60 Most Prominent Hairstyles for Women Over 40

What stands behind the age of over 40? Do you need to upgrade your style as you pass a new milestone in your life? Let’s try to sort out reasonable thoughts on this subject. While you are young, you are normally in search of your personal style. You make mistakes, often going to extremes or sticking to one mousy look for years.

Turning 40, a woman already knows who she is; she is less into making an impression, but more about being who she is. This knowledge reflects in her hairstyle – elegant, classy, sometimes playful and sassy and always contemporary and sexually appealing.

What Should Hairstyles for Women Over 40 Be Like?

A hairstyle for women over 40 should be:

• Chic
• Natural-looking
• Professional and fashionable
• Low-maintenance
• Bold and shaggy
• Edgy, with a hint of sportiness
• Sophisticated and sexy

Well, this list could have been endless, really. Being 40 years old you can do anything that is flattering your face shape and accentuates the stronger points of your facial features. A short haircut, for instance, highlights high cheekbones. A good stylist will make a layer at the level of your shapely cheekbones or graceful jawline so that the hairpieces are pointing at something that you want to accentuate, and you’ll look even more beautiful.

Hairstyles for Women in Their 40s

Is there something to avoid? That’s a disputable issue. Crazy hair colors, for sure… This is the first thing that comes to mind. Apart from that, there’s a belief that long hair drags your face down and, therefore, doesn’t look very appealing on women over 40.

Let’s view the examples.

#1: Full and Flirty

Bob haircuts are great for women with heart shaped and oval faces because they draw attention to a slim jawline. Because the style is neither short nor long, ask your hairdresser for layers to create movement. When styling at home, try curling the ends in opposite directions to create a messy, full texture.

#2: Blonde Bob with Flared Layered Ends

40-year-olds often gravitate toward shorter hairstyles rather than letting their hair grow out into long styles. That being said, when choosing a short crop, it’s best to also have a little fun. Try cutting short, wispy layers that flare out at the ends. The result is a funky bob that will last through your ‘40s.

Instagram / @donnyandhair

#3: Tapered Pixie with Spiky Crown

One of the best hairstyles for women over 40 is a tapered pixie. It’s low maintenance and there’s an opportunity to blend short and long layers for an eye-catching, easy-to-style look.

Instagram / @jennwatermanhair

#4: Choppy Undercut Pixie for Women Over 40

It can be a challenge to find flattering haircuts for women over 40, but this choppy undercut pixie should always be on your list. With length on top and a short underlayer, those with thin hair will appreciate how this style alludes to volume.

Instagram / @hairbysarahcornelius

#5: Ashy Undercut Pixie

This pixie is a great choice for women with natural hair over 40. The cut looks very neat and the length of longer layers allows for much styling flexibility, as it will look awesome either with finger coils and twist-outs, straightened hair, or Flexi rods curls. A perfect gradient from shadow roots to ashy blonde tips makes the hairstyle really statement-making.

Instagram / @haircolorkilla

#6: Voluminous Dark Blonde Bob with Bangs

Whoever said less is more never saw this bold and daring cut. Haircuts for women over 40 can be just as playful and fun as those from your ‘20s. Rock your shoulder length hair razored and dress it up with flicked out bangs.

Instagram / @rachelwstylist

#7: Long Asymmetrical Pixie for Women Over 40

This asymmetrical pixie cut does a great job of helping women with thin hair feel like they’re rocking a head of thick luscious hair. A side part brings lift and hairspray will hold your style all day long.

Instagram / @christinavita.hair

#8: Medium-to-Long Style with Curvy Layers

For those ladies that need a simple, yet intriguing cut, keeping your hair on the longer side is a great option. The long layered style creates a nice S-shape that is easy to style with a blow dryer. Maintaining the cut won’t take up too much of your time, and you still get to enjoy those beautiful, youthful locks.

Instagram / @balayagebyjamie

#9: Sleek Dark Reddish Brown Bob

A great way to update medium length hairstyles for women over 40 is to choose a new sophisticated hair color. A rich chocolate or spicy reddish brown for brunettes may help bring warmth to your face and make your gorgeous eyes pop!

Instagram / @brandygibsonhair

#10: Shoulder Length Beauty

As women are maturing, they tend to look better with hair that doesn’t reach beyond the shoulders. Women in their forties still often play up shorter haircuts with layers, curls and highlights.

#11: Over 40 Medium Textured Hairstyle

Other medium haircuts that don’t require much effort in the morning include long textured layers. A side part and subtle waves at the ends are all you need to complete this lovely layered look.

