Finding the perfect haircut to highlight your features after turning 40 can be a challenging undertaking with so many options out there. To tackle this challenge, we enlisted the assistance of experienced hair stylists and professionals who have curated eight classic, celebrity–approved haircuts that flatter mature beauties. These hairstyles, favored by both everyday people and celebrities alike, are designed to shave years off your appearance while accentuating your natural features.
Read on for tips and suggestions from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Rodrigo Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NY, Janine Jarman, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Curl Cult, and Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports.
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1. Side-Parted Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical lob or bob is a "terrific choice" for mature beauties," Rivera explains, since it's a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says. "Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal."
The thing about a bob is, Abdullah says, "if it's blunt, it will sort of make the ends bunch up when curled lightly and give them more body." A deep side part (as seen here on Rose Byrne) is added "to create more volume on the top of the head by literally pushing more hair to one side of your head," and this hairstyle is great for hiding thinning on top if you have any.
2. Toused Bob With Wispy Bangs
According to Galvao, one of the most universally flattering and anti-aging haircuts is a tousled, wavy bob with bangs. Referring to the base of the haircut, he explains, "The shape is usually more rectangular or square, with a very defined linear design, which brings a more modern and sophisticated look with a minimalist style."
Additionally, he says, "in some versions of the cut there are more layers that add movement and give those ‘cool' young vibes." As seen here on Rihanna, this voluminous style can give a boost to finer, thinner and normally flatter strands.
3. Wavy, Layered Shag
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shag, as seen on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." Like the bob, "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
Abdullah adds that bangs like these are "often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." She notes that they also "make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair." The style also "works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front."
4. Pixie with a Deep Side Part
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to shorter hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish."
The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Kate Mara's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in an area prone to thinning as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center. "If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests.
"Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
5. Voluminous Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut.
This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for. The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is. Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions."
She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes. "This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
6. Long, Feathery Layers
"Longer side bangs" and "face framing pieces" a la Jennifer Aniston can "also result in a more youthful appearance by drawing the eye to the appealing facial features," Rivera explains. "In general, this provides for a fresher and more youthful look."
If you want to keep your hair longer over 40, Rivera says it is imperative to add layers and/or or face-framing pieces to avoid looking "weighed down" and dull. She points out that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture by "adding subtle layers to soften."
7. Layered Lob With Delicate Curtain Bangs
Jarman points out that layers can instantly enhance your facial features and provide volume, and adding bangs to a textured lob (as seen here on Alexa Chung), can also conceal forehead wrinkles and draw more attention to your eyes.
"Pair your lob with fringe to cover any wrinkles or receding hairlines and highlight those gorgeous eyes of yours," Jarman says. She adds that "many of us have hair that gets thinner with age," so adding "texture will help give your look lift and life."
8. Pixie With Sideswept Bangs
One specific short 'do that can highlight your eyes, cheekbones, and face shape is a pixie cut with side-swept bangs. "Ever seen a pixie cut where the bangs steal all the attention? This is what you're after: long, side-swept bangs," Abdullah explains. Robin Wright's look above is a great example.
"The rest of your hair should be piece-y and angled. She adds that "the cut should swirl around your head to hide hair loss." Abdullah stresses that a pixie cut with layers still maintains volume that is both gorgeous and easy to manage. That way you can give off an effortlessly chic look!
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the eight hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant hairstyles that accentuate facial features over 40 and are worth considering. To uncover the perfect hairstyle, one must comprehend their facial structure, where they are most prone to thinning, and consult with a skilled stylist. Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
