Are you bored of your hair and dreaming of something chic, classic, and sophisticated to take you into the summer and beyond? If you’re itching to change up your look, there is no shortage of hot haircuts to try — and so many of them are universally flattering, to boot. Whether you are adventurous and willing to part with several inches of your hair or you prefer to play things safer by changing up one or two elements of your style to get a different look, there’s a cut with your name on it. And if you are over 40 and concerned that your current ‘do is dragging down your features and not giving you the freshness or lift you want, hairstylists say these are the three haircuts that are sophisticated, chic, and perfect for mature women.
Pixie Cut
This pixie cut sported by Charlize Theron is magic because it immediately puts the spotlight on her bone structure, eyes, and other lovely features. It’s a more low-maintenance cut that serves many face types well and it has the added benefit of making thinning hair look fuller and healthier.
“Short cropped pixie cuts are always a go to four women over 40 who seek a more sophisticated look,” says Natural Hair Stylist Darrius Peace. “Because of the ascending nature of the lifted top of this cut style, women are more likely to experience a softer and more refined showcase of the face. Another added benefit is the need for less maintenance than longer hairstyles can require.”
Short cropped, pixie cuts are best suited for straighter hair textures, Peace says. You can also work with your stylist to adjust the length so that it suits your features best.
The Bob
The classic bob can be broken up into several different “bob” categories these days, and each takes on a new life of its own. Maybe you’re a fan of no-nonsense blunt bobs, or an asymmetrical bob that is off-center and can balance your features. Or perhaps you prefer your bob choppy and a little wild or with sleek bangs. There’s no end to the ways in which you can personalize your bob, which makes it one of the best versatile and chic hairstyles around.
Peace says he is a fan of the classic asymmetric bob, which he calls an excellent go-to for women over the age of 40 seeking a more sophisticated look. “Bobs are great as they offer the conveniences of short hair while also giving the movement flow, and framing of longer hair,” Peace says. “Although they do require a little more maintenance than your typical pixie cut, they still present lower maintenance than lengthier hair.”
And, good news: bob haircuts are suitable for any hair texture; coiled, curly, wavy, straight, or Locs, Peace notes.
The Lob
If you aren’t ready to take the plunge and part ways with several inches of your hair, the lob haircut is the perfect compromise between short and long hair. This cut, seen on celebs like Jennifer Garner and Kelly Ripa, is a long bob that is usually cut just above the shoulders (though its length can be customized to suit your features). As with the bob, you can sport the lob choppy or blunt, and bangs or side-swept bangs add a beautiful and playful element to the style.
Medium-Length Hair
Short hair isn’t for everyone, we get it. And it can also be tiring to hear constantly that you should chop your hair off the minute you turn 40 — it simply isn’t true. Even though shorter cuts like bobs and pixies look incredible on so many women, longer hair may be your signature style. The key to maintaining length, especially if your hair is showing signs of thinning, is to work with your stylist and find a length that suits you the best. For many, including Courteney Cox, medium-length hair that falls to the shoulder or slightly below the shoulder looks healthy and sophisticated. A few face-framing layers provides a volume boost and more opportunities for styling than flat, blunt hair.
Introducing high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and weekly masks into your routine may be all it takes to maintain longer hair and help prevent split ends and breakage. Whether you prefer your hair short, long, or somewhere in between, there’s a sophisticated hairstyle calling your name this summer.
