58 Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Medium-length haircuts for women over 40 are all about maintaining a practical cut and length throughout the day.

Kristyn Wink, a hairstylist based in Baltimore, MD, shares her insights on mid-length cuts. “There’s a significant advantage to having your hair cut to a manageable length,” she notes. “You can wear it down easily and tie it up quickly when working out or running errands.”

With an array of haircuts available, suitability is an important factor to consider. It should be appropriate for your hair texture, density, and lifestyle. “A style that demands a substantial amount of time and effort to maintain will only result in frustration,” Wink explains.

One downside to this cut is that it appears differently on each woman, regardless of their age. Factors such as a woman’s neck length, shoulder width, and hair density play a role.

Before opting for a medium cut, seek a stylist adept in this particular style. The stylist should excel in creating balanced proportions. “It’s essential that the stylist selects a shape, incorporates layers, and reduces weight in a manner that flatters a woman’s face shape, hair type, and styling skills,” she advises.

Wink encourages women to request tips on styling their new haircut at the conclusion of the appointment. Ask for suggestions on which products and tools to use at home.

Look and feel rejuvenated with these fashionable medium-length haircuts for women over 40. The images compiled here are sure to provide inspiration!

Fresh and Youthful Updo

Try a fresh and youthful updo on medium hair for your next big event! You can achieve a soft, vibrant updo even if you keep your hair at the shoulders. To get this style, ask your stylist for backcombing in the crown and a twist or a braid to pull back into a low bun. To keep it soft around the face, try leaving some face-framing pieces out and styling with a light hold spray.

Versatile Mid-Length Curls

If you have a blend of texture in your hair from wavy to curly, your hair is more adaptable than you realize. Blown out with a round brush creates thick curls when you style it. And it can maintain its look and last long periods between washes. My best advice is to incorporate styling aids like blow-out jellies that support style and wear. Consulting with a stylist who can develop a styling routine for you is beneficial.

Medium-Length Cut with Added Volume

You might like to enhance your features and showcase a stunning style. Ask about a butterfly cut if you’re looking for volume and soft-flowing layers. Style with a round brush up and away from the face for an uplifting effect. Try a new Inoar Liso com Ondas Texturizing Spray and Pós Progress Leave-In.

Top Bob Hairstyles

Layered Medium-Length Cut with Caramel and Blonde Balayage for Women Over 40

This layered medium-length cut is perfect for adding volume and movement to your hair. The soft layers frame the face beautifully, making it a great choice for women over 40 seeking a chic and contemporary style. The caramel and blonde balayage adds depth and dimension, enhancing the natural texture. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this cut offers a polished yet effortless appearance. Use a lightweight mousse and blow-dry with a round brush to achieve a sleek finish.

Elegant Mid-Length Blonde Hairstyle

You might be a woman in her 40s seeking a classic haircut. This cut could be perfect for you. This versatile style is great for enhancing your features and being easy to maintain. It can help create a more youthful appearance by adding movement and texture to your hair. Also, the blonde color brings a fresh and vibrant look to your overall style. To keep this chic look, regular dusting trims are advised. They’re key to preventing split ends and keeping the ideal shape.

Honey Brown Balayage with a Shoulder-Length Hairstyle

This honey-brown balayage is an excellent color choice for showcasing light and dark shades of blonde. Be sure to consult with your stylist so they can guide you toward the most suitable shade of honey blonde for your complexion.

Bold Undercut with Unique Designs

Bold Undercut with Unique Designs for 40-Year-Old Women
Instagram @mina_muahaha

A bold undercut with unique designs can be a bit intimidating to some, but can be the perfect way to add flair to your style. You can choose to add an undercut and design to most medium-length styles. Undercuts are a great option for those looking to remove unwanted weight from the hair and can also be added to the nape for a more subtle look.

Face-Framing Fringe on a Medium-Length Hairstyle

Face-Framing Fringe on a Medium-Length Hairstyle for Ladies Aged 40 with fine hair
Instagram @nothingobvious

Try a face-framing fringe on a medium-length hairstyle. It’s a stylish and enduring look that can help add volume to thin and lifeless hair. The fringe should be cut to accentuate your best features. For example, your eyes or cheekbones. And your cut can be slightly angled for a contemporary flair.

Classic Dirty Blonde Balayage with a Side Part

A classic dirty blonde balayage with a side part is a low-maintenance hairstyle. This style offers a seamless blend of warm tones against the deeper base color. The side part adds a touch of softness to the overall appearance. And the mid-length cut provides enough length for effortless styling options. Ask for regular dusting trims and a good-quality hair mask to prevent split ends. It will keep the hair glossy and healthy. This hairstyle can be styled with loose waves or a half-up for an elegant look.

