Sure, no one dances for joy over spotting a new gray or white hair. Some women may even break out in a frenzy of panic. But for women over 40, these unwelcome strands may just be a part of life. So, why not embrace this extra color instead of fretting about hiding it?
Today, more and more women, including celebs, are making the decision to stop with the hair dye and, instead, give in to the gray (or white) look. Gray hair has even become a real trendy look in the world of hair styles and colors of late. Whether sporting an entire head of gray or just naturally highlighted strands, the new look is all-natural.
The Traditional Bob Cut
Thanks to families, kids and careers, it's no surprise that women in their 40s may not have as much time as they once did – or some lucky ones may have more – to spend on perfecting their hair. Either way, a traditional bob cut is perfect for women over 40 as it suits any type of hair and doesn't need much maintenance either.
According to stylists, the bob cut adds wave and shape to thick hair and similarly gives body to thin, fine hair. Whether you're going for a straight or tousled look, this cut gives off a fun, lighter vibe.
The Stacked Bob
For women who prefer short hair but want something a little funkier and with more texture than what the traditional bob cut offers, there's always the stacked bob. As its name suggests, this bob offers stacked, gradual layers in the back for a textured, full-bodied look.
This chic style shows off longer layers in the front that contrast the shorter, rounded layers in the back. Stacked bobs are also versatile in that they can be customized and tailored to suit individual preferences. The length, layering styles and angles can all be adjusted to compliment personal style and face shapes. The end result is a voluminous and playful yet sophisticated look that is truly ageless.
Shake Things Up with the Asymmetrical Bob
Women in their 40s know from experience that just as life is full of ups and downs, it’s also full of zigs and zags. So why not have a hairstyle that reflects the choppy, unevenness of life? The asymmetrical bob cut, with its uneven ends and asymmetrical angles, takes the traditional and stacked bob cuts to the next level of cool.
Show off an edgy, modern look that lets you play with your appearance. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, the asymmetrical bob lets you play with the lengths and proportions while drawing attention to your jawline and eyes.
The Ultimate Crowd Pleaser: The Long, Shaggy Bob
There's a reason that the traditional bob cut has inspired different versions — and its long, shaggy version is a definite crowd-pleaser! For those women over 40 who prefer keeping their hair on the longer side, they can also enjoy a long bob cut, also known as the "lob," which is an abbreviation of long and bob, in case you missed that.
This cut is great for women who have fine, thin hair and want to keep it long but also add texture and volume to it. Think Meg Ryan. The lob is a refreshing style that elevates the elements of the more traditional bob, to create the perfect haircut.
For Some Edge, Try the Wedge Cut
Women over 40 with either curly or straight hair may want to consider the hip wedge cut if their feeling funky or groovy. Olympic gymnast Dorothy Hamill first popularized this cut back in the mid-70s, but its vintage style is still in demand today. It also does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
This short cut adds shape to natural curls and volume to straight hair, a win-win! While the style is short and similar to another style, the stacked bob cut, what sets the wedge cut apart is the length of the layers, which are shorter for an edgier overall look.
Embrace the Gray (or White)
Sure, no one dances for joy over spotting a new gray or white hair. Some women may even break out in a frenzy of panic. But for women over 40, these unwelcome strands may just be a part of life. So, why not embrace this extra color instead of fretting about hiding it?
Today, more and more women, including celebs, are making the decision to stop with the hair dye and, instead, give in to the gray (or white) look. Gray hair has even become a real trendy look in the world of hair styles and colors of late. Whether sporting an entire head of gray or just naturally highlighted strands, the new look is all-natural.
Enhance Your Natural Look
Sometimes we don't really need anything in life to thrive, but the simplest of things. If you can't decide what you want to do with your hair, or you just really like it the way it already is — then go ahead and keep it that way! There is nothing wrong with just dying your grays back to your original color you had before the grays started appearing.
Enhancing your natural look just might prove to be the one thing that will make you feel like no time has passed since you were in your 20s. And if going back to your roots is going to do that for you, then we are one hundred percent behind you!
Think Pink With Crazy Colors
If the plain natural color look is too mundane for you, or if you aren't quite ready to embrace a full head of gray hair, there is something you can do with the in-between situation. You know, when the white/gray is in random strands.
