24 Simple Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 40

Many women believe that curly hair becomes more difficult to handle as they reach their 40s. However, your curly tresses can be tamed and made stylish easily with the right hairstyles. In this article, we have curated a list of the top curly hairstyles for women over 40, just for you!

Before You Get Started

• Use Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before curling your hair to prevent heat damage and breakage.
• Experiment With Colors: Colors can draw attention to your curls and make the ringlets and waves pop. You can choose between a balayage and an ombre for a cohesive look.
• Use Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner after styling your curls to keep them bouncy all day long.
• Use Setting Spray: Use a medium-hold spray after styling to maintain the curl definition. Also, medium-hold sprays allow you to adjust the hairstyle.
• Nourish With Oils: Remember to oil your hair weekly to strengthen and moisturize it, as styling products and heat tools can dry and damage your locks.

A grave misconception floating around is that once a woman reaches her 40s, she stops caring about her looks. But in reality, women become more confident in who they are and what they want as they grow older. And this reflects how they dress and style their hair. But women with curly hair may think it is better to straighten their hair to manage it. Or maybe they feel their curls are not as beautiful as they were when they were younger. Therefore, it is time to change and embrace your stunning curls! Explore the various ways you can style your wild curls based on your face shape. And if you do not have curly hair, there’s something for you too. Keep reading to know how to curl your hair using a flat iron, curling iron, or a blow dryer.

How To Curl Your Hair Using A Curling Iron

What You Need

• Heat protectant
• Curling iron (in the size of your choice of curl)
• Hair spray (optional)

Paul Labrecque, a master stylist with over 25 years of experience, suggests, “With an iron that’s a wand, I suggest using a heat-protective glove, too. It can get too hot depending on how long you’re using it, and you can burn your fingers. When it comes to choosing a curling iron, opt for spring irons as they have a cool place to hold on each end and are the safest for anyone.”

How To Style

1. When using any heat styling device on your hair, it is imperative that you use a heat protectant on it to protect it from getting damaged. Heat protectant can be in the form of a serum or a spray.
2. Start by picking up a 1 to 2 inch section of hair. Don’t go for sections any bigger than that; otherwise, your curls will not have much definition.
3. Wrap this section of hair around your curling iron for 15-20 seconds to create your curl.
4. Repeat these steps until you have curled all your hair.
5. Shake out your curls with your hands if you want them to look more natural.
6. Spritz on some hair spray if you have a long day ahead of you and don’t want your curls to unravel.
7. If you want to create a shaggy/messy/texturized curls look, simply spritz on some texturizing spray all over your curls and run a hair brush through them.

Quick Tip

If you have fine hair, you should keep the curling iron temperature below 300℉. For those
with thick and coarse hair, the right temperature ranges between 350 to 450℉.

How To Create Big Voluminous Curls Using A Blowdryer

What You Need

• Volumizing mousse
• Round Brush
• Blowdryer
• Smoothening serum

How To Style

1. Start off by applying a dollop of mousse all over your washed, wet hair. This will give your hair tons of volume.
2. Start by blowdrying your hair while just brushing it down.
3. Once your hair is semi-dry and somewhat straight, start rolling individual sections of your hair around the round brush from the ends up and then blow dry them to create big curls.
4. Shake out your curls to give them more volume and apply some smoothening serum to get rid of any frizz.

How To Curl Your Hair Using A Flat Iron

What You Need

• Heat protectant
• Flat iron

Master stylist Paul Labrecque says, “When curling with a straight iron, you have to make sure you choose the right straightening iron. It should be thin and the blades of the iron should be movable so no ridges are made on your hair. Those with super curly hair should avoid all heating devices and be left to dry more naturally and slowly.”

How To Style

1. Prep your hair with some heat protectant.
2. Pick up a 2 inch section of hair.
3. Clamp down your flat iron about a third of the way down from your roots.
4. Start twisting the flat iron away from your face so that the section of hair starts wrapping around it.
5. Keep twisting your flat iron slowly so that your hair gets ample time to get curled.
6. Keep twisting it until it has reached the end of the section of your hair and your curled hair naturally falls out of it.
7. Repeat this process until you’ve curled all your hair.

