33 Chic Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 40

ByDiane Newell Last Updated

From sleek bobs that frame the face beautifully to layered cuts that add volume and movement, medium-length hairstyles for women over 40 are perfect for every preference and lifestyle.

I chose each mid-length hairstyle for its versatility, ease of maintenance, and ability to enhance your best features, ensuring you step out in confidence and style every day.

1. Textured Wavy Layered Bob

Textured Wavy Layered Bob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @canvassaloncbus

Soft waves and just a few layers make this bob look light and fluffy. The layers prevent the style from falling flat, adding natural volume. This cut works well for fine to medium hair, giving it more texture and bounce. If you love a playful, textured look, this is a great choice.

2. Angled Lob

Angled Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with highlighted brown hair.
Photo: @annas_hair_retreat

A sleek, angled lob brings sharp definition to your look. The front pieces gradually lengthen, creating a shape that is quite modern. This cut is perfect for straight or slightly wavy hair, as you can see the geometric lines of the cut well.

3. Shoulder-Length Long Bob for Thick Hair

Shoulder-Length Long Bob for Thick Hair hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, back view.
Photo: @vandavissalonwinston

This shoulder-length long bob is designed to complement thick hair by shaping it without sacrificing its natural body. The even length provides a sleek appearance while allowing the strands to move with plenty of dimension. A great choice for highlighting the fullness of thick hair.

4. Blunt Blonde Lob

Blunt Blonde Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, side view.
Photo: @vfratellehairandmakeup

A blunt lob creates a bold look that is eternally modern. The straight-across cut makes hair appear fuller and thicker, especially on finer textures. This style looks especially stunning in lighter shades, where the blunt ends create a sharp contrast.

5. Layered Flipped Bob

Layered Flipped Bob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, back view.
Photo: @hairbysteph18

Layers and a slight flip at the ends give this bob a bouncy finish. The cut creates natural volume and gives you some lift. A volumizing spray at the roots helps keep everything lifted throughout the day.

6. Glossy Wavy Lob

Glossy Wavy Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with auburn brown hair, side view.
Photo: @bailemor_salonspa

The deep shine of the flowing waves of this mid-length lob helps it stand out. This cut works well for medium to thick hair, helping it feel lighter. Whether styled with a curling wand or air-dried for a natural effect, this lob offers a stunning look in this vibrant auburn shade.

7. Layered Medium-Length Cut

Layered Medium-Length Cut hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with reddish-blonde hair, back view.
Photo: @hairby.susanmarie

Soft layers make this medium-length cut easy to style. The layers help remove weight while still keeping plenty of lift. If you have thick hair, this cut keeps it manageable without losing fullness.

8. Side-Parted Tousled Lob

Side-Parted Tousled Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair.
Photo: @prissyhippiebeautyshop

A deep side part gives this lob extra volume and movement. Achieve that tousled texture with a texturizing spray that helps bring out the waves, defining each strand while preventing them from falling flat. This technique also adds grip, making the style last longer without feeling stiff.

9. Highlighted Layered Lob

Highlighted Layers hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair and blonde highlights, from back.
Photo: @jenmortimerhair

Soft layers with highlights create a multi-tonal effect that looks natural and quite dimensional. The layers blend smoothly, giving the hair a flowing, lightweight feel. A blowout helps improve movement while keeping everything super smooth.

10. Feathered Highlighted Medium Layers

Feathered Highlighted Medium Layers hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @faith_hair_studio

Feathered layers have soft, blended highlights that add brightness to this medium-length style. This cut is perfect for adding softness and lift. Use a large round brush and a blow-dryer to help bring out the feathered effect while keeping it smooth.

11. Blonde Textured Wavy Lob

Blonde Textured Wavy Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, side view.
Photo: @vandavissalonwinston

Soft waves and layers make this lob (long bob) full of movement. The choppy ends keep it light, making it a great choice if you want a fresh feel. The layered cut allows for easy styling, whether you wear it tousled or sleek.

12. Voluminous Layered Blowout

Voluminous Layered Blowout hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @tellyscreations

Lush, full layers create this lovely bouncy blowout. This cut works so well on thick hair, giving it shape while keeping volume. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves big, soft waves.

13. Face-Framing Wavy Balayage

Face-Framing Wavy Balayage hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @emeraldcollectivesalon

Ombre highlights and flowing waves make this balayage lob look so natural. The color placement creates a natural gradient, with lighter tones concentrated around the face for a brightening effect. To get this look, ask your stylist for balayage with face-framing pieces and soft, blended waves on a blunt long bob.

14. Icy Blonde Straight Hair with Subtle Layers

Icy Blonde Straight Hair with Subtle Layers hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, back view.
Photo: @rachelraleigh.hair

A sleek, straight hairstyle with icy blonde tones is simple but always in style. The subtle layers at the ends prevent it from looking too heavy while maintaining a wispy, clean shape. This cut works best on straight hair but can be achieved with a good blowout for wavier textures.

15. Soft Tousled Waves

Soft Tousled Waves hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with light brown hair.
Photo: @citiesbesthairartists

Want a voluminous yet modern look? Loose, flowing waves give this style a chic finish. The layers add movement, making the hair feel light and bouncy. (Don’t forget to use a texturizing spray to create the perfect tousled effect.)

16. Wavy Blunt Bob

Wavy Blunt Bob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @salonpure.kenosha

A blunt bob with soft waves gives the perfect balance of sleekness and texture. The sharp ends create a modern shape, with waves that keep it light and playful. This cut works well for fine to medium hair, giving it more fullness and movement. (And it looks great with glasses, too.)

