3 Short, Youthful Haircuts That Every Woman Over 40 Should Try Because They Take Years Off Your Face

There’s a common saying that once you blow out a certain number of candle on your birthday cake (is it 40? 50? Who can keep track?) you should immediately make a salon appointment and cut most of your hair off. The thinking is that the shorter your hair, the more lifted your skin will look and the fresher and younger you’ll appear. We now know better than this. Each person is different and your unique style and preferences — not your age — should influence how you wear your hair. If you want to rock longer locks, do it. But if you are interested in shorter styles because they suit you better or you are ready for a little less maintenance and drying time, we’ve got you covered.  Krysta Biancone, co-founder Amari Salon & Spa and Hair Stylist at Hair by Krysta, recommends these three short, youthful haircuts that can make you look and feel more modern and fresh. 

Bob Cut

The classic bob cut has been around forever and is considered a great choice for women over 40 looking for a youthful look, Biancone confirmed. “This style frames the face and draws the eye to the eyes and cheekbones, which can help make your features appear more youthful,” Biancone said. “It’s also easy to style and maintain, making it an ideal choice for busy women who don’t have time to spend hours in the salon.”

To make your bob cut better suited to you, consider color — do you want to go all gray and gorgeous? Want to add a few lighter highlights around the face? These details will help personalize this cut so that you can make it your own. 

Blunt Lob

If you’ve always had hair that is on the longer side, chopping it all off can be frightening. But styles like the blunt lob are great for going shorter, but not too short. “The blunt lob is similar to the bob but has a few extra inches of length that helps create movement and texture,” Biancone said. “This style looks great when paired with long layers, which can help give your hair volume and body that will make you look younger. The long layers also add dimension and depth, which can take years off your look.”

Pixie Cut

Take inspiration from ‘90s trendsetters like Winona Ryder and consider a classic pixie cut. “This style frames the face nicely and emphasizes your cheekbones, which gives you a more youthful appearance,” Biancone said. “It also allows you to show off your natural texture, whether it’s curly or straight, which can help draw attention away from any wrinkles or fine lines around your face. Additionally, it’s a very low maintenance style that won’t require too much styling or product application to keep it looking great.”

Ready to update your look with a shorter ‘do? Save a few pics for inspiration and speak to your stylist to come up with the best shorter hairstyle that complements your features and personal style.