20 Age-Defying Hairstyles for Black Women Over 40

20. The Pixie Cut

This pixie is extremely easy to create. When sporting this look, I guarantee you will feel like a rock star.

How to Style:

1. Apply a quarter-sized amount of wax or pomade to hair. Smooth & warm pomade/wax together, using hands, before applying directly to hair.
2. Apply wax/pomade evenly in hair—the wax/pomade creates texture, height and balance.
3. Using your fingers, comb the sides, back and a small portion of the top front section of your hair downwards.
4. Spread your fingers slightly apart and run them through your hair while gently grabbing and lifting the top portion of hair—your fingers are being used to create height and volume.
5. Once desired top height has been achieved, finish the look off by applying a root-lifter hairspray to the roots of the hair; this will secure the height of the pixie.

Recommended Products:

Use your favorite wax or pomade and a Root-lifter Hairspray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This style suits heart, diamond, oval and long face shapes.

Tip(s):

This style works best on un-cleansed hair.

19. The Slanted Bob

The slanted bob is easy to care for and looks great on women of any age.

How to Style:

1. Cleanse, condition and towel-dry hair. Do not blow-dry; hair must be damp during the roller setting process
2. Part hair into four sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear); use hairclips to lock hair securely in place.
3. Select a section of hair to work with.
4. Once a section of hair has been selected, release the hairclip from the section; draw a medium amount of hair from the section using a fishtail comb, then re-clip the hairclip.
5. Using a large Velcro roller wrap the end of the section of hair and twist roller securely in place. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until entire head of hair has been set in Velcro rollers.
6. Allow roller-set hair to air dry completely. If a hooded dryer is accessible, this also can be utilized for faster drying results. If using a hooded dryer, it should be set at a medium to high temperature for 30-55 minutes, depending on thickness of hair.
7. Once hair has fully dried, remove rollers and brush curls downwards using a large paddle brush–brushing curls downwards allows curls to be replaced by volume and dimension.
8. Part hair on one side (from forehead to middle of head), then brush hair located in back of head to one side using paddle brush; this will create an illusion of an angled asymmetrical bob. Finish this look off by applying a flexible holding hairspray.

 Recommended Products:

I recommend using large velcro rollers, a large paddle brush, a hooded dryer and your favorite hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type:

Suits heart, round and long shaped faces best.

Tip(s):

Long clip-on hair extensions can be added on one side of this bob.

18. Classic 1950s Curls (Pin-up Girl Look) 

This look is beyond classic and is sure to stop any show.

How to Style:

1. Cleanse, condition and blow-dry hair straight, using a blow-dryer comb attachment. This sort of attachment can be found and purchased at your local beauty supply store.
2. Apply a generous amount of heat protector spray, cream or lotion to hair.
3. Flatten hair completely straight and smooth using a 2-3 inch flatiron. Flatiron should be set at 400-450 degrees.
4. Part hair on side (from forehead to nape), dividing hair into two sections, and ponytail the section of hair you don’t wish to work with first, leaving only the section of hair that you wish to begin with exposed.
5. Part exposed section of hair into five long & large sections (from side part to ear) and use hairclips to securely lock each section of hair in place. Once all five sections of hair have been securely locked in place, remove ponytail from alternate side and repeat step.
6. Begin spiral curling each section of hair with flatiron by clamping it to end of hair, then quickly wrapping hair around flatiron. Hold flatiron in place in a vertical position, for 3 seconds, then release hair. Once all 10 sections have been curled, spray hair with flexible holding hairspray. Do not separate curls.

Recommended Products:

I recommend a flexible holding hair spray and a heat protector spray, cream or lotion on hair prior to applying heat.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type:

This style looks best on heart, diamond, long, oval and triangle shaped faces.

Tip(s):

If you’re not pressed for time, hot rollers can also be used to complete this look instead of a flatiron.

17. Whitney H. Curls

You’ll feel like a huge celebrity rocking this hairstyle.

How To Style:

1. Cleanse, condition and towel dry hair.
2. Apply generous amount of wrapping foam to hair.
3. Part hair into four sections (from forehead to nape, then ear to ear) and use hairclips to keep sections divided during the curling/rodding process.
4. Select a section to start with and release hairclip from section, withdraw a medium amount of hair from section using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
5. Begin applying extra-large perm rods. Repeat this step until the curling/rodding process has been completed.
6. Air dry hair. If a portable hooded dryer is available, this may also be utilized for a faster drying time.
7. Once hair has completely dried, remove perm rods from hair and give hair a good lift using your fingers. No hairspray needed.

