21 Elegant Hairstyles for Women Over 40 in 2025

November 12, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

A person with a short, highlighted bob smiles, showcasing chic hairstyles for women over 40 against a gray background.

Hairstyles for women over 40 with round faces can enhance natural beauty, create a slimming effect, and boost confidence with cuts that balance style and manageability. “The right hairstyle can accentuate your features and make you feel youthful and empowered,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 21 elegant hairstyles, tailored for fine to thick hair, incorporates layers, bangs, and texture to elongate the face and add vibrancy. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape compatibility, focusing on round faces to ensure a polished, flattering look.

Why These Hairstyles Shine for Women Over 40 with Round Faces

Hairstyles for women over 40 with round faces are designed to elongate and slim the face while adding volume and movement. “Cuts with height, layers, or side-swept elements draw the eye upward, creating a more oval appearance,” Polko explains [1].

These styles suit professional or casual settings, complement glasses, and align with 2025’s eco-conscious beauty trends, as seen in client stories like Rachel’s feathered bob transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for point-cutting or feathering to add texture without over-thinning. “Asymmetry and layers are key for round faces,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like Pureology Volume Mist for straight hair or SheaMoisture Curl Cream for curls. Use a round brush for volume, a flat iron for sleekness, or a diffuser for waves.

  • Scalp Care: Nourish with sulfate-free shampoos like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! and weekly rosemary oil massages to promote growth, per Dr. Carter [3].

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-8 weeks based on length to prevent split ends; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce frizz and breakage.

Top 21 Elegant Hairstyles for Women Over 40 in 2025

Case Study: Rachel’s Feathered Bob Transformation

Rachel, 43, a lawyer with fine, straight hair and a round face, chose a feathered bob. “The side-swept bangs and lifted back slimmed my face and made styling effortless,” she said. Her stylist used Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, creating a sophisticated look perfect for her professional life.

1. Feathered Bob

Feathered Bob Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Short, voluminous bob with feathered layers and side-swept bangs, ideal for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist to damp hair. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush for lift. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Sophisticated, low-maintenance style seekers.

2. Long Feathered Cut

Long Feathered Cut Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Medium-to-long cut with thin, feathered layers, slimming round faces with straight hair.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Flat-iron for smoothness. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Bold, youthful style enthusiasts.

3. Long And Wavy Hairs

Long And Wavy Hairs Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Thick, jaw-length waves for fullness, elongating round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Tousle for volume. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Vibrant, bouncy wave lovers.

4. Bob with Side Swept Bangs

Bob with Side Swept Bangs Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Medium-length bob with wispy, uneven bangs, framing round faces elegantly.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Flirtatious, professional style seekers.

5. Short Bob

Short Bob Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Chin-length bob with a side fringe, adding movement for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a large round brush. (3) Style fringe to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Youthful, versatile style enthusiasts.

6. Pixie with Pompadour Bangs

Pixie with Pompadour Bangs Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Edgy pixie with buzzed sides and high pompadour bangs, slimming round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry bangs upward. (3) Style with fingers. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Bold, low-maintenance style lovers.

7. Salt and Pepper Pixie

Salt and Pepper Pixie Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Natural salt-and-pepper pixie, adding softness and texture for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply sea salt spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for texture. (3) Style with light hairspray. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Stylish, low-maintenance natural hair enthusiasts.

8. Pixie With Fringes

Pixie With Fringes Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Choppy pixie with jagged fringes, adding youthfulness for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style fringes with fingers. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks; fringes biweekly. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Fun, sophisticated style seekers.

9. Layered Bob with Front Bangs

Layered Bob with Front Bangs Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Textured bob with flipped-out ends and long bangs, slimming round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush, flipping ends out. (3) Style bangs over forehead. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Glamorous, face-slimming style lovers.

10. Short Curly Hair

Short Curly Hair Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Short, curly salt-and-pepper bob, adding elegance for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Scrunch for volume. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Sophisticated, low-maintenance curl enthusiasts.

11. Salt and Pepper Mohawk

Salt and Pepper Mohawk Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Bold mohawk with shaved sides and tall top, flattering round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply hair gel. (2) Blow-dry top upward with fingers. (3) Style for height. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Scalp oil massage [3].

  • Best For: Rebellious, standout style seekers.

