A few months back, an incredibly attractive woman in her 40s with an amazing bone structure came and sat in my chair. I had heard the story about the shameful internet searches before, but my guess of what she found shameful was way off. She said she had been Googling “mom haircuts” and felt the internet was attacking her. I couldn’t help but laugh. I’ve heard the story a hundred times before, but it is still a little saddening. A “mom cut” is a term that has been so poorly abused it has women thinking it means giving up. That it is settling for something safe and boring that says, “I no longer care about myself.” This is the complete opposite of what a good haircut should do.
What I have learned the most from sitting behind this chair longer than I probably should say is that women over 40 are among my favorites because they know their faces. They have the experience to know what works and what doesn’t. What I see too often is someone has spent too long looking at a picture of a 24-year-old with thick hair and no sun damage for them to give them a youthful cut. The styles I am about to describe are not compromises. They aren’t the safe middle ground between what you want and what you think you are allowed to have at your age.
I would like to share my thoughts with you, be it my real passion for it, or an unexpected viewpoint, and I would speak about the truth as if you were here with me.
#1: Warm Blonde Textured Pixie
Pixie cuts can be divisive. If done poorly, they can look terrible. However, with the right color and tone, there is a certain elegance to a short blonde cut that is not seen in longer hairstyles. The style is a warm sandy blonde and subtle gold tones with a tonal balayage that has grown out perfectly. The roots being darker looks intentional. The main feature here is the top texture that creates depth and shadows. Dimensionality is very important with short blonde cuts since they can easily go flat. The trade-off for getting a pixie cut is that you will have to get trims every 4-5 weeks to maintain the sharp lines around the ears and nape.
#2 Soft Brunette Waves with Easy Glamour
Over time, many of my clients have opted for this color after testing many other styles and trends. An easy to care for and maintain, dimensional brunette is always a winner. This color is a true medium brown and is very well balanced in both warm and cool tones. This color works on everyone and looks so good. I especially love how waves make the hair look even more highlighted, especially without any colored highlights. The hair looks shiny and healthy most likely due to its great texture and possibly from some great argan oil. These layers are the types that only a really good stylist can achieve, where they almost look like a stylist hasn’t done them in a while, so the stylist just keeps the shape from going stale and maintains the length that you are attached to. There’s nothing wrong with this look at all, in the same way that there’s nothing wrong with a great pair of jeans and a white t-shirt.
#3 Cool Brunette with Curtain Layers and Movement
I think a good flattering hair color for women over forty is a color that is contrasting, but not harsh. This deep cool leaning brunette is proving my point against lighter skin. This shade is espresso. Deep and rich with just the right amount of cool to bring out her eyes but not so dark that it creates shadows around the jaws and under the eyes. This is a line that is very important, especially when people don’t think about it until it’s too late, and someone ends up looking under a fluorescent bathroom mirror. The layering of the curtain helps to break up the solid color and let’s light through around the cheekbone area which helps soften the look a lot. I would say she does need a touch of warmth around the face if she was in my chair. I’d suggest some hand-painted lighter strands that are a little less than a shade lighter than the base which wouldn’t make obvious highlights, but would give the eye somewhere to land and keep it from looking heavy.
#4 Warm Chestnut Long Layers
Not every color works, but warm chestnut is an exception. She looks so natural, like just another woman with lovely brown hair sitting by a window, but I can see slight warmth in the front and mid shaft pieces which tells me someone glazed these, or did a v-e-r-y subtle all over deepening and enriching process. This is the color work I wish more clients requested instead of jumping straight to highlights. Sometimes, just enhancing your natural hair color to be the best version of itself can make a huge difference. A semi or demi-permanent glaze in a color close to your hair will give you more shine and depth, along with some tonal corrections without you having to worry about an obvious grow out. Plus, it fades so beautifully that you’ll forget that you even have it on until your hair looks way less shiny than it did a few weeks ago. The long layers here are soft and aren’t started until well past the shoulders which keeps the thickness in and gives the ends that nice soft lived in bend.