Instagram / @mirrormirrorsalonmh

#12: Caramel Blonde Bob with Dimensional Layers

V-cut layers are an optimal way to show off the beautiful color variation in your hair, but first, you need to find the right highlights for you. A caramel blonde shade mixed up with lighter shades of blonde is a tempting, delicious hair color choice that will make your bobbed style pop.

Instagram / @hairbynathi

#13: Messy Chocolate Bob with Blonde Highlights

Styling hairstyles for women over 40 is much easier than you might think. Style some messy, undone waves with a straightener for a carefree, yet put together hairdo.

Instagram / @hilary.farrell

#14: Choppy Copper Red Undercut Pixie

If you need an update for your fine hair, a pixie cut is a way to go. Choppy layers are a fun way to express your bold side and make fine hair look thicker. Throw in a few highlights in your favorite color for extra flavor.

Instagram / @thehairbase

#15: Long Razored Spiked Pixie

Pixie cuts with spiked crowns, bangs, and razored face-framing layers give such a glow-up to outgrown short hair! Try partial highlights near the face for accents in short haircuts.

Instagram / @christinavita.hair

#16: The Best Bob for Ladies Over 40

This bob is classic: rounded and soft with piecey layers and flowy side bangs. To style this look, use a large barrel round brush. Start off with a heat protectant that will soften and moisturize your hair. Then blow the bottom layers under and the top layers back, lifting each strand at the roots.

Instagram / @joaofrancooficial

#17: Piece-y Tapered Blonde Balayage Pixie

A sleek and smooth take on the pixie cut, this piece-y tapered beauty sweeps everything to the side for a neat look. Talk about low maintenance: all you’ll have to do is use a smooth serum or hair oil.

Instagram / @be.you.tiful_salon_

#18: Choppy Rounded Blonde Bob Over 40

In the market for short haircuts? The rounded bob is a great option as it’s not too short and not too long. Short layers let you play with different textures at a manageable level.

Instagram / @spinhair

#19: Disconnected Choppy Wavy Bob Over 40

This cute layered bob is anything but boring. Waves for days and bangs that are easily swept to the side when you want to switch things up. An undercut on this style might also be fun to try.

Instagram / @hairbycourtneybower

#20: Short Razored Honey Blonde Bob

Sometimes the most low-maintenance style is the best way to go. A super short razored bob keeps your locks off of your shoulders, but you won’t be sacrificing style for function. Honey highlights will spice up the cut and allow you to look stylish while on the go.

Instagram / @shawna.hines

#21: Medium Cut with Long Feathered Bangs

A side part causes the hair to hang halfway across the face for a flirty peek-a-boo look. Blonde with shadow roots and flipped up face-framing layers keep it young and fresh.

Instagram / @salonbyinstyle_orlandpark

#22: Voluminous Medium Layered Hairstyle

Can you hear your fine hair begging for volume? Luscious layers and wispy bangs will take your hair up to there with the help of hairspray. Encourage the ends to curl just a bit for softness.

Instagram / @jackmartincolorist

#23: Honey Brown Hair with Smooth Layers

While this haircut is definitely on point, it’s impossible not to notice the color right off the bat. Unusual colors that can’t quite be pinned down (like this caramel cinnamon brown) can give you a unique style. This shade is great for a medium warm skin tone.

Instagram / @_dee.stylist_

#24: Trendy Long Bob for 40 Year Olds

Of all the hairstyles for women over 40, the long bob is a clear winner. The long bob is totally in style—without looking like you are trying too hard. Ask your stylist for an all-one-length cut that falls just below the collarbone and long, swept-back side bangs.

Instagram / @saritadawn

#25: Lavender TWA Hairstyle

Don’t be afraid of a big chop, as it looks extremely flattering on black women over 40. Teeny Weeny Afro looks awesome in the natural hair color, but experimenting with hues and a shaved design will make it even more head-turning.

Instagram / @suntropezbeautysalon

#26: Short Stacked Dark Blonde Bob

Short haircuts for women over 40 work really well with stacked layers in the back, for it’s a simple way to get an extra root lift for long-lasting volume. If you have blonde hair that’s on the darker side, lighten it up a bit with subtle highlights.

Instagram / @alk_stylist

#27: Short Hairstyle with Bangs for Ladies Over 40

Short hairstyles for women over 40 shouldn’t be short on volume. With big, soft waves, this style brings a lot of class and personality. To keep it from looking too overdone, be sure to style your hair in a way that will make it feel soft and touchable, not stiff and crunchy.

Instagram / @_dee.stylist_

#28: Warm-Toned Root Fade for Ash Blonde Bob

It can be fun to mix warm tones with cooler tones in your style, and medium length hairstyles for women over 40 give you the perfect canvas on which to play around with colors. Find a warm brown shade that you love for your root color, and have that fade into a cool ash blonde for a youthful hairdo.