Recommended Products:

I recommend Motions Foam Wrap Lotion for this style.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This hairdo works best on round, long & oval faces.

Tip(s):

Don’t over-saturate hair with wrapping foam

16. Bob Cut

Oh yes, the classic bob cut; everyone was rocking this bob in the 80s. I’m so happy this bob has returned and is here to stay.

How to Style:

1. Apply a generous amount of heat protector spray, cream or lotion to hair
2. Flatten hair completely straight and smooth using a 1-3 inch flatiron. Flatiron should be set at 400-450 degrees.
3. Using a large plastic comb, comb sides and back of hair downwards and the front of hair forward, creating a look of an umbrella.
4. Part hair on side.
5. Use flatiron to curve ends of hair inwards by clamping the ends of the hair to the flatiron and curving the flatiron inwards. Sweep bangs/fringe to one side of forehead and then spray with flexible holding hairspray.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using a heat protector spray, cream or lotion before applying heat to hair.

Best Face Shape:

This style looks best on long & oval shaped faces.

Tip(s):

Single colored clip-on hair extensions can be added to jazz up look. However, this is optional.

15. Classic Layered Bob Cut

The classic layered bob is so beautiful on its own, but adding color to this bob allows it to pop with colors and layers.

How to Style:

1. Apply a generous amount of heat protector spray, cream or lotion to hair
2. Flatten hair completely straight and smooth using a 2-3 inch flatiron. Flatiron should be set at 400-450 degrees.
3. Part hair on side, comb front portion of hair forward so it covers forehead, then comb hair to side of forehead.
4. Starting with the first layer (top), then moving to the second (middle) and third layers (bottom), begin using the flatiron to curve hair inwards by clamping the ends of the hair to the flatiron and bending the flatiron inwards. Hold the flatiron horizontally in place for 5 seconds, and then release the flatiron from hair—layers are typically cut in three lengths: short—top, medium—middle and long— bottom.
5. Once all layers have been curved by flatiron, comb hair back, then downwards, using wide tooth comb. No hair spray needed.

Recommended Products:

Remember to use a heat protector spray, cream or lotion and a hair spray to set your hair.

Best Face Shape:

This style looks great on oval and round shaped faces.

Tip(s):

This look works best if hair has been cut in a layered bob.

14. Hollywood Curls

Hollywood curls can be seen on almost every celebrity of every ethnicity. They are soft, large and voluminous, and will make any women look and feel like a goddess.

How to Style:

1. Apply a generous amount of heat protector spray, cream or lotion to hair.
2. Flatten hair completely straight and smooth using a 2-3 inch flatiron. Flatiron should be set at 400-450 degrees.
3. Part hair on side, and then begin creating large curls with flatiron by clamping the flatiron to end of hair, then quickly wrapping hair around flatiron. Hold flatiron in place in the vertical position for 3 seconds, then release from hair.
4. Style hair using a wide tooth comb and spray with flexible holding hairspray.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using a heat protector spray, cream or lotion before applying heat to hair.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This ‘do looks great on long and oval shaped faces.

Tip(s):

Hair color on model is optional.

13. Side-swept Bangs with Curls

Side-swept bangs and curls have swept the nation. Everyone is wearing this glamorous look, including the first lady. I absolutely love this look. It’s a great look for church; can I get an amen?

How to Style:

1. Cleanse, condition and blow-dry hair straight using a blow-dryer comb attachment; this sort of attachment can be found and purchased at your local beauty supply store. Apply a frizz control straightening cream or serum to hair prior to blow-drying.
2. Flatten hair completely straight and smooth using a 2-3 inch flatiron. Flatiron should be set at 400-450 degrees.
3. Part hair on side, then divide hair into 4 sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear), and use hair clips to keep these 4 sections divided during the roller setting process.
4. Select a section of hair to work with then release hair clip from section and from it, draw a medium amount of hair using a fishtail comb, and re-clip remaining hair.
5. Using hot rollers, begin roller setting hair. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the curling/rodding process has been completed.
6. Remove hot rollers from hair once rollers have cooled.
7. Using a wide tooth comb, comb a portion of hair to the front of the head (covering half of the forehead), then comb this portion of hair to the side, creating a side swept bang/fringe.
8. 8. With wide tooth comb, comb remaining portion of hair downwards, then front to back—these movements create volume and allows the layers in the hair to appear more vibrant.
9. Add oil sheen for a natural, healthy looking shine.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using your favorite oil sheen for a beautiful shine.

Best Face Shape:

This style looks amazing on long, oval and round shaped faces.

Tip(s):

Pre-heat roller and flatiron if you’re in a rush.