Which Type Of Curls You Should Go For Based On Your Face Shape

The shape of your face plays a huge role in determining how your curly hair will look on you. Since there are a variety of curly hair styles that you can go for, it’s important that you pick one that will suit your face shape. Big blowdried curls done on layered hair work perfectly for round faces as they add more definition to your facial structure. For oval and oblong face shapes, tightly coiled kinky curls work beautifully as they add tons of volume around the faces and give them a softer look. Any kind of curly hair parted and swept to one side is perfect for anyone with a square-shaped face. People with diamond and heart face shapes are those lucky ones who can carry off any and all curly hairstyles with elan. Labrecque says, “Long narrow faces don’t do well with curls. The width of curls and waves can make the entire narrow face disappear.”

Well, now that you know how to curl your hair and which type of curls work best with your face shape, let’s dive into the best curly hairstyles that you will find on every top trends list and can be easily sported if you are over 40!

24 Glamorous Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 40

1. Messy Curly Bun

Switch up your entire look by simply going for a messy bun. Just the hairdo that will make it difficult for people to take their eyes off you. It’s playful and can be made in a few minutes. So, the next time you are running late, you know which hairdo to opt for.

2. Long Layered Curls

Cascading curls with layers are a match made in heaven! These voluminous locks look glamorous and subtle at the same time. You can finish off your look with a shine spray to get those luminous curls.

3. Shaggy Red Headed Bob

Now that you’ve hit your 40s and have a bit of time for yourself, why not shake things up a bit and have fun? This shaggy bob with texturized curls looks uber cool all by itself. But get your hair colored in a bright red shade to infuse some funk into your look.

4. Texturized Spiral Curls On Medium Length Hair

Imagine yourself frolicking in a meadow, wearing a long flowy dress and some wild flowers in your hair. This is the kind of curly hairstyle that would fit in that fantasy perfectly. These big spiral curls (achieved easily with the help of a curling iron and some texturizing spray) look their gorgeous best when done on medium or long hair.

Len shares a ton of personal experiences on her blog, where, during a curly haircut session, she reflects, “I was already experimenting with using larger amounts of gel and more hard hold gels, and I will definitely keep experimenting with that even more. I just need to find the right balance between enough hold and softer curls (i).”

5. Messy Curls On Layered Long Bob

Get back to your 70s’ groove with this messy style that will channel your youth. The key to a good curly style lies in its layering. Layered haircuts make curls look super defined the way no other cut can. So, try out this layered long bob style with messy curls and bangs to feel young and fresh once again.

6. Kinky Curls With Subtle Highlights

Kinky curls have an appeal of their own that no other kind of curls can match. So, whip out that curling iron of yours (or maybe try out this technique that involves chopsticks?) to give your short bob a kinky twist. Complete your hair transformation with some subtle light brown highlights to give your hair that perfect sun-kissed look.

7. Curly Cropped Bob With Cropped Bangs

Gone are the days when long hair was the only suitable hairstyle for a woman. It’s time to break that barrier and experiment with some unconventional styles, don’t you think? So check out this ultra-cropped curly bob that will have everyone sitting up and taking notice of you. The halfway-cropped bangs only add to the funky vibe of this short curly hairstyle.

8. Elegant Open Curls

If there’s one actress who has aged gracefully in Hollywood, it has got to be Julia Roberts. And one hairstyle that she has managed to perfect over the years is the loose open curls style. This relaxed wavy style done on her shoulder length blonde hair personifies elegance and class.

9. Romantic Curls Bob

You probably fell in love with her the first time you watched You’ve Got Mail and have dreamt of getting her look ever since. Well, your quest ends here! These soft romantic curls (the result of a 1 inch curling iron) done on a short bob will leave you looking like the cute protagonist of a feel-good rom-com for sure!

