90 Flattering Short Haircuts for Women Over 40 for Spring 2023

Short haircuts for women over 40 vary from short pixies to long neck-length bobs. These chic, timeless cuts and styles match any lady’s ageless beauty.

What’s great about this length is the home maintenance. According to Canada-based stylist Olivia Berttall, it’s easier to manage when washing and styling. Meanwhile, longer hair can be tiring to brush, blow-dry, and style.

Wanna make sure that short hair will make you comfortable? Pull it up into a ponytail.

Berttall states, “See how you feel with your locks away from your neck and jaw. Are there points of your face that must be accentuated or softened?” A pixie or bob with bangs can help you enhance your facial structure.

Discuss with your stylist the aspects of your face that you like and don’t like to feature. This helps determine the proper length and texture to suit you best.

Ask your hairdresser for some recommended at-home care products, too. Know how to style your locks and what tools to use.

Short hairstyles for older women sit best within a certain length, so get a trim every 4-8 weeks. This isn’t for those who don’t have time and budget for regular appointments.

Berttall warns about the cowlicks that may appear on short hair cuts. “Be mindful of your cut, as it’ll either accentuate a split or work in its favor,” she adds.

Save these images of the most popular short hairstyles for women over 40 for your next trip to the salon!

The Types of Short Hairstyles for Older Women Over 40

The best hairstyle for a 40-year-old woman is a textured bob with bangs. Adding texture helps make thin hair appear thicker. Adding bangs gives a youthful look that takes years off of your face.

This year, the most popular short haircuts that can refresh the looks of older women include pixies, long bobs, shags, long layers, and bangs. If you want to cover up your natural grey hair, keep your eye out for our hair color photos that will flatter your skin type and lifestyle. Gone are the days of outdated hairstyles only suited for grandmothers. These days, there are no rules for hairstyle choices for women. You can take on today’s trends and rock an awesome, chic hairstyle without looking too youthful!

Before your next hair appointment, check out these popular short haircuts for women over 40.

#1:Wavy Inverted Haircut with Piece-y Layers

If your hair is wavy or straight, an inverted haircut with layers can add volume and texture to limp locks. Keeping the length at the nape short and tapered adds a lot of shape and volume to shapeless hair. Inverting the haircut helps push the weight forward. This gives the illusion of density and fullness. Style with a large barrel iron to achieve soft waves, or wash and wear!

#2:Modern Pixie Mullet with Peachy Pink Tones

Opt for a modern pixie mullet with peachy pink tones. Older women are becoming more daring as times change, enabling a chic pixie with a modern twist of pink. Babylights of peach with a deep pink root will give you a shadow effect. Razoring a pixie on finer aging hair will give volume, texture, and movement.

#3:Classic Short Bob with Feathered Bangs

Here’s a classic short bob with feathers bangs. Having thicker hair will give you the advantage of volume throughout your style. Ask for an under-beveled bob so your hair will easily curl under. Try cute feathered bangs to lighten up the hair around your face and shape your eyes and glasses if you wear them.

#4:Dimensional Blonde for a Neck-Length Slanted Bob

You’ll be ready for anything in a neck-length slanted bob with blonde color. Highlights work especially well on the smooth surface of the longer layers of a bob. Your hairstylist might want to color your hair with balayage. This technique is hand painted and visually appealing because it’s so natural. Regarding the cut, you cannot go wrong with a high back. It’s a tad shorter than the front and will give you a beautiful modern shape.

#5:Side Part Blonde Balayage Bob

A side-parted blonde balayage is perfect if you’re in your 50s. Embrace your grey with a soft balayage to blend and brighten your face. With a fashionable bob, perfect for older ladies, ask your stylist to give you a blunt perimeter. Ask for soft textured perimeter layers that are below the bevel. This way, your hair will naturally turn under and make it easy to style.

#6:Shoulder-Length Curly Bob with Piece-y Bangs

Adding piece-y bangs to a shoulder-length, curly bob is a great way to tie in layers. The added layers would be perfect for adding volume to your curly hair, and it removes weight. A natural gray bob with a subtle lowlight will enhance your natural texture and make the style stand out!

