It is common for women around age 40 to come to me wanting some kind of change, but often struggle to put into words what that means. More often than not, we end up deciding on a bob. This is not because it is not a major transformation, but rather because, depending on the individual, a good bob is one of the most versatile haircut options out there.
I recall a few years ago having a long-term client. I mean, she had long hair since college. Genuinely, she had not cut her hair more than an inch in 20 years. She sat with determination, as she had been clearly waiting for this moment to get a bob, and we decided on a really lovely soft bob to her jawline. This happens more often than you would expect, and she did not like it and could not keep looking in the mirror. That’s the power of a good bob; it completely and totally transforms the way you enter and exist in a space. Instead of being an afterthought to an outfit, a bob haircut really becomes a part of your wardrobe with an added subtle sense of self-assurance. Each option for a bob will have a unique effect on an individual, and that is what makes bobs so special. So what are the best bobs for women over 40?
#1: Polished Long Bob with Subtle Layers
This style is all about that laid pose look keeping the hair feeling fresh and looking clean. The length is just below the shoulders with some subtle layers added in to create movement while giving the impression that effort isn’t being put in. If the hair tends to lie a little flat, those layers will do most of the work to avoid that. The face-framing pieces really make the cut more personal; they soften everything around the eyes and cheekbones in a natural way. A good gloss treatment is what’s necessary to hold the reflective finish every few weeks. To maintain the cut’s shine, this is essential.
#2 Chic Layered Asymmetrical Bob
I like that people sit down and give asymmetry a go because it brings so much more depth and interest to the look. This one has a longer side which draws the eye along the jawline and the rest of the layers keep it from feeling heavy. The color is very nice too, the warm highlights against the darker base create a richness that makes the whole cut feel expensive. I won’t lie, it does need a bit of attention in the morning but we’re talking five minutes with a round brush not a whole production.
#3 Textured Rounded Bob with Subtle Layers
Many people seem to suit a jawline rounded bob and this one has a subtle tousled look, as if you’ve just gone through it with your fingers and walked out. The good news is that with a decent sea salt spray and a bit of patience, you can create that effect yourself. The layers are soft and won’t create bulk, just add to the overall shape. This is a style that will work when you catch a good angle and also when you’re running errands on a Tuesday with no effort put into your hair.
#4 Soft Curly Bob with Warm Highlights
If your hair is naturally curly, this is the kind of cut that works with your hair instead of against it, and I believe this is where all curly-haired clients should start. The length just below the jaw enables the curls to do their thing without getting too short, and those warm highlights throughout offer dimension that straight hair fights harder to get. Curls have built-in texture. You have what people try to achieve with a curling wand. All you need is a refreshing curl cream and some water. Just embrace the fact that no two days will ever look the same, I personally think that is part of the charm.
#5 Textured Bob with Natural Gray Blending
I suggest this one frequently as it works with gray hair in a great way. Instead of battling with it, or ignoring it, the gray is cleverly blended with the darker hair as highlights, so as more gray comes in, it will look purposeful. The jawline length with that slightly messy texture gives it an edge that keeps it from reading as “giving up,” which is a concern I hear sometimes and always want to push back. Gray can be incredibly chic when the cut is right. The color does need a bit of maintenance to keep that nice blended look, so just know you’re committing to that part of it.
#6 Sleek Blunt Cut with a Soft Fringe
What stands out about this one is the warm, alive, rich looking, auburn. I can see this being really nice against many people’s skin tones. The cut is very deliberate and clean, blunt one length just above the shoulder cut with soft bangs that break the structure. Here, fine hair works really beautifully because it is blunt and gives the illusion of thickness with no layering to thin it out. Some mornings the bangs might need a quick pass with a flat iron, but the rest can air dry and still look polished.
#7 Textured Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
It’s amazing how side-swept bangs can change the appearance of your entire face. These bangs look great with a textured bob that falls just below the jawline. It will make the overall hairstyle fashionable, and will still give a classically elegant look. It’s a great balance to strike. This hairstyle is also good for transitions. It is completely fine to wear this hairstyle to brunch and then to a more formal event. Some of these bangs may move around during the day, so keeping some light hairspray handy would be a good idea.
