There comes a time in every woman’s life when she’s determined to get a fresh start. Here are hairstyles for women over 40. In many cases, this involves a fabulous makeover to bring out the best in her features. Thanks to our handpicked long and short hairstyles for women over 40 years old, you will surely discover the most sensational hairstyle that doesn’t depend on your age.
Popular Hairstyles and Haircuts for Women over 40:
- Bob Haircut: A bob is great for any age, hair type, or length. It can be sleek and straight or have some waves.
- Layered Haircut: The layers can add volume and texture to thinning hair, but can also frame the face.
- Pixie cut: if you want a low-maintenance haircut, this is it. At 40 you are probably busy with kids, a job, and housework, so this low-maintenance haircut could suit you just fine. Also, this haircut is never out of fashion, so double your gane!
- Updos: this could be a great way to change up your look for special occasions, but it might be a bit time-consuming to wear them on a daily basis.
- Bangs: you are 40, so your wrinkles start to appear, and you don’t know what to do to cover them faster. Makeup and a good face cream (or an esthetician) could help, but why not also add some bangs that will also help cover them and also add a youthful touch to your hairstyle?
Just remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so think a bit before doing some major changes to your hairstyle, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a stylist to find the best hairstyle for you.
1. Short Hairstyle for Women over 40
Don’t let your ripe age lead you away from cute and flirty hairstyles. If you’re looking for a chic yet low-maintenance haircut, try this short hairdo for women with straight hair. It will bring out the best of your youthful soul.
2. Feathered Hairstyle
If you haven’t heard about feathered layering yet, you’re in for quite the pleasant surprise. This layering technique mirrors the effect of feathers, adding a textured aspect to your hair. Highly flattering is an understatement for describing the results.
3. Medium Length Hairstyle
A balanced hairstyle can bring you numerous benefits. Indeed, you will enjoy more styling options than with a short haircut. However, a shoulder-length hairstyle doesn’t come with the hassle that a long hairdo does. Therefore, you get a pretty and practical look.
4. Softly Straightened Hairstyle
Want to get a picture-perfect hairstyle that will make you seem as if you just stepped out of the salon? Think about using a blow dryer and round brush to softly straighten it. Rotate the brush as you blow-dry your hair with an inwards movement.
5. Long Hairstyle for Women over 40
Sarah Jessica Parker is living proof that any woman can age gracefully. Even more so, she shows that ladies over 40 can rock long locks just as fabulously as any high school girl. Sprinkle in some highlights for a beautiful glow all around.
6. Hairstyle for Black Women over 40
With the spectacular rise of natural hairstyles in the African American community, we’re more than happy to encourage all women of color to sport their afro curls. Don’t forget that other women pay a considerable amount to get these curls, so embrace yours with pride!
7. Voluminous Hairstyle
We have to admit that we’re all obsessed with volume when it comes to our hairstyles. If you want to get more without struggling to do so, focus on shorter layers on top. They will plump up your entire hairstyle effortlessly.
8. Highlights
Sometimes, all you need is a splash of color to brighten up your whole hairstyle. In most cases, you can achieve a more vivid look simply by adding some highlights. Blonde is the most popular option, but you can also go for copper or auburn.
9. Hairstyles for Plus Size Women
Just like with age, size should never matter for a woman with confidence. Even if you have a plumper face, there’s a perfect hairstyle out there to flatter your features. For example, you can choose a short and sassy hairstyle with bangs for framing your face.
10. Retro Hairstyle
Have a soft spot for retro-glam? You can go back a few decades and get inspired by vintage hairstyles. There are plenty of modern-day celebrities over 40 who rock soft curls astoundingly well. In this red carpet shot, you can see how the lovely Penelope Cruz sought inspiration from vintage trends.
11. Cool Hairstyle
You can be the coolest young mom on the block with an attitude-filled haircut. Show off your bold tastes with an extra choppy hairstyle. Get long and wispy bangs and angled layers that will reflect your outgoing style.
12. Ombre
Your age should never stop you from exploring outgoing hairstyles. For example, ombre isn’t limited to teenagers or young women in their mid-20s. You can rock two hair colors at any age glamorously. It’s all in the way you wear them!
13. Balayage
If you’re into the idea of two hair colors but not quite convinced about ombre, you can think about getting a balayage hairstyle. The blend of colors will be far more discrete, which is perfect for women seeking a more natural look.
