7 Age-Defying Haircuts That Can Make You Look Younger After 40: Shag, More

If you’ve thought to yourself on more than one occasion: I need a change — to my hair — these tips are for you. It’s easy to become stuck in a rut with our hair and appearance and to not be sure in which direction to turn first when seeking a change. If you’re over 40 or 50, the decision to change your hair may be complicated by changes happening to your hair as a result of pre-menopause or menopause. You may be dealing with thinning hair or even shedding . Your hair could be dryer than ever before and you’re struggling to find a style that looks chic and makes the most of your hair type.

This is where the help of a great stylist who knows the best styles for mature women comes in handy.

If you’re over 40 and want to try a new haircut on for size, these seven are stylists’ favorites.

1. Bixie

It can be difficult to device between two haircuts that are celebrated for their ability to make the most of mature hair: the pixie and the bob. The bixie is a cross between the two — it’s a long pixie with pieces that can extend to the chin (like a bob). But it retains the shorter-all-around shape of the pixie, giving you the best of both worlds.

2. Blunt Lob

The blunt ends of this haircut give thinning hair the appearance of more bulk, which creates a more voluminous look. The lob length reaches the collarbone, providing a bit more length if you aren’t ready or willing to go much shorter than that. It won’t drag your face down and can be worn straight, wavy, or curly — it looks great with a variety of textures.

3. Pixie With Volume

When you’re asking for the classic short-all-around pixie, request a bit more length on top. This will allow you to style your hair with more volume, which is perfect for thinning or fine hair.

4. Side-Swept Bangs and Collarbone Length

The one-two punch of side-swept bangs that meet up with the other layers of your hair and end at the collarbone looks great on mature women because it’s shorter enough to provide the face a lift, while adding style via noncommittal longer bangs. Adding a few highlights or balayage to the front of the hair will also help this cut pop.

5. Blunt Bob

A blunt bob has the same shape as the blunt lob, with ends that appear thicker, but it’s cut to the chin. If you find this cut falls too flat at the roots, ask your stylist to add a few long layers throughout for movement.

6. Shag

The shag is a ‘70s-inspired haircut with lots of shorter layers along the sides and back. The cut is especially enhanced by wavy and curly hair types and keeping the cut to your shoulders or above it helps ensure it looks thick and healthy.

7. Medium Haircut With Layers

Drastic change isn’t for everyone — and you may not be interested in cutting your hair super short at this time or adding a lot of layers to it. But one cut that is universally flattering and works beautifully on mature women is a medium haircut with long layers. A shoulder-length cut isn’t too long or too short, and face-framing layers give it movement and help define your facial features.