Being in your 40s doesn’t mean you can’t have stylish hair. There are lots of age-defying hairstyles and haircuts to choose from. You and your stylist will just have to make some slight modifications to accommodate your slightly aging hair, lifestyle, and face shape.
💡 Key Things to Know First
- If you have fine or limp hair, consider adding layers and texture to your cut to boost your hair’s volume.
- Shaggy Lobs are super trendy for women in their 40s right now. I’ll show you some below.
- Consider getting a balayage to cover your random grays. It’s a great way to keep your hair color looking natural and the grow-out is seamless!
- Talk to your hairdresser about face-framing layers if you have a round or square face shape.
- Now is the time to stop putting off investing in quality hair products. 40 is the critical decade to preventing long-lasting hair damage.
Below, I’ve put together a collection of some of the most stylish and flattering hairstyles for women over 40. Most importantly, they’re found on everyday women like you!
#1: Short Curly Hair
This short curly hair cut is a fun and bohemian shape with a shattered bang that will grow out into layers effortlessly. The rounded layers were cut with a straight razor, removing weight for added movement and boosting the curls. This look for women 40 plus, was styled with a leave-in conditioner to help with frizz and to add moisture and also a salt spray to boost the curls and add some texture. The shape is great for any curly texture of hair and the length of the layers and bangs can be customized to suit the taste of each individual.
#2: Short Choppy Cut with Thin Hair
This short haircut for women over 40 is a loose, shaggy pixie. This is an ideal style for women going from a short pixie to a medium-length haircut or even ladies who are too afraid to embrace a true pixie. This short choppy haircut is carefree and super easy to style! We used Kevin Murphy’s anti-gravity spray for light volume and finished up with Bedroom Hair, a dry texture spray by Kevin Murphy. This look is perfect for a low-maintenance girl!
#3: Ash Blonde Pixie Undercut
An ash blonde pixie undercut is not only appealing on the red carpet, but it’s also the perfect on-trend hairstyle for women over 40. These types of cuts are more and more likely to feature an undercut, one of the latest trends inspired by Hollywood women.
#4: Undone Shaggy Bob with Short Bangs
A shaggy bob with short bangs is a perfectly touchable look if you are in your 40s. If beauty yet practicality is important to you, this cut will check all your boxes! Easy to style, even easier to grow out and maintain, an undone shaggy bob is a must-try.
#5: The Pixie Cut
Go for the pixie cut if you’re looking for a crop that can transform you. Sometimes, cutting it all off can be the best way to create a new you. You’ll need to invest in a styling product or two for your new chop. Try Davines’ “Medium Hold Finishing Gum” or Ouai’s “Matte Pomade” to give your look an edgy finish.
#6: Side-Parted Fluffy Layered Bob
A side-parted fluffy layered bob is not only gorgeous, but it’s also the perfect cut to spring your hair back to life. It is also great to combat signs of aging with the soft side part hiding any wrinkles. If you want to look a little younger, then this is the cut to try.
#7: Beach Wavy Brown Hair with Subtle Highlights
Beach wavy brown hair paired with subtle highlights looks stunning on women over 40. Those already rocking this shade of blonde will tell you just how many compliments they get! The subtle highlights are also low-maintenance allowing for a longer time between touch-ups.
#8: Mid-Length Blonde Hair with Feathered Layers
A hairstyle for women over 40 should always flatter, and that is exactly what mid-length blonde hair with feathered layers does. This soft and subtle hair idea is full of movement and body, offering a youthful take on aging hair. All you need to do to get this look is bring this photo and tell your stylist you are ready for a change!
#9: Short Wispy Blonde Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
A short wispy blonde bob with side-swept bangs is a great choice for older women with finer hair. If you have thicker, denser hair, you might want to avoid this look as it will need a lot of maintenance in between salon visits.
#10: Textured Wolf Cut with Blunt Bangs
A textured wolf cut with blunt bangs is a fun and flirty statement that can really enhance your facial features. You and your stylist will discuss what length works best for your face shape and will detail the cut to show off your cheekbones and eyes. Styling with a volumizing mousse and round brush will help hold the final look.
#11: Short Wavy Stacked Bob on Copper Hair
A short wavy stacked bob on copper hair is a classic romantic look. One of the most flattering cuts for fine hair is a stacked bob, the layering creates natural movement and volume. Of all short haircuts, the bob is the most iconic and classic. The bob works for all hair textures, creating a detailed shape that is easy to style and always looks fabulous.
