As women get older, it’s easy for our hair to start looking a bit stale and boring.
While our locks may have looked fabulous in our 20s, as we age our hair needs a little extra love and attention to stay looking youthful and modern.
The great news is there are so many fantastic hairstyles that are perfect for older women wanting to revamp their look.
Many of todays styles are surprisingly low-maintenance, so you can look chic every day without spending hours styling your hair.
Who says getting older means letting your style get stale? Read on for 13 sassy hair makeovers that will have you looking and feeling fabulous in your later years!
The Classy Pixie
If you’re looking for a dramatically different look, why not go for a chic pixie cut?
This short style is a fabulous option for older women wanting to shed years off their look.
A pixie works beautifully with gray hair and instantly gives you a modern edge.
The best part of a pixie cut is how low-maintenance it is.
You’ll slash minutes off your morning routine without having to bother with styling long locks. Just a touch of product gives you polished pixie perfection!
When getting a pixie, look for precision cut layers that add movement and definition.
Go for a gently tapered back and sides that show off your jawline. Ask your stylist for longer pieces in front that can frame your eyes and soften your forehead.
A side-swept fringe is very flattering on older women, opening up your eyes and drawing attention upwards.
Go for a longer, curved fringe that sits just at or above brow level. This can make a dramatic difference in your overall look.
If your hair is very curly, embrace it! A curly pixie with lots of texture can look absolutely fabulous. Go for choppy, ragged layers cut to enhance your natural curl pattern.
Ditch the blowdryer and enhance those luscious locks with curl-defining products instead. A little styling cream or serum goes a long way when rocking a curly pixie.
If you have especially delicate facial features, balance them out with a pixie featuring slightly stronger lines.
Ask your stylist for squared-off sideburns, a blunt fringe, and layering that adds structure around the edges.
A pixie works equally well on straight, wavy or curly hair. Just be sure to choose a shape best suited to your natural texture.
Maintain it regularly with trims every 4-6 weeks to keep it looking its best.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to styling a pixie! Have fun playing with different parts, smoothing it sleek, tousling it messy, or embracing the natural movement of waves or curls.
On warmer days, wow everyone with a sleek wet look gel style. Come winter, embrace hat head with lush finger-combed texture.
Change up your part from a deep side to fuller fringe for an updated look. Accessorize with pretty hair clips, scarves or headbands.
Face-Framing Layers
One of the easiest ways to revive your hairstyle is with the addition of face-framing layers.
Strategic layering around the face can make a world of difference in your overall look.
Layers slim and contour the face, adding lovely dimension and movement.
They also instantly give you more volume and bounce.
Ask your stylist for longer face-framing layers that start at eye level or above.
Avoid heavy layers that fall at the cheekbones, as these can widen the face.
Have layers cut to curve inward and frame your best features.
For example, longer angled pieces around the eyes draw attention to this area and away from jowls.
If you have a square or angular jaw, add layers that soften and narrow this area. Chin-length pieces that curve in slightly are very flattering.
You can also use face-framing layers to play up your eyes.
Try a swept fringe that sits just at brow level for serious wow factor.
On wavy or curly hair, carefully cut layers encourage more natural movement through the midlengths and ends.
Go for soft, blended layers cut to enhance your hair’s natural texture.
Layers are also brilliant for thinning hair. Strategic layering helps create the illusion of fullness in fine or limp locks. Avoid blunt cuts, which can just drag hair down.
Go for slightly shorter layers through the tops and sides to remove excess bulk. Longer face-framing pieces add movement while still providing coverage.
Don’t be afraid to go shorter! Cropped layers ending at chin level can look amazing on women over 60. They remove length that can drag down fine hair.
The best part about face-framing layers is that they require minimal daily styling. Simply enhance your cut with mousse for extra body. Touch up the ends with a curling iron if needed for an evening out.
On straight hair, add bend to the layers with a large barrel iron. Flip ends out for extra volume and movement.
Play up pretty layers in curly hair by scrunching in gel or creme. Diffuse upside down for lifted texture and definition.
Face-framing layers are a fabulous option if you want to soften and update your look without dramatic length changes.
Consult with an experienced stylist to determine the most flattering layers for your face shape and hair type.
Luscious Layers
If you feel your long hair is aging you, don’t despair! You don’t necessarily need a dramatic chop to take years off your locks.