12. Long Bob

Long Bob Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Angled lob with side-swept bangs below the shoulder, slimming round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to cover forehead. (4) Add shine serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Elegant, textured style lovers.

13. Long Wavy Hairstyle

Long Wavy Hairstyle Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Long, feathered waves with gray-black blend, elongating round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Twist into a bun or use a curler. (3) Diffuse for waves. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, youthful wave enthusiasts.

14. Shag Haircut

Shag Haircut Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Messy shag with feathered, uneven layers, ideal for round faces with thick or fine hair.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for messiness. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Trendy, unkempt style seekers.

15. Messy Bun

Messy Bun Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Light blonde messy bun with loose curls, slimming round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply hair serum. (2) Brush lightly for texture. (3) Pull into a loose bun. (4) Leave curls loose around face.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Youthful, effortless updo lovers.

16. Choppy Feathered Cut

Choppy Feathered Cut Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Feathered cut with sassy texture, covering collarline for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush or use a curler. (3) Style for volume. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Use Briogeo shampoo [3].

  • Best For: Full, vibrant style enthusiasts.

17. Angled Lob

Angled Lob Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Wavy lob with blunt, textured ends, perfect for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Add waves with a flat iron. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Professional, versatile style seekers.

18. Long Layered Cut

Long Layered Cut Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Long, seamless layers with side bangs, adding bounce for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Curl ends for movement. (4) Style bangs to one side.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [3].

  • Best For: Sophisticated, low-maintenance style lovers.

19. Layered Pixie Bob

Layered Pixie Bob Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Choppy pixie bob with dark roots and blonde ends, slimming round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for texture. (3) Style layers for volume. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5 weeks. Use rosemary oil [3].

  • Best For: Edgy, stylish look enthusiasts.

20. Curly Bob

Curly Bob Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Thick, curly bob with inward-tucked layers, adding volume for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Tuck layers with a round brush. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Bold, voluminous curl lovers.

21. Pixie with Front Bangs

Pixie with Front Bangs Hairstyles for women over 40

  • Description: Asymmetrical pixie with short back and long front bangs, sculpting round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style bangs to cover forehead. (4) Add light gel for hold.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition weekly [3].

  • Best For: Trendy, sculpted style seekers.

Case Study: Susan’s Curly Bob

Susan, 46, a teacher with thick, curly hair and a round face, chose a curly bob. “The layers and volume made my face look slimmer and hid my wrinkles,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a vibrant, low-maintenance look for her busy schedule.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Flat Hair: Blow-dry with Pureology Volume Mist and a round brush; avoid heavy products [3].

  • Frizz in Curls/Waves: Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly and diffuse on low heat; use anti-frizz serum [3].

  • Dry Scalp: Weekly rosemary oil massages; use sulfate-free shampoos, per Dr. Carter [3].

  • Split Ends: Trim every 4-8 weeks based on length; bangs biweekly if included.

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, hairstyles for women over 40 with round faces trend toward textured, voluminous cuts with eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture gaining popularity on Instagram [3]. “Asymmetrical cuts and side-swept bangs are key for slimming round faces,” Polko says [1]. Natural tones like salt-and-pepper, blonde with dark roots, and gray blends are trending, enhancing vibrancy and complementing mature skin tones.

Why These Hairstyles Shine

These 21 elegant hairstyles empower women over 40 with round faces to embrace slimming, youthful looks with minimal effort. From feathered bobs to long wavy cuts, each style elongates the face, adds volume, and suits active lifestyles. Explore guides on Best Volumizing Products for Round Faces or How to Style Bangs at Home for more tips.

About the Author:
Laura Polko is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist with 20+ years of experience, specializing in mature clients. Her precision cuts and eco-conscious styling create timeless, flattering looks. Follow her on Instagram @laurapolko.

References:

  • [1] Hair Adviser. (2025). 50 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 40 with Round Faces in 2025.

  • [2] Latest-Hairstyles. (2025). 35 Haircuts for Women Over 40 That Work for Round Faces.

  • [3] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 40 with Fine Hair.

About Jessica Hamilton


essica Hamilton is the visionary behind Expert Hairstylist. With over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, she has honed her craft as both a stylist and a creative director. Jessica’s passion for hairstyling is matched only by her commitment to helping others discover their best selves through their hair. When she’s not at the salon, Jessica enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring new hair trends.

    Jessica Hamilton