24 Must-Try Hairstyles for Women in Their 40s
Turning 40 is not just another birthday, it’s a whole new chapter. It’s that sweet spot where confidence meets style, and you finally know what works for you. Your hairstyle? It should reflect that vibe, effortless, stylish, and uniquely you.
Whether you’re embracing your natural hair texture or ready for a bold change, choosing the right hairstyle can enhance your features and showcase your personality.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 24 must-try hairstyles for women in their 40s that are both modern and flattering. From chic bobs to layered waves, these styles are perfect for adding volume, turning heads, and feeling fabulous at any occasion. Ready to get inspired? Let’s dive into the best looks for your fabulous 40s.
1. Blunt Bob
.This is a sharp, chin-length cut that delivers structure and elegance. It’s ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair and beautifully frames oval or heart-shaped faces.
2. Shoulder-Length Lob
The lob or long bob is a universally flattering cut that rests just above or below the shoulders. It offers the polish of a bob with the styling versatility of longer hair. This look can be worn sleek and straight for a sharp edge or tousled for a casual, effortless vibe.
3. Soft Layered Cut
This flattering hairstyle features gentle, feathered layers that create softness and movement. It’s ideal for medium-length hair and works well for adding volume without looking too styled.
The cut gracefully frames the face, making it perfect for softening fine lines and highlighting cheekbones.
4. Pixie Cut
This bold and timeless, the pixie cut adds instant style with minimal effort. It’s perfect for women who want a confident, low-maintenance look that highlights cheekbones and eyes.
5. Angled Bob
This sleek bob is shorter in the back and longer in the front, creating a sharp, modern silhouette. It’s ideal for adding structure to the jawline and works beautifully on straight or slightly wavy hair.
6. Wavy Lob (Long Bob)
This tousled lob brings relaxed waves to shoulder-length hair for an effortlessly chic look. It adds volume, softness, and a touch of youth, ideal for everyday style with a modern twist
7. Curly Bob
Bouncy and full of life, the curly bob celebrates natural texture. This cut enhances volume while keeping things fresh and easy to manage, perfect for women in their 40s embracing their curls.
8. Face-Framing Layers
Soft layers around the face add movement and highlight your best features. This style flatters every face shape and brings youthful energy to medium and long hair.
9. Sleek Straight with Middle Part
Polished and timeless, this look gives straight hair a chic, professional finish. The middle part adds symmetry and elegance, perfect for both casual days and formal occasions.
10. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are flattering at any age, but they’re especially perfect in your 40s. They soften the forehead, draw attention to the eyes, and give your hairstyle a gentle, youthful update without needing a big chop. They always add a fresh touch, whether paired with a bob or longer layers.
11. Curtain Bangs with Long Layers
If you’re craving a soft, face-framing style without going full fringe, curtain bangs are best for you. They part gently down the middle, highlighting your cheekbones while blending seamlessly into long, flowing layers.
12. Textured Shag Cut
The textured shag cut is perfect if you want something easy but edgy. It brings out natural volume, adds a youthful shape, and works great with wavy or slightly messy textures. Bonus: it’s super low-maintenance and always on-trend.
13. Feathered Mid-Length
This airy, feathered cut lifts the hair around your crown and face, giving it bounce and softness without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect blend of shape and ease, great for adding a bit of body while still looking natural.
14. Tousled Waves
Tousled waves give off that effortlessly chic, “I woke up like this” vibe. Perfect for women in their 40s who want a style that’s soft, relaxed, and full of texture. It works on all hair lengths and adds instant movement and volume without looking overdone.
15. Classic French Bob
Elegant and timeless, the classic French bob sits just below the chin with a soft, even cut. It frames the face beautifully, adds structure, and has that effortlessly stylish, Parisian feel, perfect for women who love a polished look with minimal fuss.
16. Natural Curls with Volume
This style celebrates your natural texture with a shape that lifts, defines, and flatters without weighing your hair down. It’s all about volume at the right places, bouncy, beautiful, and full of personality.
If you’ve spent years fighting frizz, this is your permission to embrace the curl and let it shine.
17. Modern Mullet Shag
This modern take gives you volume at the crown, softness around the jaw, and edge without the effort. It’s bold but wearable, great for adding shape and texture to fine or flat hair. Perfect if you want something a little cool, a little different, and confident.
18. Tapered Cut with Volume on Top
This style is all about bold structure and lift. With shorter sides and back and fullness focused at the crown, your face is given a natural lift and brings instant polish. It’s flattering, modern, and ideal for women in their 40s who want low-maintenance hair that still makes a confident statement.
19. Half-Up, Half-Down Style
This style strikes the perfect balance, elegant up top, free-flowing on the bottom. It pulls the hair back just enough to open up your face, while still showing off length and texture. Whether you’re heading to brunch, a meeting, or a night out, this look is effortlessly pretty and super versatile.
