30 Haircuts That Are Super Flattering For Women In Their 40s

A fresh haircut can not only bring a fresh bout of confidence and mark an exciting new chapter, it can also be a great way to keep our hair looking and feeling its best as we age. Over time, our hair changes a lot, including losing pigment. People of white and Asian descent usually start finding gray hairs in their 30s, while those with Black ancestry usually discover them in their 40s. That means most of us will have at least a few light strands by our 50s, and some may be looking for a fresh style that suits their new hue. Luckily, there are plenty of haircuts out there that flatter gray hair, no matter how much you have.

Graying is far from the only change our hair goes through as we get older, however.  "As we age, the sebaceous glands produce less oil, leading to a drier scalp with less moisture and elasticity," dermatologist Lindsey Bordone told Everyday Health. For women, menopause (which usually begins between age 45 and 55) can also wreak havoc on our strands. "Many women have unpleasant symptoms during menopause, from hair loss to overall hair thinning or even noticeable bald spots," plastic surgeon Yael Halaas told Women's Health. 

"Some research shows that hair loss during menopause is the result of a hormonal imbalance, specifically a lower production of estrogen and progesterone," Halaas added. That means it may be time for a new cut that meets your hair's ever-evolving needs, while also helping you look as young as you feel. Luckily, we have 30 cuts that'll do just that.

Not only do braids look stunning on textured hair, they can have several benefits. Braids can reduce hair breakage because you don't have to continually brush and style your hair — a big plus if you're noticing increasingly brittle strands in your 40s. Equally, they can help keep the hair moisturized, making it great for those experiencing dry hair caused by age. Need a little extra nudge to take the plunge? These celebs gave us beautiful braid inspo.

The French bob is one of the sleekest ways to do short hair. It's classic and sophisticated, so it won't give the impression you're chasing trends or trying to look overly young. But it also won't age you. This internationally inspired cut typically finishes around the jawline and isn't as severe as many other bob styles, making it flattering and easy to pull off for most face shapes. Whether or not you include bangs is totally up to you.

When better than your 40s to take the plunge and try a super short, cropped cut that's one length all over? This 'do can be scary if you're used to having longer hair, but it can also be totally freeing and a symbol of starting something new — ideal if you're just entering your fourth decade or just about to leave it. Super cropped styles can also make your mane look fuller, which, in turn, looks more youthful.

A textured bob is another cut that will bring fullness back to your locks. The shorter style is not only chic and sophisticated, it's practical as well. Especially if you have naturally textured hair you don't want to style too much. You won't need to get trims as regularly as you would with a sleek, blunt bob because the ends don't need to remain clean. Plus, it's softer than other takes on the bob, which makes it so flattering.

A lot of people in their 40s are ready for a haircut that's relaxed and low maintenance. If that sounds like you, a boho-esque cut could be perfect, as the thinner, textured, and feathered ends don't need to be sharp or uniform. It doesn't require anywhere near the same upkeep as very blunt or precise haircuts either, because it's supposed to look undone and lived in. This cut is also adaptable, because the length is totally up to you. Just try to keep it long enough to style into beachy waves for a truly boho vibe.

For those who prefer short hair, but still want a little extra something to make their locks pop, add a pompadour. The height at the front will make your 'do look fuller, especially if you keep the sides short to create a greater contrast between lengths. Ask your stylist for a little more length on top than you think you might need, as this will make it easier to create gravity-defying volume. Remember, though, that this cut is full of edge and attitude, so you'll need to bring the confidence to match.

By asking your hairstylist to cut your hair mid-length with a middle part (and no layers), you'll bring volume to your locks and give yourself more options to change up your style in the future. Though some may say this style borders on boring, it's actually the opposite. Because it's not overly long or super heavy, you'll be able to get more volume at the roots, which some people in their 40s may struggle with if they experience thinning locks.

The shoulder-length lob is a classic for a reason. Not only does it offer serious versatility (it's long enough to pull back into a ponytail but not so long that it's high-maintenance), it can also work with a range of hair textures and help soften our facial features. Plus, it rarely goes out of style as other trends come and go, so it's perfect for those who don't care about keeping up with what's hot and want a style that will last without looking dated.