#12: Voluminous Wavy Shoulder-Length Hair
A voluminous wavy shoulder-length hairstyle is a cut that suits any face shape and hair texture. The cut is so versatile, you can wear it straight, wavy, or blown out with natural or big waves. The cut is a medium-length style that works on round, long, oval, or square face shapes, but your stylist can detail the face-framing and layering around what looks best for you. Styling can be low maintenance with a curl cream and air-dry if you have a natural wave. If you have fine, straight hair you can use a volumizing mousse and round brush to get lasting volume.
#13: Brushed Back Wavy Bixie on Salt and Pepper Hair
Try a salt and pepper soft wavy bixie cut. With this short hairstyle, it can be swept back and away from your face to create a beautiful lifting effect. Adding a few curls to your style will give you some extra volume as well. It’s an inspiring style for women in their 40s who want a short style with versatility in styling.
#14: Medium Layered Cut with Flipped-Up Ends
If you’re looking for something low-maintenance, try a medium layered cut with flipped-up ends. A medium-length cut is a charming length and styles with ease. When you wear your hair with layers you will get maximum body and movement. For a hairstyle with flipped-up ends use a big round brush when blow drying. Use a light hairspray to finish.
#15: Curled Bixie Hairstyle
A curled bixie hairstyle is super fashionable. When you want to have short hair, but not as cropped as a pixie, try a bixie. A bixie is a combination of a bob and a pixie. This haircut is very flattering for round or square face shapes. The extra volume on top helps to visually lengthen your face.
#16: Disconnected Pixie Mullet with Face-Framing Pieces
A disconnected pixie mullet with face-framing pieces is a bold, showstopper hairstyle. If you love playful, voluminous hair, be sure to give this haircut a go. When cutting a short hairstyle, it’s important to talk to your stylist about how long you’d like your “sideburn” pieces and how short you’d like your bangs to be. You can style your haircut by teasing your hair and tousling your hair up with an aerosol texture spray, then use a strong-hold hairspray to set it in place.
#17: Choppy Brunette Hair with See-Through Bangs
Brunettes should try choppy hair with see-through bangs to transform their shape. If short isn’t for you, adding choppy layers but maintaining the length will give you a totally new style. I recommend short layers on top blending with the long layers at the bottom, which can be curled or worn straight. Brunette hair is always a rich color and will compliment your see-through bangs well.
#18: Shullet with Bangs and Loose Waves
Consider a shullet with bottleneck bangs styled with loose ends waves. Cutting bangs is a great way to highlight your features. Ask your stylist for a shaggy mullet with bottleneck bangs to frame around your eyes and cheekbones to show off your best features. Hairspray like the level 2 from L’Oréal works wonders when styling a loose wave. You will get style memory and flexible touchable hold.
#19: Blowout Style with Face-Framing Layers
A bombshell blowout hairstyle with face-framing layers is perfect for women over the age of 40. With a long face shape like this and high cheekbones, you will want to layer your face proportionally to accentuate the feature and not make your face look longer with the long length. For mature women, cutting some curtain bangs will bring attention up and to your eyes giving a beautiful lift to your face.
#20: Quiff Pixie with Shaved Sides
If you’re searching for something bold and out of the ordinary, try a quiff pixie with shaved sides. Gravity will tend to make the top fall so you’ll need a strong hairspray for your quiff. Ask your stylist to fade the sides a bit for a more beautiful shape. Be ready to turn heads with this strong style.
#21: Rooted Blonde Balayage on a Medium Haircut
A rooted blonde balayage on a medium haircut can help to bend and camouflage any incoming grey hair. This is a lower maintenance solution to permanent color and I always recommend trying this first if you have 50% or less grey hair. As your hair grows out it will fade into a lighter hair color instead of having roots from being dyed.
#22: Layered Pixie with Micro Bangs
You should consider a layered pixie with micro bangs for its elegant simplicity. A short pixie is best dried more naturally and that makes it easy for you. For instance, notice the top does not have a lot of volume, making air drying a perfect choice. Ask your stylist for lots of textured layers and a tapered nape, and don’t forget to apply a paste for separation.
#23: Face-Framing Long Bob on Straight Hair
A long face-framing bob gives straight hair a cool factor. If you’d like to try this style use a boar bristle round brush to get a sleek finish when blow drying. Remember to use thermal protection when heat styling and an anti-frizz lotion to help smooth your hair. I like to mix Reverie MILK for its anti-frizz benefits with a little bit of Ever Recovery Hair Oil for thermal protection.
