "And then once I catch my breath, I don't know what I'm going to do, probably just catch my breath. Take a breather." Read the original article onPeople
Al Jardine of the Beach Boys on Doing a Rare Solo Project, ‘Islands in the Sun,’ and Fronting Brian Wilson’s Road Band for Upcoming Tour (EXCLUSIVE)
Is Al Jardine still just at least a little bit boyish, at 82? Yes, he is, with both the small and big B. Although this 60-year-plus veteran of the Beach Boys has not toured or recorded under that umbrella for a while, he has continued to wave the group's flag as an integral member of Brian Wilson's touring ensemble. And now that Wilson is effectively retired, Jardine is picking up the mantle by going out on the road fronting the same band that made the Boys' music sound fuller and lusher than ever, now dubbed the Pet Sounds Band. But with rehearsals still in progress for the first set of shows, Jardine has surprise-released a new digital EP, "Islands in the Sun," out today via Universal. It's his first all-new solo release since 2010's "Postcard From California," which, remarkably, was his first studio album out on his own ever. Jardine has never been one to barge into the limelight when he could be assuming a more supportive role with Wilson or the Boys, and just occasionally stepping in front with lead vocals on songs from "Help Me Rhonda" to "Honking Down the Highway." But the most faithful fans of the group are bound to get considerable pleasure out of hearing Jardine assert himself as the lead guy for the length even of a short record. More from Variety Neil Young Slams Elon Musk and 'Fascist' Tesla Drivers in New Single, Announces First Album With Chrome Hearts San Luis Obispo Film Festival to Feature Neil Young, Daryl Hannah and Jay Duplass Neil Young, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers Joining Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Anti-'Oligarchy' Rally in L.A. Even here, he seems content to share the lead position, bringing in a few famous guests. Neil Young pops up for a duet, as he did on Jardine's previous project, with Flea making a trumpet cameo on that same track. Other guests include fellow Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and son Matt Jardine, who handles some lead vocals in the touring unit. In this interview on the eve of the release of "Islands," Jardine talked about working with those figures, picking up loose song threads from decades ago, taking over leadership of Wilson's tour band, and the tantalizing promise of a forthcoming boxed set rounding up some of the Beach Boys' 1970s work (which he plans to highlight on tour). There are a lot of fans who really love the sound of your voice. You've done so little solo stuff, it feels possible that maybe your fans love your voice more than you do, or something. I don't know. Really? Oh, come on. Thank you. But when I think of great voices, I think of (Michael) Bublé and those guys that have that amazing skill. Oh, God… Pavarotti — good lord. You know? But we can't go there. We're just Beach Boys. Why do you think it was maybe not so important to do your own solo albums before, and what has given you the itch to do a bit more of that now? That's a darn good question. Well, this one in particular, the lead-off song, "Islands in the Sun," is something that's been brewing for quite a while, and it's gone through a lot of iterations, and I had to re-record pretty much the whole track from start to finish over a period of many years. So these are like catch-ups. When you're in a massive recording group like the Beach Boys in your career, with our incredible inventory of music, there are so many things you left on the shelf that there simply isn't time to do your own things, let alone get ready for the next Beach Boys project. In my case, 50 years have gone by, which is hard to believe, or 60 in some cases, and there's still songs that I think are pretty reasonably worth the time to finish them, and so I've gotten around to finishing a few things. I don't know why it's only an EP, to be honest with you, because I do have so many more things, and Idohave time to finish them now. So this is a sample, I guess, of things to come. Why were you drawn back to finish the song "Islands in the Sun," which you have Bruce Johnston and your son Matt singing on? And how far does that one go back, in its origins? It was originally intended to be a song for our "Stars and Stripes" album [in 1996], which was a country album, and I tried to sneak it in. I said, "Carl, why don't we try something new? Instead of doing country-Western…" But it was a star-studded country album, so it was the wrong time to release "Islands in the Sun." We happened to be in the studio, and we cut it in about five minutes and went home, and it stayed on the shelf. That's how it evolves in our world. It has to do with my love of the Caribbean and the sound of calypso — it's