12. Multi Layered Asymmetrical Bob Cut

This bob is definitely something that needs to be seen by the world. It’s chic and sexy. I need this cut.

How to Style:

1. Flatten hair completely straight and smooth using a 2-3 inch flatiron. Flatiron should be set at 400-450 degrees. Add heat protector spray, cream or lotion to hair prior to flat ironing.
2. 2. Part hair on side (front to middle of head).
3. Starting with the first layer, then the second layer, begin using the flatiron to curve/bend hair inwards by fastening the ends of the hair to the flatiron and bending the flatiron towards you. Hold the flatiron horizontally in place for 5 seconds, then unfasten flatiron from hair.
4. Once both layers have been curved, using a wide tooth comb, comb a portion of hair to the front of the head (covering half of the forehead and eye), then comb this portion of hair to the side, creating a side-swept bang/fringe.
5. Run wide tooth comb through hair for maximum volume and layer visibility. Finish this look with a small amount of flexible holding hairspray.

Recommended Products:

Remember to use a heat protector spray, cream or lotion and a hair spray to set your hair.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This style looks lovely on oval, rectangle and square shaped faces.

Tip(s):

Clip hair extensions on to the sides for extra length if the sides are too short for this look.

11. Loose Waves

This style is so girl-next-door, it will probably get you a boy-next-door or maybe a bad boy.

 

How to Style:

1. Wet hair with water, then towel-dry. Hair can be wet in sink (best method) or by using a water bottle with a trigger attachment.
2. Apply wrapping foam (Motions Wrapping Foam recommended) or styling mousse to damp hair.
3. Part hair in 4 sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear). Use hairclips to secure sections in place.
4. Braid each section of hair into large braids. Allow braids to air-dry or with the assistance of a hooded hair dryer. Dry for 30 minutes under hooded dryer.
5. Unravel braids carefully with fingers—fingers are being used to carefully loosen tight curls into relaxed waves.
6. Part hair on side, toss hair and spray with flexible holding hairspray and own this look.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using the following items for the best, most long lasting results: hairspray, wrapping foam or styling mousse and a hooded hair dryer.

Best Face Shape:

This style will compliment heart, long, oval, rectangle and triangle face shapes.

Tip(s):

The hair color on model is optional.

10. Asymmetrical Bob

This bob is elegant and easy to create. Follow the steps below to create this look.

How to Style:

1. Flat iron hair straight. Remember to use a heat protection spray, lotion or cream prior to using flatiron.
2. Part hair on side, then use flatiron to curve/curl ends of the hair inwards; this is done by clamping the flatiron to the ends of the hair, turning the flatiron within, and then releasing the hair from the flatiron.
3. Use a wide tooth comb to comb hair back to one side
4. Spray with flexible holding spray.

Recommended Products:

Remember to use a heat protector spray, cream or lotion and a hair spray to set your hair.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This ‘do will compliment heart, diamond, long and oval face shapes.

Tip(s):

Clip on hair extensions to the sides for extra length if the sides are too short for the style/look

9. Red Carpet Curls

Once your hair is styled in these lovely red carpet curls, you will be taking selfies all day.

How to Style:

1. Wash hair using a moisturizing shampoo, then condition hair with a rinse-out conditioner. After completion, towel dry hair. If you intend on using hot rollers dry your hair fully with a blow-dryer.
2. Apply styling gel or mousse to damp, towel-dried hair, coating hair from top to bottom (scalp to ends). If using hot rollers, don’t apply gel or mousse. Move to step 3.
3. Divide hair into 4 sections and use hairclips to secure sections in place. Select a section of hair (from the 4 sections created) to work with first; once a section has been selected, release hairclip and withdraw a medium amount of hair from section using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
4. Begin to set hair in rollers. Repeat until the curling process has been completed.
5. Allow hair to air dry. A hooded dryer can be utilized for faster drying time. If using a hooded dryer, set the dryer to a medium to high temperature for 30-55 min. Do not use hot rollers under a hooded dryer. The heat of the hot rollers will form the hair into curls; therefore, a hooded dryer is not necessary.
6. Remove rollers once hair has completely dried, or cooled if using hot rollers. Then run fingers through curls to loosen and lengthen curls. (Don’t use a comb; the comb will turn the curls into waves.)
7. Part hair on side, and then carefully arrange curls using the above picture as a blueprint.
8. Spray with flexible holding hairspray.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using a gel or mousse (not to be used with hot rollers)!

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

All face shapes will look great in this style!

8. Freestyle Bouncy Spiral Curls

This hairstyle is easy and fun to create and it goes with just about any outfit. Follow the steps below to create this look.