Instagram / @dani.thehairwizard

#29: Cute Messy Lob

This is one of the cutest haircuts for women over 40 that we’ve seen — a unique, creative style that’s totally on trend. The caramel peekaboo highlights and bangs make this hairstyle fun and youthful.

Instagram / @little_lele_scissorhands

#30: Perfect Short Blonde Haircut

The shape of this bob is divine. The cute eye-skimming bangs make a great addition to the smooth layering. Mixing up shades of soft blonde and light brown is very flattering for a wide range of skin tones. Definitely a great example of a chic blonde bob!

Instagram / @saloncartier

#31: Medium Tousled Hairstyle for Fine Hair

Styling thin hair can be tricky, especially when you have a lot of thin layers in your hair, but they are necessary to keep your hairstyle dynamic. Opt for a medium cut with long, face-framing layers and light bangs. You can wear the cut straight or you can choose to rock the tousled, messy look. It’s completely up to you!

Instagram / @vamp_salon

#32: Curly Bob with Blonde Highlights

Think you’re too old for fun pops of color in your hair? Think again! A highlighted bob with shades of blonde is the perfect way to incorporate a subtle pastel color into your hair. Style your locks in loose curls for a great romantic, date-night hairdo.

Instagram / @bbjam

#33: Blunt Rounded Bob with Blonde Balayage

Sometimes it’s best to keep your cut clean and tidy. If this sounds like a style you want to try, a great option is the blunt bob. Softly cut layers give the cut its rounded shape, making it easier for you to achieve the look you are after. For some color variation, try a shiny and inviting blonde balayage.

Instagram / @emilyandersonstyling

#34: Cropped Cutie

One of the best looks when it comes to short haircuts for women is found in a cropped style that is as cute as it is simple. Combining layers with a honey hue, this short style is gorgeous on all face shapes and ethnicities. It will work best with straight hair, but can also be quite fun with curly girls.

#35: Long Blonde Bob

This is an ideal look for women in their 40s, 50s or even 60s who are at the top of their professional game. The simple style works well in conservative settings, but it’s still trendy enough to transition to after hour dinner and drinks.

Instagram / Karen from @crownbeautybar

#36: Beyond Bedhead

The crazy texture in this cut may seem daunting, but once ladies leave their thirties behind they become fearless and confident—which is the best time to try something outside of the box. It is not one of the most common short hairstyles for women over 40 and that makes it perfect for someone who has never wanted to blend in.

#37: Collarbone Layered Hairstyle for Fine Hair

With fine hairstyles for over 40 women, you need to be careful about layers. It’s best to decide on a light and airy hairstyle. Having your hair fall at your collarbone with short side bangs is a great way to maintain your cut simple and cute.

Instagram / @muse_studio_pdx

#38: Sassy Side Bang

The uniqueness of this medium length style lies in the contrast of hues. While most styles tend to blend smoothly, this look does the opposite, and it makes the hair look thicker in the front.

#39: “Bronde” Beauty

Upgrade your basic haircut with a mix of the two most popular trends of the moment: balayage and ombre. The first uses a hand painted technique to create natural highlights, while the second fades hair from light at the roots to dark at the ends. Both are great for a woman who wants to experiment with color without being tied to the stylist’s chair every other week for touch-ups.

#40: Curled and Colored

If you want to lighten up your look and turn back the clock a bit, go for a professional color at your favorite salon. Working some caramel colored streaks into dark hair can really brighten up your face and make you feel truly beautiful.

#41: Angled Bob

If you tend to have thinner hair, a medium length style that includes an angled cut will look beautiful on you. Add in some highlights and layers to bring a fuller look to your fine hair strands.

#42: White Blonde Side-Parted Bob

Short hairstyles for women over 40 can also do well with stark, bold colors. Be dramatic and choose a nearly-white shade of blonde to pair with a polished bob cut. An extra bonus is that the snowy shade of blonde is a good way to hide graying hair.

Instagram / @angi_stylist

#43: Blonde and Caramel Easy Waves

Hairstyles for women over 40 are typically of a short or medium length. As we age, our hair can get a bit thinner, and shorter locks help to maintain thickness through the ends. Nowadays, short hair is super trendy. This lovely look is both modern and ageless.

Instagram / @gina.devine

#44: A Pop of Color

Who said that a bold hair color needed to be reserved for younger women? Those in their forties and older can enjoy hip color trends like a vibrant burgundy hue. Pair it with glasses (prescription or faux) for a sexy hipster vibe, or layer it in a lovely cascade of youthful strands that will really turn heads.