14. Hairstyle for Women over 40 with Glasses
When choosing a hairstyle to go with glasses, you should consider the style of the glasses you wear too. As a result, angled glasses work incredibly well with an angled hairstyle. An inverted bob is just what you need in this case.
15. Short Hairstyle for African American Women
Janet Jackson is yet another marvelous example of how a woman can age with beauty. She chose to compliment her lovely heart-shaped face with a fresh short hairstyle with curled tips. African-American women can keep this idea among their final choices.
16. Chunky Highlights
Are you more of the bright and bold type? If you’re considering highlights for your new hairstyle, you may want to go with chunky ones. As opposed to standard or wispy highlights, these streaks stand out through more coverage.
17. Hairstyle for Round Faces
The secret to properly framing a round face is through strategic angles. In other words, you should think about getting a haircut with layers that you style toward your chin. The results will sharpen your features in a gorgeous way.
18. Braided Hair
If you sport long hair, you can have endless fun thinking about styling opportunities. Just one example is the timeless side braid. Bring out your young side by loosely braiding your hair in a braid and sweeping it carelessly to the side.
19. Curly Hairstyle
Curls, especially natural ones, are an amazing sight to behold. They genuinely enhance your femininity with minimum effort, particularly if you have a smart haircut. As far as hairstyles for women over 40 are concerned, we recommend a mid-length cut to flaunt your curly locks.
20. Low Bun
Another superb hairstyle for women with medium or long hair is the classy low bun. There is a myriad of variations you can pick from, with or without braids or other styling details. It’s just what you need for a formal event.
21. Updo
Speaking of fancy occasions, it was impossible for us to not mention updo hairstyles for women over 40. As a rule of thumb, go for any sweeping hairstyle that involves loose strands all around. This idea beautifully works for all hair textures.
22. Shoulder Length Hairstyle
Out of all hair ranges, we wholeheartedly agree that shoulder length is the most comfortable and adaptable. Like any medium haircut, it lets you play around with various hairstyles while still being fairly simple to maintain.
23. Hairstyle for Fine Hair
We can’t deny that fine hair has its fair share of difficulties. It’s challenging to style without seeming too flat. Nevertheless, a well-planned haircut can be the answer to all of your problems. Go for a short haircut with plenty of layers to add natural volume.
24. Half Up Hairstyle
Another way to enhance your youthful side is with a half up, half down hairstyle, like Heidi Klum in this pretty shot. If you go for this style, we encourage you to keep it loose and careless to boost the impact of the results.
25. Twisted Hair Crown
Although this hairstyle won’t work for women with significantly short hair, it can easily be adorned by ladies with shoulder-length locks. The twisted crown, also known as the halo braid or crown braid, is a graceful hairstyle for women of all ages.
26. Short Bob Haircut
It’s easy to see why Raquel Welch is just as famous for her hairstyles as she is for her acting skills. She rocks a short bob flawlessly, showing how other women over the age of 40 can do so as well. We also believe those messy, side-swept bangs are fantastic.
27. Long Bob
We totally understand why bob haircuts are regarded as some of the most versatile hairstyles available. In addition to their short version, long bobs are also gaining more popularity than ever. Jennifer Aniston proves that they look astounding.
28. Asymmetrical Haircut
Spice up your life with an awesome asymmetrical haircut! It’s one of the hairstyles that will make you look and feel younger than ever before. You’ll enjoy a funky fresh look that proves you’re an open-minded woman at any age.
29. Bouffant Hairstyle
Jackie Kennedy went down in history as one of the most elegant first ladies of all time. One of her signatures looks included a glamorous bouffant hairstyle. If you resonate with 60s fashion, then this is the ultimate hairstyle for you!
30. Professional Hairstyle
If you’re seeking a clean haircut appropriate for any professional environment, this is the optimum look for you. The shoulder-length cut is highly suitable for the workplace, together with the lightly side-swept bangs.
31. Chignon
The chignon serves as a highly classy hairstyle for the sophisticated woman. Even though it’s usually reserved for formal events, you can also wear your mid-length hair this way in a professional setting or on a special occasion.
32. Short Shaggy Hairstyle
A shag haircut can easily knock off a few years from your appearance. It’s a super playful hairstyle that makes any mature woman shine. Messy layers and styling are essential for getting the perfect shaggy hairstyle.
33. Swept Back Hair
Every now and then, it’s a wonderful idea to fully reveal your facial features with the right hairstyle. In this case, we’re talking about any slicked or swept back hairdo. In addition to letting your face shine, you’ll also get a boost of elegance.
