By the age of 40, a woman has either tried all sorts of crazy hairstyles or hasn’t changed her hairstyle for a long time.
In both situations, changes that emphasize moderation, sophistication, and elegance are essential as you enter this new era in your life.
Hairstyles for women in their 40s don’t have to be boring at all. In fact, you can choose the one that suits your styling, as long as it suits her face shape, hair texture, and hair density.
Before you call your hairdresser, take a look at these inspiring hairstyle ideas.
Elegant hairstyles for 40 year old women
A low-maintenance, easy-to-style, yet trendy hairstyle may be just what you’re looking for at 40 years old. That’s exactly what we’re recruiting for below.
1. Soft wave layer
Introducing long hairstyles for women in their 40s who wear glasses. First, her hair may have become dry and brittle after years of heat styling.
Eliminate dead ends with a few layers that add much-needed bounce and body to your thinning mane. Create a unique look by dyeing your hair with a fresh auburn hair color.
2. Reverse platinum bob
The inverted bob is a must-try ultra-modern hairstyle for 40-year-old women who want to lose their hair over the next few years.
The back is kept short and round, with plenty of layers that extend towards the front. Brighten up your eyes with icy platinum blonde hair dye.
3. Curly by curl cut with bangs
Embrace your naturally curly hair by choosing the Deva haircut, where your hairstylist cuts individual coils to fit exactly in their intended locations around your face when dry.
Short bangs are great for hiding forehead wrinkles or a receding hairline without looking stuffy.
4. Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA)
Afro hairstyles require a lot of styling and care. Minimize maintenance with short hairstyles that are very trendy for women over 40.
The fluffy strands of the TWA haircut have less length and volume than a real big Afro, and are cut into a round shape, making them easier to maintain.
5. Elegant lob
A great lob haircut will never disappoint! To avoid a boring, flat look, ask your hairdresser for a shoulder-length chop with soft, wispy layers, especially near the ends.
Light and airy bangs will further enhance your facial features and give you a rejuvenated look that cannot be ignored.
6. Cheeky buzz cut
When you’re in your 40s, stop styling your hair regularly and start fresh by chopping it all off and getting a bold buzz cut.
Keep it a little on the long side to make room for textured layers and baby bangs with this eye-popping cool platinum hair shade.
7. Side-swept bangs + highlights
Steer attention away from wrinkles and sags by opting for good old-fashioned side bangs and making it a little asymmetrical.
You won’t regret it when you opt for bright golden blonde highlights to add a sun-kissed glow to that pretty face.
8. Short dreadlocks
African American women can continue to celebrate their culture by choosing dreadlocks, which are low-maintenance and can protect their natural hair.
For the funkiest ponytail style, have short, even-length clumps run all over your head. It couldn’t be simpler!
9. Straight ombre tresses
Here’s another hairstyle for a 40-year-old woman who wants to make a statement but isn’t too fussy.
Get a pretty shoulder-level trim with minimal layers and a subtle blonde ombre hair color. No need to modify the roots. These loose hairs create this classy look.
10. Blunt bob
Long hairstyles can pull your face down and make you look older than your actual age.
Short it and stay on the safe side. A basic blunt bob like the one pictured here will work wonders in elevating your features. Simply stylish, what more could you ask for?
11. Subtle wolf cut
Change up your style with a cute wolf haircut. It is characterized by short, choppy but voluminous layers around the crown, which elongate towards the back and sides.
Instead, finish with curtain bangs or classic side-swept bangs.
12. Low mid-part ponytail
Play with a simple low ponytail to get through a busy day or avoid the shower in style.
Part your hair in the middle or on the sides and tie it tightly just above the nape of your neck. That’s all!
13. Top knot buns
In contrast to the low ponytail hairstyle stands this funky and quite playful top knot bun.
Bend your head and create a ponytail at the top, then twirl and secure with a pin. Pull out a chunk or two to frame your face, or not. Voila!
14. Curly crop
This short curly hairstyle for 40 year old women with glasses is another lifesaver for all the lazy gals out there.
Choose a long top that tapers seamlessly along the sides and back, with or without bangs, and let your gorgeous curls do the rest. We guarantee zero regrets!
15. Messy side braids
If you can’t think of anything else, try a messy side braid.
