As you age, you may notice that your long tresses aren’t as healthy as they once were. They become more prone to damage by harsh UV rays, styling products, chemical and coloring processes, tight hairstyles, and excessive product usage. Older women also become a little more careful and less experimental with how they style their locks. Well, all that ends right now! You can flaunt some great hairstyles for your tresses without needing excessive products or styling tools. They can make your hair look and feel better, too. And just because you are a little older and wiser doesn’t mean you can’t let your inner child experiment with new hairstyles. Scroll down to learn how you can pick the right hairstyles and get some inspiration! While the mom bun is a classic over 40s hairstyle, I’m not adding it to my list as it transcends all hairstyles and women of all ages are wearing it now. I’m also not adding the low pony in my list as that is the go-to hairstyle for most women over 40 and I want this list to showcase different hairstyles. So, what are you supposed to look for while picking hairstyles? Here are some pointers.
Things To Focus On
As you age, your hair becomes weak, so stay away from hairstyles that create tension or add pressure on your hair follicles like a tight high ponytail. Tight hairdos might also cause traction alopecia. Try bangs! Side bangs, Side-swept bangs or a full frontal fringe is perfect for women over 40. They hide any wrinkles that form on the forehead. And if you have a round face or a heart-shaped face, then bangs will help thin down the face, giving it more structure. Hairstyles with layers are best suited for women over 40. Layers make you look younger and add definition to your face and look good on any face shape, be it square, round, oval or an inverted triangle. Without any further ado, here are the 30 best hairstyles for women over 40.
30 Best Long Hairstyles For Women Over 40
1. Demi Moore – Top Knot Bun
The ‘Ghost’ actress has always been known for her ageless beauty and grace. Sporting a chic look, the top knot bun adds the much-needed oomph to her style. Just like Demi Moore, if you also don’t wish to keep your femme-fatale persona aside, then this alluring look is for you.
2. Kate Hudson – Voluminous Curls With Side Part
Allow Kate Hudson to be your inspiration and opt for voluminous curls with a subtle side part that will be ideal for all gatherings, from family dinners to casual brunch with girlfriends. The simple hairstyle will add a girl-next-door charm to your look and ensure you look nothing less than a 90s rom-com protagonist!
3. Sandra Oh – Wavy High Ponytail
Sanda Oh teaches us how to add a grown-up twist to a classic girly hairdo. After all, women can embrace any look they want, and you can definitely bookmark this one for the playful holiday season.
4. Naomi Watts – Retro Curls
Step into the 60s era like Naomi Watts with retro curls hairstyle. The side-swept hair with full curls at the bottom perfectly encapsulates the vintage aesthetic.
5. Drew Barrymore – Sleek Half Updo
When in doubt, go minimalist! The sleek half updo sported by Drew Barrymore is a fail-proof hairstyle you can always rely on. Recreate the hairdo by neatly combing the strands, doing a subtle side part, and clipping the hair in the back. Voila! You are all sorted for future soirées or formal gatherings.
6. Michelle Yeoh – Simple And Elegant
Actress Michelle Yeoh looks stunning in this hairstyle. A low bun with simple side bangs looks classy and works well for any event or meeting.
7. Gabrielle Union – Straight Hair Never Looked Better
If you have a round face, then this look is perfect for you. Poker straight hair with a middle parting frames your face while giving it a slim look. Add some color to add more flavor to the hairstyle. Add lighter shades near the bottom as that adds focus to the bottom of your face, making it look elongated.
8. Halle Berry – Bangs It Is Then!
Lightly feathered bangs with feathered ends, as seen on the beautiful Halle Berry, look amazing on women over 40. If you have an oval face, then definitely try this hairdo. The feathered bangs divert the focus to your eyes.
9. Helena Bonham Carter – Waves And Tendrils
We’ve all seen Helena Bonham Carter with some crazy hairdos, but she looks incredible in this hairstyle and you can too! If you have a slightly boxy face, this hairstyle is for you – simple waves with tendrils on the sides of your face.
10. Jennifer Aniston – Classic Jen
I just had to add this classic Jennifer Aniston look. A slight side parting with two layers and some face-framing highlights will work wonders in making you look young. If you have a round face, try this hairstyle as the layers accentuate the lower half of your face, giving it more definition.
11. Jennifer Connelly – The Low Bun
The classic low bun is an elegant hairstyle for women over 40. Pair it with some dark red lipstick, like Jennifer Connelly, and you are gold! This hairstyle is perfect for women with oval faces.
12. Julia Roberts – The Beehive
The beehive! This hairstyle is a total stunner. The high volume at the top of your hair makes your face look slim and long. Add side bangs, like Julia Roberts, to bring attention to your eyes and mouth.
