The right hairstyle can make you feel like a million bucks, but which 2026 Hair trends for women over 40 are actually worth trying? You’ll find flattering cuts and colors that work with your lifestyle, complete with product recommendations and styling tricks that save you time. Pin this for when you need inspiration or want to show your stylist exactly what you’re after!

So here we are again! Another year, another round of “what’s actually going to look good on me?”

I don’t know about you, but every time I scroll through Instagram or TikTok, I see all these gorgeous hairstyles and I’m like:  “But will that work for MY hair? For MY age? For MY life?”

I’m in my 40s. And I create this guide every single year because, honestly? I need it just as much as you do)).

I want to feel modern.

I want to feel relevant.

I want to walk into a room and know I look absolutely fantastic.

And I refuse to believe that great hair is only for women in their 20s.

But here’s something I’ve learned that changed everything for me.

What Really Helps Your Hair After 40

The truth is, no matter how amazing your cut or color is, our hair is telling a story about what’s happening inside our bodies. Especially during perimenopause.

I noticed my hair getting thinner. Less shiny. Just… different. And at first, I thought it was just about finding better products or a better stylist.

Then I found something that really changed the game for me.

Our hair, our energy, our overall sense of vitality during this stage of life – it all links to how we’re nourishing ourselves from within. When I focused on holistic methods, everything changed:

• My hair has become much stronger
• I was sleeping through the night again
• I felt my energy come back
• I felt more like myself again

It was only after I started the right supplements for perimenopause that things improved.

Real beauty truly does come from within. And when you give your body what it needs during this change, it shows in your hair, your skin, your whole vibe.

So yes, let’s talk about the most flattering hairstyles for 2026. Let’s find your perfect look. But let’s also remember that the foundation of gorgeous hair starts with how we care for ourselves holistically.

2026 Hair Trends For Women Over 40

1. Boho Bangs

Soft, wispy bangs are all the rage right now. The inspiration comes from Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin’s iconic 60s and 70s looks.

These bangs fall gently around your eyes, creating a romantic, effortless vibe. They’re not heavy or bulky, but they have a nice texture that moves with you as you wear them. I think Dakota Johnson looks so pretty wearing them!

For us women over 40, these bangs are incredibly flattering because they soften our features and draw attention to eyes. They can hide those annoying forehead lines while keeping you looking and feeling youthful and fresh. The texture is so lovely and piecey, it’s really forgiving and you don’t have to worry about styling it every day. And the best thing is, they work with virtually any hair length and texture, from straight to wavy.

Pro tip: Ask your stylist to cut them while your hair is dry so you can see exactly how they’ll fall. Use a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo to keep them from looking too heavy or greasy. A small round brush is great for blow-drying them, creating a slight curve that frames your face nicely.

2. Sculptural Updos with Pins

These are the hairstyles that everyone’s been raving about lately. The look is all about elegant updos held together with just a few carefully placed pins, similar to the ones we saw at The Row show. This style is perfect for everyday wear and special occasions. It’s stylish and elegant with a minimalist vibe that feels modern.

Sculptural updos are great for women over 40 because they’re sophisticated without being stuffy or making you look older. They’re confident and stylish — the clean lines and strategic placement of pins create a polished look that works well in professional settings, but still feels interesting.

Pro tip: Start with hair that’s second-day or use a texturizing spray for better grip. Also, pick high-quality bobby pins that won’t slip. A smoothing serum can help control frizz and give you that sleek, polished look. And please practice a few times at home before wearing it out, okay?))

French Hair Side Combs

SHOP NOW

Strong Hold Hair Clips

SHOP NOW

3. The Ultra-Short Bob

This one’s bold and refreshing – especially when beautiful Leslie Bibb wears it! The cut can be anything from chin-length to even shorter, right at the jawline or above. It’s very modern and can make you look years younger. The key is to work with your stylist to find the right length and angle that flatters your face shape.

This cut is perfect for women over 40 because it lightens the hair and covers up any damage, making your hair look healthier right away. It really flatters your face, especially your eyes and cheekbones. Short hair also tends to look fuller and bouncier because there’s less weight pulling it down. And let’s be real, the maintenance is a breeze compared to long hair.

Pro tip: Invest in a good smoothing cream or oil for the ends to keep them looking polished. A round brush and blow dryer are the best tools for adding volume at the roots. To keep the shape looking sharp and intentional, book regular trims every six to eight weeks.

4. Wavy Hair

Soft, bouncy waves are making a big comeback on the runways. From Chanel to Ralph Lauren, models are going for natural textures with a lot of these easy, flowing waves.

If you’re over 40, this trend is wonderful because it adds softness and creates the illusion of fullness where hair might be thinning. The movement reflects light beautifully and makes hair look shinier. Plus, the slightly undone quality means you don’t need perfect styling every day.

Pro tip: Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and scrunch in sea salt spray. You can air-dry it or use a diffuser on low heat while scrunching upward. For heat styling, wrap large sections loosely around a 2-inch barrel wand for just a few seconds to create a gentle bend. Run your fingers through it when it’s cool. Finish with texturizing spray at the roots and flexible-hold hairspray.

