How great does a brand new haircut feel? You can emerge from a salon feeling reborn and ready to take on the world — assuming, of course, that the new ‘do is flattering. Sometimes the older we get, the more jaded we become by new hairstyles. By a certain age you may feel like you’ve tried enough of them to know it’s easier to stick to what’s safe than risk a hair tragedy. But this doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. If you’re over 40 and fresh out of ideas on what to do with your hair next, why not consider these three youthful, flattering hairstyles that look amazing on women over 40.
Blunt Cut With Layers
If you prefer a more sleek and polished look, Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics, recommends a blunt cut with a few subtle layers. “This can add movement and texture without sacrificing the overall sleekness of the style,” Backe says, adding that it’s best suited to people with long hair.
Face-Framing Layers
You may already sense that long, one-layered hair can pull down the face and its features and isn’t always the most flattering. That’s why face-framing layers are a great haircut for people who have longer hair and are wanting to add some dimension and shape to their hair, Backe says, adding that the layers should start at the chin and frame the face. This is an excellent choice for women who don’t want to compromise when it comes to hair length, but also crave a little oomph.
Bob Cut
What would a list of flattering haircuts even be without a mention of the always classic bob cut? “This is a versatile haircut that can be tailored to various lengths, from just below the ears to the chin. It can be straight or wavy and works well for most face shapes,” Backe says. One particularly popular version of the haircut is the tousled bob, which relies on texture, layers, and movement, as opposed to sleekness, to make a statement.
What Cuts Should Many Women Avoid?
There is no one answer to the question of which haircuts are best to avoid because everyone’s faces, personalities, and personal styles are different. What looks off on one woman can look incredible on another. But, generally speaking, Backe advises against these two haircuts, which aren’t always the most universally flattering:
Extremely short pixie cuts: “While pixie cuts can be stylish and edgy, they may not be the best option for women with round faces or very curly hair. This cut also requires a lot of upkeep and styling,” Backe says.
Blunt bangs: “Whilst bangs may be a great way to change up your look, blunt bangs may not be the most flattering option for everyone. This cut can accentuate a large forehead or an asymmetrical face shape, according to Backe.
It’s never too late to change up your hairstyle and find one you love — and these gorgeous cuts may become new classics for you.
