Looking to revamp your summer style? A new haircut or style might be the perfect solution. We consulted celebrity hairstylists and haircare experts to gather insights on seven trendy, volume-boosting ‘dos, ideal for the warmer months. Tailored for women over 40 with finer, thinner hair or those desiring more volume, these styles are not only easy to maintain but also exude a carefree, effortless charm.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Rodrigo Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NY, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports and Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon.
7 Chic, Effortless Haircuts & Styles To Try This Summer Over 40
1. Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (as seen here on Rosamund Pike) can flatter multiple hair textures and types, and it is a "terrific choice" for "anyone facing thinning hair" this summer. Rivera explains that this is because 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."
2. Side-Parted Pixie
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," but want more volume, she recommends "making a short part 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."
3. Long, Feathery, Face Framing Layers
"Longer side bangs" and "face framing pieces" a la Jennifer Aniston can "also result in a more radiant appearance by drawing the eye to the appealing facial features," Rivera explains. "In general, this provides for a fresher and more youthful look."
If you want to keep your hair longer and go for an anti-aging effect as the weather gets warmer, Rivera says it is imperative to add layers and/or or face-framing pieces to avoid looking "weighed down" and dull.
She points out 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."
4. One-Length Lob
If you want to go for a shorter cut but keep it neat and sleek, Rivera suggests the one-length lob, like Scarlett Johansson's. "The [blunt] lob, also recognized as a longer version of the classic bob, is such a popular look right now," she says. Rivera continues,
"One of the main reasons for that is the fact that you don’t have to commit to shorter hair and it’s versatile. The lob is also terrific for creating a youthful look." A long, sleek and one-length lob like Johansson's is a "great option" for beating the heat this summer, Rivera notes, "especially for those that don’t want to cut all of their hair off.
"In addition, this 'do allows for the "removal of damaged ends" and its one-length "creates a lot of opportunities" for styling. "This style is darling tucked behind an ear or just worn down," Rivera adds, and Johansson did this on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, proving her point!
5. Angled Chin-Length Bob
According to Feliz, the ultimate "low-maintenance style that never loses is appeal" is an angled, chin-length and "classy bob" like Keira Knightley's. He says that "for this style, a bit of undercutting in the back allows for easier manageability, creating a natural bend for easy wash and wear."
Galvao notes that the "very defined linear design" of the cut can bring "a more modern and sophisticated look with a minimalist style." Feliz adds that "longer faces may need more framing and layers," when it comes to their center-parted, angled, chin-length 'do, while "round faces require less."
6. Shaggy Layered Bob
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."
7. Italian Bob or Lob
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. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek and Zendaya opt for. 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.
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the seven hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options for refreshing your look this summer, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing and elegant hairstyles that accentuate facial features and provide volume that are worth considering.
To uncover the perfect hairstyle for naturally finer, thinner or flatter tresses, 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."