The right layering can totally transform mid to long length hair.
Long layered looks are sexy, fun and youthful for women over 40.
The key is avoiding outdated styles that can drag your hair down.
Stay far away from triangle hair or the dreaded ‘mom cut’. These overly heavy layers can feel frumpy and matronly.
Instead, go for graduated layering and strategic face-framing pieces. The most flattering long layers create movement and volume without excessive stack-at-the-back styling.
Have your stylist cut layers throughout the interior of your hair to remove bulk. Keep length at the front and around your face.
Avoid blunt lines with overly strong contrasts between long and short layers.
Subtle, blended layers are much more modern.
Go for a seamless look where the layers taper gradually from shorter to longer.
Soft, curved face-framing layers are essential.
Chin and eye-skimming lengths frame the features, while longer layers through the back provide sexy swing.
Add lots of texture with wispy layering around the crown.
Choppy, piece-y layers also look wonderful with natural waves or curls. Encourage bend and movement with long layers cut to enhance your hair’s natural fall pattern.
Update your look even more with the addition of bangs.
Curtain bangs are perfect for creating a youthful, flirty vibe on longer hair.
When styling, really work your layers! Flip out the ends and faces framers with a round brush to open up your face. Curl mid-lengths away from the face for lift and volume.
Amp up long layers with volume-boosting mousse and texture spray.
Try faux ponytails and messy buns to show off pretty layering within an updo.
The possibilities are endless when you embrace long layers. Consult a talented stylist to determine the most flattering lengths and layering techniques for your face and hair type.
So if you adore having long locks, don’t despair. With strategic layering, you can still look young and fabulous over 40!
Angled Bob
Ready to part with some length while still maintaining a chic, youthful style? Opt for a graduated angled bob!
This look provides an easy transition if you’re used to having longer hair.
An angled bob is longer in front and angles down to shorter lengths in the back.
This creates lovely dimension while removing bulk from thick hair.
The angled shape is also very flattering for women with rounder faces, as it slims the jawline.
Go for a strong angle with longer pieces framing the chin and eyes.
If you have an oblong face shape, minimize the angle for balance. Keep the sides only slightly longer than the back.
For serious drama, go for a super short angled bob! Chin-skimming lengths in front taper down to closely cropped hair at the nape. This high-impact look instantly slims thick necks.
The important thing with a graduated bob is blending.
Avoid stark weight lines and choose a style where the layers taper gradually.
Go for soft, face-framing fringe rather than a heavy blunt fringe across the forehead.
If your hair is naturally straight, enhance the angled shape with point cutting. This removes bulk while encouraging bend and movement in the ends.
For wavy or curly hair, go for shattered ends to work with your natural texture. Avoid blunt lines, which can interrupt the lovely flow of waves and curls.
Add lightweight layers throughout the interior of the hair to maximize volume.
Stacked shaping at the back of neck looks dated, so opt for versatile graduated layering instead.
Style your angled bob with volumizing products at the roots to lift flat hair. Velcro or vented rollers are ideal for creating bend while adding loads of volume.
Curling wands and irons help define the angled shape, but avoid being too tightly curled. Finger comb and tousle the ends for a relaxed yet stylish finish.
Change up your part from short to long for a whole new look.
Show off the dramatic layers in your bob by pulling front pieces back.
The angled bob is endlessly versatile for older women. From sleek and straight to naturally curly, find a look that complements your hair type and face shape.
Textured Chin-Length Bob
If you’re eager to chop off length, the chin-length bob is a fabulous option. Chin-length styles look fresh and modern at any age.
They also remove length that can be aging on fine or thin hair.
The key to choosing a killer chin-length cut is all in the layering. Avoid the dreaded blunt bob, which can feel restrictive.
Instead, go for tousled, shattered layers cut to enhance natural texture.
Soft waves and curls look amazing when encouraged to flow freely.
On straight hair, choose choppy ends sliced at different lengths. Point cutting removes bulk while creating natural-looking movement.
Go shorter at the nape to show off a beautiful neckline.
Angle layers down slightly from front to back for shape.
Customize your chin-length bob to suit your face.
Soften a strong jawline with angled face-framing layers. Play up high cheekbones with shorter stacked lengths.
You can also minimize a square jaw with a slightly longer or side-swept curved fringe. Chin-skimming fringe looks fresh and youthful.
