The 40 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 40
Updated: Feb. 28, 2023Hair can make you look younger—or older. Choose one of these 40 hairstylist-approved looks to turn back the clock.
Long and soft
The problem with long hair is that it’s not always easy to keep it out of your face—and long and flat isn’t usually flattering. “Debra Messing’s look works with the length because it keeps it off her face and has some wave to soften it,” says Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon. Here’s how to keep your hair healthy all year long.
Short with a twist
“This is a great length because it gives you so many options and is fun to play with since the focus is the length itself,” says Saviano of Julie Bowen’s locks.”You can add waves, blow it out straight, sweep bangs across your face, wear it slicked back, tousled, etc. and because of the shorter length, it won’t drag the face down.”
Short textured bob
Oribe educator Mandee Hernandez loves this style because it’s one of the easy wash-and-wear hairstyles for women that adds fun textured layers and a lightness. “The structure of this haircut does all the work with minimal styling needed. I would recommend using a finishing cream, like Oribe AirStyle Flexible Finish Cream, to enhance the layers and bring out the hair texture with a satin finish.” Find out what really happens when you cut your hair short.
Classic bob
“This is a classic haircut with clean, timeless lines that can be worn at any age and enhances your facial features,” says Hernandez.
Long and textured hair
When it comes to hairstyle for women, Hernandez says it’s all about maintenance and keeping the length appropriate to the woman’s height—not necessarily about age. “Regular trims are key to keeping the hair looking young and healthy at any age.” Meaning: You can pull off a look like this, it just takes proper care!
Medium length pixie
“A very powerful, androgynous haircut can only be matched by a confident woman, and that confidence comes with age. At the same time, the cut is long enough to add a feminine feel,” says Hernandez. Find out how to pick the best hair color for your skin tone.
Layered bob with fringe
Hernandez likes this look because the soft fringe adds a playful touch to a classic bob silhouette. “The hair shape is ideal for hiding age imperfections around the eyes and forehead.”
Side-swept fringe
“It’s a versatile style that can lay gently across the face, softening age lines and imperfections, or can be easily tucked away and pulled back,” says Hernandez. Check out these anti-aging secrets that will help you live longer.
Jane Birkin fringe
This look is an homage to ’60s French songstress Jane Birkin, who is also the namesake of that famous Hermes bag. “This hairstyle enhances features and opens the face without creating harsh lines.”
Edgy bowl
“A bold power cut that’s edgy and chic is a fun cut for a strong working woman who wants a cool yet put-together style,” says Hernandez. “It’s very structured with graduated lines.” We also love these easy hairstyles for women that take five minutes or less.
Face-framing layers
“This haircut adds a youthful appearance by making the face more round and full,” says Hernandez. Avoid these 12 mistakes that will damage your hair.
Collarbone-length curly hair
“This cut preserves the natural spring in curly texture,” says Hernandez. “The length is playful and the soft, round edges give a youthful look. It accentuates décolletage.”
Short volume cut
Hairstylist and makeup artist Sophia Porter likes this look because it adds volume and fullness to even fine or thinning hair. “Shorter cuts look fuller since you’re removing damaged ends that look stringy and give the illusion of thinner hair. I love using Pai-Shau’s Texture Dust to add volume, texture, and keep hairstyles going on days two and three.”
Soft bun
“For those with longer hair, keeping your up style loose and soft around the front helps give the style volume and makes the hair look fuller instantly without much effort,” says Porter. It’s also easier on strands than pulling your hair back tightly; tight buns and ponytails can cause hair loss when worn regularly.
Soft bangs
“Bangs are a fantastic way to add softness and hide any dynamic lines on a person’s forehead,” says Porter. “Keeping a soft wave in the rest of the hair with wispy bangs is a fresh, stylish look for women of all ages.”
Classic pixie
According to Porter, pixie cuts are always fun and minimal maintenance hairstyles for women on the go. “I love to use Pai-Shau Style Souffle to style shorter cuts like this. It gives just enough control and definition to create an effortless look in minutes.” Here’s how to find the best haircut for your face shape.
Silk press curls
“Silk press curls are a staple for women with textured hair who want an easy change,” says Porter. Find out all the secrets your hairstylist won’t tell you.
Symmetrical wave
When going for a wavy style, curl your hair in toward your face, hitting at the points you want to highlight—for example, your cheeks or your chin.
Healthy highlights
Highlights are one of the easiest ways to add dimension and make your hair look fuller. A sleek and straight lob is a gorgeous way to show them off. Here’s how to make your hair color last longer.
Classic layers
A classic long, layered cut with a side bang is a one of the versatile hairstyles for women for those who want to keep the length in their hair. “The key to making this look work is adding lift at the roots using Pai-Shau Opulent Volume Spray. Mist starting at roots and lightly through the lengths of the hair, style as desired,” says Porter.
Short waves
Short waves—or a similarly soft texture—are a great way to distract from neck wrinkles.
Lived in cut
“Lived in cuts are a hot style to have, and they work on women of all ages to give a cute, effortless look,” says Porter. These are nighttime habits that ruin your hair.
Lengthening cut
According to Vivienne Mackinder, guest artistic director for Joico, these types of hairstyles for women lifts the cheekbones and jawline, which is great for older women with a shorter or rounder face shape as the style creates length to the face. Read on for simple tricks to keep hair healthy when you use heat on it.
Volume play
“This style opens, lifts, and softens the face, while the volume at the crown slims the face,” says Mackinder of the style that works on most face shapes. Be sure to avoid these hair-washing mistakes.
Shag with short layers
“This style creates soft facial framing and volume with interior layers,” says Mackinder. “This razor cut allows for styling versatility, which is great for day-to-day for the woman on the go, no matter her age.” Don’t miss these other showering mistakes that could ruin your hair.
Razor cut with rounded graduation
“Razor cut with rounded graduation is a great style for those with straight hair and, for older women who don’t like too much upkeep, this is very easy to maintain,” says Mackinder. Check out these sneaky reasons your hair is going gray too soon.
Beach waves
According to Mackinder, beach waves are great hairtstyles for women of any age going for something romantic and all you need is a curling iron!
Asymmetric style
“This asymmetric style is particularly great for an older woman with a square or round face,” says Mackinder. “It’s also great for very thick hair and as a day to evening look.”
Flat iron wave
“A flat iron wave and half up half down style opens and lifts the face,” says Mackinder. Next, check out the hair tricks from around the world you should be using.