25 Effortless Collarbone Length Hair Styles That Look Better After 40

What are your thoughts about hair that reaches the collarbone? I have to say, this length is, most often, THE most recommended with my clients over 40. There’s something about it being collarbone length. It makes the neck look longer, makes the face look lifted, and with this length there’s enough to tie it up into a clip to get out the door. One time I had a client who thought longer hair equated to looking younger, so she ended up growing her hair out for three years. Then, when we chopped it to collarbone length, she literally started crying in the chair because she felt like she finally looked like HERSELF again. That is the difference the right length can make.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that this length does the exact opposite of letting your hair grow out. As hair goes through changes in structure and becomes coarser or thinner, collarbone length hair works with it. It’ll look like you’ve stopped trying to force your hair into a style that it doesn’t fit anymore. Polished hair or some lived in waves with bangs? There is absolutely a version of this cut that is perfect for you. And trust me, I have a lot of opinions on it so let me show you 25 of my favorites!

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#1: That Clean Straight Cut with the Softest Bangs

I’m such a fan of simple and classic haircuts and this one is done right. The bangs are soft enough to not even feel like a commitment. If you are on the fence about bangs, this is exactly the haircut for you. For hair like this, the most important thing is to keep the ends precise so it doesn’t look too wispy, and that subtle color shift that adds dimension? It makes people say, “something looks different about you.” My favorite compliment to create.

#2 Sleek and Simple with Those Little Face-Framing Pieces

Some hairstyles may be better in person than in pictures. Working face framing layers into your hair makes it look full and soft. That may create the illusion that it is effortless, and if you want to maintain a tidy look without the hassle, this is perfect for you. This look will tell everyone that you’re polished and sophisticated without you having to do much. If you’re not a fan of your straightener, now is the time to get used to it because this style will showcase everything.

#3 Wispy Bangs and That Gorgeous Textured Movement

These bangs look so effortlessly pretty. They float and frame her face instead of sitting on her forehead like a heavy shelf. I love bangs that feel light and airy. bangs that feel light and airy. I always say that to clients when I’m trying to show them that it is possible to have bangs as a subtle accent and not overwhelm every other feature. The back of her hair has that messy bedhead look that gives this style the perfect touch to the effort of the bangs after some nice layering. It goes without saying you’re going to need to hit a lot of trims because once bangs start creeping into your eyes the whole vibe just flips. The highlights woven through here are *chef’s kiss* for adding depth without looking overdone.

#4 Feathered Layers with the Prettiest Subtle Highlights

The feathers create nice movement, and the highlights are placed so well they almost do the styling for you. The cut and color are designed to look effortless, so if you don’t like spending a lot of time styling your hair, just blow drying it is enough. Of course, if your hair is on the finer side, you may want to use a volumizing mousse before blow drying it, but honestly, this is the type of cut that gives a lot of value with very little effort on your part.

#5 The Blunt Cut That Means Business

I love blunt cuts and I will never be sorry for that! The clean line is so satisfying. This cut is at the perfect collarbone length and the weight of the hair keeps it looking thick, which is an underrated trait of this cut. All you need is some styling cream on the ends and you’re set. With blunt cuts it is definitely a case of ‘what you see is what you get’. If your hair is prone to frizz then conditioning is a must even more. There are no layers to hide behind!

#6 Layered with Bangs and the Warmest Caramel Color

I really like this caramel color! It looks great with her skin tone and brightens up her face. What a great colorist. I love the face framing bangs, they add a really nice retro touch. The layers in the mid lengths keep the hair bouncy and lively. This is the kind of style where you will want to come in just for bang trims and everything else is low maintenance. The waves are lying really well with the layers.

#7 Soft Waves with the Most Effortless Texture

I would describe this style as one of those “your hair but better” looks, as it seems like an elevated version of everything that was there before. The waves look effortless, the layers are subtle, and it just all FLOWS. I love recommending cuts like this for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling their hair in the morning, but still want to able to look in the mirror and have a good boost. A texturizing spray would be good for the waves to look good all day, but we’re talking about like 30 seconds of effort, not an entire routine.

