This post has been updated since it was originally published to include more expert insight.
Hitting the big 4-0 is a huge accomplishment, and what better way to celebrate than amping up your hair with a new ‘do? We checked in with professional hair stylists to learn more about classic haircuts for anyone over 40 that are no less trendy, stylish, or gorgeous. These five styles are also often sought out by celebrities as they are designed to enhance your favorite facial features, at any age.
This summer, experts recommend considering five chic hairstyles if your hair is on the finer, thinner side or not quite as strong as it used to be: an asymmetrical lob with a side part, a layered pixie, a longer, layered cut with curtain bangs, a bob with side-swept fringe or a shaggy bob.
Read on for tips and suggestions from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Fae Norris, longtime hair stylist and colorist at Rock Paper Salon in Los Angeles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Davis Feliz, owner & creative director at Davis Feliz Salon in Greenwich, CT, and Rodrigo Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NY.
1. Side-Parted Asymmetrical Lob
A textured asymmetrical lob or bob 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."
The thing about a bob is, Abdullah says, "if it's blunt, it will sort of make the ends bunch up when curled lightly and give them more body." A deep side part (as seen here on Charlize Theron) is added "to create more volume on the top of the head by literally pushing more hair to one side of your head," and this hairstyle is great for hiding thinning on top if you have any.
2. Layered Pixie
Countless figures in pop culture, from Princess Diana to Winona Ryder to Halle Berry (above) have made us want to rock a pixie cut, and as Norris says, why not try the ultra-flattering look now if you've always wanted to? "People, women in particular, often get stuck in a hairstyle that worked in their youth but make the mistake of not updating it periodically," she says. "Once you find a style that works with your face shape, texture, and lifestyle it makes sense to stick with it," she acknowledges, but styles are constantly changing.
While she says this "doesn’t mean you need to jump from one 'next new thing' to the other, modernizing a style every couple of years will keep a look youthful." While you don't have to cut your hair short if you're 50+ up, Norris points out that doing so can make it even healthier when it does grow back.
"As we age our hair tends to thin and dull so regular trims, a fun cut, [and] maybe some fresh color and glossing treatments, are great ways to maintain a youthful look." Abdullah agrees and stresses that a pixie cut with layers is one of the best ways to draw more attention to your beautiful face, while also maintaining locks that are easy to manage, and give off an effortless look.
"Ask your stylist about the amount and placement of layers that will help create volume and body in your hair," she says. "Tell them you would like to create more volume. Generally, pixies that add volume are cut very short in the back, a little long around the ears, and long up top." She adds that "the layers can be cut to swirl around the head to hide thinning in whichever areas its most apparent," and that it's a good idea to "take a few pictures into the salon to see what's possible and will look best on you."
Feliz describes this style as something that has both boldness and beauty (It's no wonder style icon Jamie Lee Curtis often sports it!) "To keep the look unique and modern, shape and contour to your profile by going shorter in the back and keeping a longer fringe. This brings gazes upward for an instant eye lift," he advises.
3. Long Layers With Curtain Bangs
If you do wish to keep your hair long like Dakota Johnson, Rivera says that layering is essential to keep your tresses from appearing dull and lifeless. "For long-haired beauties, long layers are essential for creating movement, dimension, and a more voluminous look," she says. This, she adds, is especially important if the hair is thin. "Long layers tend to remove a bit of the weight from the hair, making it lighter and ultimately, creating the illusion of being fuller."
Abdullah says that adding curtain bangs to long hair is an instant way to create more volume, interest, and movement. (Not to mention, it's a super-trendy style for summer!) "Curtain bangs are always flirtatious if you're looking to rejuvenate your look over 50," she says. "Usually curtain bangs are worn with straight hair or curly, but always down.
Nevertheless, you can even wear the rest of your hair pulled up and a few wispy long bangs in the front to change up your style." The possibilities, she points out, are truly endless!
Additionally, Davis says, "Long hair can be worn beautifully at any age. It’s all about having the right shape for your face, features, and texture." He tells us, "To maintain the right shape, getting trims regularly every five to six weeks is important.
To draw [the] eyes up and give the effect of a facelift, you can add softness and movement [like Zooey Deschanel] with precise framing and curtain bangs. This style with soft waves compliments the color and gives it a finished touch."
4. Tousled Bob With Side Bangs
According to Galvao, one of the most universally flattering and anti-aging haircuts is a tousled, wavy bob with 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." Additionally, he says, "in some versions of the cut there are more layers that add movement and give those ‘cool' young vibes."
As seen here on Glenn Close, this voluminous style can give a boost to finer, thinner and normally flatter strands.
5. Shaggy Bob
A shag is "another amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shorter shag, as seen on Taylor Swift, 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.
For those 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 by adding subtle layers to soften.
Ultimately, these five haircuts are often chosen by celebrities and mature women who want to highlight their eyes, cheekbones and ageless glow (and they truly never go out of style!)