Apparently lighter hair makes it easier for pigmentation of brighter colors to take hold. So, why not make a bold move and think pink? Or lavender? Or red? You can even go for cooler colors like green or blue. Switch things up by dying your hair a totally different color instead of the usual subtle highlights.
The Diane Keaton or Rachel Greene
It's doubtful that there are any women over 40 who haven't seen at least one episode (or season) of Friends or a Diane Keaton movie. These ladies dominated Hollywood in the 90s and 00s, so most people will be familiar with them and the hairstyles that they wore proudly.
Why group Diane Keaton and Jennifer Aniston (in her Rachel Greene days) together? Because both of these beautiful actresses sported hairdos that most women have come to admire if not attempted to replicate. The timeless, layered, honey-colored look that frames each of their faces is perfect for non-celeb women of any age to adopt.
The Timeless Ponytail
Remember the ponytail from childhood? Well, guess what? They still make for a great, sensible, and fashionable look well into your 40s and beyond! Who says ponytails can't be fashionable? They can dress up or down any look you're going for, be it the office, the gym, or a party.
Obviously, the size and style depend on the length of your hair, but the good ol' reliable ponytail lets you get as creative and playful or sophisticated as you want. Leave a few wisps of hair around your face to soften the look. The best part of all is that you definitely won't be bothered by your hair when it’s all tied out of the way.
A Shout Out for Hair Accessories
For women who are happy with their current hairstyles or may not feel bold enough to try anything new, there's always the option to add a hint of style and color by playing around with hair accessories. With little risk and a lot of reward, hair accessories, including headscarves, barrettes, scrunchies, or even a tiara, can add a finishing touch of color, style, playfulness, or sophistication to any outfit or look.
Recently headscarves have actually made a massive comeback, thanks to fashion repeating itself every few decades. What's more, they keep the hair back so you can highlight your beautiful facial features. The sky's the limit with hair accessories.
Here's to Long Hair
There's a societal phenomenon that the older a woman gets, the shorter her hair is. Fortunately, many women over 40 do not subscribe to this long-held (and misguided) expectation. True, shorter hair does work for many women, especially if their hair is getting thinner with age or they are just tired of having to maintain long hair.
However, long hair should not be discounted for those women who love having long tresses, no matter the color. Sometimes, long hair can actually be easier to maintain, certainly when it comes to throwing it back in a stylish ponytail, bun or the classic braid.
Straight, Long Hair with Face-Framing Layers
No matter what side of 40 you are on, long straight hair can be a challenging look to get right. Most women don't have naturally straight hair, though, and even those who do may need to use a straightener or hair dryer to perfect or maintain this severe look.
A style that could help lower the maintenance factor of this look would be to add some layers that border the face. Such layers would soften the overall look of perfection and take the pressure off of having to attain such straight lines with your long locks. Layers will also enhance the hairs texture and volume so you really can’t go wrong with them.
Lush, Long Hair with Curls
If you want long hair but are afraid that it makes your face look drawn or that it's too severe of a look, then add some curls to the mix! Curls will bring a softer, youthful, playful look while easing the pressure of maintaining perfectly straight lines.
Yes, you may need to do some preparations to achieve the perfect curls, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end. Be it the hot rollers or the curling iron or wand you use to achieve the bouncy look you're going for, it’s going to take some time and effort. If you’re okay with that, then by all means!
Did Someone Say Braids?
Everyone loves braided hair. Even after 40, braids never go out of style. Braiding your hair is a stylish choice, especially if you want it off your face and easy to handle and tie up. Be it French braids, box braids, twists, or other braided hairstyles, you can't go wrong with this arty style.
Besides being pretty to look at, braids lock in the hair's moisture and prevent the ends from breaking. Some even last for days or weeks, depending on who does them. And if you have different shades of color in your hair, a braid will showcase it beautifully.
Go Bold With a Pixie Cut
In recent years, the short pixie cut has become super popular. Tons of celebs, like Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, and Katy Perry, among others, have taken shears to their hair (or had the professionals do so) and chopped off their locks, to great effect!
