Perfect Hairstyles for Women Over 40 | Short, Medium & Long

How to get the best hairstyles when you're 40 and over

Do you have a signature hairstyle that makes you feel incredible every single day? If not, I’m going to change that for you.

Discovering my signature hairstyle was absolutely life-changing! I can’t even begin to describe how much it transformed my life.

I had a few different hairstyles over the years that did not fit me at all. But because they were on trend, I gave them a try! It wasn’t until I learned about my Energy Type that I began to try out cuts and styles that made me feel more…ME!

After teaching Dressing Your Truth for 20 years, I’ve had countless emotions surrounding my hair. I’m sure you have too. But you know what? That’s perfectly normal! Hair is a serious matter, especially for us ladies. It has the power not only to frame our faces, but also to significantly impact our whole appearance.

A good hairstyle can make us radiate with health, confidence, and sheer beauty. On the other hand, the wrong hairstyle can leave us looking exhausted and much older than we actually are. And believe me, nobody wants that.

That’s why I love helping women like Katie find “their” perfect hairstyle. Sometimes it takes a drastic change, while other times just a few styling tweaks! Look at what she has to say:

Type 3 Long Hairstyles Woman Over 50

“Being a woman over 50, I know it’s culturally expected for me to cut off my long tresses and go short. I’ve always preferred my hair a little longer because it gives me more options. After learning I was a Type 3, I was thrilled to learn I could keep my hair long, and keep my natural grays (free highlights!), while still honoring my energy. I just need lots of layers to add angles and edginess. If my hair is too long or all one length it pulls my energy down making me look old and tired. Thanks to DYT, I finally love my hair and know I can still look younger and stylish!” -Katie

So, are you ready to discover your own signature style too? Or maybe you’re up for a little change? Either way, I’m here to make the process a breeze for you.

Short Hairstyles

If a short hairstyle is calling your name, consider something with dynamic movement that highlights your eye area as the focal point. For example, Susan is a rich and dynamic Type 3 woman who went from shoulder-length locks to a layered pixie-style cut.

Susan's before and after short pixie hairstyle

See how this style takes all the focus right to her eyes? The look is youthful and a little edgy – which is also a part of going gray gracefully. A pixie shape isn’t overly complicated and allows easy finger-styling each morning.

Just shedding a few inches of hair can feel like shedding weight or shedding worries. When a short style is well-matched to your Type of beauty, it gives you vitality from the inside out.

Medium Hairstyles

A perennial favorite among all Types of women, medium-length hair comes with maximum flexibility. There are so many options for this versatile length, from a long angled bob to a sassy, shoulder-length layered look.

The key with a medium-length style is to find an anti-aging hairstyle that works with your Energy Profile. When you have the wrong kind of hair movement, it brings all your energy down and ages you prematurely.

before and after showing a curly and bouncy medium length hairstyle

See how light and bouncy her new mid-length style looks? It frames her face and gives balance to her entire body.

If you’re considering a medium-length look but can’t decide how short or long to go, don’t let anyone touch your hair until you know your exact Type of beauty. It’s the critical factor that unlocks the answers to questions about your facial proportions, body type, and personal style.

Long Hairstyles

It takes patience to grow your hair long, and that patience may be an integral part of your Energy Profile. Still, the biggest risk with long hair is that it will lack volume and weigh you down.

The secret to a long style is va-va-vooming it up with luscious volume. In fact, the #1 question our stylist Nicole hears from women over 40 is, “How do I get more volume in my hair?”

Take a moment to watch Nicole’s short tutorial on pumping up hair volume with the right products and techniques.

Here’s a perfect example of using volume-boosting techniques to bring out the best in a long hairstyle, without making a dramatic change to the cut. Her new style has beachy waves with more lift, long layered depth, and plenty of movement that highlights her beautiful smile.

long hairstyle before and after

Somehow, her hair in the After picture looks magically even longer! That’s because it has the right kind of easy, dynamic energy that matches her Type of beauty.

Finding Your Perfect Style

To find the hairstyle that suits you perfectly, start by pinning down your personal Type of beauty and Energy Profile. This process will help you reconnect with the woman inside you: a woman who looks great in the mirror every time you see her smile.

Through the process, the perfect hairstyle will become obvious – and when you love your hair, it’s so much easier to love everything about your life. Waking up is easier. Sleeping at night is more restful. All of life feels more in balance.

No matter your age, give yourself permission to take some “‘me time” for everyday nurturing. Learn what Type you are and shed your worries and explore a fresh hairstyle that helps you confidently dress your truth.

Start your free Beginner’s Guide here!

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