Mid-Length Cut with a Middle Part and Rooted Color

For a vibrant and youthful vibe, choose a mid-length cut with a middle part and rooted color mid-length cut. This hairstyle can make you appear a decade younger. It brings a sense of sophistication and charm. The middle part creates balance, beautifully framing your face. Meanwhile, the rooted tones introduce depth and dimension to your locks. This cut is adaptable and simple to style, providing endless opportunities to refresh your look.

Fuller Medium-Length Bob for Fine Hair

Look a decade younger with a fuller medium-length bob for fine hair. Cutting the length at the chin helps the hair density appear lush and allows for layers to be added for significant height on top.

Elegant Grey Balayage Transformation for Feathered Styles

Elegant Grey Balayage Transformation for Mid-Length Feathered Hair and Women Aged 40

Showcase the beauty of silver with this exquisite balayage transformation, ideal for women aged 40 and above. The smooth transition from natural gray to radiant silver creates a chic, feathered appearance that exudes confidence. A side-part enhances the elegance of the dynamic layers, resulting in a voluminous style that radiates sophistication while keeping a playful charm.

Stylish Mid-Length Textured Hair

You can effortlessly sport stylish mid-length textured hair. Cut your length up and make your hair healthier and more elegant. Ask for medium layers and point cutting to create a trendy shape. Don’t forget to leave the ends out when curling your style. You’ll want to apply some texture paste to accentuate those ends.

Stylish Medium Layered Hair

Chic Medium Layered Hair for Women in Their 40s
Instagram @salsalhair

Chic medium layered hair for women offers a fresh, fashionable, and neatly kept look. Trimming away excess length enhances and highlights the face. Haircuts with soft layers are versatile and simple to style, whether you prefer a glamorous or casual vibe.

Essence of Platinum Blonde Beach Waves

Essence of Platinum Blonde Beach Waves for Mid-Length Hair
Instagram @capellibymegs

Essence of platinum blonde beach waves is the ultimate trend for fine hair types for women over 40. This vibrant combination of color and style creates an illusion of greater hair density. Consult your stylist for baby lights infused with a honey blonde hue, styled using a large barrel iron, to achieve this beautiful look.

Sleek Extra-Long Bob with Bangs

Long bobs are flattering on various face shapes, and incorporating bangs can provide a stylish appearance. Ideal for fine to medium hair types. If your hair isn’t naturally sleek, be sure to ask your stylist to demonstrate how to achieve the look at home. Always conclude with a shine spray for lustrous locks.

Trendy Choppy Bob with Layers

A trendy, choppy bob with layers should be your next look if you want to upgrade to a more contemporary hairstyle. A trendy, choppy bob adds volume, texture, and flair, perfect for all hair types.

Light Blonde Balayage with Full Bangs

Light Blonde Balayage with Full Bangs for 40-Year-Olds with Mid-Length Hair
Instagram @bleachfuzzz

Consider a light blonde balayage with full bangs if you desire a low-maintenance color and stylish appearance! Keeping your base color and bangs natural will create seamless grow-out—style with some waves to highlight your new hue.

Versatile Medium to Long Straight Hairstyle with Soft Fringe

This versatile medium to long straight hairstyle with a soft fringe is a timeless choice. Medium to long hairstyles with a soft fringe add a delicate and feminine touch to the overall look. The length offers various styling options. This haircut allows easy style changes. You can wear your hair straight or add loose waves for a relaxed vibe. The soft fringe also frames the face and enhances your features. This hairstyle works best for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. Book regular trims to maintain this look. It helps prevent split ends and keep the shape.

Radiant Medium Brown Toned Hair

A medium brown-toned haircut can bring an air of sophistication. The glossy finish of this hair color perfectly enhances the skin tone, providing a natural and youthful look. The medium length of the cut offers flexibility, whether you choose to style it straight and smooth or with gentle, voluminous waves.

Medium Brown Balayage with Effortless Curls

Consider a heavy layered frame if you’re a woman in your forties looking to refresh your look. Incorporate some highlights around your face. This combination will soften your facial features and enhance your brightness, giving you a radiant appearance. Before leaving your appointment, inquire with your stylist for personal tips and techniques on styling your hair.