Thick hair benefits from lots of interior layering to remove excess bulk. Go shorter through the sides and back to prevent the dreaded triangle effect.
When curling your chin-length bob, opt for a large barrel iron to create soft waves rather than tight coils. Flip out the ends for extra oomph.
Run fingers and a wide-tooth comb through curls to break them up. Messy, touchable texture is the goal rather than stiff curls.
Thin or aging hair looks fabulous enhanced with mousses, gels, or thicker conditioning creams. This adds pliable hold and luxurious texture.
Change up your part from short to deep side for a whole new style. Show off your fun layers by tucking one side behind your ear.
The possibilities are endless when playing with a chin-length bob. Talk to your stylist about customizing the perfect layered cut to bring out your best features.
Stacked Pixie
If you want to go super short and sassy, consider a stacked pixie.
Stacked styling used to scream “soccer mom”, but it’s come back with a vengeance for modern cool-girl edge.
A stacked pixie features short layers sliced through the back and sides that taper up to longer pieces at the crown.
This creates lots of lift and volume, ideal for fine or limp hair.
Go for choppy, shattered layers in the back that remove bulk. Soften the look withpretty wisps left long framing the ears and neck.
Balance out a wider forehead with extra height through the crown.
Stacked layers help create the illusion of volume on thin hair.
Thick hair still looks fabulous sculpted into a stacked pixie.
Shorter layers remove excess bulk while longer pieces on top provide coverage.
Embrace natural waves and curls in a stacked pixie. With the right cut, you enhance texture rather than fight it. Avoid blunt lines and let those luscious locks flow.
A pixie works beautifully with graying hair. Go for an icy white stacked style and rock it like the queen you are!
Have some fun with color in a pixie cut. Shaved sides and a long fringe section look edgy when dyed bright shades. Pastels are pretty within stacked short layers on top.
When styling your stacked pixie, opt for matte texture styling products. Adding too much shine can flatten the layers designed to create volume.
Work a styling cream through the sides and finger comb upwards. Lift longer top pieces with a gritty wax, spraying the roots for extra structure.
If your hair is quite fine and limp, customize the cut with extra short layers through the interior length. Avoid blunt lines and go for jagged, shattered edges instead to create the illusion of fullness.
Change up your stacked pixie by styling with a deep side part. Show off the contrast of lengths by tucking longer pieces behind the ears.
Spiky Silver Fox
Older women rocking their natural gray color are embracing an empowering new trend: the Spiky Silver Fox!
This short cropped look celebrates beautiful gray locks rather than trying to disguise them. It’s edgy yet low-maintenance, perfect for confident modern women.
Think Jamie Lee Curtis or Helen Mirren’s dazzling cropped gray styles.
It’s all about showing off gorgeous gray texture while looking utterly chic.
A Spiky Silver Fox cut features shattered, choppy layers cut to enhance natural movement. Avoid blunt lines, which can flatten gray hair’s lovely flow and luster.
Go shorter on the sides and back with graduated lengths that taper up to longer pieces. Balance out a narrow face shape with wider side layers sculpting the cheekbones.
On wavy or curly gray hair, opt for shattered ends sliced at different lengths. This encourages beautiful bend and definition.
When styling your Spiky Silver Fox cut, define texture with sea salt sprays, mousses or gels designed for matte finish. Add gritty root lift products for maximum volume and structure.
If your gray hair is resistant to holding a style, condition it regularly with hydrating masks to boost shine and manageability. Avoid heavy oils that may weigh it down.
Get creative and enhance your gorgeous gray color with subtle highlights. Go for an icy white money piece framing the face or darker lowlights for contrast.
Change up your look by using short bangs or a pretty side fringe. Tousle the top pieces for extra height and movement.
A Spiky Silver Fox cut says “I’m confident and sassy!” Show off beautiful gray texture while looking utterly modern and chic.
Shoulder-Grazing Shag
Want hair with serious volume and attitude?
Opt for a shoulder-grazing shag! This cut blends longer face-framing layers with shattered texture throughout.
A shag is brilliant for breathing life into medium length hair.
The mix of short and long layering removes bulk while creating bounce and movement.
Go for choppy layers that frame the cheekbones, while leaving more length to softly shape the jawline and neck. Avoid triangle-shaped layers that are longer in front and angle too severely.
