When it comes to hairstyles for women over 40, there’s one golden rule: wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. While aging brings changes in hair texture, face shape, and personal style, the right haircut can enhance your natural features, simplify your routine, and even make you look younger. Forget outdated myths about “age-appropriate” hairstyles—long hair, short cuts, and everything in between can be stunning if tailored to your unique needs.
To help you find your next signature look, we’ve compiled 40 versatile hairstyles recommended by top hairstylists. Each style includes tips on who it suits best and how to maintain it. Whether you’re aiming for effortless elegance or bold sophistication, these ideas will inspire your next salon visit.
1. Long and Soft Waves
Best For: All hair textures and face shapes
Long hair doesn’t have to be reserved for the young. As hairstylist Christin Brown explains, “Long hair can soften angular features that become more pronounced with age.” Julia Roberts’ gentle waves are a perfect example of how long hair can remain youthful and feminine.
How to Achieve It: Use a round brush while blow-drying or try heatless curling methods like foam rollers or overnight braids. For added shine, finish with a lightweight serum.
Pro Tip: If you’re petite, avoid hair that’s too long—it can overwhelm your frame. Aim for a length just below the shoulders for balance.
2. Chin-Length Cut with Texture
Best For: Fine hair
A chin-length cut is surprisingly versatile, offering a polished yet modern aesthetic. Naomi Watts demonstrates how texture adds dimension, whether styled sleek, wavy, or tousled.
How to Achieve It: Ask your stylist for wispy layers to prevent bulkiness. Use a texturizing spray for a soft, lived-in finish.
Pro Tip: This cut works especially well for fine hair, as it removes weight and creates volume without sacrificing structure.
3. Bob with Waves
Best For: Wavy hair
Mandee Tauber loves this low-maintenence style where natural waves thrive. The layered bob enhances movement and prevents heaviness.
Pro Tip: Enhance waves with Oribe Air Style Flexible Finish Cream for definition and shine.
4. Sleek Bob
Best For: Any face shape
A timeless choice, sleek bobs highlight cheekbones and define jawlines. Mindy Kaling exemplifies how moisturized strands elevate sleekness.
Pro Tip: Use Color Wow Dream Coat spray during blowouts for frizz-free smoothness.
5. Classic Pixie
Best For: Oval face shapes
Michelle Williams rocks a textured pixie that frames her face beautifully.
Pro Tip: Add slight texture using Pai-Shau Style Soufflé for an effortless finish.
6. Modern Pixie
Best For: Oval faces; fine/thick hair
Sarah Paulson’s longer-top pixie offers a chic update, tucking behind ears for sleekness.
Pro Tip: Opt for a side part instead of middle for softer lines.
7. Jane Birkin Fringe
Best For: Oval & heart-shaped faces
Light, airy bangs à la Jane Birkin open up the face subtly.
Pro Tip: Dry bangs with a paddle brush downwards for a natural look.
8. Updated Bowl Cut
Best For: Thick hair
Jennifer Hudson’s edgy bowl cut proves bold choices age gracefully.
Pro Tip: Emphasize texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray.
9. Long, Face-Framing Layers
Best For: All types/shapes
Jennifer Aniston’s iconic layers cradle the face, adding fullness and youthfulness.
Pro Tip: Start layers below the chin for optimal framing.
10. Collarbone-Length Curly Hair
Best For: Naturally curly hair
This playful length accentuates curls and décolletage.
Pro Tip: Diffuse curls for maximum bounce and volume.
11. Short and Bouncy Cut
Best For: Fine/thinning hair
Shoulder-skimming cuts combat thinning by removing damaged ends.
Pro Tip: Alternate wrapping strands around a round brush for bouncier results.
12. Soft Bun
Best For: Medium to long hair
Eva Longoria’s loose bun with face-framing pieces feels effortless yet elegant.
Pro Tip: Secure with silk scrunchies to prevent breakage.
13. Wispy Bangs
Best For: Fine to medium hair
Anna Faris’ airy bangs add softness without heaviness.
Pro Tip: Sweep bangs to the side for a fresh, flattering effect.