The result has been short, sexy and funky pixie cuts, some with spiky bangs and others with shaved undercuts. True, it is a bold look, and perhaps not every face is suitable for a pixie cut, but there's no arguing that the maintenance is easy and low-key. If you're bold enough to brace this look, then we say go for it!
Bring on the Baby Bangs!
Bangs tend to be a controversial topic for all women. After all, they can make or break a look. For women over 40, they can add a little flair, especially if they're baby (i.e., very short) bangs. No matter whether your hair is short, long, or anywhere in between, baby bangs will help frame your face.
They're especially recommended for those women who have oval-shaped faces. This cut is also recommended for women who feel like their foreheads are a tad too big, since they will very easily hide that. So, whether your hair is straight or wavy, consider baby bangs to for a bang-up look!
Long Hair With Bangs
Long hair is beautiful and can be pulled off at any age. But it can also be boring if you've had it for decades. Here's where bangs come in! They can add some flair to your long hairstyle without making any drastic changes to the overall length.
Bangs can be a fun and exciting way to modernize your hairstyle. Plus, they serve as a curtain to hide any forehead lines you've been noticing lately. You can decide between long side bangs that flow naturally with the rest of your hair, front bangs, medium length, or short baby bangs. It’s up to you!
Consider Curly Bangs
For women with naturally wavy or curly hair – and even for women with straight hair who don't mind messing around with curling devices like hot rollers or a curling iron – curly bangs add a lot of fun and pizazz to any hairstyle. Just look at this pic, this lady looks epic with her untamed curls.
Lots of older actresses, think Tracee Ellis Ross, Rosie Perez, and Natasha Lyonne, to name just a few, have made curly bangs a popular fashion choice. Anyone over 40 that has or wants to add texture to their hair can't do wrong with this added feature.
Frame Your Face With Feathered Layers
Any woman over 40 who has a roundish face can definitely pull off having their hair cut in feathered layers that frame their face. Whether the overall hairstyle is long, short, or shoulder length, framing your face with feathered layers accentuates the face while adding an extra element of softness and uniqueness to your hair.
Some of the added benefits of a feather-layered haircut is the fact that it boosts texture, volume and body. Furthermore, this style is easy to maintain, and it also grows out gracefully. What's more, no matter your hair color, these feathered layers will complement waves or straight style.
Dare to Attempt the Temple Shave
Many women get more daring as they approach and surpass 40, so it may be the perfect time to attempt the temple shave hairdo. What is there to even lose? As the name implies, the key feature of this look is shaving the hair around the temples. Feel free to keep the hair on the top of the head long but with bangs.
This will leave a bold yet chic contrast in your appearance. For an even more extreme contrast, try shaving around the temples with long hair! Talk about an edgy way to express yourself and your individual style.
No Judgments: The Mullet Shag
When women hear the word mullet, their first reaction may be to shake their heads no. After all, this hairstyle doesn't have the best reputation; it's not necessarily synonymous with sophistication. However, the mullet shag may surprise women of a certain age.
It's quirky, fun, and certainly one that will inspire a reaction, and thanks once again to cyclical fashion trends, the mullet is actually back in fashion of late. If you feel confident with yourself and your personal style, why not go for a mullet shag and show off your personality? You may even get a few followers who see the beauty in being different.
The Medium-Length Haircut With Layers
As you get older, your body and hair go through natural changes. Aside from changes in color, you may also notice that your hair is getting thinner and losing the body and volume that it once had. Adding layers can be an easy and great way to get some body back in your hair.
A medium-length haircut with layers is just the thing! It's a light style that will lift your hair and add some bounce. Tell your stylist that you want a shoulder-length haircut with top layers that are gradually cut shorter and shorter until they finish at the cheekbones.
The Medium-Length Haircut With Bangs
Most women have had medium-length hair at some point in their lives. It's the middle-ground, can't-go-wrong of hairstyles, and can be worn straight, wavy or curly. For a little more oomph, women over 40 with such a haircut may want to consider adding bangs, which will enhance this versatile and feel-good style, no matter the season.
Besides bangs being great for shaping the face's overall look, they are also good at hiding foreheads for whatever reasons. The bangs can even be side-swept for a softer look or shorter front-cut bangs. Either way, the bangs should add a complementary lighter feel to the medium-length haircut, not weigh it down.