#5 Warm Copper Waves with Natural Texture
I find this copper color to be quite believable. The way it looks so natural; she could’ve been born with it. The secret is in the variation of color. The warmth with someof the subtle strawberry tones around the face, the deeper ginger hues through the mid-lengths, and the light ends like they’ve been naturally sun-kissed. While it does look very organic, this is the work of a highly skilled colorist. Their knowledge of making red tones appear natural is incredible. The hair texture is all hers as well. The way the waves and the individual pieces vary and are not in uniform pattern is what I think makes it so great. Straightening this would lose so much of the charm. This look can be achieved by using a curl enhancing cream on damp hair and letting it air dry.
#6 Deep Burgundy Waves with Layered Volume
It is challenging to describe burgundy. This shade looks great, but finding the right color is not easy. The more dominant, deeper shades of red and brown can become unflattering. Thankfully, with burgundy, the true red base adds some brightness. When the ends are illuminated, it seems some brighter cherry red color appears to shine through the burgundy, meaning it has more depth and dimension instead of just a flat color. This color has high maintenance expectations. As a result of color molecule size, red washes out the quickest. This color will fade in visible amounts in a short time if cool water, color-depositing shampoo, and color-safe conditioner are not used. The long layers will help with this because the more surface area, the more likely the underlying color will shine through. If you can commit to the maintenance, this is definitely one of the top colors to have for winter.
#7 Jet Black Cropped Pixie with Attitude
Most colorists will attempt to talk you out of getting black hair, but I won’t, because it could be the exact right choice for you. Yes, everyone says it’s hard to remove later, and yes, that’s true. Getting jet black hair to move to something lighter is going to take multiple bleach baths, and that’s going to take a lot of time and patience, so if you know this is your color and you don’t have the habit of changing your hair every six months, then yes, black is going to look stunning on a sharp pixie cut like this. Professional black hair dye is going to look dead whereas the cheap box dye black is going to look alive and warm and is going to have that depth that still looks black, but also looks impenetrable. This cut has a bit more length on top because I like the look of it not being too severe and the sides are nice and tight. This look, on the right person is the kind of hair that makes you stand up straighter.
#8 Long Layered Brunette with Natural Body
There are times when I see someone in my chair with such stunning hair that I feel I don’t need to do much, and I have a feeling that this is one of those cases. This person has a medium brown hair color that has a very cool, almost mushroomy undertone. It looks to be all natural, and has just the right amount of haircut that looks good on it. The layers start just below the chin and they get super textured more towards the ends, which gives a lot of volume to the lower half of the hair without looking heavy at the top. I know a lot of people say negative things about women over 40 having long hair, and some people really don’t like it, but when the hair is this healthy and thick and the layers are done right, I think it can look stunning. The only real maintenance that is needed is getting regular trims on the ends to keep them from splitting and thinning out, which can be done every 8 to 10 weeks. Long hair that has split ends is just no good, and no amount of color or products will help.
#9 Icy Blonde Pixie with Wispy Fringe
It’s risky to go this light at this length, and I won’t pretend otherwise. Getting platinum and near-platinum blonde hair requires serious lightening, and with only a few inches of hair, there’s not a lot of room for mistakes. Uneven lengths show right away, but you did it. The tone is clean; not bright white, and it still looks cool and intentional. My only concern with this kind of blonde is it can wash out certain skin tones quite a bit, and you really need to see it on your own face before you do it. I’ve had clients show me photos of platinum pixies and look stunning. I’ve had clients show me those same photos and end up in a tone that makes them look tired. A good colorist will tell you if you look good in that look. If you are in the right camp, nothing beats the self-assurance this shade brings.
#10 Warm Brunette Layers with Face-Framing Sweep
I have been able to watch my salon transform with the addition of new beautiful brunette. I appreciate my clientele with warm golden brunette tones. They have natural brown shades that make them stand out in a classier way than typical clients. My clientele receives the kind of compliments that lift a person’s mood because they make them feel good about their hair. The hair has additional layers and bangs that are light and open while letting the hair down without having a full set of bangs. Technically, I like that she has a consistent tone from roots to ends. There are no signs of an obvious growth line at the scalp, no bands, and no bands, just a beautifully even tone throughout that even out naturally because of the sun. Even if she had some subtle hand-painted highlights, the result would have ended up like this, which is always the goal.
