7 Flattering Haircuts For Women In Their 40s

Each decade you hit is a milestone in your life and the 40s are all about being confident in yourself and knowing what you want, including your hairstyle. You probably experimented with a lot of fun colors and daring cuts in your 20s and 30s, and while there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to hair at any age, your lifestyle comes into factor by the time you hit the 40-year mark. If you have kids, fur babies, and a stressful job, you'll want a low-maintenance haircut that'll look flattering as well. That doesn't mean you have to chop your hair off. In fact, many women find medium-length hair to be easier to style than a super short 'do, which will make putting your hair in a ponytail out of reach.

If you're ready for a change, don't be tempted to go for the latest trend. Just because a haircut looks good on a celebrity doesn't mean it'll be flattering for your face shape or hair texture. By your 40s, you know what works for you and there are plenty of options for you to bring out your best features.

Looking to add life to your long hair? Face-framing layers will freshen up your look in no time and give you a youthful look. This cut looks great on any face shape and is a breeze to style. The layers will add volume and texture if your hair is on the thinner side while giving your locks added movement. This wash-and-go haircut is perfect for those constantly on the move.

Curly hair can be a lot of work, especially for those with long hair. Looking to go shorter? Lobs are the perfect cut if you want to keep some length and still show off those gorgeous curls. To bring out your spirals, add some hair cream to your damp strands and twist your hair while you blow dry. Finish it off with an anti-frizz solution or a blast of hairspray.

There's something about a bob haircut that is so chic and timeless — and it looks good at any age. Anna Wintour has been rocking the style for ages and is immediately recognized by her signature look. Try your neck-grazing cut with French-girl-inspired bangs that skim just at your eyebrows for a Parisian look.

You don't have to follow the advice that women over 40 should keep their hair at shoulder-length or above. If your strands are healthy and undamaged, let them grow out. Just be sure to maintain your locks with weekly deep-conditioning masks or argan oil for shiny, strong hair. 

Not everyone can pull off a pixie haircut — but a bixie, which is a longer version of the short 'do, can be flattering for all face shapes. Bixies can be cut with bangs or in one uniform length with a deep side part. For a more daring take on this look, you can try an undercut on the bottom or one side of your head.

If you love a uniform look, a blunt haircut is for you. Unlike layers, blunt hairstyles are all one length and you can wear your hair short, medium, or long. This style looks good straight or wavy, which makes it very versatile. Be sure to get regular trims, as you won't want your split ends to be too visible.

Wolf cuts were all the rage in 2023 and you can hop on this trend with a more subtle take on the shaggy 'do. You don't want to go full-on mullet, so heed advice from hair expert Neil Moodie: "Ask your hairdresser for longer, softer shapes and layers if you're worried about a drastic change," he shares (via Stylist). "A longer shaggy cut below your collarbone is very wearable or, alternatively, a shorter layered 'baby mullet' or 'wolf cub' cut with shorter layers will give you a fun and fashion-forward look, too!"