There is a mistaken belief that women over 40 have limited options for attractive hairstyles, and that they are restricted to wearing mom buns or low ponytails. If you want to spruce up your look, you’ve come to the right place. We have curated a list of 32 gorgeous hairstyles for women over 40 that will inspire you to try something new.
As we age, our hair can become more prone to damage from UV rays and styling products. This often leads to less experimentation with hairstyles. But you can still flaunt some fantastic hairstyles without needing excessive products or tools.
Scroll down to discover how to pick the perfect hairstyles and get inspired!
32 Gorgeous Hairstyles For Women Over 40
Explore our guide to 32 gorgeous hairstyles for women over 40. Find the perfect look to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence with chic, elegant, and trendy styles tailored for you.
1. Soft White Waves
Meryl Streep embraces her natural beauty with soft white waves, often seen on the red carpet. This timeless style adds softness and elegance, making it perfect for mature women. It’s an effortless way to showcase natural hair texture while maintaining a sophisticated look.
2. Half Long Ponytail
Jennifer Aniston frequently sports a half-long ponytail, combining practicality with a touch of sophistication. This versatile style keeps hair off the face while maintaining a polished look. It’s perfect for everyday wear and more formal occasions, adding a youthful yet refined appearance.
3. Top Knot Bun
Jennifer Lopez often rocks a top knot bun, ideal for a chic and elegant look. This style is practical for busy days and exudes confidence and sophistication. It’s perfect for women over 40 who want a stylish, quick, and easy way to manage their hair.
4. Voluminous Curls With Side Part
Viola Davis frequently flaunts voluminous curls with a side part, adding a dramatic and youthful touch to her appearance. This style enhances natural curls and creates a striking, bold look. It’s ideal for those looking to add volume and dimension to their hairstyle.
5. The Side Bun
Nicole Kidman has been seen with a graceful side bun, adding an elegant and classic touch to her outfits. This versatile updo is perfect for casual and formal events, providing a sophisticated and polished look that’s easy to achieve.
6. Half Ponytail With Side Bangs
Reese Witherspoon often showcases a half ponytail with side bangs, offering a playful and youthful vibe. This style is perfect for adding volume and framing the face, making it an excellent choice for women over 40 who want a fresh and lively appearance.
7. All Tied-In Ponytail
Charlize Theron looks effortlessly chic with an all-tied-in ponytail, ideal for a sleek and polished look. This style is perfect for keeping hair tidy while maintaining an elegant appearance, suitable for both professional and casual settings.
8. Classic Bob
Helen Mirren embraces the classic bob, showcasing its timeless appeal. This style is perfect for adding structure and sophistication to any look, making it an excellent option for women over 40 who want a versatile and manageable hairstyle.
9. Pixie Cut
Halle Berry has long been known for her stunning pixie cut, which exudes confidence and style. This short and edgy look is perfect for women who want a low-maintenance yet fashionable hairstyle.
10. Layered Short Cut
Meg Ryan popularised the layered shortcut, adding volume and texture to her hair. This style is ideal for women over 40 who want to enhance their natural hair texture while maintaining a youthful and dynamic look.
11. Shoulder-Length Waves
Julia Roberts often sports shoulder-length waves, adding a touch of glamour to her appearance. This versatile style is perfect for creating a soft and romantic look for various occasions.
12. Lob (Long Bob)
Sandra Bullock frequently showcases the lob (long bob), which combines elegance with modern style. This haircut is perfect for women over 40 who want a trendy yet sophisticated look that’s easy to manage.
13. Blunt Cut with Bangs
Naomi Watts often rocks a blunt cut with bangs, providing a modern and sleek appearance. This style is perfect for framing the face and adding a youthful touch to your overall look.
14. Soft Layers
Jennifer Garner embraces soft layers, adding movement and texture to her hair. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want a versatile and elegant look that’s easy to style.
15. Beachy Waves
Kate Hudson is known for her effortless beachy waves, adding a relaxed and youthful vibe to her appearance. This style is perfect for creating a carefree and natural look.
16. Straight and Sleek
Demi Moore often sports a straight, sleek hairstyle, showcasing its timeless and polished appeal. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want a sophisticated and elegant look.