Another style for people with thinning hair, the choppy pixie with very short sides can work wonders on straight locks. It's doesn't have the same drama as a pompadour, so you don't need to go so long on the top, but it's got more dimension than a classic pixie, which tends to be a similar length all over. Ask for something super choppy, that way you can tousle the top for a less "done," more casual vibe that will give the illusion of thicker tresses. This cut is also good for softening square faces.

A bob is one of the best haircuts to pair with curtain bangs. If you're in your 40s though, make it a soft bob, with ends that aren't too blunt. Curtain bangs are longer than most other types of bangs and fall on either side of the head (consider them two separate pieces, not one, like most bangs). They can give your look volume and make your face look longer and slimmer. The forgiving nature of the ends and their swooping look can naturally soften your features and frame the face.

Want a look that's bold and makes statement in your 40s? A longer pixie cut with side-swept bangs could be the one, particularly if you have naturally straight hair and an oval-shaped face. If you currently have longer locks that feel dry or brittle, taking the leap from long to short hair will help get rid of any split ends, to give your hair a fresher, healthier-looking vibe. As for the bangs, hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante told Glamour, "These bangs enhance balanced features without overpowering them."

If you want to go bolder with bangs, try long, one-length hair with a full, graduated style. These bangs are shorter in the middle and longer at the sides, so they will blend in with your long hair. It's common to notice more obvious lines and wrinkles forming on our foreheads in our 40s, and thicker bangs can help cover those. No one should feel they have to hide their lines or wrinkles, of course, but many people feel more confident with them camouflaged. By pairing these bangs with longer strands without layers, you'll get a smooth, sleek aesthetic.

Embracing your curls with a rounded cut and bangs is a way to have fun and soften your facial features at the same time. The shorter style will keep volume and movement in your mane, and it can be easier and quicker to style. To match the volume on the top of your head, keep your bangs a little longer (skimming the brows can be very flattering) so the style doesn't look too mismatched. 

A choppy pixie that's a similar length all over can help combat the signs of thinning hair and bald spots. It's piece-y nature means you can style it with plenty of texture to create a fuller vibe. Just ask your stylist for super choppy layers. This 'do is also a no-brainer if you're looking for something short and easy because you're juggling the likes of work, parenthood, and a social life. It won't take hours to dry or style and can look stunning au naturel.

Named after the legendary singer and actor Jane Birkin, Birkin bangs came back with a vengeance in 2023. They part in the middle and tend to be longer, wispier, and softer than other bangs. They're shorter, fuller, and more steadily graduated than curtain bangs, though, so they will cover more of your forehead. Another plus? They're easier to grow out than short or blunt bangs if you decide to change up your style, and the length at the ends can help disguise crow's feet, which become more obvious in our 40s. 

If you're experiencing thinner hair in your 40s, a long, curly cut can work wonders. Not only do longer locks have a youthful aesthetic, but tresses long enough to hold a flattering curl (be it natural or styled) will have a voluminous bounce. The side-part can help with that, too. How long you go is up to you: Just remember that if you have thicker locks, your hair could be weighed down if it stretches past your waist.

As the name suggests, the asymmetric bob is a shorter style that's purposefully longer on one side. Though you may need more regular trims to keep the aesthetic, it's so worth it. It's a quirky twist on the classic bob and a great way to sport a look that's just outside the box. Because who said you can't still have fun with your hair in your 40s? It's up to you how dramatic you make it, but an asymmetric bob in a fun color, like pink, can be a real statement look.

If you have naturally coily hair, you can't go wrong with the afro. For anyone who's spent years straightening or relaxing their coiled locks, embracing the afro's natural texture and shape can make the hair stronger. That's because it's no longer being constantly weakened by the likes of heated styling products or chemical relaxers.

Lobs and bobs are particularly flattering for rounder face shapes, and if you have straight hair, the angled cut may be one of the most complimentary looks for you. This style involves cutting your tresses longer at the front than the back. It's great for those who prefer sleek, styled looks, as you can curl the ends in for a face-framing effect, or turn them out to create the bell-bottom flippy haircut that was everywhere in summer 2024.