#24: Sleek Neck-Length Cut with Blunt Ends
A sleek neck-length cut is a great haircut for summer. Going shorter is great for the ease of a wash-and-go bob style and the blunt ends help ensure your hair stays looking smooth. This lovely cut is ideal for straighter hair types but can also be achieved by blowout or using a flat iron.
#25: Platinum Blonde on a Long Pixie Hair
Try platinum blonde highlights on a long pixie haircut to add dimension and create the illusion of fuller hair. This style could work on any hair type but especially on fine, thin hair. Ask your hairstylist to cut your bangs right below your cheekbones if you want to accentuate your jawline.
#26: Buttery Blonde on Collarbone-Length Hair
A great way to wear your hair longer while still staying age appropriate is this buttery blonde on collarbone-length hair! The length is still versatile for wearing it up and down, with a soft face frame around the front. And the blonde tone is great at helping hide the silver grow out while keeping your locks shiny!
#27: Rounded A-Line Bob with Long Bangs
A rounded A-line bob with long bangs and a brown base is a chic, classic combination. Try this look if you want a style without a lot of fuss, that is still interesting enough to draw attention to. The precision haircut elevates the simple yet rich color. I always recommend trying bangs at this length because of how dynamic they can be and super easy to grow out if you want to.
#28: Medium to Long Hair with Soft Waves
Medium to long hair paired with soft waves is a beautiful look, even on older women. You don’t have to have a short haircut because of your age. Beach waves are very popular when it comes to styling hair. They add a soft, youthful touch to any hair color. Using a large barrel curling iron will help you achieve this style.
#29: Long Messy Shag with Middle Part Bangs
Long messy shags with middle-part bangs are the hottest trend going on right now. It’s a great look for women that have some natural texture for easy styling, and a razor can help add more texture if you have a straighter texture!
#30: Medium Blonde Hair with Piecey Waves
Medium-length, blonde hair can be an option if you’re looking for something fresh yet, compliments your age. The color can help camouflage sprouting streamers that tend to come with time, making it easy to maintain. I enjoy creating a “lived-in” hairdo with piecey waves, as it may look more relaxed and natural yet, anything but boring. Teaching my clients how to style their hair and creating a beauty plan for maintenance tends to empower my ladies to take back their beauty and redefine it.
#31: Low-Maintenance Lob Cut on Gray Hair
Women of all ages are looking for styles that complement their age yet, are stylish and simple. There is a variety of bob hairstyles out there, and finding one you love is what is most important. A lob haircut on gray hair, for example, can be ultra-flattering as it allows for flexibility when styling, with the option for sweeping up your hair when necessary. Keep in mind, that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance, so talk with your stylist about home maintenance.
#32: Pixie Bob with Razored Layers and Bangs
You should definitely try a pixie bob with razored layers and bangs. The shaggy layers styled closer to your head combined with a side bang will create an edgy shape. You’ll want to give your boring bob new life by adding razored layers. If you have a head of thick hair you’ll enjoy how light your hair will feel.
#33: Side Part Wavy Bob with Jagged Ends
When my guests are looking to embrace a shorter haircut, I like to offer varying styles throughout their wear. We are meant to have fun with hair so creating a middle or even a side part can give you a whole new look! A popular style that I am seeing requested is a wavy bob with jagged ends. When styled with heat tools like a wand or a beveled curling iron, this will help to create texture in your style for a piecey look.
#34: Tousled Short Bob with Face-Framing Bangs
A tousled short bob is very trendy. But when wanting to go for a shorter look, there are a few things you need to consider. For example, lifestyle, face shape, and facial features are a start. For styling options, if you need to throw your hair up in a pinch, you may be able to pin up your look, which can still be chic with face-framing bangs.
#35: Chin-Length Round Bob with a Curtain Fringe
Try a chin-length round bob with curtain fringe to highlight your eyes and lift your hair off your face. If you want to spice it up, add some highlights that will bring lighter shades into your hair color. If you consider this cut for your hairstyle, it would be easy to maintain and blow dry.
#36: Tapered Pixie Crop with Shaved Sideburns
A tapered pixie crop with shaved sideburns is perfect for women who have an edgy style. The cut and layers are excellent to frame your face and follow the natural curve in your head. As short as this haircut is, the maintenance is every 3-5 weeks to keep it looking spectacular.