13. Marisa Tomei – A Vintage Feel
This hairdo gives out a tad bit of a retro feel. Marisa Tomei looks beautiful in this slightly wavy blunt hairstyle. The side parting helps accentuate her cheeks.
14. Octavia Spencer – The Side Bun
The low side bun with side-swept bangs looks super classy. If you have a formal party to go to, do try this look. If you have a round face and you think you won’t be able to pull this off, think again! The side-swept bangs help slim your face down while diverting focus to your eyes.
15. Rachel Weisz – The Curly High Pony
If you have an oval face, try this look. The high pony with a puff in the front looks brilliant on Rachel Weisz, and can on you as well. The curls at the end add volume to your hair.
16. Sandra Bullock – Side-Swept Hair
Side-swept hair is such a sophisticated look. It adds a mature glow to your face. The side parting and curls at the end bring the attention to the bottom half of your face. The slight highlights frame Sandra Bullock’s face perfectly.
17. Sofia Vergara – Middle Parting With Waves
This simple yet stunning hairstyle is a go-to for your daily schedule. The waves at the bottom bring the focus to the lower half of your face, making your jawline look slim. The middle parting makes your face appear slimmer near the cheeks.
18. Taraji P. Henson – Wavy Side-Sweep
Taraji P Henson looks fantastic! Wavy side-swept hair with harsh ends makes you look younger. This hairdo accentuates your eyes and eyebrows.
19. Tina Fey – The High Bun
Comedy genius Tina Fey often jokes about how dorky she used to look when she was younger, which is unbelievable looking at her in this amazing hairstyle. The big high bun is a favorite among a lot of women over 40. Add height to your hair near the crown if you have a big forehead.
20. Toni Collette – Tapered Bangs
If you have a round, heart-shaped or a square face and are looking to frame it perfectly, this is the hairdo for you. The tapered side bangs make your face look slender and long.
21. Uma Thurman – Half Ponytail With Side Bangs
Gorgeous Uma Thurman’s hairstyle is so simple yet stylish. Perfect for any occasion! A half ponytail with side swept bangs is easy to mimic.
22. Kelly Hu – Naturally Straight
Show off your naturally straight hair like Kelly Hu. If your face is slightly round, add volume near the middle parting using a round brush.
23. Lucy Liu – All Tied-In Ponytail
The key to the right hairdo for women over 40 is to go simple. Lucy Liu looks pretty in that mid ponytail with all her hair tied. If you have an oblong face, a middle parting will look great.
24. Charlize Theron – Bun With A High Puff
A low bun with a high puff in front is a suave hairdo. If you have a long face like Charlize Theron, this hair will soften your face because of the puff.
25. Kate Beckinsale – Flair Waves In A Ponytail
When you’re over 40, being simple counts. Try this classy hairdo sported by Kate Beckinsale. The wavy light curls in the pony make your face look slim. Tuera A. Jacobs, a licenced cosmetologist and an expert in the field with more than 20 years of experience, says, “Do not be afraid to try this look even if your locs are not as full as Ms. Kate’s. This look can be achieved with clip-in extensions or a drawstring ponytail.”
26. Lauren Graham – The Pin Up
Well hello, Lorelai Gilmore! Lauren Graham looks like a fashionista in this beautiful hairdo. Just clip the top of your hair with pins to mimic this look. Add a small puff to add height and volume to your hair. Tuera A. Jacobs, an expert cosmetologist, suggests, “To create volume at the top of your hair, you may have to tease it. Use a fine tooth comb to gently comb your hair downward towards your scalp, causing it to slightly tangle. This will help you create a voluminous final look.”
27. Rebecca Romijn – Face Framing Half Ponytail
Rebecca Romijn looks impeccable in this half ponytail hairdo. Her mismatched parting adds to the look. The waves and highlights frame her face and accentuate her facial features.
28. Courtney Cox – Layers
Layers are godsent for women over 40. The layers frame your face, bringing more definition to it. Courtney Cox shows us that layers are the best. Layers also add volume to your hair, making it more bouncy.
29. Lisa Kudrow – The Bouffant
Try the bouffant bun with a side parting. If you have a slightly chubby face or a large forehead, try this hairdo with deep side-swept bangs as that will help give the lower half of your face a narrow look and take the focus off your forehead.
30. Nicole Kidman – Braid It!
A simple braid can go a long way. Copy Nicole Kidman with this gorgeous messy braid. The side parting and upturned hair add volume to her mane and accentuate her eyes. What haircut suits a 40-year-old woman? The haircut that suits a person depends on many factors, including their face shape and hair type. However, a long bob is one of the most suitable haircuts for a woman over 40. Should women over 40 cut their hair? There is no age limit for a person to cut their hair. So, a woman over 40 can cut her hair.
