Do you believe in the myth that turning 40 means letting go of fashion-forward hairstyles? Well, it’s time to shatter that illusion. No matter your age, a chic haircut can add a touch of elegance and confidence to your persona.
This article is your go-to guide for 27 fabulous hairstyles that will keep you looking stylish and vibrant, even if you’ve kissed your 30s goodbye. So, whether you’re a fan of bobs, love the sophistication of layered cuts, or want to experiment with a pixie, we’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned because we’re about to redefine what it means to be a woman over 40, one hairstyle at a time. After all, age is just a number when it comes to style and grace.
Classy Hairstyles
Shaping your hair into a classy hairstyle can truly emphasize your natural beauty. Let’s discover some timeless and elegant options together.
Timeless Long Layers for a Sophisticated Look
Unleash your inner diva with the timeless long layers. It offers multiple styling options and framing your face beautifully. This flatters all face shapes and can be personalized with quick curls or straightened for a sleeker look.
Elegant Updo for Formal Events
Nothing says elegance like a well-orchestrated updo. Whether it’s a chic chignon or a more intricate French twist, an updo is perfect for formal events. It exposes your neckline and accentuates your facial features, adding to your sophistication.
Sleek Ponytail with Volume
A sleek ponytail with volume is a sophisticated and versatile hairstyle. It’s easy to maintain and exudes a sense of power. Even better, you can accessorize it with a stylish hair cuff or ribbon to add a distinctive edge.
Classic Half-Up, Half-Down Style
It’s difficult not to fall in love with the classic half-up, half-down style. It’s a balanced mix of casual and chic that showcases your length while keeping your hair out of your face. Strands can be loosely curled for a more fun and flirtatious vibe.
Graceful Side-Swept Curls
Embrace the romance of side-swept curls. This hairstyle is breathtaking and adds a soft, feminine touch to any look. They’re especially glamorous when worn loosely, cascading over one shoulder. A flower or decorative hairpin might be just the thing to elevate this style.
Trendy and Chic Styles
Straying away from the traditional hairstyles, let’s dip our toes into the more modern, trendy, and daring styles that will make you stand out in a crowd.
Playful Textured Lob
Your journey to trendiness might just start with a playful textured lob. This medium-length hairstyle creates body and movement with its varied lengths, enveloping your face in a soft frame of tousled waves. Its lazy, beachy vibe creates a look that’s not only youthful but extremely easy to maintain and style.
Modern Layered Shag
To add some spark to your hairdo, you might consider the modern layered shag. Known for its numerous layers and volume, this hairdo exudes a daring and spunky air. It’s the ultimate go-to hairstyle for a woman who’s confident in her style and is not afraid to show it. Bonus point, those layers perfectly conceal any pesky thinning spots!
Bold Color-Block Highlights
If you have a taste for a bit of drama, then the bold color-block highlights are definitely for you. This trend allows for vibrant blocks of color that bring an undeniable edge and depth to your hair. Remember, turning 40 doesn’t mean denying your love for color. So, let those blues, pinks, or silvers make a statement and embrace your a bold, fresh look!
Edgy Pixie Cut
Break the monotony with a flair of chic boldness with an edgy pixie cut. Known for its short, asymmetric length and partial buzzing, it’s a total crowd-stopper. This style screams independence and makes “I woke up like this” a perfect reality. It’s bold, it’s modern, and it’s exactly what you need to show off your daring and trendy side.
Low-Maintenance Hairstyles
You don’t have to sacrifice style just because you’re short on time. Here are fabulous and low-maintenance hairstyles that can keep you looking chic and feeling fabulous, even on your busiest days.
Easy Beachy Waves
This effortless style screams vacation-mode all year long. Beachy Waves are a perfect way to add texture and volume to your hair without heat styling. All you need to do is apply a texturizing spray, scrunch, and go. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s perfect for a relaxed, natural look.
Simple Braided Crown
Elegant and boho-chic, the Simple Braided Crown is a hairstyle that saves you time while keeping you stylish. It involves a basic braid, twisted and pinned into a “crown” on top of your head. What’s more, it works perfectly for medium to long lengths, adding a regal touch to your everyday look.