How to Style:

1. Straighten hair flat and smooth, using a flatiron or straightening comb. Be sure to use a heat protection spray, lotion or cream prior to using flatiron or straightening comb.
2. Part hair into four sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear); use hairclips to lock hair securely in place.
3. Select a section (from the 4 sections created) to work with; once a section has been selected, release hairclip from section. Withdraw a small amount of hair from section using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
4. Begin curling hair with curling iron. Hold curling iron in place in a vertical position for 10 seconds, then release curling iron from hair. Repeat steps 3-4 until the entire head of hair has been curled.
5. Separate curls using fingers—separating curls create additional curls and volume.
6. Position and arrange curls according to the above photo, then spray with hairspray.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using a heat protector spray, cream or lotion and a hair spray to set your hair.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This style will look great on round, long and oval face shapes.

7. Afro Spiral Curl

This style is so fun and playful. With this hairstyle, you will never have to worry about having another bad hair day again.

How to Style:

1. Cleanse, condition and towel-dry hair
2. Apply a generous amount of wrapping foam to hair—wrapping foam can be applied directly to hair or by applying to hands first, then applying to hair (preferred/recommended method).
3. Part hair on the side (starting from side of the forehead to nape), and create two sections of hair using the side part as a divider. Use hair clips to secure the two sections of hair in place.
4. Select a section of hair to work with first; once a section has been selected, release hair clip from section and withdraw a small amount of hair from the selected section using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
5. Begin applying a medium sized perm rod to hair by wrapping end of hair around perm rod. Repeat this step until the curling/rodding process has been completed.
6. Air dry hair. If a portable hooded dryer is available, this may also be utilized for a faster drying time.
7. Once hair has completely dried, remove perm rods from hair. Run fingers through hair on both sides to create afro look. Do not use a comb or hair pick. No hairspray needed.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using Motions Foam Wrap Lotion.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This style will look great on round, long and oval face shapes.

Tip(s):

Don’t over saturate hair with wrapping foam.

6. Kinky Tight Curls

More and more women of color are electing to wear their natural hair. Hairstyles like this one are becoming more and more popular.

How to Style:

1. Cleanse, condition and towel dry hair
2. Apply generous amount of wrapping foam to hair—wrapping foam can be applied directly to hair or by applying to hands first, then applying to hair (preferred/recommended method).
3. Part hair into two sections and use hairclips to secure sections in place.
4. Select a section to work with first; once a section has been selected, release hairclip from section and extract a small amount of hair from the selected section using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
5. 5. Begin setting hair with small perm rods. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the curling/rodding process has been completed.
6. 6. Air dry hair. If a portable hooded dryer is available, this may also be utilized for a faster drying time. If a hooded dryer is used, set dryer to a medium to high temperature for 30-55 mins.
7. Once hair has completely dried, remove perm rods from hair and use a hair pick to create an afro look and shape.

Recommended Products:

I recommend Motions Foam Wrap Lotion for this look.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

All face shapes will look great with this style!

Tip(s):

This technique works best on short-medium ethnic hair.

5. Straight Bob Cut

This hairstyle is perfect for women with long hair that want to go short for the first time. This hairstyle isn’t too long and isn’t too short.

How to Style:

1. Cleanse and condition hair; this will create a sleek and smooth appearance for the bob.
2. Towel-dry hair, and then apply a silicone thermal protection treatment to damp hair.
3. Blow-dry hair straight, using a blow-dryer with a comb attachment—this sort of attachment can be found and purchased at your local beauty supply store.
4. Part hair into 4 sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear); use hairclips to lock hair securely in place
5.  Select a section (from the 4 sections created) to work with. Once a section has been selected, release hairclip from section and withdraw a small amount of hair using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
6. Begin straightening hair with a flatiron by clamping flatiron to roots of hair, then running it down to the ends of sectioned hair—when flat ironing hair, your motion should be smooth & steady. Be sure not to hold flatiron in any section of hair for too long: doing so will cause creasing. Repeat steps 3-4 until the entire head of hair has been flat ironed.
7. Part hair on side, then bump (curve/curl) ends of hair by fastening the flatiron to ends of the hair and curving the flatiron inwards, then release hair from flatiron.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using a silicone thermal protection treatment.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

All will look great in this hairstyle.

Tip(s):

Pre-heat your flatiron for quicker styling time.

4. Cheek Length Bob Cut

I love this bob with all my heart. I’ve been wearing this bob for five years and no one, not even my mother, could get me to change my hair from this bob. It’s that deep. I might as well have been born with it!

