Summer Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Long days, relaxing walks on the beach, bronzed skin and hot afternoons spent with family and friends… summer mood is definitely ON! If you feel that a makeover is long overdue, now’s the perfect time to do it – and we’ve just narrowed down the trendiest hairstyles out there for ladies over 40, 50 and 60. Fun and flirty, effortless and easy to maintain, not to mention fresh and cool for the hot season ahead!

The Long Bob

Also known as the ‘lob’ do, this hairstyle looks amazing at any age. Versatile, easy to wear and basically fuss-free year-round, the long bob is a top choice when it comes to hairstyles that require minimal maintenance while still keeping your locks on the longer side (and not completely abandoning messy ponytails). If you’re tempted to try it, just mention to your hairstylist that you are looking for a bob cut that gently touches your shoulders. To maintain your new do, simply use a large round brush and blow-dry your hair while trying to achieve more volume at the crown.

The Short & Shaggy Cut

Going short is always a great choice for summer, since it makes those ultra-hot and sunny days much more bearable – and therefore, those long lunches by the beach much more enjoyable. And what better hairstyle out there to inspire you to bravely ask your hairstylist for a shorter cut than a fun and shaggy style à la Jane Fonda? Opt for this choppy hairdo and bring out your gorgeous features with the help of shorter layers around your face. To style your new do, flip the ends of your layers outwards, using a strong texturing gel.

The Choppy Bob with Side Bangs

This universally flattering hairstyle (hello, longer neck!) is a modern twist to the sleek and polished bob do and has the power to take years off your face. Forget perfectly rigid locks and opt for a fun and choppy do instead, with a sexy layered side fringe for extra volume and movement. To get this look, ask your hairstylist to do the cut on dry hair in order to achieve that effortless vibe that defines this trendy look. Perfect for your days at the beach, where the only styling product you’ll need is… salty water!

Loose Waves

Ahead of the hot season, forget all about rigid hairstyles that lack movement and require an overload of styling products – just go fresh and natural instead, while opting for sophisticated age-appropriate styles. If you’re not ready to commit to a shorter do just yet, then embrace your long locks and style them in loose, cascading waves. As the more demure alternative to messy beach waves, loose locks carry the same effortless vibe and charm, perfect for the hottest season. If you have naturally wavy hair, then definitely embrace it and experiment with air drying instead of using heat. But even if your hair is totally straight, you can easily achieve this look with a thick curling iron and hairspray.

The Half Updo

Regardless of age and season, this flattering hairstyle is a classic. Whether you’re rocking medium or long hair, this hairdo can definitely be a staple of your summer look, since it’s versatile and easy to achieve. Perfect for all face shapes and ideal for thick to medium hair, this look only requires blow-drying your hair with a large round brush for extra volume on top and a pretty little pin or clip for the back. Optionally, use a curling iron to achieve a few soft and glamorous locks, if you’re getting ready for a dinner party or cocktail.

Retro Curls with a Deep Side Part

While you might not wear this next hairstyle when visiting the farmers market on Sunday mornings, your summery look arsenal needs a few fancier options for all those sophisticated events. And this next look is a definite must-try. Perfect for medium to short hair, retro locks can be achieved with a thin curling iron and the mandatory serums for extra glow. Pair retro curls with a deep side part in order to capture the authentic beauty of old glam – next, grab your strappy heels and your sequined dress and rock the night!

The Short Cropped Cut with Highlights

Long locks, be gone! If you’re ready to face the hot season with a modern cropped do, then look no further – this flattering hairstyle suits all face shapes perfectly and it’s a breeze to maintain. To achieve this fresh look, ask for side swept bangs and a cropped short cut – and, to add in more dimension and sheen, say YES to highlights in cool ashy tones or platinum blonde. Next, grab your sundress, your sparkly earrings and your aviator shades and you’re ready to go!

Voluminous Locks for Thick Hair

Seductive, full of movement, feminine and flirty… one of the sexiest hairstyles on our list, for sure – meet the voluminous locks for thick hair! Be a bombshell in your 40s, 50s and 60s and go all in on volume, volume and… more volume. If you’re the happy owner of thick locks, then we decided: you need this hairstyle in your life this summer.  Part your hair in the middle, opt for swept soft bangs on each side and go wild with your curling iron!

The Asymmetrical Bob

Ever wanted to try out a pixie cut, but didn’t muster the courage and went for a bob instead? Well, this next do has them both. If you are looking for an edgier hairstyle, what better time to try it than during the hot season? And if you thought that ladies in their 40s, 50s or 60s can’t pull off asymmetrical hairstyles, this bob + pixie combo look over here will certainly change your mind. This cool mom (or cool grandma!) style comes with a cropped back and a slightly longer length in the front… the perfect match for your summery shift frocks.

The Sophisticated Ponytail

Ponytails are definitely not only suitable for women in their 20s and 30s – and if you’re a fan of this utterly feminine hairstyle, there’s no reason for you not to try a slightly more demure version for those summer dinner parties.  To start out, use a comb to back brush your hair in order to add volume on top. Next, grab your hair in a high ponytail, secure it with a rubber band, then camouflage the band with your own hair and a hair pin. Opt for a short mid-part in the front and opt for side swept bangs on each side, in true 70s style fashion.

The Top Tied Messy Bun

Messy buns in your 40s, 50s and 60s? We say YES! Summer calls for less strict hairstyles that carry a little bit of romance, while looking flirty and effortless at the same time. To achieve a slightly more mature version of the messy bun, follow Catherine Zeta Jones and prep your locks by using a curler before pulling your hair up in a bun – this way, the results will look more demure and suitable for a wide range of occasions… not to mention, any age!

The Slicked Back Do

Keeping cool this summer will probably be a challenge, especially when visiting exotic locations or holidaying in dreamy destinations. And if some of these occasions require letting your hair down, we’ve got just the style that combines comfort with the latest trends: the slicked back do. Every celebrity out there, from the youngsters like Kendall Jenner to the most beloved actresses like Meryl Streep are rocking this look at the moment. Go the Jennifer Lopez route and opt for this edgy style that you can achieve easily: just with a substantial amount of styling mouse.

The Edgy Pixie Cut

Some love it, some hate it, but no hairstyle list is ever complete without the classic pixie cut – or, in our case, the edgy pixie cut. Spikey, modern, tall and… short! If you haven’t considered chopping off your long locks and going short for a change, this hairstyle might just change your mind. Halle Berry rocked it for years, and its popularity transformed the actress into a true trendsetter. Now it’s your turn to turn heads with this fresh new do that will, most likely, make you look 10 years younger.

The Angled Bob for Fine Hair

Whether you hair is on the shorter side or medium length, opting for an angled bob can give you a complete makeover. Go for a chin-length do if you are planning to keep your hair straight all summer long or a longer bob do with extra movement and slopes down below your shoulders. While this hairstyle certainly fits all hair types, the ladies who have fine, thin hair will absolutely fall in love with this fresh look. Optionally, you can request even more volume using the stack technique, meaning adding layers for an extra bump in the back.

The Low Side Bun

Whether you’re attending an August wedding, having lunch with friends or going wine tasting, this next hairstyle is always a flawlessly stylish choice. Our number one hairstyle for ladies over 40 this summer: the low side bun! Regardless if you’re opting for a sleek version or for its messier cousin, with or without fringe or side bangs and with our without additional curling, this feminine, yet modern hairstyle simply can’t go wrong, regardless of the occasion. Pair it with your pearly earrings and delicate jewelry for an extra touch of glow.