17. Curly Bob
Oprah Winfrey looks stunning with a curly bob, enhancing her natural curls. This style is perfect for adding volume and dimension, creating a bold and dynamic look.
18. Loose Waves
Salma Hayek frequently wears loose waves, which add a touch of romance to her look. This style is perfect for creating a soft and feminine appearance suitable for various occasions.
19. Retro Waves
Dita Von Teese is famous for her retro waves, which exude glamour and are vintage-inspired. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want to add a touch of old Hollywood elegance to their appearance.
20. Sleek Ponytail
Gwyneth Paltrow often showcases a sleek ponytail, providing a modern and polished look. This style is perfect for keeping hair tidy while maintaining an elegant appearance.
Also Read: 30 Long Hairstyles For Women Over 50
21. Braided Updo
Blake Lively frequently sports a braided updo, which adds a romantic and sophisticated touch to her look. This style is perfect for special occasions and provides a beautiful and intricate appearance.
22. Messy Bun
Meghan Markle often opts for a messy bun, combining casual with chic. This effortless style is perfect for women over 40 who want a relaxed yet stylish look.
23. Chignon
Cate Blanchett looks elegant with a classic chignon, ideal for formal events. This timeless updo adds sophistication and grace to any outfit, making it perfect for women over 40.
24. Textured Shag
Lisa Rinna is known for her textured shag, adding volume and movement to her hair. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want a dynamic and youthful look.
25. Feathered Layers
Farrah Fawcett popularised feathered layers, creating a voluminous and playful look. This style is perfect for adding texture and movement to your hair, making it an excellent option for women over 40.
26. Side-Swept Bangs
Emma Thompson often showcases side-swept bangs, adding a soft and flattering touch to her look. This style is perfect for framing the face and creating a youthful appearance.
27. Tousled Bob
Charlize Theron frequently sports a tousled bob, offering a relaxed and chic look. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want a low-maintenance yet stylish hairstyle.
28. Long Layers with Highlights
Jennifer Lopez often wears long layers with highlights, adding depth and dimension to her hair. This style is perfect for creating a vibrant and youthful appearance.
29. Asymmetrical Cut
Victoria Beckham is known for her edgy asymmetrical cut, offering a modern and bold look. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want to make a fashion statement with their hair.
30. Stacked Bob
Katie Holmes frequently sports a stacked bob, adding volume and structure to her hair. This style is perfect for creating a polished and sophisticated look.
31. Bouncy Blowout
Kate Middleton often showcases a bouncy blowout, adding volume and shine to her hair. This style is perfect for creating a glamorous and elegant appearance.
32. Wavy Lob with Fringe
Kerry Washington often wears a wavy lob with fringe, combining modern style with playfulness. This versatile haircut is perfect for women over 40 who want a trendy and youthful look.
FAQs
What are the best hairstyles for women over 40 with fine hair?
Hairstyles that add volume and texture are ideal for fine hair. Consider a layered shortcut like Meg Ryan’s, a tousled bob like Charlize Theron’s, or soft layers like Jennifer Garner’s. These styles can create the illusion of thicker hair and add dimension.
How can I add volume to my hair as I age?
Opt for layered hairstyles or use volumising products like mousse or root lift spray to add volume. Styles like the bouncy blowout, popularised by Kate Middleton, or voluminous curls with a side part like Viola Davis’s can give your hair a fuller appearance. Regular trims and avoiding heavy products can also help maintain volume.
Are short hairstyles suitable for all face shapes?
Short hairstyles can be tailored to suit various face shapes. For instance, a classic bob works well for oval and round faces, while a pixie cut can complement heart-shaped and square faces. Consult with your hairstylist to customise a short style that flatters your unique face shape and enhances your features.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect hairstyle can transform your look and boost your confidence. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of soft waves, the chic sophistication of a sleek ponytail, or the modern edge of an asymmetrical cut, there’s a style to suit every woman over 40. Embrace your beauty and experiment with these gorgeous hairstyles to find the one that makes you feel fabulous. Remember, age is just a number, and with the right hairstyle, you can look and feel your best at any stage of life.