#11 Long Layered Copper with Blowout Bounce
I hate to rearrange my day, but I really want to take time to enjoy this copper color. It’s nice to see someone’s work so well done. There is a dark root base that is a lovely auburn, then transitions into a bright, almost shining penny copper, and then ends with a touch lighter gold at the very tips. That gradient is BLENDED and took hours of work with a deep understanding of how to use different levels of red pigments. Most people don’t realize how many appointments it takes for this kind of brightness and evenness. With this kind of brightness, it’s a lightening appointment and then a toning appointment. This is not just one appointment. The maintenance post appointment is intense too. We’re talking sulfate-free shampoo at home, cool rinses every time you wash your hair, and a possible color refresh every 5-6 weeks. But if you love red like I do, this is the look to go for. I really love the long bouncy layers as they add to the color. It’s honestly stunning.
#12 Honey-Touched Pixie with Tousled Texture
This color does something special, almost like a subtle highlight on a pixie. The roots being darker creates a strong contrast with the golden honey color on top, giving a perfect lived in look. This look is best 6-8 weeks after coloring, which is a lot of patience since most people want their color looking their best right after. With short hair, there is a sweet spot when there is a noticeable root gap. At this point in time, the color has started to develop dimension with the root color and highlights that have been blended enough to be warm and rich. The texture on top has a slight wave which shows some natural curl rather than being straightened, and that will always look better than forcing a pixie cut to do something it doesn’t want.
#13 The Polished Brunette Pixie
This version of the pixie cut is designed to be more welcoming, not so edgy and artistic. It’s warm brown color, with long top sections, and long bangs that can be swept to the side is easy to style. It is a very simple color, which I mean in a very good way. With this length, trying a fussy or more complicated style will just look too busy. She has kept it simple, and the cut speaks for itself. I have sent more women home happy with this combination than with almost anything, because this is the one where women sit down looking very nervous, and leave looking like a completely different person, in an amazing way. If this is your first time considering a pixie cut, this is a great place to start – with plenty of bangs so that you can still see yourself in it!
#14 Warm Honey Bob with Tousled Waves
When I ask Women in their forties what their biggest issues are when going from lighter hair to darker hair, I usually don’t hear any complaints, but do hear things about the tone. Is it a warm tone, or a cool tone? Skin can wash out, or clash with certain warmer tones. ‘Golden honey’ is a great example of a warm tone done well. The roots are dark enough to give depth, while the lighter pieces in the middle are just light enough to give a sunkissed effect rather than overly processed. I had a client a few years ago whose highlights were too cool for her face for a decade because of the ‘rule’ that all blondes had to have ashy hair. She cried in the chair when we changed her highlights to warmer ones. The waves here do their job as well, catching light at different angles creates the illusion of dimension from the different tones in the hair. The color fades nicely too so this is a low maintenance option for light brown to dark blonde bases.
#15 Auburn Bob with Soft Volume
There are multiple colors that can be considered ‘Auburn’, and one example could be described as ‘warm reddish-brown’. I use this descriptor the most, and I think of this shade as being paint like a ‘chameleon’ because of how versatile it is. Rather than going brassy and dull, this shade becomes lighter, warmer, and prettier as it fades. This shade family is especially great for women whose natural hair has grey because rather than covering grey completely it grey-whispers. This means that the demarcation line isn’t as obvious with a warmer brunette. This bob is rounded and full. It’s likely been blow-dried with a round brush with the ends tucked under. On hair of medium texture, this shape styles itself after day one. You wake up, shake it out, and it goes back to where it’s supposed to be.
