15 hairstyle ideas for women over 40
Turning 40 feels like a fresh start, and your hair should be part of the fun.
According to GCIMagazine, 47% of all U.S. consumers, not specifically female consumers, spent less than $30 per month on hair and scalp care in 2024. Modern hair trends focus on easy-care styles that enhance volume and complement your natural texture, rather than competing with it.
Here are excellent trending hairstyle ideas that will appeal to everyone looking to refresh their look.
The French girl bob
This chic cut, landing somewhere between the ear and chin, is a total game-changer.
According to Latest-Hairstyles.com, the French bob is flattering for women over 40 because its chin-length cut, with a blunt or textured fringe, frames the face, adding an “undone elegance” and “effortless chic” that is both modern and timeless. An option that feels both contemporary and chic, yet not overly extravagant.
Blunt bob
The blunt bob. If you prefer a sleek look, opt for the blunt bob. This elegant, blunt cut is instantly ruling the editorial shoots in 2025, particularly among professionals who require an easygoing style.
Soft layered bob
If you want structure with a bit of movement, the soft layered bob is your answer. The Right Hairstyles describes the soft layered bob as the perfect choice for a modern, polished look. This style adds movement and texture while maintaining a sleek, refined finish, making it both versatile and flattering.
This long style features a sleek, expertly layered structure that adds texture and volume. The slightly blunted ends create a look that is both strong and refined, while maintaining a soft, chic appeal. Subtle fringes complete the style, avoiding harsh lines for a beautifully balanced finish.
Silver and gray blends
What’s the Word? Embracing gray hair au naturel is becoming a growing trend. You can go full force, or mix grays with light highlights to create a more sophisticated style.
With celebrities styling their hair silver as if they were born with it and embracing naturally graying roots, silver and natural graying are now considered signs of confidence and empowerment.
Textured lob
The lob isn’t going anywhere. It remains a top choice in 2025. According to Southern Living magazine, the textured lob (long bob) is a favorite because of its adaptability and timeless appeal, making it a consistently popular and flattering choice.
It can be straight or wavy, or anything in between, lending itself to any occasion.
Collarbone cut with curtain bangs
This is the return of the curtain bang. Teamed with a sharp collarbone-length cut, they produce a face-lifting, flattering finish.
This classic style features soft curls that gently slide off the face, meeting delicate, elegant bangs.
Pixie cut
Ready for something bold? This extra-short style is ideal for adding volume at the roots and is low-maintenance for daily styling.
Barcelona Hair Academy notes that the pixie cut is experiencing a comeback in 2025, aligning with trends that favor effortless beauty and individuality.
Wavy wet look
Try the wavy wet look for an easy, no-heat hairstyle that looks oh-so cool. A sleek, wavy texture makes a statement without requiring effort. This style is both stylish and gentle on your hair.
Shaggy bob
For a look with a bit of an edge, the shag is where it’s at. Gulf News referred to the shaggy bob as “the ultimate rock-n-roll rebellion for your hair” and noted its “cool-girl chic” vibe.
The layers are strategically placed to add a ton of volume and youthful, cool vibes. It’s a playful, textured style that feels unfussy and cool.
Curtain fringe with curls
Curtain bangs and curly hair are a match made in hair heaven. When you combine them, you get this trendy, fun look that highlights natural texture. This style features tight curls and ample volume, creating a fun and modern appearance. Curtain bangs are also a great way to frame the face in any style, soften features, and blend with the rest of your curls.
Long layers
You don’t have to go short to get a fresh look. According to creativebooster.net, long layers are a top choice for women over 40 in 2025 because they add volume and movement to long hair without sacrificing length, creating a fresh, modern, and effortless look.
It offers a blend of classic style with subtle volume and movement that doesn’t require sacrificing hair length.
Blowout volume
The iconic ’90s blowout is back in a big way, with requests for big, bouncy layers on the uptick at salons.
Picture a supermodel-worthy mane with voluminous body and effortless bounce. This retro hairstyle exudes glamour, confidence, and undeniably great hair—timeless, no matter the era.
Subtle balayage
Balayage is the perfect way to add dimension to your hair. According to Salon Invi, balayage is popular with women over 40 because its hand-painted technique creates a soft, sun-kissed look with natural-looking color blends that gradually grow out, avoiding harsh roots and allowing for less frequent salon visits compared to traditional highlights.
Balayage offers a natural, sun-kissed look with low-maintenance growth, providing a beautiful way to add texture to your hair.
Textured choppy cut
Choppy Tousled Bob or Lob. This one is a long-time favorite. Choppy bobs and lobs have a cool, lived-in look that adds a cool, stylish vibe to any look.
This textured chop accentuates your own waves in the hair, bringing an easy-breezy vibrancy into your style. “Choppy texture brings youth and vitality,” says celebrity stylist Jason Collier, which means this look is a superb, modern, and utterly multifaceted style choice.
Modern wolf cut
The wolf cut, a superb blend of a shag and a mullet, is a hit with Gen X and older millennials. Perfect Corp. describes the wolf cut as a modern fusion of the shag and mullet hairstyles. It’s a bold, edgy look that’s full of texture and personality.
Key takeaway
Your 40s are the perfect time to experiment with a fresh hairstyle that excites you. The top trends for 2025 focus on celebrating natural texture, adding volume, and choosing a low-maintenance look that complements your lifestyle. Whether it’s a sleek bob, a bold undercut, or a playful pink pixie, the ideal style is out there, waiting for you to make it your own.
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