#8 Tousled Beachy Waves in That Rich Warm Tone

“Beachy waves” and then there are BEACHY WAVES, and this is the second one. The waves look super luxurious and rich, making it look like you came back from some amazing trip. Also, balayage is meant to look natural and not stripey like some 2009 highlighted disaster. I have to be honest with you though, “beachy” waves do take a bit of effort to achieve that look. A sea salt spray is going to do the trick, but don’t expect to skip like all the steps.

#9 Those Gorgeous Multi-Tonal Layered Waves

Let’s take a moment! With these colors, I am really seeing at least 3 or 4 unique tones that mix and catch the light in different ways as the waves fall. This is the color work that makes people happy! The layers have just the amount of movement to show the dimension, without crossing the line into choppy and losing the elegance. A little wave refreshing effort each morning will definitely be needed. A quick scrunch with some product and you will be ready to go! It’s the type of maintenance that takes two minutes and makes you feel like a million bucks.

#10 Layered Collarbone Cut with the Prettiest Soft Bangs

I love every detail with this look. The bangs are soft enough to be more forgiving, the layers hit at all the right spots for movement, and that collarbone length keeps it modern and fresh. If your hair has even the tiniest natural wave, this cut is pretty much going to style itself, and I mean that. The wave works with the layers instead of against them, so you’ll have that bounce that looks like you spent more time on it than you did. Just keep those trims consistent because this cut loses its magic when it grows out too much.

#11 Warm Brown Waves with All That Beautiful Texture

Beautiful warm brown hair deserves more attention. People are constantly going for blonde, bronde, or whatever, but this shade is so much more rich! The waves are beautiful and show off the texture created by the layers. On medium to thick hair, this is going to look amazing. If you have more angular features, soft face framing layers will balance out your look. Styling the waves is also pretty easy! All you need is a curling wand and five minutes, and it will look like you spent a lot of time on it!

#12 Copper Waves with Bangs and All the Volume

Okay COPPER! If you like the look of a warm reddish hue but are worried about it being too bright, show your stylist this picture! This color is warm, but it won’t give you that fire engine look. It’s very fun and playful, but not too costume-y. This color really enhances her skin glow. I would say the soft bangs really do balance out that strong color and make it more usable. More volume with the layers is a plus. Be aware that with this color frequent touch ups will be needed. You will definitely want to discuss how to manage the upkeep with your stylist, plus be prepared to get a color-depositing shampoo!

#13 Face-Framing Layers That Do All the Work

This is proof that haircuts don’t have to be big to be EXCELLENT. The little face-framing pieces add so much brightness to the whole look, and the soft wave is a great touch. It adds personality to the look but isn’t too high maintenance. The highlights are done so well that they look naturally sun-kissed. That type of color is the perfect ‘did she or didn’t she’ look, and I love that. This is the type of cut I would recommend when someone says, “I don’t want anything crazy, I just want to look better.” It’s nice and natural and gets the job done.

#14 Textured Collarbone Waves with the Cutest Side Bangs

I will die on this hill: side bangs will always stay flattering. They are one of those hairstyle trends that come and go but always look good. These side bangs are also perfectly swooped and blend into the layers exceptionally well. The waves also look great with highlights as they add depth to the look. Overall, this hairstyle is contemporary and great for medium or thick hair as there will be tons of volume and movement to the style. Just keep in mind that hair with this sort of textured waves will need some product to keep everything defined.

#15 Soft Bangs and Layered Movement That Looks SO Natural

Some hairstyles may appear simple, but that is what makes them great. The various layers that comprise the haircut do not subtract from the overall haircut; instead, they add to the movement and dimension of the hair. The bangs that frame the face also help to tie in the whole hairstyle really well. Blow drying the hair can achieve a sleeker look, but it can also look nice with a bit of texture if left to air dry. While there are two different looks, both will look great. The versatility is especially great for people who like to change things up based on their mood.

#16 Sleek and Polished with Barely-There Layers

Subtle layers are great for creating a slight movement in the ends instead of just hanging dead like straight. Little details like that are what make a cut. The shine is incredible and from what I can see, there’s definitely a glue shine serum involved here. If you like that editorial smooth look and don’t have the time to spend 45 minutes on your hair every day, then you are in the right place. The style is definitely in the cut and is meant to create that look and it’s all about the maintenance.

#17 Rich Brown Waves with Soft Highlighted Dimension

The waves in the hair are great because they look nice without being too uniform or messy. It feels like the stylist put in effort, but not too much. The highlights add brightness without taking away from the beauty of the rich base color. If you have fine hair and are disappointed with your hairstyle by lunchtime, these waves are a perfect option for you. Waves like this are really nice on collarbone length hair because it stops the weight from being too heavy and pulling everything down.

