It’s that time of the year again — whip out the sunscreen and bug spray, store your wool sweaters for the season and bring on the linen dresses and shorts. For some of us, warmer weather also spurs the desire to change up our makeup routine (maybe by adding a little bronzer or swapping matte red lips for pink lip gloss?) and try a new hairstyle or hair color. While you’re contemplating which of the summer’s hottest hair color trends you should try out — cherry cola or buttery blonde, perhaps — don’t forget to give your cut a fresh update, as well.
The right haircut can create a ton of volume, which is especially satisfying if you are experiencing some thinning or hair shedding. It can lift your spirits and make you feel like a new version of yourself, too. And it makes no difference if you’re attached to longer hair or are willing, ready, and eager to chop more of it off — one of these five ultra-flattering, volumizing haircuts that look particularly amazing on women over 40 might just be the one for you.
Angled Lob
Margot Robbie is one celeb who knows that losing a few inches from finer hair textures can really amp up your volume. In this case, her angled lob is a longer version of the classic bob, with the front sections cut slightly longer than the back. “This haircut creates volume by adding dimension and a subtle lift at the roots,” says Hair Stylist Khamis Maiouf, CEO and founder of the Book of Barbering. “It's particularly flattering on those with straight or wavy hair, as the angle enhances the natural texture.”
Adding a few layers to your bob is also a good way to enhance texture and keep it from falling flat. All in all, this is a chic, modern classic that works wonders on all hair types, but especially those that are on the thinner side.
The Long Layered Bob
Ciara’s long, layered bob (which is really a borderline lob) is a modern take on the classic bob, with long layers that create movement and volume, Maiouf explains. “The layers help to lift the hair, giving it a fuller appearance,” he adds. “It's especially flattering on those with fine or thin hair, as the layers give the illusion of thicker, more voluminous locks.”
The nice thing about this cut is that it gives the illusion of longer hair, perfect for those who have haircut phobia, while still offering a lift that is probably needed if your hair is fine or thinning. This is also a great cut for low-maintenance styling. Curl a few front pieces and you’ve automatically enhanced this cut without much effort.
Textured Pixie
Nothing says “bold” and “fearless” quite like a drastic haircut. If you’re more than willing to part with a few inches, the textured pixie sported here by Kate Hudson is a playful and sexy cut that screams “confidence” while boosting your hair’s volume.
“The textured pixie is a short, chic haircut that features plenty of layers for added volume,” Maiouf says. “By incorporating texture and movement, this style can make even fine or thin hair appear thicker and more voluminous. This haircut is most flattering on women with delicate facial features and works well with a variety of hair types, including straight and wavy.”
Soft Shag
Choppy and fun styles inspired by the 1970s are a huge trend right now. Taylor Swift’s cool girl soft shag is an easy-to-imitate-and-make-your-own kind of style that works wonders on fine hair types. “The soft shag haircut features long, textured layers that add volume and movement to the hair,” says Maiouf. “This style is perfect for women with medium to thick hair, as it helps to remove some weight while still providing a full and lively look. The layers can be customized to suit individual face shapes, making it a versatile option.”
Curtain Bangs with Long Layers
Halle Berry looks forever youthful, and one of her secrets is keeping her hair up to date and on trend. Continuing with ‘70s-themed hair, we give you long layers and curtain bangs, which looks amazing on so many different hair types and face shapes.
“This haircut involves adding long layers throughout the hair, with a focus on framing the face with curtain bangs,” Maiouf says. “These bangs create volume by adding softness and movement around the face, while the long layers contribute to a fuller appearance. This style is well-suited to most hair types, but it's especially effective for those with fine or thin hair.”
Snag the next appointment at your hair salon armed with photos of one of these gorgeous styles and get ready for a summer of voluminous hair.