#16 The Feathery Brunette Pixie
When you cut your hair this short, the color choice is crucial. With nothing else to focus on, the color will determine how the cut is perceived. This brown looks to be a medium brown with some warmer pieces through the top and fringe area. ChatGPT does some strategic pieces, and with those added, you’re really giving the illusion of depth and movement to a cut that doesn’t have a lot of hair to work with. With this much scalp proximity, a solid, flat color can make the hair look thinner than it actually is because there is no contrast for the eye to read as density. Those lighter pieces create shadow and highlight even with a quarter inch of hair, so it actually tricks the brain into seeing more volume. It does not help that you are overthinking it, this is the kind of stuff that separates a pixie from looking intentional and then one that looks like you’re just thinning and went with it. A little matte paste worked through the top pieces, and you’re done.
#17 Classic Dark Bob with Natural Shine
Sometimes I see a specific color in the wild and instantly think of a specific salon. It must be from a good one. The dark brown is consistent from root to tip, and there’s no banding, buildup, or weird see-through spots from layering old colors. Getting a single-process brunette like this (as gorgeous as this is) is not as easy as it looks due to the technicality involved every time the color is refreshed. If the stylist isn’t conscious of the overlaps of previously colored hair, the ends can become muddy or too dark. The colorist was definitely correct about the timing. The cut is a graduated bob, longer in the front, with just enough internal layers so it doesn’t sit like a triangle. On naturally thick hair this shape is stunning, and on finer hair the graduation is worth modifying to avoid it looking too slick against the head.
#18 Layered Brunette Bob with Sun-Kissed Dimension
Seeing this level of expertise in layered bobs and knowing exactly how to place highlights makes most other jobs look mediocre. I’ve highlighted some of the most significant elements of the job here. Most of the highlight placement jobs I see on a daily basis seem to be done from back to front, as though they are filling out a checklist for a highlight job. It’s clear here though that a great deal of effort and artistry went into the job. There is also beautiful warm base color that is neither too cool nor too mousy, and the highlights are close enough to the base color that they blend rather than stripe. It’s clear this colorist takes great pride in her craft.
#19 Rich Chocolate Waves at the Jawline
I’ve had a client for several years who has a difficult time choosing between a lob and a pixie. One day, she decided she wanted to be “in the middle” between the two. For the last three years, she’s returned for the same haircut! The color here is a beautiful rich chocolate. What I appreciate about this shade is the warm red-brown undertones. It looks warm in the natural light but then cools down to a sophisticated color in the indoor light. I believe this is the reason most chocolate browns become unflattering for women. The wave pattern you are seeing is a combination of the haircut and styling. You won’t need a curling iron every morning because the interior layers will bend and curve.
#20 The Lived-In Brunette Bob
Different hairstyles have different meanings – one represents a fresh cut from the salon and the other is a ‘I love my life and this is how it expresses that’ vibe. The model has this life-loving vibe. The brown of her hair is a neutral middle brown with maybe the barest hint of a warm glaze in the mid-lengths. If you were not looking for it you probably wouldn’t notice it. It prevents the color from looking ashy or grey in some lights. The stylist who did this balanced out the edges when they were cleaning it and left the middle a bit undone. A bob can go from neat to messy real quick whereas there is a big difference between intended messy with good structure and just straight unkempt of the look. The deep side part contributes to a lot of the shape and asymmetry and visual texture and avoids the blandness.
#21 Creamy Blonde Bob with Soft Movement
Blonde after forty means having a conversation most colorists never have. This is about how skin tone changes. The blonde that looked great on you at thirty-two is probably making you look older now. This shade falls within what I like to call an intelligent blonde. It’s not platinum or golden, but right in the middle, with just the right amount of warmth to keep her skin alive without crossing over to brassy. The root is soft and looks natural, which means they are doing a very diffused shadow root or just letting the natural grow in and timing the appointments perfectly. Either way, it works. As for blonde bobs, I will say they tend to show every flaw in a cut as there are no uneven bits to cover, so if you’re going for this look, don’t cheap out on the cut. The end result is achieved with a flick shot to the outside and a flat iron. That way you have a nice bend going on which creates a soft structure to the whole look.
#22 The Polished Short Bob with Volume
Book a consultation now! I love this deep glossy brunette color! I love this color because of the level of shine. It makes the hair look so healthy. A great color will look dull and lifeless if the hair is damaged. This color has a mirror reflectiveness and the color shifts to a more bright brunette when hit by overhead lights. A clear gloss treatment over this color is what gives that glassy look and honestly every brunette should get that in between their color appointments. The precision in the back is stacked to create more volume at the crown, and finished off with a round brush to get those turned-under ends. It’s a classic for a reason.