#8 Curly Bob with Subtle Burgundy Undertones
I usually recommend this length first to people with curly hair who ask me about cutting their hair. Because it’s just above the shoulders, the curls will be able to spring up without looking shapeless. The color burgundy undertones here are so pretty! The hair undertone color adds warmth without being too ‘colorful’ and it catches the light nicely. It provides a subtle change that people will compliment, but will not be able to say what is different. That is the type of color work that I like to do the most. This look literally styles itself as long as your curls are kept moisturized!
#9 Textured Bob with Bold Purple Highlights
Totally understand that not all people like purple highlights, but honestly, it makes me really happy to see people who have fun with their hair. Not enough people do this after a certain age. The base cut here is a really good textured bob at the jaw, so with the purple color going out or fading, you will have a great shape left underneath. Highlights are a decent way to test the waters because it’s less of a commitment than a full on change. A color-depositing shampoo will be your bestie in between appointments as the upkeep on vivid color is so real.
#10 Modern Textured Bob with Soft Dimension
The cut seems effortless and honestly is, which does not always line up. The length just above the shoulders with the textured layers means it moves well and won’t sit there looking stiff. The highlights give depth without streaks being to obvious. I do not often say this because most styles have a target person, but I would be comfortable putting nearly anyone in this. But this one is genuinely versatile, a crowd pleaser in the best way.
#11 Shoulder-Length Textured Bob with Face-Framing Layers
It is impressive what this cut achieves with the front layers. They are meant to draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones which gives a lift that has nothing to do with color, and everything to do with how the hair is positioned. Keeping the hair at the shoulders makes it practical to pull it back into an updo when she needs to and, believe it or not, practicality is what matters most. A hint of texturizing spray on dry hair and you’re good to go, that is really the level of effort that we’re talking about here.
#12 Sleek Chin-Length Bob with a Soft Fringe
I like the simplicity and neat appearance of chin-length bobs. It has a crisp, and classic look and the bangs help to soften it and prevent it from looking too severe. Straight hair looks clean and professional. Keep in mind that if you have a natural wave to your hair you will have to put some effort into keeping this look. A lightweight nourishing oil on the ends looks nice and healthy and gives the cut that extra pop and shine.
#13 Modern Blunt Bob with Highlights
Blunt bob hairstyles are definitely making a comeback, and I get it. There’s a lot of confidence in that straight across bottom fringe. This look falls just below the chin and has some highlights to lift the overall end heaviness. If your hair is straight or wavy and pretty voluminous, then this is a very cut style that sells itself. You’ll want to come back for a trim in about six weeks though, because once a blunt cut starts growing out, uneven, it loses the clean look really quickly.
#14 Wavy Bob with Soft Highlights
Wavy bobs give off a very casual and effortless vibe. Here, they aren’t done in a typical fashion and feel more like a self-done braid and sleep waves, which is a good no-heat way to do the waves. These highlights look like they were done by the sun and not a salon, which is nice and with the cut being above the shoulders the waves won’t be weighed down. The cut is good because it enhances the illusion of naturally beautiful hair that is there even if you don’t feel it.
#15 Wavy Bob with Sun-Kissed Highlights
The highlights on this one appear to be nice. The scattered lived in look takes skill, and is meant to look like it happened spontaneously. The wave pattern also works with the finer hairs instead of against, so it adds body and dimension without heavy product. If you have naturally straight hair and want this look, a large barrel curling wand used with a light hand will help you achieve that. But with this cut, even worn straight, it has a great shape to fall back on.
#16 Textured Bob with Soft Volume at the Crown
I find many of my clients ask for this because hair tends to go flat first as it gets finer with age. The jawline length is great for keeping the overall proportions in balance, you don’t want a lot of length weighing it down with too much volume on top. The subtle job the layers are doing is giving texture and movement without the ends looking too wispy. If volume is the concern, this cut does it in a way that you won’t need to backcomb or put loads of product in it every morning.
#17 Layered Bob in Rich Auburn
The auburn color looks beautiful when braided with the waves. The color is not too harsh, and the different hues help accentuate the layers and add dimension. The color and waves create a beautiful combination. The color and waves provide a free and wild look. With this length, I think this look fits well. The layers will need some work to maintain the definition, and I think a round brush blowout would do that, but it is completely optional. If you leave it, it will settle into a softer more relaxed look and that is totally fine.
