For many mature beauties, the search for the ideal hairstyle can be overwhelming, particularly when the goal is to achieve a stylish and effortless appearance while also concealing signs of hair thinning and loss. This spring, we offer a solution with a selection of seven short haircuts that are not only voluminous and visually stunning, but also have the approval of notable celebrity and professional hairstylists, ensuring ease of maintenance.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Lauren Udoh, professional hairstylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports, Jean Will, hair expert and co-founder of NiaWigs Inc., Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon and Rod Galvao, professional hairstylist at Gem House.
7 Chic, Timeless and Ageless Bob Haircuts For Women Over 40
1. Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (or longer bob as seen here on Rose Byrne) is a "terrific choice" for "mature beauties," Rivera explains, since it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.
"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well."
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."
2. Shaggy Bob with Sideswept Fringe
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shaggy cut, as seen here on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair," Rivera points out. She notes that the choice to "add a bang," and especially a voluminous, side-swept fringe can "add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
For gals with longer hair, she says that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture, and adding subtle layers to soften. Will recommends adding wispy fringe to this ‘do for not only a more youthful look overall, but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown.
3. Layered Wavy 'Mob' Cut
You're probably already familiar with the classic 'bob' and its longer cousin the 'lob,' so the 'mob' refers to a 'medium bob,' Udoh explains. She deems it to be a "sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." It's a versatile cut, she adds, that looks "great on almost any face shape and hair type." (See here on Cate Blanchett).
While traditional bobs often end at the chin and lobs fall at the collarbone, the 'mob' ends in the middle of the neck. "The mob cut can be adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," Udoh adds.
This not-too-long and also not-too-short cut provides "volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," she points out!
4. Feathery Lob with Curtain Bangs
Will suggests adding wispy, parted fringe to a classic layered, face-framing lob for not only a more youthful look overall but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown. "This hairstyle is perfect for women over 40," she explains. "It will help hide their forehead [and any signs of wrinkling or natural aging] to look younger. It is suitable for women who have thick hair, as well as thin." Will points out that this style can emphasize your eyes and cheekbones.
Curtain bangs, seen here on Kerry Washington, Abdullah explains, "neatly frame the face while drawing attention away from serious aging signs." This "type of fringe cut creates a soft, natural-looking wave at the top of the head," Abdullah adds and says they are often used to frame the face and "specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." The style is "easy to achieve," Abdullah continues, and "looks great on many different hair types."
Abdullah also points out that curtain bangs will always be in style because they can "make your face appear smaller and slimmer when they come down to cheek level." When it comes to thinning or finer hair specifically, she says that curtain bangs add volume to flat, thinning hair. "The style works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front," she adds. Noted!
5. Chin-Length Bob with Delicate Fringe
According to Galvao, one of the most universally flattering and anti-aging haircuts is a layered bob with wispy bangs. "In some versions of the cut there are more layers that add movement and give those ‘cool’ young vibes," he says. Feliz agrees, and notes that the ultimate "low-maintenance style that never loses its appeal is a classy bob." He adds that "longer faces may need more framing and layers, while round faces require less."
If you have a wavier or curlier texture like Rihanna, adding wispy fringe or delicate curtain bangs can instantly elevate any simple bob. Bangs like these, Rivera says, "can also detract from the appearance of fine or limp hair and can add dimension to a style." She also points out that they can make your hair "look fuller" if you're looking for a refresh.
6. Wavy Lob with Sideswept Fringe
Another chic and similar option is a tousled, wavy lob with sideswept bangs. Referring to the base of the haircut, he explains, "The shape is usually more rectangular or square, with a very defined linear design, which brings a more modern and sophisticated look with a minimalist style." As seen here on Emma Stone, this voluminous wavy style can give a boost to finer, thinner and normally flatter strands for a youthful feel.
Adding sideswept bangs is great for "hiding signs of thinning in the crown area," Abdullah adds, where many women notice thinning and hair loss. This fringe can also "detract from the appearance of fine or limp hair and can add dimension to a style," according to Rivera.
7. Blunt Wavy Lob
Scarlett Johansson's blunt, slicked-back and wavy lob is "such a popular look right now," Rivera says. She adds that "one of the main reasons for that is the fact that you don’t have to commit to shorter [chin-length] hair and it’s versatile." This lob is also a classic way to "create a youthful look."
In addition, this 'do allows for the "removal of damaged ends" and its one-length "creates a lot of opportunities for styling," according to Rivera. "This style is darling tucked behind an ear or just worn down," Rivera goes on, and Johansson did this on the red carpet, proving her point!
The Bottom Line
Overall, while these are just seven classic and timeless bob and lob hairstyles, there are plenty more that can work for you, Rivera says. What matters most is figuring out your face shape and asking your stylist what looks best and most flattering for it!