14. Long Bob (Lob)
Best For: All shapes/types
Kristen Stewart’s sleek lob combines polish and versatility.
Pro Tip: Blow-dry downward with a flat brush for ultimate sleekness.
15. Loose, Natural Waves
Best For: Long hair
Drew Barrymore’s wash-and-go waves celebrate natural texture.
Pro Tip: Prep with Ouai Air-Dry Styling Cream for defined, frizz-free curls.
16. Heavy Bangs
Best For: Thick hair
Christina Ricci’s rounded bangs act as a stylish alternative to Botox.
Pro Tip: Trim every 2-3 weeks to maintain shape.
17. Textured Curls
Best For: All types
Tracee Ellis Ross’ voluminous body waves embrace natural texture.
Pro Tip: Twist hair overnight for big, bouncy waves.
18. Tousled with Volume
Best For: Round faces
Gabrielle Union’s messy waves distract from neck wrinkles while looking youthful.
Pro Tip: Alternate curl directions for a tousled effect.
19. Deep Side Part
Best For: Round & heart-shaped faces
Reese Witherspoon’s deep side part exudes elegance.
Pro Tip: Set with hairspray along the part for precision.
Just-Below-the-Shoulder Loose Waves
Best for: Round or angular faces
Loose waves that hit just below the shoulder are a universally flattering style, offering both elegance and versatility. According to hairstylist Vivienne Mackinder, this length is particularly effective at elongating round face shapes while softening angular jawlines. The placement of the hair—grazing the décolletage—creates an alluring effect while gently framing the face, as seen on Kelly Ripa.
Pro Tip: To achieve this look, use a curling iron (after applying a heat protectant!) to curl the strands around your face away from your face rather than toward it. This technique keeps the style open and soft, enhancing your features without overwhelming them.
Half-Up Style
Best for: Long hair
A half-up hairstyle is not only chic but also strategic—it draws attention upward, subtly lifting the face and counteracting sagging skin. As Mackinder explains, this style opens up and elevates the face, making it a youthful choice. Whether you prefer sleek sophistication like Jennifer Lopez, bouncy curls for a playful vibe, or even a half-up bun, there’s plenty of room for personalization. For a softer touch, leave a few face-framing pieces loose.
Pro Tip: To achieve JLo’s signature slicked-back look, lightly spritz hairspray onto a fine-tooth comb and gently glide it through the sections of hair you’re pulling back. This ensures a polished finish without flyaways.
Layered Bob with Fringe
Best for: All hair types
This hairstyle combines the timeless appeal of a bob with the playful charm of soft fringe, as demonstrated by Gayle King. The fringe adds a youthful touch while cleverly camouflaging age-related imperfections around the eyes and forehead. Meanwhile, the layers inject movement and fun into the classic silhouette, making it a versatile option for women of all ages.
Pro Tip: Keep your bangs on the longer side, ideally grazing your eyebrows. Shorter bangs can accentuate wrinkles around the eyes, which may inadvertently age your appearance.
Side-Swept Fringe
Best for: All face shapes
Not ready to commit to full bangs? Opt for long, side-swept fringe instead. Hairstylist Tauber praises this style for its versatility—it can softly frame the face, minimizing fine lines and imperfections, or be tucked behind the ears for a more pulled-back aesthetic. Hoda Kotb exemplifies how effortlessly this look can transition between casual and formal settings.
Pro Tip: When requesting this fringe at the salon, ask for it to be cut long enough to tuck behind your ears. This allows you to switch up your styling: sweep it sideways for a flirty vibe or secure it behind your ears for a sleeker finish.
Asymmetrical Bob
Best for: Any hair texture
Short hair doesn’t have to mean boring—or matronly. Claire Danes’ asymmetrical bob proves that edgy cuts can still feel feminine and youthful. Daniels notes that this style is especially beneficial for fine hair, as it introduces architectural interest to otherwise flat strands. However, it works equally well on thick or curly hair, providing structure and dimension.
Pro Tip: To highlight the asymmetry, blow-dry your hair until it’s pin-straight, or run a flat iron through it for maximum sleekness. The precision will emphasize the unique shape of the cut.