Twinning your strands loosely on one side above your shoulders, leaving some clumps to frame your face, achieves an easygoing rustic vibe that’s sure to turn some heads. Messy is sexy!
16. Sophisticated half-up hairstyle
Let your precious hair flutter in the wind while keeping it away from your face with a half-up hairstyle.
For a work-appropriate hairstyle, try a high half-up bun, braids, or just a ponytail parted in the middle. Gently sprinkle the highlights so they don’t hurt.
17. Long bob + beach waves
When it comes to hairstyles, small changes can make a big difference. A slightly off-center parting is perfect for counteracting the bluntness of your face and makes you stand out from the crowd.
Pair your shoulder-grazing bob with loose waves for a sexy beach vibe.
18. Pretty in Pink Hair
Women love pink regardless of their age. Paint your entire mane in pastel pink shades for a soft, dreamy look.
Don’t worry, your natural roots will create some of the best hair color combinations you’ve ever tried.
19. Frilly natural curls
Hairstyles for women over 40 that embrace the newly emerging shiny gray are worth a try.
Layer your messy curls to get rid of dead ends and dye them white blonde or any shade of gray to welcome a new stage in life with its challenges.
20. Long box braid with undercut
Long hair can be difficult to maintain, but this gorgeous box braid is worth it. This hairstyle is perfect for chubby women.
Choose your favorite color of extensions while intertwining your strands, and show off your wild side by pairing them with braids with a neat undercut along the sides. Wait until you wrap it in bread!
21. Diagonal pixie cut
Like this sassy copper-colored pixie, an asymmetrical haircut will sharpen your features like no other.
A long textured top with cropped sides and a diagonal fringe that stretches towards one side of your face is all you need to make your boring specs look ultra-stylish.
22. Uneven fringe + blonde curls
Lighter shades like blonde are great for covering up any gray hair that appears.
Go blonde for a sun-kissed glow while pairing curly hair with short hair and a funky, uneven fringe that features long angled strands. Baby lights can take your look to the next level.
23. Straight lob, blunt bang
Why complicate things when a simple look is enough? Considering all the minimalists out there, a straight crop without any layering at all can instantly make your thin mane look thicker and healthier.
Bangs are also ideal for adding youthfulness to the face.
24. Bobbed teal tresses
Bob haircuts are extremely versatile and come in a huge variety of shapes, textures, and lengths, making them a top favorite among women of all ages.
Step out of your comfort zone and switch things up by dyeing your bobbed hair the brightest shade of teal. nice!
25. Pompadour Pixie
Here are some chic hairstyles for 40-year-old women looking for something more professional and office-appropriate.
Spice up your average pixie cut with a long top and neat undercut. Achieve the pompadour of your dreams by brushing your long hair back while blow-drying.
26. Formal Messy Bang
A high top knot bun may get you through a casual day, but a messy bun will be the center of attention at a formal event.
The trick to looking like a queen even without a crown is to leave the tips of your hair loose and curl them together with the front mass!
27. Easy short ponytail
Short hair is generally allowed to flow in the wind, but tied into a simple ponytail to open up the face.
Use hairspray to tame flyaways and pull out tendrils for a “woke up” look. The position of the pony also makes a big difference.
28. Low chignon, face-framing mass
A low chignon that hits the nape of your neck is definitely the epitome of style and class.
Wrap all your hair into a basic bun or vintage roll and add some long beards along your face. Add a touch of luxury with pearl jewels.
29. Unusual headband hairstyle
Once you’re in your 40s, it’s okay to go a little crazy!
Try a short pixie with cut-up layers and thick bangs. Spice it up with a dramatic headband or bandana, winged eyes, bold lips, hoop earrings, and of course a big smile.
30. Short wavy hair with perm
Rounding out our list of the best hairstyles for 40-year-old women, we’d like you to take your hands off the styling tools and go for a nice wavy perm that will last for weeks if done properly.
All you need to do is tease and twist the hair strands with your fingers and you’re done.
Whether you’re looking to go classy or a little playful, these hairstyles for 40 year old women will make you look charming and much younger for your age. No doubt. It’s time to get a fresh chop, keeping in mind which parts of your face you want to highlight the most.