20. Polished Low Ponytail
The polished low ponytail is a go-to for women who want elegance without effort. It smooths the crown, keeps hair off your face, and adds a refined finish to any look. Whether you’re heading to work or a dinner date, it never misses.
21. Brushed-Forward Pixie
This chic, modern style is all about texture and movement. The soft, slightly tousled bangs are brushed forward, giving a youthful, carefree vibe while still looking polished. It’s ideal for women who want a bold look without the fuss, plus, it beautifully frames the face and highlights your eyes.
22. Grunge Bob
It’s a little messy, a little bold, and effortless. Think choppy layers, soft waves, and that “just rolled out of bed but still fabulous” look. Perfect for women who want to break away from overly structured styles.
23. Sleek Straight Bob
This shoulder-grazing or chin-length cut exudes confidence and sophistication while being easy to maintain. The clean lines and smooth finish bring a youthful vibe that flatters every face shape. Its simplicity allows for versatile styling , wear it tucked behind the ears for a polished look or part it in the middle for a contemporary twist.
Ideal for busy mornings or nights out, the sleek straight bob is a timeless style that radiates elegance and ease.
24. Baroque Bob
The baroque bob brings together volume, texture, and a touch of classic elegance. With soft, rounded curls cascading around the face, it’s both glamorous and surprisingly versatile.
Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual, the baroque bob has a romantic, timeless quality that feels both vintage and modern. It’s especially stunning on naturally curly or wavy hair.
Tips for Maintaining Flattering Hairstyles in Your 40s
Regular Trims Are Your Best Friend
Keeping your hairstyle looking fresh and polished means regular maintenance. For shorter cuts like a Pixie or Blunt Bob, aim for a trim every 4-6 weeks. Longer styles like a Lob or Layered Shag can go 8-12 weeks between cuts. This not only keeps split ends at bay but also maintains the shape and volume of your cut.
Embrace Layers for Movement and Volume
As hair texture changes in your 40s, incorporating layers helps maintain body and shape. Styles like the Textured Shag or Layered Bob add fullness, while the Feathered Mid-Length softens your overall look. Use a lightweight mousse or volumizing spray to enhance natural movement.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Short
Short styles like the Modern Mullet Shag or Tapered Cut with Volume on Top are not just stylish, they’re practical. Short haircuts minimize styling time and give your hair a healthy, bouncy appearance. Plus, they make a strong style statement, showing off your face and highlighting your features.
Keep Your Hair Hydrated
As hair ages, it can become drier and more prone to breakage. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, especially if your chosen style has a sleek or polished finish, like the Sleek Straight Bob. A leave-in conditioner or hair serum helps maintain softness and shine without weighing your hair down.
Play with Texture
Tousled waves, messy shags, and natural curls are trending for a reason, they’re effortlessly stylish and low-maintenance. Try a Wavy Lob or Curly Bob and enhance the texture with a sea salt spray or curl-defining mousse. Let your hair air dry for a natural, carefree look.
Color with Dimension
Adding dimension with highlights or lowlights can make your hair appear thicker and more vibrant. Consider soft balayage for longer styles or subtle face-framing highlights for short cuts. This works especially well with Curtain Bangs and Long Layers, giving a sun-kissed effect.
FAQs
What are the best low-maintenance hairstyles for women in their 40s?
The best low-maintenance hairstyles include the pixie cut, blunt bob, and shoulder-length lob. These styles require minimal styling while keeping you looking polished. Adding layers can also reduce the need for constant touch-ups.
What hairstyles are best for hiding thinning hair?
Choose styles that add fullness, such as soft layered cuts, textured lob, or a tapered cut with volume on top. Adding curtain bangs can also draw attention away from thinning areas at the crown.
Are bangs a good idea for women over 40?
Yes! Bangs can add softness and frame your face beautifully. Styles like curtain bangs and side-swept bangs are particularly flattering. Just make sure they complement your face shape and hair texture.
Can women in their 40s pull off bold, edgy cuts?
Absolutely! Styles like the modern mullet shag or an angled bob are edgy but sophisticated enough for any age. Confidence is key; embrace your unique style.
Should I embrace my gray hair in my 40s?
Many women in their 40s choose to go gray naturally, while others prefer blending with highlights. Gray hair can look stunning when paired with a stylish cut, like a sleek lob or textured pixie. It’s all about what makes you feel confident.
What’s the best way to style hair quickly in the morning?
Go for versatile cuts like a shoulder-length lob or tousled waves that look good with minimal effort. A quick blow-dry with a round brush can add volume, while a bit of texturizing spray can create effortless waves.