Shaggy Mid-Length Bob Hairstyle for Wavy Locks

Shaggy Mid-Length Bob Hairstyle for Wavy Locks
Instagram @salsalhair

A shaggy mid-length bob hairstyle for wavy locks removes length and saves time styling. Keeping the ends softened is key to maintaining wavy hair without becoming unruly. These haircuts are an excellent way to add body and shape to those weary ends.

Mid-Length Shag with Bottleneck Fringe

If you’re in search of a versatile hairstyle, consider the mid-length shag with bottleneck fringe. This easy-to-manage style balances facial proportions and provides a slimming effect on the cheeks. It can be styled straight or wavy, offering you various options to express your look. The length of this cut is suitable for most hair types. However, if you have thick hair, it’s best to avoid excessive layering. When styling at home, use mousse for volume and hold as desired. A round brush will assist in smoothing frizz and adding shine. To complete the look, apply an anti-frizz serum for a sleek, effortless finish.

Gentle Barbie Blonde Mid-Length Cut

Going for a gentle Barbie blonde is all-around beautiful and youthful. The style provides versatility and maintains the right hair thickness, particularly if you find maintaining hair density challenging and don’t prefer a shorter hairstyle. The gentle blonde shade offers softness to her skin tone, creating a beautiful glow. To maintain this hairstyle’s soft and moveable aspect, all you need is a good-quality mousse.

Medium to Short Long Bob Hairstyle for Straight Hair

Medium to Short Long Bob Hairstyle for Straight Hair
Instagram @tmzeringue

A medium-to-short long bob hairstyle for straight hair is perfect for flat, shapeless hair. Cropping the back and adding in an angle gives a lot of shape and aids in lifting the hair at the crown to create volume. With medium-length hairstyles, angling to a length in the front is a great way to help keep the face elongated and your hairstyle tidy.

Medium Spiral Blonde Waves

Medium Spiral Blonde Waves for Ladies Above 40
Instagram @novaperruquers

If you want to showcase your curly hair with a medium spiral texture, incorporate soft blonde waves. If you enjoy your natural curls but occasionally feel they lack volume, utilize hydrating products like leave-in conditioners and hair masks to attain the best bounce.

Beautiful Natural Curls with Luminous Highlights

Medium Beautiful Natural Curls with Luminous Highlights for Women Aged 40
Instagram @novaperruquers

Imagine beautiful natural curls accentuated with luminous highlights. If you have curls, finding a skilled hairstylist specializing in curly hair can transform your look. Try a rounded layer to add shape and volume while eliminating the unwanted triangular shape. Incorporating highlights into curly hair will help blend in grays and introduce depth to your hair. Moreover, the twists and turns of curls will showcase all the stunning colors throughout, creating a breathtaking visual effect.

Medium-Length Crimson Straight Hair

This sleek and refined style radiates elegance and enhances any outfit. The deep crimson shade provides richness and dimension to the hair, resulting in a captivating visual allure. This hairstyle is particularly complementary for women with straight tresses. It also offers straightforward maintenance and styling. To boost the smoothness of your hair, I suggest applying a smoothing serum or oil prior to blow-drying. For an additional hint of glamour, you may also incorporate soft waves with a curling iron or hot rollers.

Chic Medium to Long Blunt Cut with Bangs

Chic Medium to Long Blunt Cut with Bangs

A chic medium to long blunt cut with bangs is ideal for women over forty. A blunt edge helps define the perimeter of the hair and adds a sleek fullness. Incorporating bangs helps conceal wrinkles on the forehead to provide a soft, youthful appearance.

Elegant Blonde Balayage on Mid-Length Hair without Bangs

Elegant Blonde Balayage on Mid-Length Hair without Bangs for 40-Year-Olds
Instagram @isa.hairstudio

When opting for lighter shades, allow your stylist to suggest tones. They will know what complements your complexion. Medium-length hair styled with waves looks beautiful and sophisticated with a balayage. It highlights the various depths of color. Caring for lightened hair is essential. Don’t forget to request a home care plan to preserve the quality.

Brown Curly Hair for a Timeless Look

Brown Curly Hair for Women in Their Forties

Consider brown curly hair for a look that is both subtle and classic. Medium cuts on curly hair help maintain shape and make styling easier for those unruly locks. Incorporate layers to achieve the desired silhouette.

Stunning Ombre

You should consider a stunning ombré. Your hair will be easily styled and more manageable at a medium length. Split ends will be eliminated, and your ends will look fresh and vibrant with this chop. Add some ombré color to enhance dimension for brighter-looking tresses.

