Short Hair Styles for Women Over 40

Ever heard this? - 40 is the new 20! It's totally true. So if you're in the 40 and up age bracket, you're in luck. We've got a ton of sexy and glamorous hairstyles for women 40 and older. Women over 40 can generally wear many styles but there are some that are just more complimentary and create mature looks. There are a wide selection of short hairstyles to choose from and these haircuts are prime examples.

No Nonsense Fun Hairstyle

You are in your 40s, you love to have fun and this hairstyle does too! It doesn't require a lot of your time, which appeals to you, but it's also got styling options which should give you the freedom to do a lot of fun things with it. For styles for all day wear this haircut is an appealing option.

How To Style:
Blow dry with a round brush to add in that volume and place bangs where you want them to lay. Finish up with a medium hold hairspray.

Tip: Keep your hair freshly washed if you're this blonde so your hair doesn't get that greasy look. However at 40 the hair sometimes produces less natural oil and washes can be detrimental. Older women may consider some extra conditioning to keep the hair well moisturized.

Shaggy Layered Hairdo

Fully simple hairstyle to do, this shaggy layered haircut is made to look good even when you haven't styled it. It's shorter in the back and longer on top. The shaggy layers keep it from looking like a mushroom. For easy to maintain hair that still draws attention, this is an excellent choice. Women will love it for its quick styling.

How To Style:
Damp or dry, add a little styling product like pomade, finger style it, then walk away. That's it! Super easy. If you don't trust your hair that much, style it dry and have a flat iron on low temp setting just in case.

Tip: Running your fingers through your hair all day long may make it look greasy. Keep a small/travel size bottle of dry shampoo in your purse for emergencies. Using dry shampoo through hair will produce a clean, non-greasy look.

Sleek Chic 40's Bob

Compact and sleek, this hairdo works for you all day long at the office and transforms with almost no effort when you change your clothes to meet up with friends afterward. Layering in the back keeps natural volume in the style so you don't have to overdo it with product. Women 40 and up will find that layering offers a wide variety of softening effects, especially for shorter haircuts. Not too many hairstyles can match up to this one.

How To Style:
Use a volumizing mousse or styling crème while hair is damp then blow dry upside down with a paddle brush. A flat iron can be used to smooth unruly strands if necessary. Parting hair to one side and adding the bangs keeps the style soft while maintaining its edge.

Tip: For extra volume, use a root boost powder or spray all over top and in crown area. The added body will help it retain body as you wear out the clock.

Super Short in Back, Full in Front Hairstyle

Shorter layers in the back cut down on styling time, while longer layers in front give you more styling options. The side part softens the overall look. Thinning hair can increase after women turn 40 and for women with thinner hair, this hairstyle can provide a fuller appearance.

How To Style:
Blow dry hair with head upside down after applying styling product or volumizing mousse. Use a flat iron for stubborn or wavy strands. Finish it off with a medium hold hairspray.

Tip: A flat iron can be used to flip a few of those ends out just for fun! A tiny bit of wax or pomade will help keep them pieced out.

Extreme A-Line Bob Hair

Finely blunt cut bangs liven up the face with this amazing hairstyle. The side part keeps it from looking too harsh. Layers up the back are precise and create a full wedge.

How To Style:
Use a styling crème in damp hair and blow dry with a large round brush or paddle brush, depending on your hair's texture. A flat iron can create that really sharp perfect edge, but make sure the heat isn't up too high so you aren't burning your hair. Finish with a light hold hairspray that protects against humidity and adds shine.

Tip:A lot of salons offer free bang trims in between regularly scheduled trims. That does two things: 1) You don't have to do it yourself and 2) The stylist knows you won't mess up their hard work! Having regular trims will also keep hair healthy especially for women over 40 as the hair may be more prone to split ends, dryness, and damage.

Soft Messy Bob

The longer layers in this short bob help give it a great shape. The longer layers in this bob hairstyle help give it a great shape. The overall effect is effortless and beautiful. If you are looking for compact haircuts for messier, unfinished looks, these styles definitely work.

How To Style:
Blow dry using a heat protection spray and/or styling crème along with a large round brush. Part off to one side and use your fingers to mess it up a little after you're done drying it. Use just a small amount of hairspray so you don't weigh it down.

Tip: Using styling products while hair is damp and after hair is dry gives you extra layers of hold so you don't need a ton of hairspray when the style is finished. That will help prevent "helmet head."

Weekend in the Country Hairdo

Softly styled A-line bob with longer side swept bangs. Women 40 and older can trim off years with this hairstyle and it is an easy cut to style.

Style:
Part hair on one side, then apply styling product to damp hair and blow dry with large round brush to smooth it out. When hair is completely dry, use a flat iron to take care of any stubborn strands and spray with a finishing hairspray.

Tip: You can also air dry hair instead of blow drying. Use a flat iron or large barrel curling iron to smooth and polish hair, then add a little shine spray after using hair spray. When you are 40 and your hair looks dull, shine spray can amplify the look.

Playful Layered Short Bob

It looks soft and touchable, and it's playful and fun too! Shorter layers with heavy bangs give this style a very upscale bohemian feel. You are over 40, you love life and adventure and want that to reflect in your hairstyle. You will want this hairstyle.

Style:
Blow dry using your fingers after applying a styling crème. Use a flat iron on a low setting to smooth out any kinks without sacrificing the body.

Tip: For a little extra body, use a little hairspray and blow dry upside down. Adding or upgrading hair color can also create younger looks and vibrant hairstyles.