Carefree Straight Hair with a Middle Part
Possessing a timeless appeal, this style is as easy as it sounds. For a polished yet nonchalant aesthetic, part your hair in the middle, smooth it out using a brush, and lock the neatness with a bit of serum. It’s the epitome of simplicity and radiates sophistication, serving as a reminder that less can be more.
Quick Knot Twist
Ever wanted a chic updo in a hurry. Enter the Quick Knot Twist. This hairstyle is as simple as twisting two sections of your hair, knotting them together, and securing with a bobby pin. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking for something quick yet pulled-together – a perfect blend of style and practicality.
Effortless Short Crop
Last but certainly not least is the Effortless Short Crop. It’s a bold style choice, offering simplicity in maintenance and a high dose of charisma. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring focus to your features, lending you an alluring and gutsy appeal. All you need is the courage to chop and rock.
Inspiring Hairstyles for Confidence
When it comes to inspiring self-confidence, the perfect hairstyle can make all the difference. In this section, we jump into some truly empowering and stylish hairstyles perfect for women over 40.
Empowering Long Sleek Layers
Embrace your inner diva with long sleek layers, a hairstyle that’s as elegant as it’s versatile. The smooth cascades of hair not only frame your face beautifully, but also add a youthful vitality with a touch of sophistication. Perfect for every occasion, this style exudes grace, making it a go-to choice for those who love to strike a balance between fashion-forward and timeless.
Timeless Vintage Waves
There’s a nostalgic charm about vintage waves that simply never fades. This hairstyle brings back the glamour of old Hollywood, allowing you to channel your inner silver screen siren. It adds volume and dimension to your hair, bestowing an aura of classic elegance that is definitely captivating. It’s a hairstyle that declares your refined taste while also celebrating your vivacious spirit.
Classy Chignon with a Twist
Chignons have reigned in the area of classy hairstyles for centuries and for good reason. Adding a modern twist to this timeless updo, like a side part or loose pieces to frame your face, brings a fresh take on a revered classic. The Chic Chignon with a Twist not only screams grace and elegance, but also reveals your confident and adventurous side.
Inspiring Natural Texture
Emphasizing your natural hair texture can be the ultimate manifestation of self-love and acceptance. Whether your locks are curly, wavy, or straight, your uniqueness lies in honoring what nature has blessed you with. Accentuating your natural texture delivers a message of genuine self-confidence, encourages expressing individuality, and enhances your natural charm.
Revitalizing Face-Framing Bangs
Finally, let’s not forget the allure of face-framing bangs—a simple yet powerful addition to any hairstyle. Bangs highlight the best features of your face, injecting a youthful essence to your aesthetic. Whether blunt or side-swept, they offer a unique style that adds a fun and revitalizing edge to your look, proving that being fashionable has no age.
Versatile Styles for Every Occasion
This section takes you further into exploring a range of versatile hairdos perfectly catering to every event, from casual to glamorous happening around the year. Let’s investigate into some more trendy and easily adaptable hairstyle options for women over 40.
Flirty Curly Blowout
Adding a touch of sass and volume to your locks, the Flirty Curly Blowout can be a perfect pick for an evening date or a formal event. Imagine big, bouncy curls that elevate your overall appearance – it’s stunning and age-defying at the same time! This sexy yet elegant style reflects both personality and confidence, proving yet again that age is but a number.
Stylish Side Ponytail
For those youthful, fun daytime events or a casual meet-up with friends, the Stylish Side Ponytail can be your go-to hairstyle. It gives you a trendy, laid-back vibe while maintaining an element of sophistication. The plus side – it’s quick to do, comfortably chic, and perfect for showcasing your favorite earrings or neckpiece.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Often seen gracing the red carpet, the Glamorous Hollywood Waves hairstyle is timeless and epitomizes class. These deep, gentle waves bring out an aura of old-world charm and elegance. Paired with a beautiful gown, you’ll have yourself turning heads at any event.