#18 Soft Brown Textured Waves That Just Flow

It’s nice to see how everything flows together. I love how gentle the layers are, and the way the color looks warm and calm, and isn’t overly complicated. I love this style because it looks the same whether you’ve spent two minutes on it, or ten. The warm, brown tones are very forgiving. I like that they grow out nicely because they also don’t make you sit in a salon every six weeks or you’ll lose your mind. And if your hair is thicker, you’ll probably need to thin some things out a bit to achieve that airy feel, but that’s a super easy chat to have with your stylist.

#19 Those Copper Layers Though

Definitely an awesome example of a copper moment! It’s so great how the layered colors are going to catch the light and create that contrast! The look is different a blunt cut and allows for each piece to move. The waves are so relaxed and I feel like it completes the look so it’s not too done. I have to be honest copper is a big commitment. It’s gonna shift and that is something you have to accept! You’ll need to use color safe products to help maintain it, a gloss between appointments, and lots of upkeep. If you’re dedicated to the effort, it’s absolutely going to be a big payoff!

#20 Warm Copper Collarbone Layers with Gorgeous Movement

I’m not apologizing for the second post in a row containing copper hair, because LOOK AT IT. I will say this one is a little bit warmer, and the layers are done in a way that really creates a lot of fullness. This is perfect for all my flat-hair people. The way the pieces fall around the face is beautifully effortless and the length is right for that tuck-behind-the-ear thing we do when we want to look a little polished. Also, for my girls with fine hair, this look can actually give the illusion of more hair, which is one of those stylist tricks that’s really just great layering.

#21 Chestnut Waves with the Prettiest Bounce

The highlights are very pretty and change chestnut colored hair to look like autumn all year round. The waves look bouncy because the layers are cut at just the right length to help them spring up. It requires an experienced stylist to get the right placement of the layers, rather than just doing a chop. This type of bounce is very achievable on fine to medium hair. With collarbone length hair, there won’t be enough weight to pull the waves out. You might want to try a lightweight curl cream to define your waves without weighing them down.

#22 Bouncy Collarbone Curls with Soft Layering

Please take a look at this and consider working with your texture because if your hair has ANY natural wave or curl, it can look stunning! The gentle layering helps the curls to bounce instead of creating a bulky or triangular shape, which is a completely valid concern with layered cuts, and look at how this cut avoids that! The clear and bouncy curls are beautifully framed by the face layering. If your hair is not naturally this curly, you can achieve similar results with sea salt spray and a diffuser. This cut is really making a lot of smart choices!

#23 Auburn Waves That Look Like Autumn Personified

I suggest this color for clients consistently, as warm, flattering shades are universal. These tones are more effective than reds on the cool side of the spectrum. The waves showcase this color beautifully. The cut is layered and adds dimension, and that was seen before the color came into play. This style is low maintenance, with soft waves looking good even when their placement isn’t perfect. On the other hand, the upkeep for this color is high. Someone who becomes enamored with this shade may be disappointed. Auburn fades, so regular touch-ups are to be expected.

#24 Sun-Kissed Textured Waves That Feel Like a Vacation

These highlights are perfect for that sun-kissed look! They give the impression that you just came back from the Mediterranean with some natural sun-bleached highlights. The tousled look also adds an effortless vibe. The fine to medium density of the hair actually works to this styles advantage and helps achieve that airiness. With this look, some type of frizz control styling product will be crucial because humidity and messy styles don’t mix very well. Looking THIS good comes with a small cost! This look is ideal for someone who wants to look chic but still a bit casual.

#25 Soft Layers with the Most Natural-Looking Highlights

This haircut is so good, it looks like nothing was done at all and that’s arguably the best thing I can say about a haircut. The addition of new layers allows movement and keeps the style visually appealing. The highlights added also look like they were naturally colored like that and the length of the cut being above the collarbone is flattering on everyone. This type of style is what people mean when they say you look ‘really refreshed’ or ‘well-rested’ when it is just a good haircut. If you are looking for a change but not going for something too drastic, then this haircut is the perfect option for you as it will give a fresh look to your appearance while keeping your style intact.