How to Style:

1. Cleanse and condition hair for a sleeker and smoother appearance.
2. Towel dry hair, and then apply a silicone thermal protection treatment to damp hair.
3. Blow-dry hair straight using a blow-dryer with a comb attachment—this sort of attachment can be found and purchased at your local beauty supply store.
4. Part hair into 2 sections (from front to back, side to side); use hairclip to lock hair securely in place.
5. Select the section of hair you wish to begin with; once a section has been selected, release hairclip from section and select a small amount of hair using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
6. 6. Begin straightening hair by flat ironing the hair from the roots to the ends. Immediately after straightening each small section of hair, clamp flatiron to end of hair and turn inwards and release. Doing this will create a nice curve to the ends of the hair. Repeat step until the entire head has been completed.
7. Part hair on side (diagonally) and comb hair in place. Root lifter hairspray can be added to roots of hair for extra volume.

Recommended Products:

I recommend using a silicone thermal protection treatment.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

All will look great in this style.

3. Sleek & Smooth Drop Curls

This glamorous style happens to be one of my faves.

How to Style:

1. 1. Make sure hair has been washed, conditioned and blow-dried straight beforehand.
2. Add a generous amount of wrapping foam to hair
3. Part hair into 4 sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear); use hair clip/clamp to lock hair securely in place.
4. Select a section of hair to work with, once a section has been selected, release hair clip from hair section and select a small amount of hair, using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
5. Apply large 5/8″ spiral rod to hair by wrapping/twisting end of hair around spiral rod. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until all sections of hair have been completed.
6. Keep rollers in place for 2-3 hours before removing. For best results, use a hooded dryer to heat and mold hair into curls. Hooded dryer should be set at medium to high temperature for 30-55 mins.
7. Remove rollers and separate curls once, dividing each curl into two. Arrange curls according to curls in photo.

Recommended Products:

I recommend a silicone thermal protection treatment.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

Square, round, oval, diamond & heart face shapes will look best in this style.

2. Multi Curls Side Swept

There are number of styling tools that you can use to create this fabulous look: a flatiron, rollers/hot rollers or a curling iron, but did you know that it can also be created without the use of any of these tools?

How to Style:

1. Make sure hair has been washed, conditioned and blow-dried straight beforehand.
2. Add a generous amount of wrapping foam to hair.
3. Part hair on side (diagonally), dividing hair into two sections. Ponytail the section of hair you don’t want to work with first, leaving only the section of hair that you wish to begin with exposed.
4. Part and twist exposed sections of hair into 10 hair buns and use hair pins to securely lock each hair bun in place. Once all five sections of hair have been twisted into medium size hair buns, remove ponytail from alternate side and repeat step.
5. After all sections of hair have been twisted into a total of 20 hair buns, allow hair to remain twisted into buns for 2-3 hours. For best results, use a hooded dryer to heat and mold hair buns into curls. If using a hooded dryer, the temperature should be set from medium to high and the timer should be set for 30-55 mins.
6. Untwist each hair bun and arrange curls to one side of the head, allowing only one curl to hang over ear. A large hair pen or clip can be used to securely position the hair to one side.

Recommended Products:

Use a wrapping foam to help set this style.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

All faces will look great with this style.

1. Loose & Light Spiral Curls

This hairstyle is one of the classics for sure. It’s been worn by a number of celebrities. You are going to love how easy it to create this very same look for yourself.

How to Style:

1. Make sure hair has been washed, conditioned and blow-dried straight beforehand.
2. Part hair on side.
3. Part hair into 4 sections (from forehead to nape, ear to ear); use hair clip to lock hair securely in place.
4. Select a section of hair to work with; once a section has been selected, release hair clip from hair section and select a small amount of hair using a fishtail comb, then re-clip remaining hair.
5. Begin straightening hair with flatiron by clamping flatiron to roots of hair, then running it down to the ends of sectioned hair—when flat ironing hair, your motion should be smooth & steady. Be sure not to hold flatiron in any section of the hair for too long; doing so will cause creasing. Repeat steps 3-4 until all the hair of hair has been flat ironed.
6. Begin curling hair with curling iron by clamping device to end of hair, then twisting it firmly around hair. Hold iron in place in a vertical position for 5 seconds then release from hair.

7. Once all hair has been curled, run fingers through curls and spray with a light, flexible holding spray.

Recommended Products:

Use a light flexible holding hairspray to keep this style intact.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

Oval shaped faces will look best with this style.

Now that I’ve shared some amazing hairstyles for women over 40, take it the extra mile and hook yourself up with a fabulous ‘do!