Curtain Bangs
Best for: Round and square faces
Curtain bangs strike the perfect balance between softness and structure. Unlike blunt bangs, they’re cut shorter in the center and gradually lengthen toward the sides, creating a framing effect that softens the face. Sienna Miller showcases how this style can artfully conceal imperfections around the eyes and forehead while maintaining a laid-back, effortless vibe.
Pro Tip: To style curtain bangs, divide them into two sections and use a round brush to pull each side away from your face as you blow-dry. Once dry, use your fingers to position the bangs where you want them. This method creates a natural, face-framing shape.
Beachy Waves
Best for: Long hair
Beachy waves exude carefree charm and are a fantastic option for women over 40 who prefer to keep their hair long. Katherine Hahn’s waves are a masterclass in achieving this relaxed yet polished look. The key is to avoid starting the wave too close to the root; instead, let it begin around the ears or lower for a more natural effect. For added youthfulness, consider incorporating subtle highlights around your face, tailored to your skin tone.
Pro Tip: Swap your curling iron for a flat iron to create beachy waves. Flick your wrist up and down as you glide the flat iron down the length of your hair. This technique produces loose, tousled waves rather than tight ringlets.
Mega Volume
Best for: All hair types and face shapes
Volume isn’t just about glamour—it’s a powerful tool for reversing signs of aging. By adding lift at the roots, you can elevate your entire face, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance. Priyanka Chopra nails this look by pairing voluminous roots with sleek, shiny lengths for a polished finish.
Pro Tip: For maximum volume, use a round brush while blow-drying. Hold the heat at the root for a few seconds, then blast it with cold air before removing the brush. This sets the lift and ensures lasting results.
Sleek Ponytail
Best for: Oval face shapes
Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. A sleek ponytail is an elegant way to showcase your facial features and celebrate your confidence. Mackinder recommends this style for its ease and sophistication—it takes mere minutes to execute but delivers maximum impact. Simply brush your hair back and secure it with an elastic band.
Pro Tip: Take inspiration from Kim Kardashian’s subtle middle part. It adds dimension to the sleekness and breaks up the monotony, especially if you have a rounder face shape.
Long Shag
Best for: Thicker hair
The shag is back—and better than ever. Brown describes this style as a modern take on the retro favorite, combining long layers with cascading, flirty pieces in front. Halle Berry demonstrates how the shag can feel fresh and contemporary when paired with longer lengths.
Pro Tip: To enhance the shag’s texture, apply a small amount of styling putty to your fingertips and dab it onto the ends of your hair. This adds definition and highlights the layered cut.
Curly Shag with Bangs
Best for: Curly or wavy hair
Curly-haired individuals can absolutely rock a shag! Brown shares a story of a client with stunning silver curls who wanted a change—enter the curly shag with bangs. Natasha Lyonne exemplifies how bold and fun this look can be. Embracing your natural texture amplifies the shag’s edgy appeal.
Pro Tip: Keep your bangs extra long to prevent them from puffing up and looking too short. Bonus: Longer bangs offer styling flexibility—you can straighten them slightly and sweep them to the side for variety.
Super Short and Curly
Best for: Tight curls
For those unafraid of boldness, a super-short pixie cut can be transformative. Brown loves this style on curly hair, as it opens up the face and allows for greater self-expression through clothing and accessories. Viola Davis’ closely cropped cut highlights her natural texture and radiates elegance.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to ultra-short styles, start with a slightly longer pixie cut to ease into the transition. You can always go shorter later, but remember—it’s easier to remove hair than to grow it back!
Shaved
Best for: Oval or heart-shaped faces
Shaving your head can be one of the most liberating and bold choices a woman can make. “It’s not just about embracing minimalism—it’s about making a statement,” says hairstylist Christin Brown. This style is especially appealing for women who have already experimented with short hair and are ready to take their look to the next level.
Pro Tip: While shaving your head might seem like something you can do at home, it’s best left to a professional stylist. They’ll help you determine how much to shave off based on your hair type and face shape. For instance, Jada Pinkett Smith rocks a completely shaved head, but you could also opt for a buzz cut that leaves a tiny bit of length on top for added versatility. A stylist will ensure the cut flatters your features while maintaining an edgy yet polished appearance.
