When women hit their 40s, choosing the right hairstyle can feel tricky. For instance, you may want something that’s stylish yet not too bold, and this makes it hard to settle on the perfect hairdo. Here are certain flattering hairstyles we’ve seen to be perfect for women over 40 to make the choice easier for you.
Shoulder-Length Layers
It’s always a good idea to get layers in your hair, as they provide dimension and dynamic movement. You don’t have to go crazy with it, though; shoulder-length layers are perfect for women over 40 and can be styled just how you like it.
Long Layers
If shoulder-length layers feel too short, there’s no shame in having long layers instead. In fact, they’re perfect for women who love to grow their hair, as their texture and depth keep longer hair manageable. You’ll need regular trims, though, to keep the layers looking sharp and prevent split ends.
Pixie Cut
Not everyone is a fan of the pixie cut, but if you are, don’t let your age stop you from getting one. They look confident and modern, and they’re super low-maintenance. A pixie cut also highlights facial features, and there are countless varieties to help perfect your look.
Sleek Bob
One of the most perfect hairstyles for a 40-year-old woman is a sleek bob, as it’s absolutely timeless. It’s a polished and sophisticated look, but without being too excessive, and as Southern Living points out, bobs, in general, are incredibly versatile and customizable.
Soft Curls
If you’re looking for a hairstyle with volume, soft curls could be a good idea. They give you a youthful and vibrant appearance without seeming like you’re trying too hard. It’s a particularly good look for naturally curly or wavy-haired women, but if you’re straight-haired, you could consider using curlers.
Classic Updo
Never underestimate the classic updo–it’s still an elegant hairstyle to this day, and it’s actually making a fashionable comeback. The way it pulls the hair away from the face highlights your beautiful facial features and makes you look sophisticated, so there’s not much to dislike.
Side-Swept Bangs
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Another awesome look for women over 40 is side-swept bangs, which give you a soft and flattering frame for your face. They can be paired with various hairstyles, such as bobs and long layers, making them the perfect addition to give you a youthful touch.
Textured Lob
Middle-aged women who prefer to keep their hair short love the textured lob, otherwise known as a long bob. It combines the convenience of shorter hair while keeping things versatile, in addition to giving your hairstyle a choppy, voluminous, and dynamically moving appeal.
Tousled Waves
If you’re looking for a more effortless, beachy look, tousled waves are perfect. This hairstyle works well for medium to long hair and adds a youthful, carefree vibe. You can take them a step further by using a curling wand or texturizing spray to help achieve the perfect tousled effect.
Blunt Cut
Moving back to more formal hairstyles, a blunt cut is a bold and edgy choice while still looking smart. It’s characterized by its straight, even ends and, therefore, works best with straight hair. Don’t be afraid to bust out your hair straighteners and give it a go.
Asymmetrical Bob
Many women think that bobs have to be perfectly even, but that’s not true. The asymmetrical bob adds a modern twist to the classic bob, with one side being slightly longer than the other. It’s a fashionable look nowadays, so if you love experimenting with your hair, go for it.
Feathered Shag
Those who are looking for a more dynamic and playful hairstyle should consider the feathered shag. This layered style adds so much texture and volume to your hair, making it ideal if your hair is fine. It also requires minimal styling and can be air-dried for a natural, tousled appearance.
Straight and Sleek
If all these fancy hairstyles feel overwhelming, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple with straight and sleek hair. It looks polished and sophisticated and can be achieved incredibly simply with a flat iron and smoothing products to eliminate frizz and add shine.
Curly Bob
Some people love bobs but feel that they’re too basic, and if that sounds like you, consider the curly bob. It combines the charm of curls with the classic bob shape, adding definition to your hair. You’ll also maintain the perfect bounce for your curls with the right styling products.
Braided Updo
We’ve not even talked about braids yet, so if you love them, consider the braided updo. It offers a unique and elegant look, perfect for special occasions but without being too excessive. There are also lots of braiding techniques to use, helping you customize your hair further.
Wavy Lob
Yet another bob on our list of ideal haircuts for women over 40 is the wavy lob, which adds soft waves to the classic lob style. It’s particularly ideal if you’re seeking a balance between casual and chic, and we have no doubt that you’ll rock it perfectly.
Voluminous Curls
Any 40-year-old woman who is naturally curly should absolutely consider getting voluminous curls. They give vibes of glamor and boldness, but they’re still not too much for the workplace. Regular trims and moisturizing products will be necessary, but they’re worth it as they help maintain the volume and prevent frizz.
Elegant Chignon
Sophistication is the word that comes to mind when you imagine the elegant chignon. It’s a low, twisted bun that works perfectly for everyday elegance as well as formal events, making it super adaptable. It also keeps your hair off your face and neck, helping to create a graceful silhouette.