Once you hit 40, you might be unsure of what to do with your hair. Leaving your 30s is a great opportunity for change and introspection, and changing your hairstyle is one of the best ways to outwardly show how much you've grown. It shows that you've grown and learned more about your likes and dislikes. After all, many people over 40 aren't as obsessed with trends and fads, instead focusing more on cuts, colors, and styles that suit their busy lifestyles. There's also the fact that your hair and its needs change as you age. Aging can cause hair loss and thinning, and of course, over time your hair will lose pigment and turn gray. But how can you reflect these changes in your hair while still looking stylish?
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Hairstyle advice for people in their 30s doesn't necessarily apply anymore (though there's nothing wrong with maintaining a style that suits you), so instead, one of the best ways to get inspiration is to look at others who are making similar hairstyle changes. There are plenty of celebs with amazing style in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond who prove there's more than one way to look great in your 30s and beyond. From Julia Roberts' super long locks to Lupita Nyong'o's short haircuts and just about everything in between, there's a style that's perfect for you.
Tia Mowry
If you follow Tia Mowry on social media, you know that this “The Game” actress loves to switch up her hairstyles. She's shown off some really glamorous and intricate styles. We absolutely loved seeing her with her natural curls center-parted in a March 2023 Instagram post. The volume in her hair is so fun and youthful, and the short cut makes it easy to manage for anyone in their 40s, 50s, and older who leads super-busy lives. Perfect salon inspiration!
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Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts has rocked a number of iconic hairstyles over the years, but our favorite of this beauty is her super flattering long hair with full bangs. The length lends an overall youthful look, and the bangs are perfect for hiding unwanted blemishes and fine lines and wrinkles that can come with age. The color is also great, as the golden undertones flatter a variety of skin tones.
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Carrie Underwood
Who says you can't have long hair in your 40s? Carrie Underwood is proof that you don't have to go short this decade. Her trademark voluminous blonde waves look super youthful, and the curtain bangs on either side of her face help frame her face, making it look slimmer. To recreate Underwood's look, keep in mind that you might need to use some extensions for volume; long hair can be notoriously heavy and prone to flattening.
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Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian has certainly sported some seriously iconic hairstyles over the years, but our favorite is her sleek dark bob. The style is super flattering because it doesn't get in the way of the reality star's petite frame. It's also easy to maintain, making it a good choice for someone who has a lot going for them in life. Kardashian typically wears her bob with a center part, which is actually a super modern way to rock your hair (you can find out whether a side or center part is right for you here).
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Gabrielle Union
Another celeb with a great hairstyle worth recreating is Gabrielle Union. The star has changed up her look quite a bit over the years, but the box braid style is one of her most flattering looks. In this style, Union keeps her hair at its natural length and wears it half up, half down, which is absolutely gorgeous. Box braids take time to create, but once you've got it done, they're easier to manage than styling your hair every day if you have naturally curled and textured hair. They're perfect for people over 40 who don't want to bother with styling their hair every day.
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Jennifer Lopez
When Jennifer Lopez debuted this stylish lob, it quickly became one of her top hairstyles. This elegant cut is perfect for those who don't want to go super short, but still want a manageable length. This length also makes it easy to create volume at the roots, which Jennifer Lopez achieved with a deep side part. We also love the caramel color of Lopez's hair. Highlights on brunette hair can brighten your hair without having to dye it all. If you have thinning hair, they can be damaging or not ideal.
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Heidi Klum
We can't get enough of Heidi Klum's deep side-parted bangs. This side-swept version is one of the supermodel's best looks, in our opinion. Like full bangs, this style is perfect for those who want to frame the face and put the focus on the eyes instead of the forehead. The longer side bangs also help those who want to camouflage the crow's feet look that many people suffer from after the age of 40. Swept over the eyes can look very flattering.
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Garcelle Beauvais
Garcelle Beauvais is undoubtedly one of the most stylish and talented Real Housewives stars, and we were thrilled when she transformed into a super chic red bob. Beauvais made a statement by opting for the flip bob trend that Gigi Hadid is rocking. This dark red hue is a flattering way to be different and make a statement without looking too unconventional, even in your 30s.
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Constance Wu
Sometimes, blunt bangs can be truly rejuvenating. Constance Wu shows us why full bangs have such a reputation for flattering a hairstyle. Her natural dark hair matches her skin tone perfectly, and her voluminous bob with imperfect bangs feels effortless and fresh, because it's imperfect.
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Lupita Nyong'o
Ready to go super short? Then let Lupita Nyong'o be your salon inspiration! The actress has stunning hair, and her take on the 2023 trendy velvet crop is especially beautiful. Cutting your hair this short can be intimidating, especially if you're in your 40s and have never gone that short before, but Lupita Nyong'o proves how striking and flattering it can be. Nyong'o puts her own unique twist on the short hairstyle by adding a deep side part.
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