Beach Boys, calypso and Harry Belafonte kind of all married together in my brain. Originally when I was a folk singer, I heard Belafonte do a song called "Island" — singular — "in the Sun." It was beautiful, and I almost would call it a folk song. Well, calypsoisabout folk people in that area. Anyway, it made me think about replicating that vibe married to a Beach Boys vibe, similar to "Kokomo." In fact, I found my voice again. Which is nice, because I didn't even know I had a baritone voice. And now people will accuse me of trying to be Mike Love, because he was always our baritone. So now I'm reliving the Beach Boys and Belafonte, with a little Bob Marley thrown in too. "Highway 101" is your adaptation of Leiber & Stoller's "Smokey Joe's Cafe," which you've said was a favorite song in your youth. You had the idea to recast that in a different setting? I called Mike Stoller, who wrote the music for "Smokey Joe's Cafe," because if you know the song, you can't help knowing that it's a derivative of that, so I thought I should get his approval. So I had a chance to hook up with him after all these years. It's amazing that we're all still around. And I just love it because it's kind of a very ballsy, bluesy kind of version with a nod to "Smokey Joe's" while telling a nice little storyline about what we did as teenagers. We'd all go down to Tijuana after graduation or some crazy thing like that, and so I just expanded it to Rosarita Beach Café instead of Smokey Joe's cafe, and he liked it. But he said, "Send me the lyrics." I said, why? He said, "So I can understand it." because you know, they go by pretty quick. We'll get together and have lunch and have a a good old time. On a very different note, "My Plane Leaves Tomorrow" features Neil Young and Flea on a song that seems to have a wartime setting. We know Neil's part was done at the same time you did another song with Neil for your previous album back in 2010. It's interesting hearing his distinctive voice over the top of a gentle rhythm that's more akin to what you do, just the novelty of that tone in such a different setting. And it sounds light, but it's got a heavy lyric. Mm-hmm. We were wrapping up and I said, "Hey, would you mind putting these lyrics on this other tune I'm working on?" And he said, sure. He was so easy to work with, so pleasant. And he had the most beautiful microphones, I mean, the best stuff, obviously. And he just went in there and he laid 'em down in such a mellow, extraordinarily easy way. I thought, boy, that sure carries the sentiment of someone going off to to war — and, you know, sometimes you don't come back. It kind of gives me chills thinking about it. I think he carried it beautifully. And then Flea of all the people in the world is playing "Taps." Trumpet is his first instrument, I think. I was a bugler in the Boy Scouts. That's kind of crazy, but you know, someone has to do it. I was the quarter master, and that was one of my duties. So we kind of hooked up in a funny way, huh? Anyway, I got really lucky with those two, and that's my favorite, to be honest with you. It just really gets me. Because we're always so close to going to war with Iran and that area of the world, or the threat of it. It's kind of derivative of an old folk song called "All My Sorrows." If you were to listen to that, you would hear some of the melody in there. It was a beautiful, beautiful Kingston Trio tune, but derivative again of an earlier song. A lot of stuff goes so far back, we don't even know who the writers really were. The other song on the EP is "Crumple Car," a song that appeared in the surf-themec movie "Big Wednesday." It's pretty much just your voice and acoustic guitar picking. Not knowing the movie that well, I assume this arrangement is different from how it sounded there? It's pretty close. All I did was I added a whistling solo in the middle, and a chorus. The original didn't have really a chorus; it was just used as background to the boys going surfing. It didn't sound like a surfing song, but more kind of one of those things you all know and you sing together going to the beach. But it wasn't a full song, so I added certain elements to give it kind of a surf-folk thing. There's a new genre for the Grammys — surf-folk. It's a very spiritual song in a way, because it really is about a very, very precious area of the California coast that the Chumash think is kind of a gateway for the supernatural, to the next world. Isn't that interesting? I didn't know that until I read a letter from one of the writers, Danny Albert, who wrote to me and said he loved my version of this. He said it's his favorite version, and he wanted me to make it available. My lead guitarist, Eddie Carter, who has been on all the early Beach Boy bands from inception, recommended that I re-record it. That particular story, to me, in "Crumple Car," is haunted and beautiful. This little