#37: Razored Asymmetrical Long Bob
Show your hairdresser this razored asymmetrical long bob if you need a fresh new look. Using a razor is beneficial if you have heavy hair and don’t want super short layers. The texture given with the razor removes excess weight and adds movement. These are hairstyles for women over 40 that want something to work for them in and out of the office.
#38: Soft Wavy Hair with Side Bangs
Soft wavy hair with side bangs is ideal for medium to fine hair. The bangs add a focal point and the waves keep you looking young. Using Aveda’s Invati thickening foam to blow dry is a great option. Follow with a 1-1/2 curling iron to finish. Comb out your curls with your fingers for a relaxed look that stands up to the elements.
#39: Blonde Long Bob with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs take center stage when paired with a blonde lob. It’s one of the best cuts for medium to thick textured hair because the layers hold their shape better and the cut helps take out the bulk. If you can work a round brush, blow dry your bangs back away from your face to create a swept look and accentuate those gorgeous cheekbones you have.
#40: Fluffy and Textured Long Shag
A fluffy and textured long shag is a perfect way to lighten up and take some weight off of thicker hair. If you’re tired of your hair weighing you down then go see your stylist! Finish your hair with some curls and a texture spray!
#41: Sun-Kissed Medium-Length Hair
Sun-kissed, medium-length hair is a trendy look that you will love. Women over 40 love this look because it’s low-maintenance, both the color and the styling. Warm tones are in style so show it off with some beachy waves!
#42: Gorgeous Thick Dark Curls with Highlights
Show off your natural and gorgeous texture with highlighted thick dark curls. Cutting dead ends off keeps hair looking fresh and curls popping. Natural curly tendrils will shine with beautiful multi-dimensional warm tone highlights. Use a curl gel and defuser to get the most out of your show-stopping curls.
#43: Waved Long Blonde Hair
If you have long blonde hair, try a waved look. There are so many ways to style waves, whether it’s soft waves, beach waves, or Hollywood waves, as shown in this picture. Adding any type of wave will bring some life into your long hair.
#44: Deep Side-Parted Bob with Blonde Money Piece
If you have a strong cowlick that prevents a middle part, try a deep side-parted bob with a blonde money piece. The side part will use your hair growth pattern to your advantage, creating envious volume and complimenting most face shapes. A baby-thin money piece will create brightness around your face and compliment your eyes, and a rooted dimensional blonde will keep the style low-maintenance.
#45: Short to Medium Cut for Wavy Hair
If you want an easy-to-style haircut, try a medium-length cut on wavy hair. Low-maintenance haircuts are perfect for busy women over 40 because they can simply be washed and worn. Wavy hair is great to style and can be dressed up or down to suit any event or lifestyle.
#46: Sleek One-Length Bob Cut for Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, there is nothing better than a sleek one-length bob. One-length layers make the most of fine hair and are easy to style. Keep in mind, that you won’t get much lift or volume with this shape but its simplicity makes it beautiful. Make sure you have your stylist cut your hair with your hair parted exactly where you want it, or you will have overhanging pieces since there are no layers involved.
Related: Bob haircuts for 40-year-old women.
#47: Modern Chin-Length Bob
Pair bold bangs with beautiful blonde hair color. This will definitely bring out your sexy side! The length is just past the chin which elongates the face. While the bangs hide any wrinkles making this a perfect cut for aging women.
#48: Edgy Razor Cut with Caramel Babylights
Babylights are coming back for women over 40. They’re ideal for your everyday pixie cut with a beautiful mix of brown and caramel hair color.
#49: Choppy Layers
Choppy layers create a gorgeous mid-length hairstyle for women over 40. This one is for women who have thick tresses. The density allows your hair to support a voluminous, fuller-looking style. Achieve this by blowing the locks dry. Enhance the movement using a flat or curling iron if need be. Thanks to the blonde highlights—they create a trendy, youthful dimension, too.
#50: Deep Side Part Bob
Join the rose-gold trend with enchanting rosy highlights added to a luscious caramel base. This is the perfect side-part bob for women in their 40s that will transcend time.
#51: Blunt Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
Showcase your wisdom; go gray! This is one of the best hairstyles for women over 40 who want to show up their natural silver hair color and roots. The soft swept bangs on this blunt bob give fine hair movement and texture.
#52: The Classic Bob
Brighten your aura with dark chocolate brown to create that classy yet trendy look. Plus, add that full choppy fringe for a youthful outlook that every 40-year-old woman needs.
