16 Stylish Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 40 in 2025: Vibrant, Low-Maintenance Looks

October 28, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

Smiling woman with shoulder-length, wavy hairstyle, wearing a black shirt, stands in front of a blurred background indoors.

Wavy hair offers endless styling possibilities for women over 40, enhancing natural texture and adding volume with minimal effort. “Wavy cuts are perfect for creating movement and a youthful vibe,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 16 wavy hairstyles is tailored for women over 40, featuring short, medium, and long styles that highlight waves and complement various face shapes. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape compatibility to boost confidence and style.

Why These Wavy Hairstyles Shine

These hairstyles enhance wavy hair’s natural texture, add volume, and require minimal styling, making them ideal for busy lifestyles. “Textured cuts amplify waves and create fullness,” Polko explains [1]. Aligned with 2025’s focus on eco-friendly products, natural tones, and versatile looks, these styles suit fine to thick hair, as seen in client stories like Emily’s wavy wedge transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for soft layers or razors for textured ends. “Cuts should enhance wave patterns and frame the face,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like SheaMoisture Curl Cream for definition, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for texture, or Pureology Volume Mist for lift. Air-dry for natural waves, use a diffuser for definition, or a curling iron for structured 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 [2].

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce frizz and breakage.

Top 16 Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 40 in 2025

Case Study: Emily’s Wavy Wedge Transformation

Emily, 43, a marketing director with medium, wavy hair, chose a wavy wedge. “The graduated layers make my waves pop and styling is so easy,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a romantic, low-maintenance look for her oval face.

1. Wavy Wedge

Wavy Wedge Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Graduated wedge cut with longer top layers, highlighting waves for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style swept to side or tousled. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Romantic, versatile style seekers.

2. Face-Framing Layers

Face-Framing Layers Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Long, one-length cut with face-framing layers, adding flair for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style layers to frame face. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Sensual, voluminous style lovers.

3. Cheek-length Bob

Cheek-length Bob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Chin-length bob with razored ends, preventing bulk for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or blow-dry with fingers. (3) Scrunch for waves. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Trendy, lightweight style enthusiasts.

4. Textured Shoulder-Length Lob

Textured Shoulder-Length Lob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Blunt lob with textured waves, versatile for fine to medium hair and square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add matte texturizing spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Playful, sleek style seekers.

5. Asymmetric Bob

Asymmetric Bob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Slightly asymmetrical bob with waves, adding drama for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style for high-low effect. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Bold, chic style lovers.

6. Tapered Bangs

Tapered Bangs Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Face-framing fringe with tapered sides, complementing any wavy cut for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light styling cream. (2) Blow-dry bangs to taper sides. (3) Style for casual look. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, casual style enthusiasts.

7. Long Layers

Long Layers Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Long cut with layers, adding movement without sacrificing length for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Briogeo Shine Serum. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style layers for dimension. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 8 weeks. Use hydrating serum [2].

  • Best For: Dimensional, long-hair lovers.

8. Blunt Cut

Blunt Cut Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: One-length cut with no layers, creating thicker appearance for fine, wavy hair and oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Air-dry or blow-dry with a flat brush. (3) Scrunch for waves. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, full-looking style seekers.

9. Long Shag Cut

Long Shag Cut Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Long shag with feathered bangs, enhancing waves for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style bangs loosely. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Trendy, textured style enthusiasts.

10. Long Layered Lob

Long Layered Lob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Collarbone-length lob with choppy layers and balayage, adding volume for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Scrunch for texture. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Use color-safe shampoo [2].

  • Best For: Sun-kissed, voluminous style lovers.

11. Blunt Lob

Blunt Lob Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Jaw-to-collarbone lob with blunt ends, maximizing volume for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Scrunch for waves. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

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

12. Classic Shag

Classic Shag Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Shoulder-length shag with choppy layers, enhancing waves for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Retro, tousled style enthusiasts.

13. Ear-Grazing Pixie

Ear-Grazing Pixie Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Pixie with long bangs and warm blonde tones, highlighting waves for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light styling cream. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Curl bangs lightly. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Use color-safe shampoo [2].

  • Best For: Bold, vibrant style lovers.

14. Feather Cut

Feather Cut Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: ’70s-inspired cut with razored, feathered layers, adding dimension for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Style layers to frame face. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Soft, cascading style seekers.

15. Swept Back Hairstyle

Swept Back Hairstyle Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Tapered, feathered cut with waves, ideal for quick styling and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Sweep back with hands. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Effortless, textured style enthusiasts.

16. Long Layered Waves

Long Layered Waves Wavy Hairstyles For Women Over 40

  • Description: Long cut with soft layers, adding movement for fine hair and oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Air-dry or diffuse for waves. (3) Scrunch for volume. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Structured, voluminous style lovers.

Case Study: Rachel’s Long Layered Lob

Rachel, 41, an architect with thick, wavy hair, chose a long layered lob. “The balayage and layers make my hair look vibrant and full,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a sun-kissed, low-maintenance look for her square face.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Frizz in Waves: Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly and air-dry or diffuse on low heat; use anti-frizz serum [2].

  • Flat Hair: Blow-dry with Pureology Volume Mist and a round brush; use volumizing spray at roots [2].

  • Dry Scalp: Weekly rosemary oil massages; use sulfate-free shampoos, per Dr. Carter [2].

  • Color Fading: Wash less frequently with cold water; use color-safe products like Briogeo [2].

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, wavy hairstyles trend toward textured lobs, shags, and pixies with eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture, popular on Instagram [2]. “Wavy cuts with balayage or natural tones add vibrancy and ease,” Polko says [1]. Asymmetric bobs and feather cuts are trending for their bold yet manageable appeal, per creativebooster.net [3].

Why These Wavy Hairstyles Shine

These 16 wavy hairstyles empower women over 40 to embrace stylish, low-maintenance looks that enhance natural waves and add volume. From wavy wedges to long layered lobs, each style offers versatility and flair. Explore guides on Best Products for Wavy Hair or How to Style Wavy Hair at Home for more tips.

References:

  • [1] Hair Adviser. (2025). 50 Stylish Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 40 in 2025.

  • [2] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 40.

  • [3] creativebooster.net. (2025). 27 Stunning Wavy Hairstyles for Women Over 40 in 2025.

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