#23 Copper Shag with Curtain Bangs
Now moving on to this copper color. Achieving the perfect copper color is no easy task. However, this one is damn close to getting it spot on. What I enjoy the most about this color is that it is neutral. Formulators always seem to screw this color up, because it either goes too orange (which looks like an accident) or too red (which appears as though you’re trying too hard). But, this shade is in a sweet spot where it almost looks natural. Even if we both know that it isn’t. The warmth against her skin tone is phenomenal, and her freckles really stand out as well. That is always a sign that a color is doing what it needs to do. Copper fades faster than almost any other shade family and it fades warm. This means that in three weeks her color will have shifted noticeably. So, a color depositing conditioner is a must. If you don’t like to maintain low key colors, then this definitely isn’t the color for you. This shag cut with those curtain bangs is absolutely perfect because it disguises any root shadow as the color grows and gives the whole thing movement that keeps it from feeling heavy.
#24 The Effortless Textured Chin Bob
I’ve come to appreciate short hair on people who never thought they could pull off a style like this. The color creates a subtle effect that I want to talk about because most would miss this. Where warm, lighter strands are mixed in with a cool-toned medium brown, they only become visible where the texture causes the hair to bend. Someone got the idea that with hair this short, the color needed to be positioned to show during styling. I’ve seen too many cuts where highlights are below the top layer and only visible when the hair is flat-ironed straight, which defeats the whole purpose. The styling on this look is better than most blowouts I’ve seen. It looks really good, and with a good texture spray and about 90 seconds of scrunching, it’s really easy.
#25 The Chin-Length Side-Swept Bob
Picking the right hair color can mean doing the least amount of work. In deep, rich, single-process colors, the ends can be warmer in the light which makes hair color look expensive. Many think that highlights instantly bring a hairstyle into the present, but this highlights misconception has wasted countless hours and money and left people with burnt hair. This rich chocolate brown color looks clear not muddy and that comes down to the color formulation and the condition of the hair. The shine suggests the stylist either glossed over the color, the hair is in good shape, or both. The cut frames her jawline perfectly, and the strong side part gives a sweep and height at the crown without teasing or product build-up. A boar-bristle brush and smoothing serum is all you need to achieve the same look.
#26 The Lob That Actually Earns Its Hype
I can tell this haircut is trendy enough that lots of people probably have it. \ Middle of the collarbone length with soft interior layering and warm brunette that moves with you. I am a breadwinner and I still don’t get bored of it. The texture here isn’t the product, isn’t the curling iron, isn’t anything. You can have simple layering that is well placed and then give your hair movement. If you have fine hair this will be perfect because the layering adds volume without the look of it being too long. The fine hair look can be seen through and it can be too long. You have to style it though. This is not a wash and go type of situation. You can get this look with a round brush and five minutes.
#27 Long, Highlighted, and Completely at Ease
Losing a stylist is always tough, but with a colorist this good, I’d call it one of the best investments possible. The bright layers are nearly gone, and the highlights are warm and subtle enough to avoid 15-year-old-self-pictures. You look well put together but not overdone, and I love how the colors shift with the light. That happens with good foil placement, and I can tell she did it by eye and not a formula. If your hair is thick and you don’t want to lose your length, this is the way to go. It’s low-maintenance, it’s good without being too fussy, and it will go from Tuesday carpool to Saturday dinner without you having to touch it.
#28 Face Framing That Doesn’t Look Like It Belongs in 2003
I just love face framing pieces. I’ve lived through every horrible atrocity that the face framing looks from the 00s have to offer. I remember the chunky pieces that looked like sad curtains just dangling in line with your jaw. But this is not like that. These pieces look modern and intentional because they blend in with the rest of the hair. It also looks good because of the slight wave. It looks like a lot of effort was not put into this when in reality it is working to your advantage. The final touch to the look is the highlights. They give just the right amount of brightness to your face and that can be the difference between a nice haircut and a haircut that looks like you’ve gotten eight hours of sleep.