Blend layers seamlessly from short to longer lengths. Piece-y textures that are shattered rather than blunt prevent styles from looking dated.
On fine hair, carefully cut layers remove bulk while creating the illusion of volume. Razored, wispy ends give the impression of thicker hair.
Natural waves and curls look beautiful enhanced with shaggy layering. Encourage texture and bend in the lengths.
When styling your shag, opt for flexible hold products like mousse to maximize texture. Lift the roots with your fingers, scrunching ends for definition.
On straight hair, add volume with a blow-dry using a volumizing nozzle attachment. Flip out the ends of longer face framers with a round brush.
For a sleeker style, use a smoothing serum through the mid-lengths and ends. Blast roots with dry shampoo for added lift.
Add some rock and roll edge to your shag with chopped curtain bangs. Sweeping fringe softens facial features.
Change up your parting and lift longer crown layers for added height. Show off your sassy layers by braiding sections back off the face.
Volume-Boosting Lob
If you adore having long locks but want to shed some length, try a volume-boosting lob (long bob).
This super versatile mid-length combines light layers with pretty face framers for a bombshell look.
A lob hitting anywhere from your collarbones to shoulders is very flattering. The length is youthful and sexy without being too high-maintenance.
Ask your stylist to remove bulk with subtle interior layering, keeping maximum length through the front and sides.
Longer face-framing fringe opens up and highlights the features.
Build body and height at the crown with shorter layering.
Stacked lengths at the nape are modern again, creating lift and volume.
On straight hair, point cut ends and ad face-framing layers for movement.
Curved shapes that encourage bend prevent styles from looking too blunt.
Keep extra length in the front if you have a wider forehead, to soften and frame it. Angle face-framing pieces from short to longer.
For wavy or curly styles, go for soft shattered layers cut to encourage your hair’s natural texture. Avoid strong blunt lines.
Thin or fine hair looks fuller boosted with stacked layers and volume-boosting products. Add root lift and mousses for lots of body.
When styling your lob, really work those pretty face framing layers! Flip out the ends with a round brush for extra volume and bombshell bounce.
Alternatively, embrace your hair’s natural texture in a wavy lob. Scrunch in salt spray or foam for touchable, tousled texture with separation.
Change up your part and add volume by braiding crown pieces back. Show off the layers with faux ponytails or messy buns.
Go for it girls – be bold and beautiful with a volume-boosting layered lob! This sexy mid-length style is your perfect blank canvas for endless styling options.
Piece-y Perm
If you long for the volume and curl of a perm but want a modern update, try the Piece-y Perm! This shattered, beachy look has tons of texture.
Unlike old school tight corkscrew curls, the Piece-y Perm enhances bend using chic choppy layers. Wispy sections encourage natural movement rather than stiff coils.
Ask your stylist for an all-over perm using large rods. Avoid tight uniform curls by varying the rod size throughout the lengths.
Go shorter on the perm rods around the face for soft short fringe and layers. Perm longer sections through the interior lengths for volume.
Layering and point cutting is crucial for a Piece-y Perm.
Avoid blunt shapes and lines, as these will interrupt the lovely flowing texture.
Style your perm with lightweight foams or salt sprays for separation.
Define curls gently with your fingers rather than aggressively brushing.
If your perm results look a little too tight and frizzy, use a curl creme or serum to relax the texture slightly.
Have fun changing up your curl pattern by pinning and twisting sections. Scrunch shorter fringe pieces forward or tuck them behind ears.
The right layers make it easy to transition a perm grow-out. As your roots come in stick straight, the curls blend seamlessly into pretty shattered ends.
On the fence about perming? Why not just perm the bangs, face framers and crown layers for extra volume? Leave underlying lengths smooth.
Embrace your inner beach goddess! The Piece-y Perm removes years from your look while encouraging gorgeous natural texture and movement.
Flowing Redken Waves
Want to embrace your beautiful natural texture while enjoying low-maintenance style?
Consider Redken’s Wave Technique for flowing, touchable waves.
This customized perming technique is perfect for women with wavy hair craving definition and polish. It enhances your natural bend pattern for frizz-free texture.
During your Redken Wave perm consultation, your stylist will evaluate your hair’s current wave and length. Custom rods are then selected to encourage your particular texture.
The perm solution is painted on rather than saturated to avoid tight, overly processed curls. The result is polished yet natural-looking flow.