17. Textured Waves

Textured Waves hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, side view.
Photo: @lisannesmits_haircolorist

Soft, messy waves give movement to this style, keeping it casual. A deep side part adds extra volume and can give you some lift at the crown. The darker roots not only add depth but also make regrowth less noticeable.

18. Blunt Shoulder-Length Cut

Blunt Shoulder-Length Cut hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with frosted brown hair, back view.
Photo: @hair_by_irene_

A sharp, blunt cut at the shoulders gives this style a sleek feel. The lack of layers makes the slightly flipped ends appear fuller, perfect for women with fine hair. This style is relatively low-maintenance, requiring just a simple blowout or flat iron to keep it sharp.

19. Layered Side-Swept Lob

Layered Side-Swept Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @boiseblondologist

This lob features soft layers and a deep side part for a full, voluminous shape. The layers create movement, keeping the hair from looking too heavy and giving it a bit of a “style.” It’s an easy, flattering look that works for most hair types.

20. Sleek Copper Lob

Sleek Copper Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with copper red hair, side view.
Photo: @floriii789

A smooth, glossy lob with warm copper tones gives this style a vibrant look. The sharp edges create a crisp finish while keeping the hair looking thick. Regular trims will keep the shape fresh and structured.

21. Tousled Blonde Bob With Soft Waves

Tousled Blonde Bob With Soft Waves hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, back view.
Photo: @arcuthi_arcuthe

This short bob features soft, tousled waves that give it a relaxed look. Blunt ends give you a modern feel. The subtle blonde highlights add brightness, giving the hair a natural effect like you’ve spent the summer at the beach.

22. Feathered Layered Bob With Volume

Feathered Layered Bob With Volume hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with highlighted brown hair, side view.
Photo: @kyravister

This feathered bob is full of movement, with airy layers that create a voluminous effect. The light, face-framing layers soften the shape, making it flattering from every angle. The ends are slightly flipped outward, adding a stylish touch.

23. Shoulder-Length Waves With Dimensional Highlights

Shoulder-Length Waves With Dimensional Highlights hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, back view.
Photo: @studioy_calgary

These shoulder-length waves bring softness and movement to medium-length hair, making it look professionally styled. The dimensional highlights create contrast, brightening the strands. The waves are loose and relaxed, accentuating the cut with added volume and shape.

24. Choppy Layered Shag With Fringe

Choppy Layered Shag With Fringe hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair.
Photo: @breeze.salons

This shaggy layered cut is full of texture with choppy layers. The fringe is slightly wispy, blending with the feathered layers around the face. Lighter ends amplify the texture, creating movement and depth throughout the taper.

25. Straight Layered Lob With Side Part

Straight Layered Lob With Side Part hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair and glasses, side view.
Photo: @beautiesbybrelyn

This sleek lob features soft layers that add movement without taking away from its shape. Subtle highlights weave through the layers, adding brightness and dimension to the natural base shade. A blowout with a round brush and smoothing cream gives you that silky finish.

26. Blunt Wavy Lob With Balayage

Blunt Wavy Lob With Balayage hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with highlighted brown hair, side view.
Photo: @hairbyjudyson

This blunt lob combines precise cutting with big, soft waves. The balayage highlights blend from the roots to the ends, adding depth and brightness throughout the strands. The blunt edges provide a bold contrast to the tousled waves, giving the cut a fresh appeal.

27. Piecey Blunt Bob With Waves

Piecey Blunt Bob With Waves hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, side view.
Photo: @fratellehairandmakeup

This blunt bob features piecey, well-defined waves that add texture and volume to the cut. The precise, straight-across ends contrast with the tousled waves, creating a striking balance. Cool-toned highlights subtly enhance the layers, giving the hair a dimensional effect.

28. Ombre Waves

Ombre Waves hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown and copper ombre hair, back view.
Photo: @800mainsalon

This wavy lob features a stunning ombre effect that transitions from a deep, rich dark brwon base to warm, golden coppery ends. The soft waves amplify the dimension, creating a natural-looking blend. The shoulder-length cut keeps it fresh and versatile.

29. Side-Parted Feathery Layers

Side-Parted Feathery Layers hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with gray hair looking down.
Photo: @janet.atmosphere

This layered bob is styled with a deep side part, adding easy volume and movement. The feathery layers create a lifted, airy texture that boosts the natural shape of the cut. The blend of highlights and lowlights adds depth, giving the hair a vibrant and dimensional look.

30. Curled Blonde Hair With Lowlights

Curled Blonde Hair With Lowlights hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with blonde hair, side view.
Photo: @hairbymalissa_

This curled blonde style features soft, defined curls that add bounce and shape to the hair. The addition of subtle lowlights puts depth and contrast on display, making the blonde color appear multi-dimensional. The curls finish the look, creating volume and texture.

31. Feathery Auburn Layers

Feathery Auburn Layers hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with auburn brown hair, back view.
Photo: @elitehairlounge

This auburn layered cut features soft, feathery ends that add movement and a wispy finish. The rich auburn shade enhances warmth, creating a dimensional effect. The subtle layering throughout the hair keeps it voluminous.

32. Balayage Waves

Balayage Waves hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @trendpittsburghsalon

This wavy lob is highlighted with a subtle balayage that blends with the natural base. The waves add texture, making the style appear full and dimensional. The medium-length cut is easy to style and wear daily.

33. Curled Lob

Curled Lob hairstyle on a woman in her 40s with brown hair, side view.
Photo: @hairbybeccaxox

This lob features soft curls that add bounce with fullness The shape is clean and polished, with a slightly rounded effect that helps add volume. The rich, dark brown shade enhances the shine and definition of the curls.

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