5 Short Summer Hairstyles To Keep You Cool & Stylish For Women In Their 40s And 50s

Summer is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to spruce up your look with a chic and refined haircut that accentuates your best features. If you’re 40 and in search of a fresh new ‘do for the warmer months, we’ve got you covered with a curated collection of five sophisticated and trendy pixie and bob hairstyles , all inspired by some of the most fashionable stars out there.

No matter if you’re a fan of layered or voluminous styles, these expertly chosen options address common hair woes like thinning and loss, while simultaneously providing fullness and volume to fine hair. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera , celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites and Ghanima Abdullah , hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.

5 Chic Summer Bob And Pixie Haircuts For Women Over 40

1. Asymmetrical Bob

A textured asymmetrical bob (or longer bob as seen here on Charlize Theron) is a "terrific choice" for "mature beauties," Rivera explains, since it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says. "Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal ."

When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well." Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."

2. Pixie With Sideswept Bangs

One specific short 'do that can highlight your eyes, cheekbones, and face shape is a pixie cut with side-swept bangs . "Ever seen a pixie cut where the bangs steal all the attention? This is what you're after: long, side-swept bangs," Abdullah explains. Robin Wright's look above is a great example.

"The rest of your hair should be piece-y and angled. She adds that "the cut should swirl around your head to hide hair loss." Abdullah stresses that a pixie cut with layers still maintains volume that is both gorgeous and easy to manage. That way you can give off an effortlessly chic look!

3. Layered Pixie With Deep Side Part

Halle Berry is a clear fan of a great voluminous pixie-inspired bob and Abdullah notes that it's a timeless, tried-and-true style for many reasons. "As we age, our hair tends to thin and dull so regular trims, a fun cut, [and] maybe some fresh color and glossing treatments, are great ways to maintain a youthful look," Abdullah explains.

She stresses that a bob like this with layers is one of the best ways to draw more attention to your face, while also maintaining locks that are easy to manage, and give off an effortless look. "Ask your stylist about the amount and placement of layers that will help create volume and body in your hair," she says. "Tell them you would like to create more volume."

4. Layered, Wavy Bob with Wispy Bangs

For this volume-boosting style, you can ask your stylist to cut your tresses into a bouncy, chin-length bob first, and then add face-framing layers. Next, Will suggests bringing wispy fringe to this ‘do for not only a more youthful look overall, but also to hide any signs of thinning or hair loss at the crown.

"This hairstyle is perfect for women over 40," she says, adding that it will "help hide their forehead [and any signs of wrinkling or natural aging] to look younger." It is "suitable for women who have thick hair, as well as thin," she explains.

As this cut features bangs that can be worn down (as Selena Gomez does) or parted in the center, it naturally has a symmetry-promoting effect that emphasizes your eyes and cheekbones.

5. Pixie With Wispy Fringe

Another flattering touch to a great pixie is wispy bangs, Abdullah says. This cut, which requires face-framing, longer fringe parted down the center, "flatters just about any face at any age," according to Abdullah. These bangs, as seen on Anne Hathaway, she explains, "neatly frame the face while drawing attention away from serious aging signs."

Rivera adds that these bangs can "also detract from the appearance of fine or limp hair and can add dimension toa style." She also notes that they "can be styled in a variety of ways which can lead to the hair appearing fuller."

The more you know!