10. Center Parted Curls

If a red carpet look is what you desire, then a red carpet look is what you’ll get with this Michelle Pfeiffer inspired curly hair look. Just leave your hair in some hair curlers overnight to wake up with a totally transformed look in the morning!

11. Pin Up Curls

Just because you’re in your 40s doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dream of looking like a pin up model! Life begins at 40, after all. So, whip out those trusty ol’ hair curlers of yours and leave them in on the lower half of your hair overnight to get this sexy Marilyn Monroe-esque look.

12. Loose Curls Long Bob

On countless occasions I’ve found myself wondering if Nicole Kidman ever ages. And I’ve come to the conclusion that she is some sort of immortal being. And over the years she has perfected her signature wavy long bob look to the T. Just a few minutes with a curling iron after you’ve put on your outfit should work splendidly to create this look.

13. Rock Chic Curls Bob

It’s amazing how far a set of hair curlers and a can of texturizing spray can take you in styling your curly hair. This rock chic look done with the aforementioned items will have everyone thinking of you as a woman who is in total control of her life and will not take any shit from anyone.

14. Sleeked Down Curls

When it comes to curly hair, you can play around with textures and styles to create unique hair looks. Take Sandra Bullock, for instance. She has parted her texturized curls down the middle and sleeked them down with some hair gel and bobby pins to create a stunning style of contrasts.

15. Low Defined Curls

One classic look that Hollywood actresses keep going back to is the low curls look. This straight on top/curly at the bottom style is the easiest way to create a look that is red carpet ready. Do what Salma Hayek did and part your hair on one side to look like the epitome of grace and class.

16. Wet Curls

Admit it, nothing can beat the sex appeal of the wet hair look. And when done on curly hair, the effect is even more breathtaking. Sofia Vergara shows us how it’s done with her layered hair done up in voluminous curls and given the ‘wet’ effect with the help of some hair gel. When in doubt just go for this alluring look that will instantly level up your fashion quotient and overall appearance.

Quick Tip

You can add hair bows, flowers, hair combs, or jeweled hair pins to elevate your vintage curls hairstyle.

17. Tightly Coiled Curls

As you grow older, you may find yourself letting go of that straightening iron and your need to conform to societal beauty standards, and leaving your hair just the way it is. So, if your hair is naturally this curly (because the Lord knows you can’t recreate these kind of curls) then it’s time you forgo those heating tools and let them be just the way they are.

Quick Tip

Since tightly coiled curls tend to dry up more, you can use deep conditioning masks like coconut oil and honey to keep them hydrated and smooth.

18. Dual Toned Vintage Curls

Eva Longoria is one starlet who slays the hair game every time she steps onto the red carpet. So, it’s no surprise that she looks absolutely stunning in this vintage era inspired curls. The brown and black combo of her short bob only enhance the look of her super defined curls.

19. Super Shaggy Curly Bob

The great thing about curly hair is that you can go as subtle or as crazy with it as your heart desires. So, if a sexy mop of shaggy curls is what you want, this is a style you definitely need to check out. These super texturized curls done on a short bob are the result of some great usage of a diffuser on a blowdryer.

Paul Labrecque adds, “Here’s a tip for a beautiful diffused curls look — apply a plant humectant product and wrap your fingers around your curls. As you’re drying and using the diffuser you’ll start to see lush and large curls.”

20. Swept Away Curls With Bangs

When it comes to Susan Sarandon, subtlety is her style statement. So, of course, her take on curly hair had to be super simple and understated. On her long bob, she has gone for gently swept away curls and some wispy bangs to create this classy hair look.

21. Sweetheart Curls

Diane Lane has that face that seems to say she is always going to be there to nurture and comfort you, don’t you think? And this sweet curly hair style only adds to her fresh faced look. Just bust out your curling iron and spritz on some texturizing spray to get this sweetheart curls look.