Stylish Medium-Length Pixie Bob

Stylish Medium-Length Pixie Bob
Instagram @giboazhair

A stylish medium-length pixie bob is the ideal look. A pixie bob with length around the face that helps to hide fine lines and wrinkles and a cropped silhouette at the back is a low-maintenance style that brings both flair and elegance.

Effortless Wash-and-Wear Cut for Wavy, Thick Locks

Effortless Wash-and-Wear Cut for Wavy, Thick Locks

An effortless wash-and-wear cut for wavy, thick locks is characterized by texture. Incorporating texture and reducing bulk in thick, wavy hair simplifies styling, particularly for those with a busy lifestyle. Consult your stylist for a blunt length with elongated layers, incorporating point cutting throughout.

Layered Feathered Shag with Soft Bangs for Fine Hair

Layered Feathered Shag with Soft Bangs for Fine Hair
Instagram @dinh_hairsalon

Try a layered feathered shag with soft bangs for fine hair to add volume to the crown as well as texture and movement throughout the ends. Incorporating a bang or fringe is an excellent way to make a significant change without shortening your locks.

Smooth Curved Bob

Smooth Curved Bob on Medium-Length Hair for 40-Year-Olds

A smooth, curved bob on medium-length hair is the ideal look if you’re aiming to enhance body and volume. Haircuts with curved shapes are simple to style with a blow dryer and round brush. The extra volume around the base helps slim and elongate the face. Ask your stylist to point-cut the ends and use a razor to feather around the face.

Mid-Length Blonde Fine Hair with Side Bangs

Mid-Length Blonde Fine Hair with Side Bangs for Women Over 40
Instagram @educunhaloiros

The bangs enhance dimension and beautifully frame the face. It’s essential to maintain the length while incorporating layers for texture to prevent the hair from looking sparse. Blow-drying with a round brush for a sleek finish can elevate this style. For those with naturally wavy locks, applying a sea salt spray can introduce a beachy essence to the look. Overall, this cut strikes the ideal balance between timeless and modern for a vibrant appearance.

Extremely Fluffy Cut

Extremely Fluffy Mid-Length Cut for Ladies Over Forty
Instagram @nothingobvious

You’ll want the refreshing vibe of an extremely fluffy mid-length cut. Layering and texture cutting are crucial to give your hair the fluffy look of this style. You should start the layers just below the crown of your head. Doing so will reduce weight and add more volume and movement, giving your hair a tousled look. Try styling with your hands scrunch drying with a wave-enhancing product, and you’ll be surprised at the natural texture you can create.

Medium-Length Blonde Balayage with Center Parting

Medium-length blonde balayage with a center parting is what you need if you’re looking for added depth and dimension to your hair. A money piece, center part, and soft face layers are the perfect trio to bring out all your beautiful features, giving you a natural bright glow.

Mid-Length Wavy Bob

Consider a mid-length wavy bob for your next hairstyle. Most medium haircuts offer simple maintenance and styling, ideal for women with busy lifestyles! Whether your hair boasts natural waves or you’re creating waves in straighter strands, the wavy bobs, gentle textured ends, and cropped length provide a highly adaptable appearance.

Elegant Shoulder-Length Bob Style

Shoulder-length hairstyles are incredibly versatile. Incorporate longer layers and frame your face to achieve volume and softness. Apply a lightweight volumizing spray to damp hair for best results. Using a round brush will help lift your hair and add body. Don’t forget to consult your stylist on when to schedule your next trim to keep the shape intact.

Chic Long Inverted Bob

Chic Long Inverted Bob for Women 40+

A chic long inverted bob relies on clean lines and soft texture. Keeping the lines clean and the shape tapered in the nape helps keep this style looking sleek and sophisticated, perfect for day and night. Don’t forget to ask your stylist for soft texturing in the crown to add body.

Vintage Shaggy Mullet

Vintage Shaggy Mullet for Women Over 40

A vintage shaggy mullet is unforgettable! Try a shag cut if you’re looking to stand out in a crowd of thousands and revive a classic hairstyle.

Effortless Beach Waves

Effortless Beach Waves for a 40-Year-Old Woman

Effortless beach waves are a classic look. Beach waves help enhance your natural hair texture and are a quick and easy way to achieve a polished appearance, even when you’re pressed for time. Use your large barrel curling iron to loosely curl the hair to create this style. Shake the curls out and finish with a sea salt spray or light-hold hairspray.

Chocolate Brown Mid-Length Sleek Hairdo

This effortless hairstyle always appears refined. Incorporating a curtain bang adds more personality to this look. If you have thick hair, consult your stylist. You may need to lighten some weight for enhanced texture and volume. This style is adaptable. You can wear it straight or opt for waves.