#7:Scissor-Over-Comb Short Hair with Bouncy Curls

Try short hair bouncy curls with a scissor-over-comb nape and lift your shape. A chin-length bob with a natural curl will give your features a boost. Have your stylist graduate the back and add square layers to the rest of the cut. The stacked shape will give you volume and works well diffused or air-dried with a curl amplifier.

#8:Voluminous Pixie Bob with Tapered Nape

A pixie bob with a tapered nape is a great way to enhance the volume at the crown. The nape is sleek and low-maintenance. This style will work best for most hair types, bringing out your natural gray. This makes it a very low-maintenance color and style. A gray pixie for older women can also give a more edgy, hip look!

#9:Short-Length Tapered Feathered Bob

If your hair has no life and is laying flat, consider a short-length tapered, and feathered bob. Pictures are worth 1,000 words and are always a great way to convey your style choice to your hairdresser. You’ll want to add lots of layering to your bob, to give it a feathered style and a bit of sassiness. Try blow drying with a medium round brush and a volumizing mist. Try Pureology’s Style + Protect Instant Levitation Mist for manageability.

#10:Short A-Line Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

Blonde hair with dark roots in a short a-line cut is an eye-catching style. The long layers make the highlights stand out and make your hair fall smooth. The dark roots will give your hair nice dimensional color. Ask your stylist for a shorter back and a longer front with minimal layering for the perfect a-line shape. Remember that you will need hair maintenance every 8-10 weeks to keep your cut and color fresh.

#11:Side-Swept Pixie with Lilac Babylights

A side-swept pixie with lilac babylights is a fun way to experiment with fashion or vivid tones. It’s the perfect way to play with a fun color without the longevity and commitment of a deeper pigment. When you balayage your hair, ask your hairdresser to add violet or purple tones. It’s an easy transition back to blonde when you’re ready to let it go.

#12:Edgy Undercut Pixie with Silver and Mauve Tones

An undercut pixie with is exactly the thing you need to bring out your personality. It’s a great way to express yourself and show your style. Ask for many colors, focusing on the top and around the face. To create the layered effect, try dry cutting in shape. This is especially a great technique for fine hair types.

#13:Mini Brown Bob with Wispy Layers

A mini brown bob with wispy layers is inspired by youth and is definitely for the woman who likes a bold haircut. To make a successful bob work, having a stylist who can cut short hair with precision is important. I always recommend cutting a bob wet first, then completely drying it and cleaning up the lines after. It’s key to smooth out your bob with lots of tension in the blow-dry to show off those sharp angles.

#14:Textured Pixie Hair with Soft Purple Color

Textured pixie hair with soft purple color is a chic and easy way to transform your blonde locks. I love using pastel tones because you can easily bounce back to your soft blonde afterward! Pastels can be high maintenance. So it’s important to note they can appeal to someone a bit nervous to try a fashion tone. Only wash your hair in cold water if you choose a light lavender or soft pastel. Infrequent shampooing and a heat protectant are ways to lengthen the lifespan of your color.

#15:White Sassy Pixie with Light Bangs

A white sassy pixie with light bangs can add dimension to your face and soften areas like your cheeks. Your hairstyle should reflect you. I recommend doing small details on the haircut that fit your face shape. Leaving a little wispy length around the ears can be a fun way to customize a pixie for you. Try asking for a razor cut to keep the fringe and hairline soft.

#16:Very Short Wedge Bob Cut with Bangs

A short wedge bob cut with bangs is really for someone with a thick and stubborn texture. This shape is a great way to create volume and height. Layers are key to making this hairstyle happen. I always recommend using texturizing shears or a type of tool to de-bulk and remove weight. This cut and style can be blow-dried using a volume mousse. Try Paul Mitchell’s HydroCream Whip Mousse for optimum control and volume building. Use a small to medium round brush for the ideal volume.