34. Bangs
Bangs are a terrific idea for a hairstyle destined for a mature woman. Not only do they help cover up slight imperfections, but they also frame any face shape flatteringly. You can choose from countless bangs styles, from parted or arched to side-swept or choppy.
35. Stacked Bob
To continue our fabulous series of bob hairstyles for women over 40, here comes the stacked bob. The term ‘stacked’ refers to the cutting style, with stacks of layers piled one over the other. The results are astoundingly voluminous and beautiful.
36. Faux Hawk
Among our favorite updos is the faux hawk, a daring yet delicate choice for outgoing women. One of the top reasons to sport a faux hawk is that you can adapt it according to the occasion. The styling can vary from graceful to rebellious.
37. Easy Hairstyle
Want to keep everything sweet and simple? Go for a short haircut with layers galore. Still, we recommend that you don’t keep it too short, so you can create the outline for when your hair grows out. You won’t have any trouble with styling or maintenance.
38. Sexy Hairstyle
Before we talk about our choice, you should know that the sexiness in any woman comes from her attitude and how she holds herself. After you got this covered, pick a hairstyle to support your mindset. We love Lisa Rinna’s choppy and wild look.
39. Finger Waves
We’re back to old Hollywood glamor for this hairstyle – the unforgettable finger waves. There’s no denying that this hairstyle conveys exceptional refinement, no matter the environment. Choose it if femininity is among your top values.
40. Hairstyle for Asian Women over 40
One of the traits that Asian women are blessed with is having jet black, shiny, rich hair. If you’re in this situation, why not make the most of it? Lucy Liu is the ideal example of how a medium-length haircut can enhance your natural qualities.
41. French Twists
No wonder the French are regarded as some of the most stylish individuals. The French twist is just one of their multiple iconic hairstyles. You should think about this tasteful idea if you love experimenting with updos for your mid-long hair.
42. Pixie Cut
You have already noticed that short haircuts are embraced by women over 40, but what about one of the cutest of them all? The pixie haircut is an adorable choice, with short layers and a graceful silhouette that tends to complement all small faces.
43. Messy Bun
You don’t have to be a certain age to adorn a messy bun with grace. For example, Leslie Mann, at age 45, allows her youthful soul to shine with a loose, casual updo in a flawless way. We also love how she used a ribbon to top off the hairstyle.
44. Wavy Hairstyle
We have to admit that wavy is the most generous hair texture one can have. You can choose from a wide range of wavy haircuts, from short to long. Get inspired by Keri Russel’s shoulder-length hairstyle for your wavy locks.
45. Permed Hairstyle
Have you lived your entire life with straight hair? Perhaps you want to make a change now that you’re going through a new chapter in your life. For this, you can think about getting your hair permed. Be careful and try to avoid as much damage as possible.
46. Spiky Hairstyle
We’re all for adding some cool spikes to your hairstyle. You can style the back with spikes if you have shorter hair with layers. It works terrifically well with side-swept bangs and especially with naturally straight hair.
47. Hairstyle for Thick Hair
If you have thick hair, you’re quite the lucky lady. Why not make the most of it with a hairstyle that accentuates your natural thickness? For this, all you need is a long A-line bob. It starts shorter at the back and gets longer towards your chin.
48. Layered Hairstyle
Ladies, repeat after us: layers are life! All jokes aside, a layered haircut can work wonders for any hair texture. You instantly get more volume than ever before, no matter how long or short the rest of your hair is. Keep this detail in mind when visiting your hairdresser.
49. Textured Hairstyle
Express your free spirit with a short, sassy, and textured hairstyle. A choice like this will prove that you’re not afraid to show your true personality. Moreover, we also like how Donna Mitchell embraced her natural hair color in this photo. Thumbs up!
50. Femme Fatale Hairstyle
What better way to wrap up our article than with an irresistible hairstyle? Sofia Vergara is widely regarded as one of the sexiest women alive so that you can look into her femme fatale style for inspiration. Long, soft, side-swept curls are a must!
51. Soft Blunt Bob Cut
Here is a beautiful soft blunt bob hairstyles for women over 40. She has added in a few different light brown colors and it looks amazing. Try parting it down the middle and adding a few waves and you are going to love your new look.
52. Extra Short Pixie Cut
Short hairstyles for women over 40 are so easy to maintain. In the look above she is wearing her shaved head with a stylish blonde tone and it looks so pretty. Keep it brushed down or try a spiked-up look for an edgier vibe.