Backcombed Hair With Bangs
For those chic women who want a retro look, there's nothing better than backcombed hair. This iconic style, reminiscent of the 1960s, not only introduces volume and style but also good taste. Backcombing can very easily be achieved by brushing one's hair in a backward motion toward the scalp.
To further soften your appearance, feel free to complement the look with bangs, either side-swept or front-cut bangs. This backcombed hairstyle brings out your youthful appearance – and the bangs can hide any wrinkles on your forehead. Be sure to finish this look off with some hairspray that’ll hold the look for hours on end.
There's No Such Thing as Too Much Volume
When it comes to hair, there's no such thing as having too much volume. The more volume you add, the more you're hairstyle will get noticed. Big hair may have been the hot thing in the 1960s, but it can still be a glamorous look today for women over 40, and women of any age for that matter.
Having the right haircut that adds volume to your hair will bring out your facial features more. To achieve the fullness you want, it's good to use quality hair styling products. Just be sure to check that they are for your exact hair type.
The Slicked-Back Look
Going for the slicked-back hairstyle certainly makes a bold and ultra-sleek statement. The good news is that it can be done on any type of hair, and that includes short hair, too. As long as you have the right amount of gel or hair wax. It's pretty simple to achieve this look.
All you have to do is brush all of your hair back. This will accentuate your facial features. Not only will this glossy, wet, slicked-back look get – and keep – your hair out of your eyes, but it'll also be perfect for formal settings. With the right gel or wax, you'll barely need to touch up your hair.
The Blunt Cut
By the time women are in their 40s, they know what they want and what they don't want. This decisiveness and precision are nicely symbolized in the blunt cut, which is a straight cut that features straight ends with no layers or fuss.
It is the perfect cut for anyone longing for a style that demands and reflects perfection. Some of the added benefits of this cut include low maintenance and an overall polished look. It should, however, be noted that straight hair typically works the best with this cut, as the ends of the hair should be, well, straight, and lacking any sort of layers.
Let's Get Messy (Spikes)
A sense of humor and style only gets better with age. Women over 40 can express their personality by going for a messy, spikey haircut. Nothing says "I'm edgy, modern and fun" more than short, spiked, and tousled hair. This style is bold yet not necessarily dramatic.
The spikes can be gelled for a stiffer, bolder look or left natural and brushed out for a softer, more mild, and more playful look. This style is also easy to add volume to for the appearance of having thicker, fuller hair. The best part of this hairstyle is the low maintenance that goes along with it.
A Center Part
Parting one's hair in the center is stylish yet practical. As hair falls on both sides of the face, a middle part makes it easier to tuck your hair behind each ear, thus keeping it out of your eyes and face, and just out of your way altogether. The result is that more people can see your beautiful face, especially those hair-free eyes!
This low-maintenance style works with any haircut, texture, and length. Obviously, though, the longer the hair, the easier it is to tuck. Get ready for compliments to start rolling in, once your facial features are open to all.
Mess Around With the Messy Updo
The messy updo is the ultimate in trying hard not to look like you've tried hard. Women over 40 know from experience that looking undone on purpose gives one the feeling of being put together and in control. This appearance gives off a romantic, relaxed and carefree vibe.
Whether you go for a complex or simple way of putting your hair up, the updo can be done to hair of different textures and lengths. It's best to leave some "forgotten" strands of hair falling gently around the face to further soften the look. Keep in mind that such updos work best with hair that hasn't been freshly washed.
Side-Swept Bangs
Not everyone looks good in bangs, but when you are over 40, you've earned the right to take some risks with your hairstyle and not care too much about what others may think of you and your hair! The good thing about bangs is that they can hide unwelcome forehead creases or scars that life has dealt you.
While front-cut bangs may be rather abrupt, you can't go wrong with side-swept bangs, which offer a softer, more natural look. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, side-swept bangs are a good complementing look to consider if you want to change things up a little.
The Buzz Cut
You don't have to be G.I. Jane to pull off a buzz cut. Sure, it's a bold look, but many women are sporting the shaved style because of how practical and low maintenance it is. It's also a good solution for those women over 40 who are losing their hair or finding it thinning.