#17:Sleek Long Bob with Face-Framing Layers

Women over 50 should try face-framing layers on a sleek, long bob. Mix up your look without having to commit to something crazy. For example, bringing up the layers around the face can change how you appear and soften your face. If you are feeling extra bold, try adding curtain bangs.

#18:Sleek Gray Tapered Pixie

A sleek gray tapered pixie is a precise and clean shape that is easy to care for. The pixie can be styled in many ways, but styling it flat is beautiful in its simplicity. You’ll want the top to have texture to add movement and visual interest. Have your stylist point-cut the crown to achieve dimension. Wear the bangs down or sweep them off to the side with some hair putty. Who says short hair can’t be versatile?

#19:Honey Blonde Bixie with a Long Side Fringe

If you want a short cut that appears to have some length, go for a honey-blonde bixie with a long side fringe. Your style will look softer with a long top and fringe, and keeping hair covering the ears will also help. For the perfect shape, you’ll want plenty of layers throughout the sides and back. The highlights are a great addition to the longer top and won’t be cut out too quickly because of the length. A bixie with a side fringe complements and softens round face shapes well. You’ll feel beautiful.

#20:Platinum Choppy Pixie Bowl Cut

A platinum choppy pixie bowl cut is a creative take on a traditional short haircut. Lots of women a certain age will leap to go shorter. I love this vibe. However, it’s important to keep the shape edgy and trendy. In my opinion, heavy texturizing can keep this bowl cut chic, resulting in a soft structure.

#21:Brunette Lob Cut with Highlights

A brunette lob cut with highlights instantly lifts and sculpts the face. Sometimes added length can feel heavy on face shapes. Adding some length and a few highlights is a great way to brighten up dull features. I recommend a strategic partial highlight placement. It should focus lightness around the face-framing areas.

#22:Fluffy Silver Pixie on Natural Curls

A fluffy pixie on natural curls is a great option if you have a curly texture and love a low-maintenance style. Ask your stylist for product advice if you like volume and a wash-and-wear style. You’ll want to use products that best tame and control your locks. If you want longer lasting style, pick up a diffuser for your blow dryer to lock in your look.

#23:Low-Maintenance Razor Cut Pixie with Bangs

A razor-cut low-maintenance pixie with bangs is a perfect style for hair on the finer side. The soft texture added to the cut using a razor helps lift the volume. It also creates softness and dimension. I recommend keeping the bangs light and feathered to give this style an undone touch.

#24:Jaw-Length Silver Bob with a Side Fringe

Try a jaw-length bob with a side fringe to change your look. This cut allows you to add shape without sacrificing too much length. I recommend avoiding the jaw length if you have a round or square face shape. It can make a face feel wider, and instead, opt for an inch or two shorter or longer to avoid boxing in your face.

#25:Shorter Ear-Length Blunt Cut

This shorter ear-length blunt cut is a classic look that will never go out of style. It’s a great choice to keep locks low-maintenance and still have the option to style them up if desired. This edgy hairdo looks chic without requiring too much effort or time. It is one of the best short hairstyles for women over 50.

#26:Feathered Pixie Bob with A-Line Cut

A feathered pixie bob with an a-line cut is a versatile style perfect for almost any hair type. Add layers and texture to lean into the feathered look if you want more volume. The A-line cut adds a built-in shape, making it an easy wash-and-wear go-to.

#27:Side-Parted Round Wispy Bob

The side-parted textured wispy bob is a great hairstyle choice for 50-year-old women. This look will naturally elongate your face and create a modern yet soft look. Set your hair curling away from your face to get the most out of this style. Use a curling iron with a medium-sized barrel to create on-set barrel curls for maximum volume. Brush through and then part it to the side. Finish the look with a light hairspray to keep the waves in place and create a wispy effect.

#28:Sleek Blunt Bob with Thin Bangs

For finer-haired ladies who are 50 years young, this sleek blunt bob with piecey bangs is a stylish choice. The shade of color should be darker at the roots for depth and contrast. The bob should be cut at an angle to give the illusion of fullness and framing of the face. Use a metal round brush when blow drying to maintain a tidy and polished look. Use a straightening iron on low heat for a sleek finish. Adding a finishing hairspray will keep your fine hair holding up throughout the day.