#53: Long Layers with Fine Hair
When it comes to finding the best hairstyles for thin hair over 40, this is a must-try look to add more volume to thin hair. The burgundy color creates an illusion of depth hence, adding more dimension to your look.
#54: Long Layered Bob for Round Faces
A soft, choppy lob for round faces is a refreshing look. This cut is flattering on extremely thick hair releasing weight from the ends. The shape compliments a round face bringing length and brightness to your face.
Related: See more hairstyles for plus-sized women over forty.
#55: Blunt Cut for Thick Hair
This look is a classic one-length textured bob. It’s beautifully timeless with some fun and flirty pieces to give it that modern edge. This cut is that it requires minimal effort, which is perfect for the busy 40-year-old woman. This particular look is suitable for all face shapes and doesn’t require lots of styling. It’s versatile and can be worn classically sleek with a slight bevel with a round brush or flat iron, or fun and flirty with some texture. Embrace your natural wave by adding some loose curls with a 1 1/4 curling iron-very minimal work and finish it with a texture spray for some volume and hold.
#56: Mid-Length Bob Cut with Center Part
This is a very versatile mid-length bob haircut. The layers have a round shape and are very long & “barely there” – just subtly framing the face and starting just below the chin. Thanks to texturizing techniques like slicing, this haircut has lots of soft movement & feels light while still looking full and voluminous. This haircut looks great on most face shapes. Women with thin hair will achieve more volume with this look because of the mid-length that will leave enough hair to pull back into a casual ponytail but is just short enough to encourage bounce. Thick-haired women can opt for a more generous amount of texturizing so their hair feels light even with long layers.
#57: Short Layered Cut
Sassy, sleek and spunky! This look has the edge of a youthful personality partnered with the refinement that comes with wisdom and age. The short length and shattered layers allow for this style to stay fresh throughout the day. A great look for many hair types, and is best achieved when particularly reducing weight in the right areas. Thinning out areas on medium to thick hair types allows for the visual of fullness. The dramatic a-line brings a flattering balance to more round face shapes and frames all face shapes emphasizing feminine features. The choice of a bang or not can be incorporated to personalized to preference and individual features.
#58: Curly Bob for Medium to Short Hair
This is an example of medium-length hairstyles for women over 40 with curly hair. The shape is unique with the addition of bangs, and it suits many different face shapes and body types. Curly hairstyles with bangs can look incredible with flirty pieces over the eyes and free, bouncy curls around the face. There’s nothing better than a medium-length bob that looks stylish and youthful. It frames the face and adds definition to specific facial features. Bangs are a nice touch to finish the look. Curly hair doesn’t always need to be long. It could look amazing in medium and short lengths.
#59: Beachy Wavy Long Hair
This is one of the greatest long hairstyles for women over 40 with thick and heavy hair. This cut provides lift at the crown and a balanced volume throughout the style, releasing weight while not comprising the fullness at the length. The layers cascade seamlessly like a “waterfall.” This cut suits women over 40 with all face shapes, hair types, and lifestyles. It also has the flexibility for the consumer’s favorite products. The possibilities are endless.
#60: Medium Choppy Cut
This is a shaggy bob cut with bangs that are very reminiscent of the 1970s. It looks ideal with a medium brown color. This choppy cut is great for almost any woman with a round, square-shaped, or smaller face. The length of the cut elongates the face, while the choppy face-framing complements the natural structure of the face. It’s especially ideal for finer-haired women who are looking for something fun and different with tons of volume!
#61: Cute Messy Cut with Wispy Bangs
There is a lot of dry haircutting in the salon and this is a highly textured creation that sits as a shag with a fantastic textured semi-curtain bang. The messy look makes styling this cut easy with little maintenance. If you are lucky enough to have a natural wave, this wash-and-go style would be great for you.
#62: Perfect Long Shag
A long shag for ladies over 40 is a staple for long-haired ladies who want to frame their faces and look younger while doing so. This cut is low-maintenance and the layering makes for easy daily styling. A long shag haircut can frame a face perfectly to accentuate your favorite features or diminish less desirable features. A long shag is perfect for hair with a little bit of wave as it lends itself to a more disheveled and natural look.
#63: Pompadour Undercut Pixie
Haircuts for women over 40 don’t have to be dull! A pompadour undercut pixie is a bold and eye-catching haircut that is easy to experiment with. Add a little extra spice with blonde highlights on top. Keep in mind you’ll have to make frequent visits to the salon to keep the undercut looking its best.