rusty car becomes a symbol almost of a kind of an ecological movement. It gives it an aura of drama too, which makes it interesting with all those oil derricks out there. Who knows when the next bill's gonna be (about allowing or disallowing the derriks). "Where will my people go?" — (that applies to) the surfing people and the Chumash. Let's talk about your upcoming touring. On the itinerary that is just going out, speaking of California, we don't see any actual west coast dates on here, which all your fans in L.A. and thereabouts would hope for. Is this tour that you're doing in the summer kind of a test run, to see if you can buil up and do a larger tour later on? Yeah. I call it a pretest. When we made records in the old days — well, everything is the old days now —we actually hired people to pretest our singles, with an audience, to see if the label would get behind it and promote it. Well, this is kind of the same way. Since Brian is not touring anymore, I'm hiring the Brian band, but I can't use Brian's name. So we decided to call it the Pet Sounds Band. Well, people don't really know who the Pet Sounds band is, so we have to start from scratch and see if it works. I just heard we sold out a venue in Phoenix for a couple of nights, and got an offer to come back there in December, so that's a good sign. We're sporadically adding dates as we go along and even got an offer to go to Australia, which is amazing. And I think about it, because they really don't know who we are, other than… You know, I do describe it in my publicity that this is "the Brian Band" — as many as we could get gather together. That will make so many people happy because, obviously, we're not gonna have Brian out there touring this music anymore. No, yeah, I know. But the band is so good. Yeah, they're so damn good. … So you think other people are excited about it? They are. And the last time you and Brian played the Greek with the band, it was hard not to think: There is a way this could go on beyond Brian. You don't want to say that just anybody could be up there singing with them, but the band is so good, there've got to be ways to keep this going indefinitely, somehow. I thought the very same thing. Why should it not? You know, we had the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. As long as the talent, the will and the ability is still there. Almost everybody… 90% of everybody's coming back. You're calling it the Pet Sounds Band, and next year is the 60th anniversary of that album. Do you expect to be commemorating it? It hadn't even occurred to me, to be honest with you. I was just looking for a name for the band that people would recognize as being who they are. And then I was reminded about this 60th and I went, "Holy cow. Geez, we'll go out and just play the 'Pet Sounds' all over again" (in 2026). I don't know if there's a market for it, but we'll see. Although we've done it a lot, why not? At least the highlights from it. This year we are supporting the UMG release, a boxed set coming out this fall with "The Beach Boys Love You" (the group's 1977 cult album) on it. So that encourages them to promote the tour, which is nice, to be getting a little collaboration there. So we might actually get some bookings for '26 out of this, which would be very helpful. Because the band wants to keep working, because we love Brian's music… including the more esoteric stuff, like this boxed set, which has unreleased music from the "Love You" album, which hardly anybody probably has ever heard, and "15 Big Ones." So there's a lot of stuff in there that we can educate people about, because we can actually perform it, which is pretty remarkable. There's some serious music in there. It was exciting to hear not just that you were touring, but that you will be doing some of the little-played stuff from the mid-'70 era this particular boxed set represents. Because "Beach Boys Love You" is my favorite Beach Boys album… Are you serious? Of course. For some of us, for some reason, that one is dearest to our hearts. That's amazing. May I ask what your favorite songs are on it? Or which you would prefer to lose if you had your druthers? Well, this is not just because you sing lead on it, but speaking honestly… just as a lifelong thing, once you've heard it, it's hard to ever stop humming "Honking Down the Highway." Ah, man, that is great. Well, listen to my version of it on "Postcard from California" and you'll hear how I added a baritone saxophone solo in it, by the sax player from the Billy Joel band… and that's the version we're gonna try to do this summer. Plus, I'll be singing Mike's lead on "Roller Skating Child," and my son Matt will do "The Night Was So Young." Darian Sahanaja, the musical director, wants to do "Johnny Carson," of all things. And "Airplane," that's the other big one. That gives us some breadth and depth. … Brian, he is so quirky about everything, and