#29 The Bob Your Cool Aunt Would Wear
Waves just above the shoulders give the impression of a person who is lively and doesn’t need their hair to do all the talking. This cut’s layering is very good for adding body and texture. It helps avoid that issue of making finer hair look thin because that’s a lot more difficult to achieve than most people assume. They’ll need a sea salt spray or a light wave product to define those waves because otherwise the hair may fall really flat by mid-afternoon. It’s fair to say that 30 seconds of effort is a reasonable amount of time for a style that looks care free.
#30 The “I Didn’t Cut Much But Everything Changed” Cut
This one is for the ladies who sit down and go, “I don’t want to go short,” before I’ve even touched the cape, and I feel you, and I hear you, and I love you. This cut is proof that the transformation is not always about getting rid of length, but instead re sculpting what you have. The layers keep the hair looking lighter from the mid-lengths down, and the balayage creates dimension without an obvious line of regrowth at your part in six weeks, and all together, it creates that polished look that isn’t high maintenance. I know it sounds boring, and I’ll take the blame for that, but in real life, it’s the kind of hair that leads to compliments from strangers at dinner, and you get to say, ‘oh this? I barely did anything’, and that’s the goal.
#31 Feathered Bangs Are Back and I’ve Made Peace With It
To be honest, I’ve avoided this trend for years due to my real emotional trauma from the 80s and the feathered bang era, but I’ve finally changed my mind. I need to say this so that I can move on. These bangs are soft, so on the days you don’t feel like dealing with them, you can just push them to the side and pretend like they are just long layers. This is an option that blunt bangs obviously do not give you. They also really help to highlight and accentuate your cheekbones, and the medium length layers give you volume without being big, if that makes sense. It’s giving Meg Ryan in her prime, which is a rare compliment from me. This hair will basically style itself if you have any natural wave, which is what makes it one of the easier options on this list.
#32 Shoulder-Length and Smarter Than It Looks
It’s likely you won’t see all the specific techniques integrated into the cut. With some face framing layers and highlights to add dimension, the waves will help keep the cut from looking too flat. This haircut is like a tailored blazer; it fits, and because of that, it elevates everything else you wear. This is the type of haircut people know something about it is working, without being able to pinpoint what it is.
#33 The Pixie for Women Who Are Ready to Commit
I believe that every woman should experience a pixie haircut at least once after 40. Being 40 means that you know what your face looks like, and you won’t be having a meltdown about it like you may have at 23. This one isn’t too long and textured so you won’t have a helmet look, and the soft highlights are perfect so it won’t fall flat. If you have cheekbones, and I mean really strong ones, this could honestly be the best haircut you get in your entire life, and I’m not exaggerating. It will require you to go to the salon every 4-6 weeks though and that will be a necessity. A pixie cut that goes out of style will just look like a mullet that hasn’t fully developed yet, so that will be necessary too.
#34 Curls That Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission
Take a moment to appreciate this picture and consider retiring your flat iron. If someone caused you to straighten your hair for the better part of two decades due to their dislike of your natural, curly hair, it’s time to straighten things out with the old opinion. This stylist has clearly mastered the art of letting short hair be short and embrace the curls. The cut and layers work in harmony to prevent the curls from looking chaotic. The highlights give the curls a beautiful three-dimensional effect. If you have this haircut, you will want a good curl cream because it will make the difference between organized and defined curls versus a messy frizz situation. After enduring extremely hot, humid weather, this cut will be a breeze to survive the humidity.
#35 Reddish-Brown Pixie with No Apologies
Color is the most important thing here. The warm richness of the color makes the face and cut come alive, along with the whole haircut. Most brunette pixies lack that warmth. Instead of looking severe, the haircut looks vibrant. The pixie cut looks lively instead of close cropped because of the textured layers. Simple styling with a bit of pomade and, including the time you spend at the mirror because you look so good, it will take five minutes max. The warm richness of the color is the best part. It goes with most face shapes without playing favorites.