So, if you've got good cheekbones and a lot of confidence, why not consider the no-fuss buzz cut? It can really be an edgy look if you pair it with some striking earrings and make up. It will bring well-deserved focus onto your gorgeous, chiseled face.
The Bowl Cut
Nothing says "daring" more than the bowl cut. As the name suggests, this hairstyle looks as if you placed a large bowl on your head and cut your hair all around it the exact same length. Some call this hairstyle traditional while others consider it quirky.
This hairstyle is definitely distinctive and somewhat retro but it can work with anyone who wears it with confidence. For women in their 40s and older, why not try something a little eccentric? What's great about this look is that it works for all textures of hair and can be adapted to complement most women's face shapes.
Brown Balayage
Coloring your hair can be another way to change up your look. The Balayage technique is a great, modest way to do it! Who says blondes or redheads need to have the same color hair for an entire lifetime? There's no better time than your 40s to try being a brunette!
This natural-looking hair-coloring technique is a subtle way to experiment with your hair without going too crazy. With this style, a professional colorist paints by hand brown shades of color onto one's hair. The result is more natural than highlights, and there's no need for a touch-up for months.
Fifty Shades of Blonde Balayage
If you want a low-maintenance hair-coloring technique that lightens your hair and your spirits, the Blonde Balayage technique is just for you. For this technique, colorists hand-paint blonde colors onto the hair for a natural, sun-glossed effect. The best part of all is that it does not grow out too noticeably.
More natural than highlights, this coloring style suits every hair texture, length, and style. The only question is how many shades of blonde do you want to show off? The options are endless. The only downside to this hairstyle is that it may take a whole day to achieve at that salon, so be sure to clear your schedule if you do plan on going for this style.
Crimped Hair That Doesn't Crimp Your Style
First made popular in the 1980s, crimped hair is making a comeback, once again thanks to fashion repeating itself every few years or decades. And it's no wonder! For women over 40, this funky, fun style adds volume and texture to any length of hair.
It also has an edge about its whole look, and at least it won’t damage your hair like a straightener or a curler may do. Jazz up your appearance by crimping your hair in tight or loose zany waves. There's a reason this hairstyle has stuck around for so long. It's a fun one for any age, let alone for women over 40.
Experiment With Hair Mascara
If you’re looking for something to cover those annoying grey streaks or simply trying to create a splash for your next night out, it’s time to embrace the quirky and natural shades of hair mascara.
Hair mascara allows you to add temporary highlights to separate or individual sections of the hair minus the permanence and fuss of your beauty salon process. These cool and exciting flashes of color do not damage the hair shaft and work well on any length of hair, be it short or long hair. They allow you to experiment without committing too much time or effort, how perfect is that?
Platinum Blondes Have More Fun
The platinum blonde look was popularized by Marilyn Monroe back in the 50s and 60s, and it’s never really gone away. Today, anyone of any age can sport this look, and it’s not necessarily only for the bold and the brave. For women over 40 who are bold enough to take it on, it can convey both youth and confidence.
This is definitely not the type of thing you want to try and do at home. Go to a professional hairstylist that will be able to find the shade that's just perfect for your skin tone and execute it to perfection.
The Outgrown Pixie
Whether you just cut your hair short recently or you are growing out your pixie cut, this swept-back pixie is the perfect way to style your short hair in a casual laid back manner. The best thing is that you can combine this new chick hairstyle with any hair color and/or outfit to get a timelessly elegant look!
Besides blonde, it would be just as stunning in ebony, brunette, or even flaming red. Since it can adapt so well, you can wear it with your smart, casual, or even red carpet outfits. It’s a must-try for women over 40, and women of any age for that matter.
The Fullest of Bangs
By now you've probably realized that bangs come in all shapes and sizes. Besides that they have so many advantages, like framing the face, camouflaging foreheads, and just creating an overall fresh look. These luscious bangs can make you feel young even when the rest of your hair is thinning and losing its volume and body that it once had.
It’s super easy to style! Just wash it, put some hair foam on the tips and let it dry naturally! If your bangs can't get that full by themselves, there's no shame in using clip-on bang extensions to make your bangs look bigger and fuller.
Romantic Loose Curls
This style isn’t just ageless, it’s timeless. Loose curls are a classic choice that looks great on anyone at any time or phase of life they may find themselves in. Our favorite thing about this style is the fact that it gives you this playful, dancy, young look.