If you have naturally curly hair, ask for a mid-length 'do with lots of layers next time you head to the salon. This will give your tresses serious volume and bounce (a big plus if you notice your hair thinning or just want extra big locks) while keeping your curls looking polished. Layers can also take some of the heaviness out of your hair, especially if it's long, giving it more movement to create a youthful aesthetic.

Who says you can't braid your bangs? Not us. Cutting and braiding bangs will ensure your whole head reaps the benefits of the protective style. Adding beads to each strand not only looks stunning, it can also make an important statement about African-American heritage. By opting for shorter locks, you'll make the whole style more manageable and save yourself some serious time in the salon chair.

Baby bangs (aka bangs that finish a few inches above the brows) aren't for everyone, but they're a fun way to make a statement in your 40s if you don't want your haircut to be too conventional. If you want your baby bangs to last a little longer, go for something feathered and choppy, as a precision cut that's super straight will need more maintenance. To really step outside the box, pair the shorter take on bangs with an equally short cut, like a bob that finishes above the chin.

For those with naturally voluminous curls, the chin crop can be uber flattering. It's similar to a French bob, but is designed to highlight the beauty of natural curls with its rounded (aka layered) ends. This fluffy 'do should always finish in line with your chin but may be one to steer clear of if you have a round face, because the rounded bottom could exaggerate your face shape rather than elongating it.

Though bobs are short, it's still possible to cut some significant layers into a straight version to frame the face. The more layers you opt for, the move movement your cut will have, so discuss the exact look you want with your hairstylist before getting the chop. To make the look a little softer and more graduated, add curtain bangs, and keep in mind the more layers you add, the fuller the cut will look. This style best suits diamond, oblong, or heart-shaped faces.

If you're feeling brave, why not buzz off your locks? It's common for people experiencing menopause to find that their scalp and hair is drier, and buzzing your hair will make dealing with that issue far easier. Removing the hair means there are no more dry or brittle locks and will allow you to get closer to the scalp to apply moisturizing products. Many women also report feeling a sense of freedom after buzzing off their locks, which could be a major confidence boost in your 40s and beyond.

Adding wispy bangs to a pixie cut can be an excellent in-between for those who aren't ready to fully commit to the very short cut all over. Letting the bangs lay where they naturally fall (we're not talking sideswept, curtain, or Birkin bangs) will give you more coverage over your forehead and may help soften a sharper jawline as well. It's also a great way to slowly dip your toe into the pixie cut life — especially if you're making the jump from longer locks.

The shaggy mullet is very stylized and has a reputation, so we get that it may not be for everyone. It's the pinnacle of making a hair statement, though. Whether you have straight hair, curls, or something in between, the shaggy mullet works for a range of hair textures and lengths. It's up to you how long you want the hair around the neck to be compared to the hair on the top, because this style can be dramatic or softer. If you want it extra shaggy, get choppy ends and feathered layers.

A tapered cut refers to a shorter 'do that gradually gets shorter closer to the neck. Though it can work on straight hair, it's particularly flattering on those with voluminous curls, as leaving your coils long on the top of your head means they have serious movement. This is a spicy mix of the afro and the shaved-side crop, as you get all the confidence and volume of an afro cut but the ease and edginess of the shaved-side crop, creating an easy-to-maintain look that's as unique as you.

If you're looking for a bob with a little more edge and movement, get an undercut. By going super short underneath, you'll make your bob more manageable, taking away a lot of weight and length that can stop it looking its best. It also makes drying and styling time so much quicker, because there's less hair to deal with. We'd only recommend this look if you're one of the lucky ones who still has thicker, fuller hair in their 40s, though, because it could magnify thinning locks.

The classic shag cut is notoriously flattering for 40-somethings who want some length. One of our other favorite things about this super layered style is it's designed to look unkempt, making it super low-maintenance. Shags can be heavily personalized too, as the layers can be cut to suit your hair's thickness (potentially hiding any thinning areas). As stylist Anh Co Tran told Glamour, "The face-framing aspect brings out or hides various points of the face." It looks great with most types of bangs as well.