#36 The Silver Fox Pixie
One of the most frightening hair ideas to consider is going gray or getting a short cut, but once you see it on someone, it becomes a brilliant idea. The editorial look created by silver highlights with the hair’s natural texture is a look that is impossible to achieve with longer hair. I’ve witnessed enough attempts from women to know. I want to acknowledge the fact that this is a bold claim, but I genuinely trust that it is. Your daily styling is going to be so easy with this look, and that is honestly half the reason to go with this length in the first place. This is the best place to start if you are thinking about letting your gray grow out and are worried it will make you look older. It suggests an intentional choice, and there is a lot of confidence that comes with that.
#37 Lob with Highlights That Look Like They Grew There
I know how tricky it can be to find a good highlight job. A lot of people leave with their highlights looking stripy or with paint roller style spots. I’d love to buy you a coffee for putting in the effort to blend the colours so nicely, I really appreciate and enjoy warm tones! You blended them perfectly and it looks like you spent a week tanning, not just three hours under foil. And you are so right, there really is a huge skill gap among colourists. The layers and length of your hair are in perfect harmony. Your length is perfect so it’s not too long to ponytail but also not too short to look like you did nothing. I think the hairstyle is fabulous and suits people with medium to thick hair especially. It is the ideal combination of everything without any one element being too much.
#38 Long Layers with Bangs That Actually Grow Out Well
I have some mixed feelings about bangs. Over half of my clients regret getting bangs, and I usually try to discourage them. I do think these bangs will be fine since they are soft and framing instead of blunt. They will be good to grow out and you will not have to deal with the awful pokey eye stage that makes you want to cry. Soft layers will help with that, and the natural texture will be better than over styling. Don’t overdo it with products and styling. Maybe a lightweight oil and keep it simple.
#39 The Textured Bob That Basically Sells Itself
I would bet that clients with a defined jaw, soft waves, and caramel highlights will get this cut and send me a selfie in 24 hours looking smug. It’s an easy cut and the warm soft highlights add dimension to steer clear of the single process bob trap. I will say, this cut will require a bit more maintenance as it will need regular trims. Once a bob loses its shape, it just becomes hair. No one feels great about an inbetween look.
#40 The Angular Bob for Women Who’ve Made Up Their Minds
I appreciate how you feel about this style. The asymmetry provides a nice touch that isn’t too harsh, and the face framing makes it look clean and nice whether you are going to a meeting, or getting Thai in sweats. That being said, I do want to mention that this will need some upkeep. The shape is what makes this haircut work, and the longer you go between appointments, the more you lose everything that makes it worth having. I won’t be flexible about this. Every five to six weeks is the ideal time frame.
#41 Shaggy Bob for the Perpetually Running Late
If you need something that looks deliberate but can stand up to the realities of your morning, hit the snooze button twice and, let’s be honest, leave your house with damp hair more often than you’d like to admit. The shaggy layers give you that ‘I tried’ look that actually gets better as the hours go by (opposite of most hairdos). All it takes to achieve this look with some simple texturizing spray. The layers work great for fine hair because they create the illusion of more volume without the bulk. This is a great cut that should do just that.
#42 Shoulder-Length Waves for the Woman Who Wants Easy and Good
This is the perfect haircut for women who want to look put together but also want a style that takes under ten minutes to do (respect!). Most of the work is done with the natural waves. The layers give the ends a nice light feeling so it won’t be heavy, and the length is flattering and works with everything at shoulder length. I know it looks simple and it is not the most exciting cut on the list, but it is easy to maintain and looks good on everyone. Sometimes it is exactly what you need.
#43 Warm Tousled Bob for the Color-Obsessed
The bob cut is so vibrant and full of life! I could stare at it all day! The warm highlights look effortless (even though we know how much work it takes to achieve that look). My favorite part about this look is how it can go from dressed up to casual without having to change it at all! You can just put on some earrings to make it evening hair, and then take them off and you’re back to Saturday errands! That versatility is something I really appreciate in a haircut and it’s not something you come across very often.