It’s gentle, nice, and cute. Loose curls can make you look younger and the best way to achieve them is to gently comb out your curls to open them a little bit. It should, however be noted that they will take a hell of a long to get right if your hair is not naturally curly.
Short Crop With Side Bangs
Short crops are hot but short crops with side bangs are even hotter. Keep your style soft and feminine and sport it with a long sweeping bang. It can be pulled down or tucked behind the ear. Many women over 40 opt for this style because it's flattering and simple and, of course, very low maintenance.
The best part about this look is that it goes with any sort of style you choose to pair it with. It's just one of these hairdos that can make you feel feminine and powerful at the same time. Isn't that what we all want at the end of the day?
The Curly Bob
Pretty and feminine, this short style looks gorgeous with straight or wavy hair too. When we think of a curly bob, we think about Michelle Obama, which just makes this one of our personal favorites. With the ex-First Lady’s dark ebony hair it looks absolutely amazing and yet so casual, but of course it can go with any shade of hair color.
The curls aren’t perfectly shaped but more restless and let loose in a seemingly carefree manner which is exactly what gives them their charm. Do be aware though, that it may be difficult to achieve these curls if you have dead straight hair.
Beachy Lob
Turns out long, blonde, beachy waves look just as pretty when they’re not so long. All you need to do is wash your hair with a shampoo that gives your hair volume and dry it gently with a towel.
Your next step is to put some hair foam on your hands and start wrinkling strand by strand of your hair making a move as if you’re about to wrinkle a piece of paper before throwing it. Then, let it dry naturally without using any heat. And now, sit back and enjoy all the compliments you’re about to get. Piece of cake, right?
Just Curls
Curls have gotten a bad rap in the past due to that fact that people didn’t know to to handle them. But today, thanks to more insight and great curly hair care products out there, many women embrace their natural hair for the first time.
Nobody told us this when we were younger, but curls can not only give a totally flattering look, but they can also give you a lively look. Despite that, they need to be taken care of so make sure you shampoo them twice and comb them after putting conditioner. The results will be stunning, we promise.
Mop Top
When we think mop-top, we think John, Paul, George, and Ringo from the Beatles. But girls dug the style too, and we have a feeling it might be making a massive comeback anytime soon. This vintage hairstyle looks great on older women but also just anyone who is feeling quirky and eccentric.
It is synonymous with English pop singer and actress Julie Driscoll. There’s really no going wrong with this classic cut if you are feeling down to going for a classical look. Take a page out of Driscoll's book and let your mop-top encroach until just your features are framed.
Face-Framing Highlights
You might remember this trend from around 20-30 years ago, but haven't you heard that trends tend to cycle back into fashion every couple of decades? That’s exactly what’s happened to this hairstyle (along with so many others). The nice thing about face-framing highlights is that you can really only highlight the strands that are closest to your face.
This in turn, will illuminate your face and give you that 00s glow we all miss. It’s also so simple and easy to achieve and can even be done at home if you're feeling brave. Need more convincing? Think of Beyonce’s golden-blond face-framing highlight waves from the 00s, they influenced many women.
Colored Strands – 2004
Want a cool alternative look without having to comprise all of your locks? This look is just for you. This little punk rock hairstyle is everything you need to show everyone that you've still got the mojo and spunk in you. These streaks of color, reminding us of Ginger Spice, took off in the mid-00s.
They also made a comeback recently with singer Billie Eilish, who likes to do all sorts of cool and whacky things to her hair. They might need some upkeep, but they are very versatile and you can switch up the colors every couple of months.
Headbands
Headbands are not just for little girls anymore. And in fact they never were! Even Jackie Kennedy and Twiggy paraded these bad boys back in the good ol’ days! They add a chic streak to a plain hairstyle. In fact, headbands are a versatile accessory for virtually any hairdo.
They come flowery, beaded, woven, silky—in practically any design. From the roaring 20s to the hippie 60s, headbands create a variety of stylish looks. Just getting one or two will give you so many new options of what you can do with your hair. They are especially perfect for the days that your hair is giving you a hard time. It’s as simple as hiding the hair behind a headband and voila!