#29:Cute Blonde Pixie Style for Short Hair

Don’t be fooled by what may look like a simple cut A. blonde pixie style for short hair can provide the perfect frame for your face while radiating youth and personality. This timeless classic requires thoughtful styling and regular trims to keep it looking fresh. Communicate with your stylist about the type of product you need to maintain this look. Frequent trims will be necessary to maintain the overall shape. Not only is this look incredibly stylish, but it’s also practical.

#30:The Wispy Casual Long Bob

This wispy casual long bob is a great short hairstyle for a woman. Its blunt perimeter adds volume around the jawline, perfect for a diamond or heart-shaped face. It helps accentuate your facial features and provide definition. To style this cut, use a volumizing mousse. Try Verb Sea Spray Mousse to enhance rooted volume, shape the waves and add texture. Finish by applying hairspray like Aveda Air Control Hairspray. It’s for a long-lasting hold that allows natural hair movement.

#31:High Stacked Bob with Layers

This layered stacked bob with side-swept bangs is simply gorgeous. It has a high stack in the back and is layered throughout to give it more movement. Side-swept bangs are a good choice for diminishing wrinkles around the forehead, fine lines, or crowfeet around the eyes.

When it comes to short hairstyles for women over fifty, this hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking for a change in their hair. It’s ideal for someone with medium to fine hair looking for a cut to give their hair some extra oomph.

#32:Simple Gray Graduated Bob with Bangs

This graduated A-line bob for 50-plus women is very modern and on-trend. To maintain this short hairstyle at home, I recommend applying a mousse-like R+Co Chiffon to towel-dried hair before blow-drying. A paddle brush can be used for a sleek look, or a round brush can be used for achieving volume. Finish the style with a flexible hold hairspray. My favorite is R+Co Outer Space.

#33:Short Layers and Bangs on a Textured Bob

A bob shape with layers is a flattering look for a mature lady. An effortless look is to add waves as it gives a soft breeziness and will add dimension to the style. Ask for the shape to sit above the jaw to lift while keeping the fringe area soft and feathery.

#34:Layered Mini Bob with a Fringe

For all the ladies with a natural texture to enhance, a fresh layered bob is an idea for you. The shorter shape and layers will create movement and enhance the natural texture. To give the nod to current trends, a shaped face frame fringe area keeps the look feminine and youthful.

#35:Red Sleek Bob with a Deep Side Part

If you want to go for the chop, pick a style that works well with your facial features. Hair worn with height away from the face elongates. While a deep side parting and the other side tucked to create a sharper jawline edge. Vibrant shades pair perfectly with shorter styles giving an iconic feel.

#36:Side Part Wispy Pixie with Layered Bangs

Give your hair a new personality, and show off your features by going short. A wispy pixie gives a lift to the face and softness. Add a strong side part and a face-framing layered fringe for even more drama. This will also keep the look feminine and young.

#37:Swept Back Wavy Pixie

Make your pixie cut look fresh with a modern twist by drying away from the face for a playful take on a classic. Talk to your stylist about keeping the layers at the front longer. That way, they can be swept back easily and give a soft shape. A round brush behind the front section while drying will create lift.

#38:Blonde Bob with Face Frame and Feathered Layers

Is it time to try something different? A lighter hue with the right tone can lift and illuminate your face. Ask your stylist to help you with your skin’s undertones for your coloring. Pair with a feathered bob for more body and volume. Perfectly feminine and classy.

#39:Low-Maintenance Pixie Crop

A low-maintenance crop is a classic style. It only takes a little effort each morning to style. But to look neat, you must keep on top of trims every four weeks. Cut around the ears and work to the hairline, this is a strong look, but it also radiates elegance.

#40:Medium Bob Cut with Subtle Layers

Neat, classic, short bobs will always be popular. Longer subtle layers give voluminous movement and width to lift the face. Soft waves provide a modern twist and chic finish. Use a tong once dry and cool before gently brushing, to create a bouncy look.