Convenient Braided Updo
A Convenient Braided Updo can be a lifesaver for those rushed mornings or on days when the weather doesn’t cooperate. It not only keeps your hair tidy but also adds a touch of European flair to your ensemble. It’s great for work, a picnic, or a day out with kids. Versatility at its best!
Sophisticated Low Chignon
Chic and low-maintenance, the Sophisticated Low Chignon is another elegant option that suits any event. This classic bun at the nape of your neck instantly uplifts your look, giving out a vibe of grace and decorum. Coupled with an elegant dress and minimal jewelry, this hairstyle can make you the center of attention at any sophisticated gathering.
Chic Accessories to Enhance Any Look
Hair accessories enhance any hairstyle, making it extraordinary. Here, we’re looking at sprinkling a little extra charm on your chosen hairstyle.
Elegant Hairpins for a Touch of Glam
Nothing shouts elegance louder than a beautiful hairpin. Perfect for classy updos or flowing waves, hairpins add a touch of glam to elevate your look instantly. Whether it’s a simple gold pin or one embellished with pearls and crystals, hairpins always give an air of sophistication. The key here is placing them strategically to highlight your hairstyle and face shape. Hairpins are also a great tool for taming flyaways, making them a fashionable and practical accessory for any woman over 40.
Fashionable Headbands for Effortless Style
Headbands, from slimline to chunky knotted ones, can boost your look without much effort. They add dimension to straight hair, control curls, and can rejuvenate second-day hair by hiding any oiliness or flatness. A velvet headband can give you an air of royal elegance, or a simple tortoiseshell headband can make any outfit look cool and stylish. Remember, the right headband can give your look a dash of glamour, making you feel like a queen.
Stylish Scarves for a Unique Flair
A scarf is an incredibly versatile accessory. Knot it around a ponytail, weave it through a braid, or wrap it around your head to give your look a chic twist. Scarves come in countless patterns and fabrics, giving you unlimited freedom to express your unique style. A vibrantly colored silk scarf can add warmth and dimension to flat, monochrome hairstyles, while a sleek black scarf can add a sophisticated touch to any outfit.
Trendy Hair Clips for Quick Upscaling
A quick way to upscale any hairstyle is with trendy hair clips. Be it large barrettes, cute little snap clips, or classic claw clips, they add a bit of sparkle and interest, especially to short hairstyles and bobs. They can be inserted discreetly to hold up a section of hair or displayed prominently as a style statement. A pearl-encrusted barrette, for example, can transform a regular ponytail into a high-fashion look.
Beautiful Flowers for a Romantic Touch
Nothing lends a romantic touch to hairstyles more than fresh flowers. A simple bloom tucked behind one ear, or a small floral arrangement pinned into an updo, can make you look and feel feminine and romantic. Choose flowers that match your outfit, or opt for classic white to complement any look. Flowers in your hair are perfect for outdoor gatherings, weddings, or anytime you want to add some romantic flair to your style.
Hairstyles for Different Hair Textures
Let’s explore hairstyles tailored to your specific hair texture, perfect for women over 40 who want to look stylish and chic. Whether you got gorgeous curls or smooth, shiny straight hair, we’ve got you covered.
Gorgeous Natural Curls
Embrace your natural curls with a shoulder-length bob. This simple yet chic style showcases your curls in their best light. With just a touch of styling cream, your spirals stay defined and frizz-free. The shorter length makes it easy to maintain, adding a youthful touch to your look.
Smooth and Shiny Straight Hair
For straight hair, consider a sleek A-Line bob. This polished style frames the face beautifully and draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It’s stylish, modern, and perfect for both the office and a night out. A dab of shine serum enhances your hair’s natural luster, keeping it silky smooth and shiny.
Textured Waves for Volume
If you’re blessed with wavy hair, try a lob (long bob) with disheveled layers. This style adds volume and body to your hair, creating an effortless beach vibe. Just spritz some sea salt spray and crunch up the ends for fabulous waves.
Effortless Frizzy Looks
Frizzy hair can be turned into a fashion statement with a mid-length cut and lots of layers. The layers help shape your hair and the natural texture creates a voluminous, playful look. With a touch of anti-frizz serum, you can control the frizz while showcasing your bold, stylish side.