53. Natural Gray Bob Haircut
Natural gray hair is such a vibe for women over 40. In the look above she went with shoulder-length hair and parted it to the side. She has kept is natural and wavy and it looks amazing.
54. Asymmetrical Pixie Cut
Short haircuts for women over 40 come in so many different cuts. She has kept her hair short around the sides and in the back and added long bangs. Try keeping the layer in front long and brushed over to the side.
55. Wavy Bob Cut with Highlights
Highlights are a great way to cover up your grays once you get to 40. In the look above she kept her hair shoulder length and added in the perfect amount of blonde. Then she parted it on the side and added in some loose curls and it looks beautiful.
56. Edgy Pixie Cut
Here is a short and edgy hairstyle for women over 40. In the photo above she has added a short fade around the sides and in the back but kept the layer on top long and blonde. This would just as pretty if you brushed it back.
57. Pink Mohawk Pixie Cut
If you are thinking about adding some color to your life this hot pink mohawk should do the trick. Here she went with shaved sides and a thick middle layer that is spiked up and looks amazing.
58. Blonde Bob Pixie Cut
Blonde bobs are one of the most popular haircuts for women over 40. In the photo above she kept her bob super short and cut above the ears and added in some long wispy bangs and it looks amazing. Try keeping it light and bright as she did here and you are going to look amazing.
59. Side-Parted Long Bob Cut
Next, up is a side parted dark bob hairstyle for women. Here she has kept her bob long and layered and even added in a few caramel highlights to set it off.
60. French Bob Cut
Thinking about getting a short hairstyle, why not try this French bob? In the photo above she has cut her hair short and just kept it long enough for her curls to come to life. Be sure to part it on the side and brush the hair over to get the most out of this beautiful style.
61. Messy Pixie Cut
Messy pixie cuts are so much fun to wear and style. In the photo above she has a classic pixie cut with short sides and a long top. Style it with a bit of styling gel and spike it up to get the whole vibe of this photo.
62. Natural Blonde Hairstyle
Here is one of the longer hairstyles for women over 40. Here she has kept her hair long and passed her shoulders, parted it in the middle, and added in a beautiful strawberry blonde hue. Be sure to style it with waves and you are going to look amazing.
63. Curly Pixie Cut with Glasses
Women with curly hair already know how hard it can be to find the right cut, but look no further because this next one is perfect for you. Here she ahs kept her hair short and added big spiral curls that are brushed back a bit and it looks amazing.
64. Choppy Pixie Cut
Next up is a short choppy and layered hairstyle. She went with a lady fade around the sides and in the back but left the layer on top long and straight. You could always spike this style a bit for an edgier look.
65. Gray Hairstyle for Thin Hair
There are so many gray hairstyles for women over 40 who have thin hair. To get the style like in the look above you are going to want to keep the sides long enough to tuck behind your ears and go with a swept-over motion for the layer on top and you are all set.
66. Tapered Pixie Cut
Up next is a tapered pixie hairstyle. Tapered pixies always turn out to look so cute. And they work especially great when you have thick hair because the tapered layers help to thin it out a bit.
67. Copper Brown Pixie Cut
If you are thinking about a new fall hairstyle and are over 40 this is a beautiful look with a copper color added in. In the photo above she kept the sides and back cut around the natural hairline and let the hair on top grow out long. Add in the lighter copper tone on the top style it messy and you are all set.
68. Pink Pixie Cut with Side Shaved
Pink pixies will never go out of style and you can wear them at any age, so you should consider this option when it comes to hairstyles for women over 40. In the look above she went with a fierce hot pink color and kept the sides shaved bald. You are going to feel like a rockstar wearing this due.
69. Razored Pixie Cut
Here is a shaggy style with razored layers. Here she went with a thick fringe in the front and added long sideburns to set it off a bit. This is a lovely hairstyle for women over 40 with her salt and pepper vibes going on.
70. Textured Blonde Lob
Lobs are another extension of a long bob, heince the name. In the photo above she is wearing a gorgeous long lob with a beautiful blonde hair color. She
All in all, there are no boundaries when it comes to hairstyles for women over 40. You should never restrict your selection of hairdos due to your age. Whether you embrace your maturity or want to express youthful joy through your appearance, you should always choose a hairstyle that represents you. On this note, which one do you feel about the most? Would you add any other ideas? Let us know below!
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Jenni Haward has been working as a hairstylist for almost 11 years. With that much experience, she was able to start her own business. It has been two years since she started and had made three salons in three different cities and is still growing. She is continuing to pursue the career hoping to impact more with her skills and knowledge.
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