that's why the album is interesting to you, because it's quirky. Everything about it is so interesting. And very few people… I'm impressed that you even know about it. And the album that came before it, "15 Big Ones," which is also part of the box… will you be playing anything from that on tour, too? Yeah. It's gonna be crazy. I'm gonna need a three-hour show or something. Right now our first dates are in casinos, and we have some outdoor shows, which are always restrictive to time, if there are other people on the show, so I'm not sure how much we're gonna be able to get done on those first few shows. I think we'll definitely be able to plumb a few extras. I'm thinking about "15 Big Ones," and songs like "Rock and Roll Music." There's one that I haven't even heard since we recorded it, called "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" by Bill Haley and the Comets. That was one that never made the album. I found a lyric sheet for it sitting in a pile of trash just the other day, which is kind of weird, on a nice legal pad. There weren't any background parts with Bill Haley, except they were shouting the theme. But we had many background parts worked out that I had written out, and I'm going, "Holy tamale, I've gotta hear this again." I even took a picture of the lyrics for the boxed set so they could see it, because you don't often see stuff like that of ours written out. Anything else you could share about the boxed set? Yeah, there's an unreleased album called "Adult Child." I haven't even heard the songs on it for 50 years, or at least 30, so I hope they send me an approval box. It was supposed to come out after our last Warner Bros. release — maybe it was after "Love You" that it was supposed to come out — but we rejected it, or somebody rejected it, either us or the label. Incredible stuff on there. You're going to be really pleased. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.
7 Best Layered Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

7 Best Layered Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylistsoriginally appeared onParade. Hair doesn't stay the same forever—and that's not a bad thing, but it does mean your cut should evolve with it. As we age, hair tends to become finer, drier and a little less full at the crown. Hormonal shifts can lead tothinning, especially around the hairline and part, and texture can change too—what was once sleek might become wiry or frizzy seemingly overnight. This is wherelayerscome in. By removing weight in the right places and creating movement, layers can instantly boost volume and helphair look thickerand more dynamic. They also make it easier to style aging hair without fighting against it—no more trying to force limp hair into a style that just won't hold. Instead, layers work with your texture, making your cut feel intentional, fresh and youthful without requiring a major transformation. Not to mention, they're super customizable to fit your needs. Subtle face-framing pieces can soften features, while strategic layering throughout the crown can lift and volumize. Related:7 Best Volumizing Haircuts for Thin and Long Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists If you've been side-eyeing layered hairstyles, unsure if they're "still for you," consider this your official permission slip to go for it. Read on forseven layered hairstyles recommended for women over 50—and why they might just be the best cuts you've ever had. A tousled, shoulder-length crop hits that sweet spot between relaxed and refined—and it's one of the most flattering styles for women over 50. The length keeps things versatile, while the layers add shape and texture that bring fine or thinning hair back to life. Halle Berry's take on the cut is a perfect example—proof that "even short hair can have gorgeous layering for volume and style," says celebrity stylistMichelle Phillips, who has worked with the likes of A-list celebrities such as Katie Couric and Colbie Caillat. Styling this 'do is just as effortless as it looks. A volumizing mousse or lightweight root lift spray can be worked into damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush to boost, lift and polish. From there, a quick once-over with a curling wand or flat iron adds definition to the ends—though the beauty of this cut is in its messier, piece-y finish. A touch of texturizing spray or pomade brings out the layers and keeps the style looking effortless. Long layers are a classic for a reason—and no one wears them quite like Jennifer Aniston. Her signature cut is sleek but never flat, polished but never too precise. "Aniston's signature style is perfect for women with straight or wavy hair," explains Phillips. "Long, blended layers create softness and movement while maintaining thickness at the ends." The key is in the layering technique. Rather than chopping into the hair, layers are subtly carved in