Playful Layered Cuts for Thick Hair
For thick hair, keep things lively with a playful layered cut. This gives your hair movement and reduces weight, making it easier to style. It also helps add a dimension to your hair, making it look lush and full. With just a bit of styling mousse, your thick locks will stay in place and look stunning all day.
Seasonal Hairstyles to Embrace Change
Let’s celebrate the beauty of every season! These fantastic hairstyles, tailored for each season, will inspire you to keep your hair as fresh and vibrant as the ever-changing weather.
Festive Updo for Holiday Parties
Embellish yourself with a jolly spirit with the Festive Updo. The updo is a sophisticated combination of twisted strands braided into a high bun. Studded with glittery accessories, this hairstyle adds a sparkling touch to your holiday celebrations. The Festive Updo stands as a symbol of elegance and radiates a warm, comforting vibe that echoes the essence of holiday parties.
Flowy Summer Braids
Opt for the Flowy Summer Braids, a perfect hairstyle to beat the heat without compromising style. It’s a harmonious blend of loose waves and neatly braided strands, perfect for a beach day or a casual summer day-out. This hairstyle not just lets your locks breathe, but adds a laid-back charm to your overall look too.
Cozy Winter Knots
The Cozy Winter Knots hairstyle is like a cup of warm cocoa for your hair during chilly winter days. Low buns with loose strands framing the face give an effortlessly chic and cozy appearance. The knots lend a neat, groomed finish, making it your go-to style for winter.
Chic Spring Blooms with Flower Accessories
Welcome spring with the Chic Spring Blooms hairstyle. It’s a semi-updo adorned with beautiful flower accessories. The light, loose waves at the ends symbolize the blooming season. The flower accessories add a burst of color and freshness, making you shine brighter than the spring itself.
Colorful Autumn Tones for a Lively Look
Embrace the enchanting hues of fall with the Colorful Autumn Tones hairstyle. This style features highlights matching the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, paired with layered cuts for added dimension. It’s a lively look that brings out the richness of fall and transforms your mane into a walking fall foliage tour.
Best Hairstyles for Special Events
Embrace every special moment with confidence and style with these five top hairstyles for women over 40. Designed to enhance your natural beauty, these elegant options will undoubtedly add a dash of glam and sophistication to any special event.
Elegant Bridal Updo
For an ageless beauty walking down the aisle, choose an elegant bridal updo. This timeless hairstyle exudes grace and maturity, perfect for enhancing your elegant wedding gown. Whether it’s a low bun with loose curls or a sleek, twisted chignon adorned with delicate flowers, your bridal updo will highlight your best features while giving you that classy, sophisticated charm you want for your big day.
Stunning Prom Waves
Attending a black-tie event or a prom night of your teenager? Opt for stunning prom waves. These loose, cascading waves offer a voluminous look that makes you look youthful, yet refined. With a side or center part, the waves naturally frame your face, giving an alluring touch to your overall look. Coupled with a shimmery dress and sparkling jewelry, you’re ready to steal the show.
Red Carpet Glam with Curls
Want to create a stunning impact at your next red carpet event? Choose the Red Carpet Glam with curls. This hairstyle involves large, romantic curls cascading down one shoulder, a nod to classic Hollywood glamour. It frames your face beautifully, highlighting your cheekbones and eyes. Paired with a sweeping gown, you’ll own every room you walk into with your timeless elegance.
Unique Vintage Styles for Themed Parties
Turn heads at your next themed party. Unique vintage hairstyles are a surefire way to stand out. Whether it’s a ’60s beehive, ’70s Farrah Fawcett-esque waves, or ’20s flapper-girl bob, these styles are all about embracing the playfulness of the past with a modern twist. Guaranteed to get conversations started, these retro looks will not only fit the theme but also add a dash of charm to your overall persona.
