Changing your skincare and makeup habits is essential to ensure they complement your skin as it ages. However, many women overlook the importance of a good haircut. Whether you have grey strands or not, the confidence boosts from a professional style and some pampering shouldn’t be underestimated.
Hair grows slower with age, and hormones play a significant role in this process, often causing hair to thin out. Therefore, hair that is already dry (like curly or coiled hair) can become even drier because it struggles to retain moisture. Top hairstylists have revealed three flattering haircuts for women over 40 that can help conceal these issues and accentuate their best features.
Layered wavy bob
Naturally curly or wavy locks are well-suited to this hairstyle, but even if you’re not, consider opting for a shoulder-length bob complemented by light bangs. The layers will add volume and movement while simultaneously accentuating your facial features.
Jean Will, a hair expert and co-founder of NiaWigs Inc., suggests asking for a “bouncy, chin-length bob, with layers around the face” when you get to the hair salon.
She also advocates adding a fringe to conceal any thinning hair or hair loss at the crown. According to Jean, this layered wavy bob with soft bangs is “perfect for women over 40” as it assists in concealing wrinkle-prone areas, like the forehead.
As for how to style it, Sigourney Weaver (age 75), Maggie Gyllenhaal (47) and Cate Blanchett (55) look radiant donning side-swept wavy bobs.
One of the main anti-ageing benefits of this haircut is that the length perfectly frames the face, with waves working to highlight the natural curves of the apples of your cheeks and cheekbones.
This hairstyle can be side-swept or parted in the middle, depending on your face shape. Flicking hair over to one side can help break up the face’s proportions and highlight youthful features.
Side-parted pixie cut
A side-parting reigns champion again by softening an otherwise bold hairstyle, the pixie cut.
Despite many people’s reservations, a short hairstyle can work wonders for mature women. A pixie cut is a bold choice because it draws attention to your face and cheekbones, which “makes your face look young”, according to Jean.
This style is also beneficial if your hair is thinning in certain areas, as the layers can be styled to cover them up. Layers also add volume, but if you’re aiming for a light, airy look, the side-parted pixie is “the perfect cut”, said the hair expert.
She disclosed that this style can “make over 40-year-old women look like they are in their 20s”.
If you’re looking for celebrity inspiration, Charlize Theron (49), Michelle Williams (44) and Halle Berry have all famously rocked the pixie cut.
Asymmetrical bob
An asymmetrical cut is an excellent solution for instantly adding volume to thinning hair. This style also allows one to retain some length while still framing the face in all the right places.
Actress Selma Blair (52) has a blunt-cut bob but tucks her hair behind her ear on one side to give the illusion of asymmetrical lines.
Gina Rivera, a celebrated hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, explained: “A textured asymmetrical bob creates a youthful appeal.” Incorporating layers can also “remove some of the damaged ends”.
For those with strong roots, a root blend or some dye can help to smooth the transition between the roots and ends for a more seamless, youthful look.