#45: Light Brown Hair with Bright Highlights

Long hairstyles for women over 40 look best when they skim the shoulders or fall just below. This length allows for long sexy locks but it’s still not the case when it’s hard to maintain healthy ends. This bright blonde and sandy brown color combination is unexpectedly gorgeous.

Instagram / @hair_kristenklaw

#46: Sexy Side Bangs for Over 40

Love her look! Soft, sexy hair and imperfect waves are always a good idea no matter your age. For over 40 bangs that are beyond perfect, copy her style: a deep side part with mysterious, cheek-skimming layers. The key to this look, of course, is volume and tousled texture. Try volumizing sprays and shampoos.

Instagram / @igobygina

#47: Classy Cream-Blonde Bob

This collar-bone bob mimics the ideal contours of its wearer’s face and features softness in every line and detail: the arched bangs, flipped in front pieces that meet together under the chin, smoothed edges and, of course, the fantastic cream hue of blonde, setting off the blue of the eyes.

#48: Golden and Red Layers

Medium length hairstyles for women over 40 are the perfect balance between long and short hair. Medium hairstyles are known for elongating the neck, which is exactly what makes them so flattering for a variety of face shapes. The pretty layering gives life and body to the cut.

Instagram / @bobbideberard

#49: Layered Bob with Deep Side Parting

Medium haircuts like this wine colored lob are so versatile. The rounded layers topping off the bob add a youthful touch, while the deep side parting allows creating more volume at the crown.

Instagram / @hairby_tamikaroberson

#50: Dark Hair with Cinnamon Red Highlights

For unique medium haircuts for women, opt for lots of layers. With all the choppy pieces, this look is almost like a grown-out bob, which is a very cute and modern style. The warm toned highlights are a great way to brighten up dark hair.

Instagram / @sheardesignsalondayspa

#51: Minimalistic Bob

The beautiful hairstyle in this photo promotes simplicity and naturalness of the look. There are no layers, asymmetric bangs or eye-popping coloristic solutions. Only subtle highlights, side parting and side tresses tucked behind one ear. The simplest shapes often impress the most.

#52: Ultra-Shiny Curled Out Style

It’s hard to find anything more beautiful than healthy shiny brunette hair. An ultra-shiny finish boosts the effect, while the dark caramel highlights match the color of Gina Gershon’s eyes. To accentuate the layered edges of this chic medium-to-long haircut, its ends are curled out.

#53: Playful Curls

Curled up ends of layered tresses can give that fun effect of stacked tendrils. Blondish highlights on the medium brown base bring out the rich texture and set off the face very flatteringly.

#54: Dimensional Bob

The streaks of honey mixed with the platinum blonde refresh the skin tone and add dimension to the simple elongated bob. And the light flicks at the ends make a perfect final stroke for this truly classy style.

#55: Shattered Bob Hairstyle

With this stylish hairstyle for ladies over forty you have every lock is in its place but looking to its own direction. As a result, you are getting a chic style, complemented with caramel and cream blonde highlights.

#56: Shaggy A-Line Bob

Cropped layers and shagginess for the edges is super cute on medium length, whereas simple A-line silhouette is universally flattering for all face shapes. When styling this ultra-modern haircut, make sure you define the ragged ends, since they appear one of the major attractions of this fabulous style.

#57: More Shaggy Crops for Independent Women

A variation of a short haircut – a cropped texturized bob styled shaggy will be to the liking of active women who shy away from boredom and monotony in life. Opt for an energetic hair hue like this irresistible golden blonde and make an accent on the rough texture.

#58: Messy Backswept Hairstyle

Here is an awesome pearly look for round faces from Cameron Diaz. Her short messy bob hairstyle with a few defined top tresses swept back has a 100% spontaneous and natural feel, so appealing on the red carpet and absolutely suitable for every day wear in any setting.

#59: Edgy Brown Blonde Pixie

The short fluffy pixie with ombre has a fantastic wispy texture, ideal for bright summer looks. If you are searching low-maintenance short hairstyles for hot sunny days, pin up the look and discuss this option with your stylist.

#60: Cherry Red Shag

A fun shaggy finish and an eye-popping hair hue over 40? Why not? But that’s acceptable only for women with natural rich overall coloring (skin, eyes, hair) or highly contrasting looks, otherwise, this is going to be too much.

Hope you have drawn something useful for yourself from these inspiring images. One of the most important things is liking your own hairstyle and feeling confident with it. Wish you to find the one and let it, actually, be not the only one. By the way, read about haircuts for women over 50.