22. Lion’s Mane Curls

First things first, I’m pretty sure Jennifer Lopez sold her soul to the devil to still look like she’s 20. Secondly, there’s no way you can resist this curly hairdo. With big texturized curls that cascade down her face, Lopez looks nothing less than a fierce goddess who will eat your heart for breakfast if you cross her.

23. Curly Inverted Bob

The curly inverted bob is a stylish hairstyle for women over 40. It blends sophistication with a touch of charm. The tousled curls frame the face and provide a chic yet laid-back vibe. This hairstyle for curly hair is a statement of self-expression and confidence.

24. Curly French Bob

The French bob is a chin-length hairstyle that has a quaint, youthful charm to it. It works for almost all types of hair, be it curly or straight. The French bob hairstyle features bangs that delicately frame the face so it is ideal for those who want their face to look sharper. Try it now to unveil the ageless spirit within you.

The hairstyles listed above are suitable for women of all ages. However, if you are a woman in your 40s and want to go for celeb-inspired looks, you may take a look at the celebrity hairstyles for women over 40. These include a mix of styles for straight, wavy, and curly hair, just in case you are in the mood to style your curls differently and aiming for a different look altogether. It doesn’t matter what curly hairstyle you choose! The secret to getting and maintaining gorgeous curls lies in using the right products and techniques. The products you use can make your curls look and feel good all day. Use a curl cream/definer or lightweight styling gel to define curls. Products with natural oils, such as argan or coconut oil, will nourish your curls without weighing them down. Leave-in conditioners add extra hydration to your locks and help in detangling curls. Tight curl patterns require richer creams or butters, like cocoa or shea, to really lock in moisture and definition. You can also try the ‘praying hands’ method or scrunching upwards to help form better curls. Experiment with different products and combinations to get the best for your curl pattern and texture.

Infographic: Top Minimalist Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 40

While age can reduce the volume of your curls, that should not stop you from being the queen that you are! To help you out, we have rounded up the top elegant and fun hairstyles that can help you embrace your age with confidence and style. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does curly hair make a woman over 40 look younger?

Yes, curly hair can make a woman over 40 look younger as it adds volume to your tresses. The curls make your hair look fuller and thicker.

Should curly hair be layered?

This depends on your face shape. You can add layers to your curls if you want to add more volume to your tresses and give your face a more streamlined and elongated appearance.

Is it OK to have long hair in your 40s?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to have long hair if you are in your 40s. The main reason most older people prefer short hair is that it is easier to maintain. As you grow older, your hair loses its natural pigmentation and texture. But you can maintain it with the right hair routine and style.

Can a 40-year-old woman wear braids?

Yes, people of all ages can wear braids, whether you are a teenager or someone over 40.

What is the best hairstyle for over 40 with glasses?

There are many hairstyles for women over 40 who wear glasses to try out, such as the classic lob, a slicked back pixie, and a stacked bob.

Do bangs look good on 40-year-olds?

Yes, bangs look great on older women who have round, oval, diamond, and heart-shaped faces. They can conceal any fine lines or wrinkles on the forehead. However, bangs do require some maintenance, like regular trimming, to look fresh.

How to care for curly hair over 40?

Although everyone’s hair is unique, you may need to try several products first to find the ones that work well for your specific curl type and needs. Use sulfate-free shampoos and rich conditioners regularly to maintain high moisture content. Trims should be done regularly to prevent splits. For further nourishment and frizz-free curls, use deep conditioning masks and a leave-in conditioner. Use a silk pillowcase while sleeping to reduce friction. With proper care, you may be able to preserve your hair and keep it healthy, hydrated, and gorgeous.

Illustration: Simple Curly Hairstyles For Women Over 40

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn to tame frizz and add volume to make your curls super bouncy. Check this video to follow this step-by-step routine for gorgeously defined curls.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Paul LabrecqueMaster Stylist

   

Paul Labrecque is a renowned master stylist and creative director with over 25 years of experience. He completed his hairdresser training from Jingles International. His clients include movie and television stars, musicians, socialites, and other celebrities.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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