to create flow and dimension. It's flattering on nearly every face shape and ideal for hair that's starting to feel a little limp or heavy. Plus, styling is easy—a smooth blowout with a round brush will do the trick, all you need is a shine serum or lightweight oil through the mid-lengths to ends to keep everything looking glossy. The feathered bob is a dream cut for mature women who want something fresh and flattering. Inès De La Fressange nails it with her breezy, shoulder-grazing version. Light layers and a slight flip give just enough volume to keep things interesting. It's especially flattering for those noticing their hair isn't quite as thick as it used to be. Phillips encourages those with fine hair to "go for soft, blended layers—especially around the crown and face to add volume and fullness without making the ends look sparse." There's also major face-framing magic happening here. Those soft, swoopy pieces around the cheekbones bring instant lift and dimension, while the length keeps it versatile. "Shoulder-length cuts with soft face-framing layers bring attention to the eyes and cheekbones and soften the jawline," Phillips adds. To style, mist a volumizing spray at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush and give the ends a little flick for that cool, French-girl finish. Curtain bangs are a simple update that delivers major payoff. They softly frame the face, draw attention to the eyes, and blend easily into longer layers, making them an ideal choice for women looking to update their style without a full overhaul. Especially in your 50s and beyond, when hair can become finer or more fragile, these gently parted bangs can help add shape and movement without compromising fullness. Curtain bangs work across a range of textures and lengths, and they grow out gracefully, which makes them even more versatile. Styled with a round brush or flicked out with a flat iron, they can be polished or relaxed depending on the day. They also lift the face in a way that's subtle but effective. "The right layers can lift more than just your hair - they lift your energy, your features, and even your confidence," saysGregory Patterson, Hair Care & Styling Expert forSally Beauty, who has styled the likes of Meryl Streep and Emma Stone. Related:7 Best 'Curtain Bang' Hairstyles, According to Celebrity Hairstylists The shag is proof that a great haircut can be both cool and completely age-appropriate. Just look at Jane Fonda's modern take on the classic with its layered structure and tousled texture. The shag creates instant lift and movement, making it a go-to for women looking to boost volume and shape without sacrificing edge. The shag also adapts beautifully to different hair types, so don't shy away from this 'do if your hair's on the finer side. Pro trip from Patterson? Opt for a really sharp, blunt 'line' at the bottom of the haircut to give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. On the flip side, for curly-haired gals, this style is "sweet-spot cut for you," says Patterson. Just ask your stylist to remove bulk underneath your layers to keep the shape controlled and keep those coarse, stubborn grays in place. A pixie cut gives that instant reboot you've been craving. Sharon Stone's version reveals how carefully placed layers around the crown and face add subtle lift, infusing the cut with lightness and dimension and striking a balance between modern edge and smart styling that addresses common hair concerns, says Phillips. But the cut is just the kickoff. The real "wow factor" comes from the products you use, boosting the lift at the root and adding texture without weighing hair down. A lightweight volumizing spray, likeKeranique's Lift & Repair Treatment, delivers fullness with control, giving the style that perfect edge. With a quick swipe here and a blast of air there, the pixie transforms flat hair to fierce and alive in seconds. Soft layers, like the ones Regina Hall rocks, bring a graceful and playful flair to a traditional style. And it isn't by accident—this 'do is carefully designed to enhance movement and body. "Layers don't just help with the appearance of volume and lift, they actually create more lift in the hair," says Patterson. The secret lies in shorter strands that push and support longer ones, carefully reducing weight while sculpting the shape with precision. Think of these layers as an invisible framework that keeps things light but structured. It's a style that's clearly planned but never stiff, letting hair bounce and flow naturally. Pair it with the right products to add volume and hold without any heaviness, and you get a look that's subtle but ready to turn heads. Related: 7 Best Effortless Short Hairstyles for Women 50+, According to Celebrity Stylists 7 Best Layered Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylistsfirst appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.