Pushed to One Side
Best for: Thick hair
For formal occasions, consider leaving your hair down in a textured, wavy style pushed entirely to one side. As Brown explains, this look is both glamorous and modern, opening up the face while allowing statement earrings to shine. It’s a great alternative to traditional updos, which can sometimes appear matronly as you age.
Pro Tip: To keep your hair from shifting back to the other side, brush it over one shoulder and secure it with bobby pins behind your ear on the opposite side. Use anti-frizz products to maintain smoothness and prevent flyaways. This ensures your style stays sleek and intentional throughout the event.
Short on the Sides, Long on Top
Best for: Square or heart-shaped faces
This edgy yet versatile cut combines shaved sides with longer strands on top, creating a youthful, rocker-inspired vibe à la Pink. “Many people assume short hair lacks versatility, but this style proves otherwise,” says Mandee Tauber. You can slick it back for a polished finish, curl the top section for added texture, or rough it up for a more undone look.
Pro Tip: The key to nailing this cut is contrast—ensure the sides are buzzed close while keeping the top at least a few inches long. This dramatic difference in length adds dimension and allows for creative styling options.
Shoulder-Skimming with Face-Framing Layers
Best for: Thick hair
If you’re aiming to keep your thick hair above the shoulders, focus on incorporating face-framing layers. “These layers reduce bulk without sacrificing fullness, resulting in a fresh and effortless style,” explains Sophia Porter. By eliminating excess weight, this cut prevents your hair from dragging down your face, keeping your overall look lifted and vibrant.
Pro Tip: Keep the layers starting just below eye level to avoid drawing attention to fine lines around the eyes. Regular trims every six to eight weeks will help maintain the shape and health of your hair.
Polished Waves
Best for: All hair types and face shapes
Polished waves offer a timeless and sophisticated option for women who prefer a put-together aesthetic. Julianna Margulies exemplifies this classic style, which works beautifully for formal events or everyday elegance.
Pro Tip: Prep your hair with a smoothing product like Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother before styling to minimize frizz and enhance shine. Use a two-inch curling iron held vertically, wrapping sections of hair around the barrel for soft, defined waves. Finish with a light-hold hairspray for lasting hold.
Simple Twist
Best for: All face shapes and hair textures
Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. A simple twist is a chic and versatile hairstyle that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Whether paired with casual attire or dressed up for a special occasion, this timeless look never goes out of style.
Pro Tip: Follow Kate Winslet’s lead by leaving a few loose strands framing your face. This subtle touch softens the overall effect and keeps the style from appearing overly structured or fussy.
Messy Half-Up
Best for: Medium and thick hair
Channel Brigitte Bardot with a modern twist: the messy half-up style. This retro-inspired ‘do combines volume at the crown with softness around the face, making it flattering for most face shapes. While Anne Hathaway pulls it off with her long locks, this style also works beautifully on shoulder-length hair.
Pro Tip: Avoid overly straight hair, as it can make the look feel too severe. Instead, embrace second-day hair or tousled waves for a youthful, carefree vibe. According to Mackinder, this texture naturally enhances the playful essence of the style.
Messy Ponytail
Best for: All hair types and face shapes
Kate Beckinsale’s messy bouffant ponytail strikes the perfect balance between undone and elegant. To recreate this look, tease the crown for added height, curl strands with a curling iron, and brush them out for imperfect waves. Gather the hair into a loose ponytail for a relaxed yet refined finish.
Pro Tip: Elevate your ponytail by wrapping a small strand of hair around the elastic band and securing it with a bobby pin. This hides the hair tie and adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring the style doesn’t appear juvenile.
Just a Little Bit of Layers
Best for: Fine or medium hair
Shoulder-length hair with minimal layering is a universally flattering choice for women over 40. It provides enough coverage to distract from fine lines while remaining easy to manage. Melissa McCarthy demonstrates how just a few face-framing layers can add movement and depth without overwhelming the overall silhouette.
Pro Tip: Since this style relies heavily on healthy ends, invest in high-quality conditioner and schedule regular trims every six to eight weeks. “Healthy hair always looks younger, no matter your age,” notes Tauber.
