Struggling with dull, lifeless, or flat hair this spring? Fear not, as we have consulted with professional hairstylists who have uncovered four stylish and sophisticated hairstyles that can breathe life back into your locks and give them a boost of volume. These timeless and celebrity-approved ‘dos are perfect for summer and can help you achieve a sleek and chic look.
Read on for tips for women over 40 from Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.
4 Volume-Boosting Haircuts & Styles To Try This Summer
1. Pixie with a Deep Side Part
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to short hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish."
The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Kate Mara's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center. "If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests.
"Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
2. Wispy, Wavy Shag
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shag, as seen on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." Like the bob, "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
Abdullah adds that bangs like these are "often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." She notes that they also "make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair." The style also "works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front."
3. Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. Stylish stars like Salma Hayek, seen above, opt for this 'do.
The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is.
Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes.
"This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
4. Bixie
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Kristen Stewart's is very in for spring, and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains.
There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and as summer approaches, it's a great time to find what works for you. "The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says.
Guerrero adds: "The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference."
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the four hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant hairstyles that boost volume and are worth considering. To uncover the perfect hairstyle, you should analyze your facial structure and consult with a skilled stylist.
Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