Chic Mid-Length Waves with a Side Part

Chic Mid-Length Waves with a Side Part for Women Over 40
Instagram @soubecas

This chic mid-length waves with a side part style is versatile and flattering. The soft waves add movement and texture to the hair, while the side part adds a touch of elegance. This style is a great option for those seeking a stylish and effortless look that can be dressed up or down. To get this style, apply a volumizing mousse to your damp hair. Then, scrunch lightly with a micro-fiber towel to remove excess moisture. Then, use a diffuser to gently dry the hair to encourage the natural wave pattern. These voluminous mid-length hairstyles for women over 40 are achievable using a pick to fluff up the strands lightly.

Voluminous Curls with Highlights

Voluminous Shoulder-Length Curls with Highlights for Women Aged 40
Instagram @novaperruquers

If your hair is thick and curly, consider opting for a shoulder-length cut and adding highlights during your next salon visit. Highlights can enhance your look and blend grey hairs to conceal them. A shoulder-length cut can reduce the weight off your curls, making them appear more full and defined. Remember, curly hair can shrink due to its texture. So, inform your stylist to cut your hair to shoulder length in its dry state. This way, your hair won’t end up at chin length after drying.

Sleek Brunette Straight Hairstyle

Medium-length hair often requires added volume to maintain a full appearance. Consider asking for layers. This technique will provide your hair with more body. It’s ideal if you enjoy softer and more versatile hairstyles. Style your hair using a large round brush or heated rollers. Either method will offer you a natural, flicky finish.

Chestnut Brown Waves

Mid-Length Caramel Brown Curls for Women Aged 40
Instagram @novaperruquers

Consider a caramel balayage to enhance your brown waves if you’re a woman in her forties with rich, textured hair. Caramel is an ideal hue to complement those with olive or medium to dark skin tones.

Medium-Length Perm

Medium-Length Perm for Women Over 40

A perm for women over 40 is an excellent style option to refresh your look and simplify your styling routine. Ideal for all hair types, perms provide incredible volume to the hair and create a perfect wash-and-wear style—a consideration worth exploring for your next medium-length hairstyle.

Medium-Length Long Bob

A medium-length, long bob for women over 40 keeps things soft, styled, and feminine. The length can be worn off the face or styled down, making for a very versatile look.

Medium-Length Blowout Featuring Caramel and Blonde Highlights

Medium-Length Blowout Featuring Caramel and Blonde Highlights for 40-Year-Olds
Instagram @romeufelipe

If you’re looking to add warmth to your medium-length hair before a blowout, consider opting for caramel and blonde highlights. The overall warmer hue will give your hair a lovely shine. For achieving this style, request your stylist to incorporate volume mousse and velcro rollers for an elegant effect.

Collarbone-Length Haircuts for Voluminous Hair

Collarbone-Length Haircuts for Voluminous Hair

A collarbone-length haircut for voluminous hair is an ideal style to help lighten up the weight of the hair without sacrificing too much length. These haircuts enhance the face shape and create a silhouette that adds vibrancy to all your features.

Stunning Balayage for Medium-Length Hairstyles

The only thing that can make a gorgeous balayage on medium-length hair even more captivating is incorporating a money piece to the front. A money piece is when a very small section of hair (usually on the middle part) is placed in the very front to brighten and frame the face. A balayage is always one of the easiest hair colors to maintain, making it perfect for women who may be on a budget or don’t frequently visit the hair salon.

Gentle 60s Bombshell Shag

If you have thick hair, a gentle 60’s bombshell shag style would suit you perfectly. The choppy layers in this cut remove any unwanted thickness and provide your hair with volume and slender ends.

Trendy Collarbone-Length Asymmetrical Haircut

A trendy collarbone-length asymmetrical haircut has it all! Length, body, and flair make for a youthful, low-maintenance style!

Medium-Length Shag Cut with Fringed Bangs

A medium-length shag cut with fringed bangs is quite popular these days. This hairstyle brings volume, texture, and a youthful vibe to your appearance. Incorporating bangs and soft layers around the face also aids in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

Sun-Kissed Highlights on a Medium-Length Cut

Sun-Kissed Highlights on a Medium-Length Cut for 40-Year-Olds
Instagram @belximenes

Consider sun-kissed highlights on a medium-length cut if you want to add something vibrant. Highlights introduce depth and dimension to your base hair color, preventing your hairstyle from appearing flat. Consult your stylist for a few highlights to enhance your haircut.