Dazzling Bejeweled Hair Designs
Dazzle everyone with your presence by accentuating your hairstyle with bejeweled designs. Exquisite hair pins, studded hair bands, or elegant jeweled clips could add a touch of glamour to any hairstyle. Ideal for posh evening parties, these hair accessories jazz up a simple hairstyle, turning it into a piece of art. So, go ahead and express your individuality while looking luxe and fabulous. You’re not just a woman over 40; you’re a woman with style who knows just how to make a fashion statement.
Effortless Everyday Hairstyles
To maintain a perfect balance of style and convenience in your busy schedule, here are five elegant yet manageable everyday hairstyles. Each one is a testimony to the fact that sophistication and class can very well be paired with comfort and ease.
Carefree Loose Waves
Bring untouched elegance to your look with carefree loose waves. This hairstyle is all about creating slightly tousled waves that effortlessly cascade down your shoulders. It’s an excellent go-to hairstyle that embodies both femininity and comfort. It’s as if your hair got the memo to form natural waves after a day at the beach. With this look, you’re just a hairspray away from nailing a style statement that’s equal parts elegant and relaxed.
Easy Top Knot for Busy Days
An easy top knot is your best friend on hectic mornings. This is a no-fuss hairstyle that you can easily master in minute, yet the end result screams sophistication. Your hair is twisted into a neat bun at the crown, ensuring a chic and polished appearance all day long. It’s a perfect blend of style and practicality, making your busy day go even smoother.
Relaxed Sleek Back Look
The power of simplicity shines with the relaxed sleek back look. It’s a hairstyle that transforms your regular day into a runway moment. All you need is a comb to gently pull your hair back and some hair gel to maintain a sleek, shiny finish. This simple yet effective style elevates your confidence while saying a lot about your taste for sophisticated minimalism.
Simple Double Braid
Merge tradition and trend with a simple double braid. This hairstyle is an ideal fit for any hair texture, creating two parallel braids that intertwine in a harmonious dance. Whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for a casual lunch, the simple double braid assures a stylish appearance which maintains the essence of your playful spirit.
Practical Shoulder-Length Cut
Embrace class with a practical shoulder-length cut. This hairstyle is a universal choice for its ease of maintenance and classic appeal. Whether you choose straight hair with a side part or shaggy layers for added volume, the shoulder-length cut serves as a canvas for endless styling opportunities. No matter what your day looks like, this versatile hairstyle carries an effortless charm that sticks around longer than your to-do list.
Hair Color Ideas to Complement Styles
After selecting a fabulous hairstyle, it’s time to think about hair color. Experimenting with color not only adds an extra layer of creativity to your look, but it also can wonderfully complement your style and enhance your overall appearance. Let’s explore some trending hair color ideas that can lend a stunning touch to your hairstyles.
Soft Balayage for a Sun-Kissed Effect
Balayage is a free-hand coloring technique that gives a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect to your hair. Opting for soft balayage can effortlessly breathe life into your hairstyles, especially if you’ve chosen something along the lines of beachy waves or layered cuts. This color style has lighter shades painted onto the surface of your hair, creating a subtle, blended, and gradated look that adds depth and dimension.
Bold Violet Highlights
For those not afraid to step out of the comfort zone, violet highlights can add an edgy appeal to your hairstyles. Whether you’ve decided to rock a pixie cut, a sleek bob, or long flowing curls, these bold streaks of purple can certainly make a grand statement. This vibrant shade not only makes your hair stand out but also adds an element of fun and flamboyance to your overall look.
Natural Shades for an Effortless Look
Sometimes less is more. If you’re looking for a subtle change or prefer to stick with more conventional hair colors, natural shades might be the way to go. Muted hues of brown, blonde, or black can give an appealing and effortless look to any hairstyle. For instance, a classic chocolate brown can beautifully harmonize with a shaggy bob, and a dark blonde can offer a refreshing touch to soft waves.
Rich Chocolate Brown for Depth
Nothing adds depth and warmth to your hairstyles quite like a rich chocolate brown. This hair color can beautifully complement a plethora of hairstyles including mid-length layers, curly bobs, or classic bangs. It’s a versatile shade that flaunts a touch of luxury, sophistication, and depth, truly intensifying your look regardless of the chosen hairstyle.