#44 Copper Highlights for the Brave
I love copper hair, and I’m not afraid to show it. I love all the details, colors, textures and lengths. This is what makes me love doing hair. The copper highlights will warm up your face and provide a glow that no bronzer or blush will give you. The waves and texture are going to help keep it from looking too stiff. Just as a friendly disclaimer, reds and coppers tend to fade way quicker than other colors, so you’ll be coming in for touch ups if you choose copper. If that doesn’t scare you off, welcome to the copper club! We have better lighting and are happier in here.
#45 Gray Pixie with Nothing Left to Prove
n nWith longer layers on top and shorter sides and back, this pixie cut creates volume where it should be, and also separates the hair where it should not be. This is the type of balancing act most people do not talk about when it comes to shorter hair, and this is the holy grail. There is so much beauty in this cut, and I honestly wish more women had the confidence to go gray because the gray tones here are stunning. n nn Instead of sticking with box dyes that are so obviously mismatched to the three year old roots. A bit of styling will be necessary, but it’s nothing a little product can’t handle. Regular trims will be necessary to maintain this look, but the daily investment will be practically nothing. Having the cut will most likely give you mornings back, and it’s something that most people underestimate. n nn It’s time, or even money spent, that is more valuable than most people realize. nn nn
#46 The Banged Bob That Works With You
These bangs really do find a happy medium. They are not obstructive, actually help to soften more blunt features and will help cover if you are do not like showing your forehead. Plus, they won’t require that annoying every day blow dry upkeep that heavy bangs require. With the right length you will have enough material to be able to do a few different styles with them. The added soft layers also break up a potentially solid or helmet-y look. I tend to do this style for a lot of “bang-curious” clients, particularly those who want to dip their toe in, and none have come back dissatisfied.
#47 Blunt Bob for the No-Nonsense Woman
Edges, sharp jawlines, and soft highlights for dimension? Simple, yet effective and honest. The blunt bob is the LBD of haircuts and I’ll continue to say it until the end of time because I know it’s true. It’s not high fashion fuss, doesn’t chase trends, and doesn’t try to impress. It will look good, always. The blunt bob has a timelessness that looks good no matter what trends are circulating on your tik tok for you page. If you have good jawline, then this cut works best for you if you have fine to medium thickness hair. Honestly, just make sure to keep it sharp with frequent trims. I promise, that hair will make you look like you put in effort everyday, even when you don’t do anything.
#48 Curly Crop That’ll Make You Retire Your Flat Iron
It seems like women can be a little hesitant to try something as refreshing as a cropped cut with natural curls and maybe a few soft highlights. Think about all the time and frustration that could be saved by just going with the flow when it comes to dealing with your hair and getting a cut that works with your natural waves rather than fighting them all the time! The model’s hair is cut to go with the curl pattern, so the haircut looks good regardless of how much the volume changes from day to day. Of course, humidity will do its thing, but the right anti-frizz curl cream will help with that. It’s a huge compliment to a hairstyle when you can say that it gets better and better over time, and this is one of those haircuts.
#49 Blonde Textured Bob That Doesn’t Have to Try
The highlights of this bob are super light blonde for a reason! The highlights give a multidimensional look, keeping the style from being flat or washed out. I have seen this problem on all over blonde bobs. There is a polished yet relaxed effect to the hair. It looks like you put in effort to make it look good, but also looks effortless. One thing I will note, if you have thick hair, you may find this bob gives you more volume than you are expecting, so discuss this with your stylist. Other than that, this is really a great cut for pretty much everyone, it’s a simple, easy, versatile option.
#50 The Short Crop for Women Who Know Exactly Who They Are
This is definitely one of the more interesting ones, so if you leave it out, I won’t blame you. I think it’s kind of cool that it utilizes so little hair, yet does so much. The volume really is concentrated where it matters most, at the top. Overall it gives that nice ‘just rolled out of bed’ look when in fact it only takes you about 90 seconds to do. I know you were thinking about going for some warm highlights to add a little dimension, and if you really want to, I’d advise it. I promise it will only improve this cut. This is not the type of cut you get when you are still being picky. This is the type of cut you get when you are sure about it, and that energy, that confidence is really what sells it.
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