#18 Textured Bob with Lavender Highlights
Lavender is a color people love to gravitate towards. It has a softness to it and is not as bold and give the name might suggest. Here it is used as highlights against a dark base and keeps it from looking costume-e and instead gives off a playful vibe that I really like seeing on women who are willing to take risks. The cut beneath is solid waves at shoulder length so you aren’t relying just on the color for the interest. Pastel colors fade faster than almost anything, so you will want to wash with cool water and probably get a color-safe shampoo to stretch out the time between visits.
#19 Classic Chin-Length Bob with Clean Lines
The cut shows how simplicity can really work. It is a chin-length bob that has clean lines and just enough texture so it doesn’t look to stiff. It really speaks for itself and doesn’t need too much explaining. The lighter color is good for brightening the face, but it will go brassy pretty quickly, and you will need to tone it every few weeks. If you want to look polished but don’t want to put a lot of effort into your hair each day, this is the cut that I’d recommend. It is a great look that works with the hair you have instead of forcing it to be something else.
#20 Layered Bob with Warm Blonde Highlights
The softness of the layers shows all the movement in the cut and makes the hair look super shiny and fresh. Shoulder length layered hair is a cut that is really versatile and suits a lot of people and it also grows out nicely which is great because I know not everyone likes to go to the salon every four weeks. The subtle layers add enough shape to the cut without going into that overgrown shaggy look when they grow out. You only need a round brush and a blow dryer to get a great result from this.
#21 Blush-Tinted Bob with Soft Layers
I adore the softness with this one. The blush color is unexpected but soft enough not to overwhelm. With soft layers and chin-length waves, it has that chin-length romantic vibe. It is great for women who like a bit of whimsy in their styles. Light colors create the illusion of more volume, which is awesome for fine hair. If you want some extra lift without the crunch, use some mousse when it’s damp. I’d say that lighter fashion colors like this require a bit more maintenance, so if you want something low-maintenance, this might not be it. If you are willing to put in the time, the result is definitely worth it.
#22 Textured Bob with Soft Bangs
I like to suggest this youthful, fun look, and I truly believe it’s suitable for all ages. The bangs are wispy which makes for an easier grow-out if they need to be trimmed regularly. This cut sits at the chin, and the soft layers add fullness and texture while allowing a multitude of different looks without daily styling. Bangs are a commitment — you can’t just leave them. That said, a little tussle of the hair plus dry shampoo on wash days will help a ton!
#23 Edgy Textured Crop with Shaved Sides
I appreciate any stylist willing to go big with a client and this one absolutely qualifies. The shaved sides go well with the longer hair on top and give the entire look a very architectural feel. This is definitely a cut for someone who has a strong personal style and wants their hair to be part of the conversation that goes into getting dressed. The shaved sides will need to be buzzed every couple of weeks but the hair on top has a lot of versatility whether you smooth it down, spike it, or push it all to one side. Each of those looks gives you a bit of a different style.
#24 Short Wavy Bob with Natural Texture
I really appreciate how much this style relies on hair’s natural texture. The waves are not forced, just encouraged with a nice cut and allowed to fall how they please. This style uses softer layers around the face and especially the collarbone. Overall, the shape has some fullness, which is something fine, wavy hair doesn’t achieve without help. This cut is definitely one of the easier ones to live with. You just scrunch some product into it when it’s wet which is really nice. Best with a trim every 8 weeks to maintain the shape, but honestly it looks good by itself in between appointments.
#25 Chin-Length Textured Bob with Face-Framing Bangs
The bob that hits the chin paired with bangs is a timeless classic that comes back into fashion with variations. In this case, the changes include some loose waves and playful layering that create movement throughout the hair. Movement is a big must in today’s styles and is something I always look out for when assessing a style because it ensures your look doesn’t feel dated. If your hair is naturally wavy, you’re a few steps away from completing the look, and if you have straight hair, you just need to quickly wave your hair with a curling wand to achieve this style. This look also provides plenty of room for personalization.
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