Subtle Ombre Effects for Elegance
If you’re looking for elegance with a twist, subtle ombre effects might be the perfect choice. This coloring style, which subtly transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter tone at the ends, can bring an element of charm and dimension to your chosen hairstyle. Especially striking with long layers or cascading curls, ombre effects can add the perfect dash of interest and depth to your overall style.
Hairstyles to Frame and Flatter
Apart from just following trends, hairstyles should ideally complement your face and features. Let’s jump into some hairstyles specially designed to frame and flatter your face.
Face-Framing Layers
Go for long layers for a soft, elongating effect. This hairstyle delicately frames your face by creating a seamless transition from the features to the hair. For maximum versatility, style these layers either super straight for a sleek look or with gentle waves for a more casual appeal.
Soft Bangs for a Youthful Appearance
Adding soft bangs to your hairstyle can refresh your look significantly. They can soften your features and give you a youthful appearance. Light, feathered bangs work exceptionally well, and you can always tailor them according to your specific face shape and style preference.
Chin-Length Cuts for Structure
For those preferring short hair, consider a fashionable bob that hits right at the chin. This hairstyle creates a structured silhouette that frames the face beautifully. It’s ideal for those who want an easy-to-maintain, yet stylish and modern hairstyle.
Long Layers to Enhance Features
Long, layered hairstyles have a way of enhancing your natural features. They can add life and movement to your hair while beautifully blending with your face shape. If you have thicker hair, long layers can lighten it. Alternatively, for thin or fine hair, these layers can give the illusion of volume.
Soft Waves That Highlight Cheekbones
Soft waves can be a fantastic way to highlight your cheekbones. This hairstyle allows the waves to naturally contour your face, so enhancing your cheekbones. For an added fresh look, try combining this hairstyle with a side parting. Regardless of hair length, soft waves bring an effortless allure to your style.
Dynamic Textured Hairstyles
Let’s investigate into the area of dynamic textured hairstyles that can breathe life into your unique hair personality, giving it an edgy and youthful appearance. These on-trend styles are sure to turn heads wherever you go, proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a fashion statement.
Voluminous Layers for Bounce
First in line is the Voluminous Layers hairstyle. Imagine luscious waves of hair with a voluminous lift at the roots that cascade down to create a vibrant, bouncy look. This layered hairdo adds a youthful appeal and works magic on hair that’s thinning or lacks volume. Hidden layers give a fantastic thickness while maintaining a seamless, elegant appearance. The beauty lies in its versatility – it’s a style that compliments any outfit and occasion.
Tousled Beach Waves
Next, let’s surf the waves – the Tousled Beach Waves, to be precise. This laid-back, boho-chic hairstyle adds an irresistible allure to your look. It’s perfect for summer outings or when you want to inject a bit of vacation vibes into your everyday style. Easy to create and easier to maintain, tousled beach waves bring a sea of texture to any hair length, creating an illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
Dimensional Curly Pixie
Moving on, we have the Dimensional Curly Pixie. Now, this isn’t your regular pixie cut. It offers an extra pinch of sassiness with clustered short curls that add dimension and depth to fine hair. It’s a great choice for women who aren’t afraid to embrace their natural curls fully. It’s not just chic and trendy, but it also frames your face beautifully, emphasizing your best features.
Messy Textured Lob
Consider the Messy Textured Lob for your next hair adventure. Ramp up your style with this edgy, textured hairstyle that links the simplicity of a bob with the length of long hair. This style provides a playful yet elegant look with its tousled waves and soft layering. Add a bit of hair serum or sea salt spray to enhance the texture, and you’re ready to make a stylish statement!
Shaggy Bob with Choppy Ends
Finally, we present the Shaggy Bob with Choppy Ends, a timeless classic with a modern makeover. This style bursts with life, courtesy of the choppy layers and elements of a shag haircut. It adds a rocker-chic edge to your persona while remaining effortlessly stylish. The choppy ends bring in a sophisticated disheveled look — a perfect blend of elegance and intention.