Layers should be cut to complement your waves.
Avoid blunt lines and go for soft, shattered ends to encourage bend.
Style your Redken waves by applying foam at the roots for lift, scrunching in hands. Air dry or diffuse to enhance the lovely wave formation.
On humid days, work in an anti-frizz serum or curl cream to keep waves sleek and defined. Embrace the extra volume with tousled texture.
Over time as your perm grows out, book maintenance appointments every 2-3 months. Your stylist can touch up new growth with the custom technique.
The longer your hair, the more versatility you’ll have styling your Redken waves. Go for pretty updos, braided looks and fun accessorizing.
If you’re hesitant to commit, just perm the bangs, fringe and crown layers. This can add tons of volume and texture without overly processing all your lengths.
Love your wavy hair texture? Redken’s custom perm enhances natural movement for sensational style with minimal daily styling needed.
Voluminous Crown Curls
Want to pump up the volume while keeping maintenance easy? Just perm the crown! This concentrates lush curls where you want volume most.
Crown curls add loads of lift at the roots and lots of pretty texture. Longer smooth lengths underneath provide versatility.
Determine how much crown height you desire, then perm just enough length to achieve that lift. Rod placement is very strategic.
Concentrate perm rods vertically at the crown to create height. Include some fringe or side-swept bang pieces to soften the face.
Wrap smooth lengths underneath away from the rods to protect during processing. You won’t have to commit to fully perming all your hair.
The result is voluminous curls on top that blend into smooth hair below shoulder level. Shorter crown layers encourage fabulous bend and lift.
When styling, maximize volume in your crown curls with root-lifting foams or mousses. Lift and tousle pieces at the crown.
Smooth longer lengths with a natural bristle brush, adding shine with serums if desired. Then lightly backcomb crown curls into place.
On humid days, embrace the extra volume and enhance natural texture with lightweight creams or gels. Diffuse gently.
Have fun changing up your crown curl pattern by pinning or braiding sections. Show off the great texture by pulling back lengths.
Over time, maintain your crown curls with perm touch-up appointments as the grow-out happens. Add height with new curls as needed.
Ready to embrace only the volume you want while keeping styling simple? Crown curls give you the best of both worlds!
Curly Bob with Bangs
Curly bobs are utterly fabulous on women over 40. But tailored styling is crucial to avoid looking dated. Embrace natural texture with a modern curly bob featuring bangs!
Shoulder-length curly bobs allow your hair’s natural movement to shine. Avoid triangular shapes and heavy outdated layers by going for long face-framing fringe and chin length underlayers.
Ask your stylist to cut the layers to encourage your curls’ natural spiral pattern. They should flow together rather than fight each other.
Keep the perimeter with soft rounded shaping. Blend shorter interior layers seamlessly up into longer lengths.
Bangs balance out curly bobs beautifully! Side swept, curved fringe softens features and slims the forehead. Choppy bangs blend effortlessly into your lovely texture.
When styling, apply curl-enhancing foam, mousse or gel to soaking wet hair. Scrunch in product upside down and let curls set naturally.
At the roots, use fingers to lift and fluff. For extra volume, clip hair into sections and diffuse upside down with a blow dryer.
Avoid aggressively brushing curls once dry, as this causes dreaded frizz. Gently shape them using your fingers instead.
On day two and beyond, refresh curls with a spray bottle of water and re-scrunch in your favorite styling product. Shake out the roots.
Change up your style by embracing some of the natural curl variations. Pull back a section to show off pretty layers and bangs.
Give yourself an updated look with a curly bob featuring modern layers and face-framing fringe. Your curls will thrive when cut and cared for properly!
As we get older, a simple change of hairstyle makes a huge difference in shaving years off our look. A skilled stylist who understands current trends and proper layering techniques is key.
Don’t be afraid to take some length off and try something new!
The most flattering and low-maintenance styles embrace your hair’s natural texture. Work with your hair type rather than fight it.
Care for your locks with regular trims and hydrating products to keep your style looking fab.
Change up your look on the regular by switching up your part or trying new styling tricks like updos and accessories.
Have fun playing with different techniques to show off your new cut until your next maintenance appointment.
Thanks for reading!
Here’s to embracing many more exciting hair adventures together as we age gracefully.
No matter your age, you deserve to feel beautiful and confident from the inside out.