5. The Bardot Bun

Are you looking to try something simple yet stunning with your locks? Consider the classic Brigitte Bardot ‘do! There are a few ways to recreate this elegant yet perfectly messy updo at home.

This style is perfect for women over 40! It’ll make your face look younger and really highlight your bone structure. It works with any hair texture, even if your hair has gotten a bit thinner over the years (it’s a sad fact, but here’s what you can do to drastically improve your hair after 40). The slight messiness actually helps hide any areas where there might not be enough volume. It’s also great for busy days because it’s really practical, but it still looks professional — you can dress it up for dinner or keep it casual for errands.

Pro tip: Use a texturizing spray before creating the bun. It gives your hair more grip and makes the style hold better. A few bobby pins in a shade that matches your hair color are essential. Finish with a light-hold hairspray so it stays in place but still moves naturally.

6. Bombshell Blowouts

Yeah, they’ve been with us since last year and they’re still going strong into 2026. This style has big, voluminous waves that bounce and move beautifully. It’s the kind of classic Hollywood glamour that never goes out of style.

The formula is concentrated at the roots and through the mid-lengths, creating that luxurious, just-left-the-salon look.

For women over 40, a great blowout is really flattering because volume is key — hair tends to lose some of that natural fullness as we age. This style brings life and movement back to your hair. The waves are great for your face, and they’ll make you look and feel more youthful and feminine. It’s also pretty versatile and can be worn for any occasion, from casual to formal.

Pro tip: A volumizing mousse applied to damp roots is essential. Use a large round brush (at least 2 inches in diameter) while blow-drying. Use Velcro rollers in the crown section while your hair cools to lock in the volume. Set your hair with a flexible-hold hairspray so it keeps its natural movement all day.

7. Boho Blonde

This coloring trend is inspired by the 60s and the boho aesthetic. The focus is on warm tones like caramel, honey, and golden, buttery shades.

The color features soft, melted transitions that look like your hair got naturally sun-kissed over a beautiful summer. Some colorists are even darkening the roots a bit to add that perfectly imperfect boho vibe and create dimension.

If you’re over 40 and want to try boho blonde, it’s a great choice – warm tones make your skin look brighter and healthier. The color changes gradually, which is better for your hair because you won’t have to go to the salon as much. The sun-kissed effect creates movement and dimension, making hair look fuller and more interesting.

Pro tip: Find a colorist who knows their stuff when it comes to balayage or hand-painting techniques for the most natural results. Use purple or blue shampoo only every now and then to keep those warm tones from getting dull. Invest in a good color-protecting conditioner to keep the blonde looking fresh.

8. The Effortlessly Undone Look

One of the biggest hair trends earlier was the so-called “depression hairstyle.” The name might sound a bit weird, that’s why this year this look is actually pretty stylish. Say goodbye to perfect curls and overly polished, stiff looks.

This season, it’s all about super relaxed, natural-looking hair that feels like your own hair. It can be soft waves, but not clearly defined or structured—more tousled and imperfect, creating that just-rolled-out-of-bed effect. The whole vibe is relaxed, effortless, and genuine.

For women over 40, this trend is actually a real game-changer. It’s great because it takes the pressure off of having to style your hair perfectly every day. The undone texture can actually hide thinning areas better than sleek styles.

It’s youthful without trying too hard, which is exactly the balance you want. The relaxed style is also more forgiving when it comes to regrowth and color maintenance. It goes along with the natural texture instead of fighting against it.

Pro tip: You’ll need the right products to avoid looking messy or unkempt. A texturizing spray or sea salt spray is key for getting that piece-y, lived-in texture. Just spray on some dry shampoo at the roots to get some volume and grip. Put a bit of light styling cream in your hair, focusing on the middle and ends. The key is looking intentionally undone, not just neglected.

9. Ash Brown is Back

Social media is abuzz with talk of going back to natural shades, especially ash brown. Ash and gray-toned brown shades are all the rage right now. If you need some inspiration, check out model photos from 2008 to 2014, when this trend was all the rage. The color is a cool tone, sophisticated, and feels very European.

For women over 40, ash brown can be absolutely stunning, especially if you have cool undertones in your skin. If you’re sick of highlighting all the time or want to switch things up and away from grays, this is a more natural-looking option. The cooler tones blend really well with natural silver and gray hair as it grows in. This shade is easier to maintain than blonde, and you won’t have to touch it up as often. It also makes hair look thicker and denser because of the darker, more uniform color.

Pro tip: Make sure your stylist knows the difference between ash brown and muddy brown. The color should have cool, silvery undertones, not flat or dull ones. Use a color-depositing conditioner once a week to keep the color the same. A shine serum is key because darker colors can sometimes look flat without the right gloss.

There you go, love. Here are nine gorgeous trends that work beautifully for us. The styles that make us feel current, confident, and totally ourselves.

And don’t forget, great hair starts from within. These styles will help you look amazing, but don’t forget to take care of your body too. Taking care of yourself during perimenopause with these biohacks and support makes a big difference in how your hair looks, how your skin glows, and how you feel every day.

You deserve to feel gorgeous. You deserve to feel modern. You should feel like the best version of yourself.

Now go book that salon appointment!

With love,
Sofi