The 40 best hairstyles for women over 40

Hair can make you look younger ­– or older. Choose one of these 40 hairstylist-approved looks to turn back the clock.

The problem with long hair is that it’s not always easy to keep it out of your face – and long and flat isn’t usually flattering. “Debra Messing’s look works with the length because it keeps it off her face and has some wave to soften it,” says Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon. Here’s how to keep your hair healthy all year long.

“This is a great length because it gives you so many options and is fun to play with since the focus is the length itself,” says Saviano of Julie Bowen’s locks. “You can add waves, blow it out straight, sweep bangs across your face, wear it slicked back, tousled, etc. and because of the shorter length, it won’t drag the face down.”

Oribe educator Mandee Hernandez loves this style because it’s one of the easy wash-and-wear hairstyles for women that adds fun textured layers and a lightness. “The structure of this haircut does all the work with minimal styling needed. I would recommend using a finishing cream, like Oribe AirStyle Flexible Finish Cream, to enhance the layers and bring out the hair texture with a satin finish.” Find out what really happens when you cut your hair short.

“This is a classic haircut with clean, timeless lines that can be worn at any age and enhances your facial features,” says Hernandez.

When it comes to hairstyle for women, Hernandez says it’s all about maintenance and keeping the length appropriate to the woman’s height – not necessarily about age. “Regular trims are key to keeping the hair looking young and healthy at any age.” Meaning: You can pull off a look like this, it just takes proper care!

Follow these tips to put moisture back into your hair.

“A very powerful, androgynous haircut can only be matched by a confident woman, and that confidence comes with age. At the same time, the cut is long enough to add a feminine feel,” says Hernandez.

Hernandez likes this look because the soft fringe adds a playful touch to a classic bob silhouette. “The hair shape is ideal for hiding age imperfections around the eyes and forehead.”

“It’s a versatile style that can lay gently across the face, softening age lines and imperfections, or can be easily tucked away and pulled back,” says Hernandez.

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This look is an homage to ’60s French songstress Jane Birkin, who is also the namesake of that famous Hermes bag. “This hairstyle enhances features and opens the face without creating harsh lines.”

Now don’t miss the 50 health secrets every woman over 50 should know.