Beach Bends Waves
You've probably heard of beach waves, but what are beach bends? A popular style from the late 00s, which is making a comeback and would look great on anyone. Hairdresser, Mark Townsend, says he uses an R Session Tools Nalu Waver. It creates “bends” or distinctive waves instead of curls.
Another way to create these bendy waves is by putting the hair up in a bun right after blow-drying with a round brush. Thanks to the position of the hair in a bun and the heat, you'll end up with some gorgeous waves. This technique is, however, best suited for long hair.
The Ombré
The ombré trend peaked in 2011, with many experts agreeing that the freshest way to wear it was to opt for a soft look with a more natural-looking twist. With hair that gradually blends from one color at the top to another towards the bottom, most of the time from dark at the top to lighter shades at the both you cant’t go wrong!
It was one of the most popular ways to color your hair in 2011 and it still remains popular to this day. The best part about it is that doesn't require too many salon visits, which is great for the busy 40-year-old.
Blunt Bangs
Blunt bangs are nothing new — we first saw them on Louise Brooks in the 1920s and this haircut was having a moment back in 2013 too. But blunt bangs aren't for the faint of heart. This style of bangs is quite heavy so not everyone can pull it off. Despite that, there were many celebs who love to don this look.
From Zooey Deschanel and Emma Stone to Taylor Swift and Jessica Biel. If you've been feeling a lot more confident since hitting your 40s, which tends to happen a lot, the blunt bangs will let everyone know what you feel inside.
High Pony
The high pony is a classic and it goes well looks great on with any hair color or type (besides ultra short hair, obviously). This slicked-up look was has been seen all over the red carpet time and time again. It can either be done in a crumpled texture or simply just a stick straight way.
The high ponytail effect adds both elegance and ease to any and every ensemble. It’s also great for you just need a moment to breathe without your hair in your face. Not to mention, it provides a temporary face-lift effect for free! Who could ask for more?
Intentional Roots
Here's one thing that 2020 taught us: Roots are fine. They are acceptable, and they are welcome. They shouldn't be hidden away, even when you CAN book an appointment at the hair salon. There’s no need to rush straight to the hairdresser at the sight of your roots growing out.
Besides, depending on the contrast, grown-out roots can actually add depth and dimension to your hair. Many people even requested 'root shadowing' from their hair salons, as they let you embrace your forever-growing roots rather than rally against them. Isn't that just what you've always wanted? Well, now that dream has become a reality.
A Pixie With Natural Texture
Literally any kind of hair texture can be bangin’ in a pixie cut, but natural hair just knocks the pixie out of the park. Nyakim Gatwech’s hair is a great example of what the cut can look like on tightly curled hair. A good hairdresser will be able to create a cropped shape that works with your natural texture to bring out your best features.
For a super-short pixie with a natural texture like Nyakim’s, a creamy shampoo and ultra-hydrating leave-in conditioner will work wonders to keep the frizz at bay, particularly if you’ve opted for a bold hair color.
Pixie With Bangs
This one wouldn't suit all face shapes, but for those it will, it will rock your world. Actress Rowan Blanchard opted for this bold new look. This cut represents confidence and growth, and the little tiny bangs just look amazingly epic with a pixie cut.
To get the look, start with a small amount of good quality spray wax and then finish it off with a pomade to add texture and a bit of shine. The wax will give you the flexible hold you need while the pomade will help you piece out the style so it sits just how you want it.
The Mixie Cut
This hairstyle can work on straight, wavy, or curly hair and is sure to look edgy on anyone who dares to try it.
It's making a comeback and there's no reason why women over 40 shouldn't rock this rocker-inspired hairstyle. We do have to admit it's a bold cut, but if you feel like it and can wear it with confidence, then we believe you can totally pull it off.
Hair With a (Spring) Twist
For a hairstyle that is versatile, feminine, and attractive at any age, especially for women 40 and over, consider the Spring Twist. This style is low on maintenance and high on fashion (always has been). While hair extensions are sometimes necessary to achieve this look, the extra effort (and hair) are well worth it if you dare to be groovy!
The twists are created by using hair extensions that already come twisted. By using these already-twisted hair extensions, you actually reduce future prep time! These twists are available in different colors, which means you can get as creative or traditional as you want.