6 Reba McEntire Hairstyles Perfect For Women Over 40

The country music genre makes it a point not to nudge their legends off to the side over time but to instead celebrate them, and one icon worthy of all the bouquets is Reba McEntire. The Oklahoma-born multi-hyphenate has been a spitfire since we first met her back in the mid-'70s when she signed her first record deal — evidenced by her signature fiery locks. McEntire has always been one of the red-haired celebs who will make you want to try the flaming-hot look, but she's switched up her styles a bunch. Her hair has been long and layered, short and shaggy, and everything in between.

In her decades-long career, McEntire has given us dozens of hit songs, won three Grammys, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. In a real overachiever move, McEntire has also acted in a host of movies and TV shows, including starring in the beloved self-titled sitcom "Reba," which ran for six seasons. A regular on stage and on the red carpet, we've enjoyed a front-row seat to the stunning style transformation of Reba McEntire, but we've also had our eye on her beauty evolution. Settle in, because we've got inspo pics that any woman over 40 could take into the salon right now. 

When Reba McEntire hit the stage to perform at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards in Frisco, Texas in May 2024, the songstress infused a bit of rock star energy into her look. The "Fancy" singer wore her trademark copper locks in a blunt shaggy bob, one of the haircuts made for wavy hair and perfect for women of all ages. McEntire's devil-may-care look — with its messy waves that look like they got little more than hairspray and a few finger fluffs — read at once easy and stage-worthy. 

Each era brings with it its own version of the messy updo, and Reba McEntire returned to a classic for the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles in September 2024. The country music star hit the red carpet representing her NBC sitcom "Happy's Place" while rocking a bright smile and a simple yet sophisticated updo. The style felt like one of those effortless, toss-it-up looks that could as easily be meant for brunch with friends as for a black-tie event. McEntire's trademark fringe and loose tendrils made for fitting accoutrements. 

Reba McEntire's famous red hair was at its best for Musicians On Call's Music Heals Live! event in Nashville in May 2026. Musicians On Call is an organization that works with artists to bring live music to the bedsides of injured and ill people in an effort to aid their healing. McEntire hit the red carpet of the org's fundraiser rocking an impossibly fluffy blowout that would've given any it-girl of the '90s a run. Between the subtle layers and rich hue, she proved that women over 40 can get in on the hot hair trends, too.

Leave it to Reba McEntire to show women over 40 that there's absolutely no age limit on the flirty, girly ponytail. The "Whoever's In New England" songstress hit the stage in December 2025 for Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City, sporting a classic high ponytail complete with heavy fringe and face-framing spiral strands. And we love that she kept the pony loose and lightly curled. The whole hairstyle felt bouncy, jovial, and a little bit retro. 

If there's one hairstyle that you're likely to think of when you hear Reba McEntire's name, it has got to be her always-versatile long bob. When she attended the Variety Power of Women event in Nashville in May 2025, the artist reached for one of her go-to styles. Characterized by its clavicle-grazing length, loose but styled waves that look like they've got a ton of movement, and shaggy bangs, it's no wonder it's a favorite. We're totally sold on the signature style for the red carpet and everywhere else. 

Clearly Reba McEntire knows the age-old, underrated beauty trick well: If you want to dress up your hairstyle without losing the sexiness of a loose look, opt for a half-up, half-down situation. That way, you add some interest but still get to pull off a hair-flip moment whenever the mood strikes. McEntire pinned up the crown of her red hair and let the rest flow freely in bouncy barrel curls when she took the stage at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards in Frisco, Texas in May 2025. Glamorous styles like this look amazing on women of all ages.