5 Cool Shoulder-Length and Short Haircuts for Women Over 40 (2024)

Don’t get us wrong: We’re totally for women wearing whatever hairstyle they like, at whatever point in their lives. Hair is a form of self-expression, and we should be free to take up whichever look we fancy, full stop. When it comes to short haircuts for women however we usually regard a lot of short hair for women over 40 looks as a bit stiff and boring (remember the much-maligned soccer-mom haircut?), and we’re here to help change that stereotype.

Although we love playing with a variety of hairstyles at any age bracket, there are some age-related concerns that admittedly pop up once we get older and change how our overall stylelooks. Hair that feels finer and more brittle, isthinning and shows a change in texture can dictate how good a hairstyle ultimately wears, and can be a strong consideration when it comes to choosing short hairstyles for women over 40.

And since we’ve been on a bob haircut kick lately, we’ve curated a list of fresh iterations to this super-popular haircut that respects the changing texture of older women, while makingthe most out of the density they have. Read on to discover a few of our favorite short hairstyles for fine hair over 40.

(Have longer locks? Scroll down to the end for our top 12 long hairstyles for women over 40.)

Ed’s note: Thinning,mature hair looks its best when prepped with a wash and care regimen specific to this hair type. Nexxus New York Salon Care Diametress Rebalancing Shampoo and Nexxus New York Salon Care Diametress Restoring Conditionerworks to lightly cleanse and condition while giving visible fullness to aging hair.

Fun, Modern Short Haircuts for Women Over40

1. Soft Stacked Bob

A short, jaw-length bob that’s cut with a graduated back gives a fuller look to fine, thinning strands. It also cuts hair at the thickest part of the strand, adding to the fullness. Styling this look with a soft flip at the ends gives it a more modern touch. To achieve, prime your hair with a nourishing yet lightweight styling cream, like the Nexxus City Shield DD-Creme. Then,blow-dry your hair with a round brush whilegiving the ends a slight outward curl.

2. Wavy Lob

A long bob, or lob, gets more personality and dimension when styled with soft, loose waves. The hair shouldn’t be too long, as thinning hair is especially prone to breakage at the ends; a shoulder-length cut is optimal andleaves no room for scraggly, frayed ends. Get this bouncy short hair over 40 look by spraying hair with a volumizing agent such as Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Volumizing Weightless Blow Dry Spray. While blowdrying, twirl sections of your hair around a small round brush while tugging outwards (careful of tangles!). The end result is a fuller-looking twist.

3. Short Afro

Natural-textured ladies in their 40s will still feel a slight change in their hair type as they grow older. The best way to maintain your curly hair’s integrity is to go for short haircuts for women. Keep hair well-moisturized and trimmed, as this type is more susceptible to becoming dry. Ask your stylist for a short afro cut that’s around four inches on top, and slightly tapers on the neckline for a more modern, fashionable twist. To maintain the look, leave-in conditioner is imperative. Apply a moisturizing serum specifically designed for curly hair, such as Dove Absolute Curls Supreme Crème Serum, before heading outdoors.

4. Platinum Pixie

An icy-white pixie cut is a fun way to edge up your usual short hairdo. Bleach helps change the texture of hair and some women find their strands feeling thicker and fuller after coloring. These short haircuts for women also look very youthful, especially when rendered in a stylish, trendy shade such as platinum blonde. Ask your stylist for the top lengths to be slightly longer than your back and sides for more styling variations. Shape and texture play a big part in this look, so best work witha non-stickystyling balmon your lengths and ends.

5. Tousled Bob

Curly bobs are like a fountain of youth: They open up your features and inject your look with an instant dose of style. They look effortless too, like you didn’t try to hard and literally just woke up this fresh-faced. Messy curls, when done higher on the head, give a bright, cherubicfeel to short haircuts for women—similar to angelic ringlets, they look best when slightly tousled and haphazard. Achieve the look by first prepping hair with an elixir for protection (we love the renewed strength and body our strandsget from applying theSuave Professionals Honey Infusion 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditionerto damp hair). Next, once it’s dry, take a small-barreled curling iron and twirlhair in different directions each time for a sexy, slightly rumpled feel.

What other short haircuts for womenare you looking to try? Check out our roundup offall hair trends for more style inspiration.

Long hairstyles for women over 40

As we get older, many of us slowly start to shorten our locks, making them easier to manage and maintain. But while there are loads of lovely short styles out there, we’re here to tell you, that you can still pull off a set of long, flowing strands as well as the next woman! Yes, really. In fact, there are a whole host of long hairstyles for women over 40, that will allow you to remain at the very top of your hair game!

Long and straight

Think that your straight locks lack style and substance? Well, think again! Because this simple look works for women of any age – just look at the many Hollywood starlets in their 40s and 50s who arestill rocking their long, straight hairlike a total pro!But if you find that your strands often fall flat and look devoid of life, why not get your stylist to work some lusicous layers into your cut?

Layering is absolutely key when it comes to giving long, straight hair a healthy dose of youthful energy, while also helping to add shape, texture, and movement to same-length locks!

Long and wavy

If you didn’t already know,wavy hairstyleshave been a huge hit this season, as they work to effortlessly give your appearance a fun and playful finish. Try working in some textured layers into loose, flowing waves, and plump up your mane using the Suave Professionals Sea Mineral Infusion Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. Psst!This ‘do also works an absolute treat for any of you with thin or fine strands, as the addition of waves will help to give lift and texture to your hair.

Tip:If you’re really after a fashion-forward styling hack, then try rocking your hair in an off-centre or deep sideparting, to really bring out the best in yourlong, wavy hair.

Face framing layers

Want a way to maintain your long locks, while also helping to uplift your appearance? Say no more. Because what you need, is a lovely set of face framing layers in your mane. These subtle layers have a bright and refreshing effect on your face, and are a great way of adding a new dimension to same-length locks, with loads of movement and volume.

This look is also an ideal choice for women who find that their long hair gets a bit unmanageable, as the shorter layers in the front take away some of the weight and thickness of your locks!

Curls

Looking for a way to give your ‘do a boost of youthful vitality? Then this lookcould be the answer. Great for adding a glamorous edge to your signature style, working some curls – whether loose or in ringlets –will instantly give plenty of lift and bounce to your hair! And to really make your curls stand out from the crowd, we’d recommend adding a healthy dose of the TRESemmé TRES Extra Firm Control Mousseto damp tresses, before drying them with a diffuser and ahair dryer.

Tip:No matter what long hairstyle you choose to rock, just remember to book regular appointments with your stylist for a trim (approximately every 6-8 weeks), to keep your hair looking fresh, healthy, and in tip-top condition!