Whether yours is chin-length, collarbone-length or somewhere in-between, a classic bob haircut often serves as a popular choice for women over 40. However, not all bobs are created equal, making it a daunting task to find the right one, especially when taking hair loss and thinning tresses into consideration. In an attempt to demystify the world of bobs, we consulted professional hairstylists to uncover their recommendations.
They helped explain two common and unflattering bob haircuts and their negative effects on mature faces, followed by two alternatives that are guaranteed to highlight and celebrate the beauty of women in their 40s and beyond. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Jean Will, hair expert and co-founder of NiaWigs Inc.,
2 Hairstyles To Skip Over 40 And 2 More Voluminous Options
Don't #1: Blunt Bob without Layers
If you want to create movement and volume with your haircut, a one-length style will not have that effect, Abdullah stresses. While this is certainly a chic look on many, she warns that this haircut may have adverse effects on mature beauties who aim to recreate something similar. Layers that frame your face have the power to highlight your facial features while also adding the look of more hair if it's thinning and aging, she notes.
"Layers can do so much to hide thinning hair," Abdullah says. She notes that women who want to look youthful and more vibrant should avoid one specific type of one-length hairstyle— a short cut that's "the same length all over and barrel-curled close to the scalp." To prevent this cut, Abdullah advises to bring your stylist pictures of short cuts "where some of the hair is cut shorter than other parts and swirled to cover thinning." She adds that this looks "fantastic at any age."
Instead, Try a Layered Bob with Wispy Fringe
For this volume-boosting style, you can ask your stylist to cut your tresses into a bouncy, chin-length bob first, and then add face-framing layers. Next, Will suggests bringing wispy fringe to this ‘do for not only a more youthful look overall, but also to hide any signs of thinning or hair loss at the crown.
"This hairstyle is perfect for women over 40," she says, adding that 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," she explains.
As this cut features bangs that can be worn down (as Selena Gomez does) or parted in the center, it naturally has a symmetry-promoting effect that emphasizes your eyes and cheekbones.
Don't #2. Center-Parted Flat Bob
According to Abdullah, opting for a bob hairstyle without layers could leave those with naturally fine or thinner hair feeling less than satisfied with their overall look, appearing flat and lacking the desired flattering effect.
Furthermore, parting hair in the center may inadvertently draw attention to thinning at the crown. "Because hair loss in women tends to start with a widening of the part, it's best to stop parting your hair in the middle," she says, regarding a bob cut.
"You can make a short part from the center to the area right before the temple," she recommends adding that "this helps to make your hair look fuller in front." Abdullah suggests parting the bob to the side and incorporating layers to create more volume instead.
Instead, Try a Side-Parted Asymmetrical Bob
By parting your bob to the side and adding layers, you can create so much more movement and interest, Abdullah says. "If you add a deep side part to your bob, this will frame your face in a very flattering, polished manner," she notes, adding that "you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish.
"The added hair going over will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center," she says, regarding an asymmetrical bob like Rose Byrne's above. "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 concludes.
Rivera agrees, and adds that a side-parted, asymmetrical bob is a "terrific choice" for mature beauties," 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."
