Low-Maintenance Haircuts For Women Over 40

It's amazing what hair can do for your overall look, not to mention confidence (check out these medium-length haircuts that can make you look more youthful if you don't believe us). But finding a haircut when you're over 40 that makes you feel fabulous and is also low maintenance? Well, that's the dream, really.

Most women are aware that your hair changes as you age. "As women enter their 40s, we typically start to see a combination of density, texture, and color changes," Rick Wellman, head colorist at The Salon Project for RPZL, tells us exclusively. "Hair can appear thinner due to hormonal shifts, especially around the hairline and part. Individual strands may also become finer, while overall texture can turn drier or more coarse." Wellman adds that grays can become more prevalent around this time, as pigment production slows down. "Many clients also notice a loss of natural shine and elasticity, which can make hair feel less 'full' even if the overall volume hasn't dramatically changed," he goes on. 

The last thing most of us need is another battle to fight, including with our hair. Thankfully, there are haircut options that will help you embrace your evolving tresses, from the versatile lob to a daring pixie. Just like the easy hair trick that gives Anne Hathaway a wide-awake appearance (no face-tape needed), the best low-maintenance haircuts for women over 40 require minimal effort.

As Rick Wellman tells Glam exclusively, "The most flattering low-maintenance cuts focus on enhancing natural texture while creating the illusion of fullness and movement ..." One of the easiest ways to achieve this is with a long bob. If hair is thin, it may look straggly and flat if it's worn long, so the lob helps alleviate that issue. Work with your stylist the find the right lob for your hair texture and face shape. In the meantime, here are six lob haircuts for the perfect in-between length to peruse for inspiration.

Rick Wellman shares exclusively with Glam that a modern pixie cut is another great low-maintenance haircut for women over 40. Because what could be easier than a wash-and-go style that's also chic? This strong style is also easier for growing in gray, if that's the path you choose, because it doesn't take as long for the hair to get to all one color vs. longer strands. Want to add some edge? Consider shaving it on the sides. For more ideas, here's how to style a pixie cut for every occasion.

The bixie (bob-pixie hybrid) which hits just above the bottom of the earlobe is particularly good for thin hair, which is something that many women over 40 face. Wearing it swept back away from the face looks fresh and youthful while giving the hair a bit of extra height to create the illusion of volume. Tell your hairdresser you want a bixie with a bit of soft layering, which will also help the hair look fuller if thinning is a concern.

We can all agree that long hair is definitely not just for women under 40. If you want to keep your length, then consider face-framing layers, which give the hair shape and movement, and can also give a lifted appearance to the face. Keep in mind that too many layers around the entire head can make hair look sparse, which is why concentrating on layers from the chin area down is particularly good for women over 40.

A blunt cut can make the hair look denser, making it another solid option for those with thinning hair. As Rick Wellman confirms in our exclusive chat, this style works well because it can "balance polish with ease" and it doesn't "rely on heavy styling." If you want a fresh update, consider a blunt bang as well, which will completely update your look if you've been fringe-free. There's a reason that women like Anna Wintour have leaned into this signature style for decades: It's timeless.

In an exclusive chat with Glam, Rick Wellman tells us that extensions can be a great option for creating fullness. They're particularly great for women over 40 since "they subtly lift and frame the face, delivering a fresh, modern look without high maintenance." The key is going to a skilled hairstylist who will pick the right extensions for you that are gentle on thinning hair, and will add oomph in a natural way without looking comical.

Another hair trend having a moment in the 2020s is the side-swept fringe. But also, were they ever gone? No; this timeless style is always on the menu because it can soften the face, hide forehead wrinkles and thinning around the hairline, add instant style, and be cut to suit any face shape. Also, side bangs grow out well, requiring less maintenance than other fringe styles. The other great thing about these bangs is that they work on any type of hair, be it thin or thick.