4 Hollywood Ladies Over 40 Who Have Tried Adventurous Hair Colors

Women in their 40s usually stick to typical, prim and proper hair colors, but fun hair is for everyone. It's a great way to express your personal style; it can make you stand out among a crowd, and most importantly, it screams self-confidence. There are so many reasons that everyone should try dyeing their hair at least once, and these four Hollywood ladies over 40 who have tried fun hair colors might just spark your adventurous spirit.

Helen Mirren and Cyndi Lauper look great with fun hair colors, proving that age shouldn't limit how interesting a look can be. Admittedly, choosing adventurous hair colors in your 40s might require a little bit of planning since the mid-40s mark the start of perimenopause, and declining estrogen levels mean the hair thins. In other words, safely coloring it at this stage isn't as simple as breaking out the box dye.

However, while this is an important factor to consider, it definitely should not hold anyone back. With a little bit of planning and the help of a professional, you're likely to get your hair just how you want it with no damage to your locks. If you're interested in rocking an adventurous look like this, you need to check these ladies' looks for some style inspo.

Singer and actor K. Michelle is no stranger to switching up her hair color, from classic shades like blond and brown to more adventurous looks. In July 2026, she was photographed on the streets of New York wearing a bob wig in a fun bubblegum-pink shade. She matched her makeup to the hair and looked absolutely fierce. Interestingly, she shared another post the same day on Instagram featuring a different, waist-length curly wig. She looked more formal, but just as stunning. Three days after, she shared a different photo in yet another wig. It's a great reminder of how much the right wig can help you switch between a fun, colorful look and something more polished or corporate.

If you're considering shopping for a colored wig but aren't sure whether to buy one online or in person, or you're simply hesitant to take the plunge, remember that you can experiment by dyeing some high-quality wigs you already own. Just follow these tips for dyeing your wig at home and check the mistakes to avoid. With the right game plan, you'll be ready to rock a more adventurous color.

It's almost impossible to have a conversation about adventurous hair colors without mentioning veteran singer and actor Cyndi Lauper. Back in the '80s, she was known for her funky crimped hair and embellished berets you could spot from miles away. In fact, she's one of the best sources for inspo for some fun '80s hair trends you can still wear today. These days, she still keeps that funky spirit with bold and unique hair colors, sometimes sporting multiple shades at once.

Now, while you may not be able to pull off some of her more dramatic multicolored looks, there are plenty of others to take inspiration from. In the photo on the left, Lauper performed at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in a pastel-green mullet with strands of pink. In the second shot, she performed at her 2026 Las Vegas Residency in bold yellow locks. If you're a fan of Lauper's aesthetic, check out some adventurous outfits that older celebs have worn to get you started with out-of-the-box styling ideas.

Helen Mirren's once-blond hair has now transformed into a stunning grey, but this hasn't stopped her from trying out adventurous colors. At the "Jeanne du Barry" premiere at Cannes in 2023, she paired her blue dress with teased-up blue locks, paying a subtle homage to the film's main character, who was known for her striking blue eyes.

But beyond the movie reference, Mirren's hair choice was a solid style choice that blended whimsy and elegance. It's proof that wearing colored hair past your 20s doesn't have to come off as a desperate attempt to look cool and edgy. Instead, she looks like an adult who simply enjoys having fun with her appearance.

The key to finding this balance is not leaning too deeply into either persona. If Mirren had paired her blue hair with a cropped baby tee, a spiked micro-mini skirt, and chunky platforms, the look probably wouldn't have made anyone's inspiration boards. So if you're considering blue locks like Mirren's, keep your outfit style true to what you normally wear and let the unexpected hair color add the playful touch.

Kelly Osbourne is almost unrecognizable with her natural hair color because she's often switching it up. The actor's hair is brown, but that's never stopped her from having fun with different hues. As a teen, she experimented with the full range of colors, from neon pink to blond and jet black, to name a few. Now, as an adult, she's still just as adventurous with her hair. One of her most gorgeous colored looks was in 2025, when she hosted "LEGO Masters."

She showed up with gorgeous pastel purple hair, with hints of blue and pink running through it. This look had everyone in the comments absolutely obsessed with it. "Please tell me the color you use in your hair when you go lavender and the brand," one commenter begged. "I loved your purple hair, so beautiful," another gushed.

One thing to note, though, is that it's possible that Osbourne's purple hair was a wig, considering how often she switches between hair lengths. However, this makes it even better. If you're against using chemicals on your own locks, want to try a new hair length, or don't want to commit fully to a hair color yet, colored wigs are a really simple but fabulous solution.