Curly hairstyles for women over 40 celebrate natural texture and individuality. There are a variety of options that suit different hair types and face shapes. Curly hairstyles can enhance one’s features and bring out a youthful glow.
As a hairstyling expert, I love helping women find a style that highlights their best features. Whether you’re looking for something modern or classic, curls can offer a versatile and stylish look.
Embracing your curls can be a refreshing change that boosts confidence and adds a touch of elegance to your daily routine.
1) Classic Curly Bob

I absolutely love the classic curly bob. It suits women over 40 perfectly, offering a timeless look with a touch of fun. This cut is usually chin-length, bringing out the natural bounce in curls.
When styled with side-swept bangs, it adds a flirty finish. It’s also a great way to give your hair more volume and body. A curly bob can frame the face beautifully, and it pairs well with glasses for a smart, chic look.
For additional bob styles that can be enhanced with curls, take a look at this article, Trendy Bob Hairstyles.
2) Shoulder-Length Layered Curls

I love how shoulder-length layered curls offer both flair and manageability. These curls create a fresh, bouncy look that frames the face beautifully. The layered cut adds definition and maintains volume without overwhelming the features.
This style works well for everyday wear and special occasions. With a bit of curl-enhancing cream, the layers spring to life, showcasing every delightful twist and turn in the hair. Adding soft bangs can also complement this style, giving it a youthful edge.
3) Curly Pixie Cut

The curly pixie cut has an edgy and stylish appeal. It’s perfect for women over 40 who want a fresh look without the fuss. This cut keeps the hair short, which makes it easier to manage.
For those with thick hair, a pixie can reduce the time needed for upkeep by creating a neat, low-maintenance style.
Adding a fade to a curly pixie brings structure to the look. The longer hair on top keeps the style playful and cool. If you’ve got natural curls, using mousse can enhance the texture beautifully. This style lets you embrace your curls with ease and confidence.
4) Voluminous Curly Lob

The voluminous curly lob is a style I’ve seen many embrace for its playful charm. This haircut, often called a “curly lob,” falls around the shoulders and gives off a playful vibe with its bouncy curls.
One of the best parts of this style is the volume it naturally offers. It adds body and movement, which can frame the face beautifully. For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, the layers in a curly lob help enhance these features, making it easy to maintain and style.
5) Curly Shag Cut

I enjoy styling the curly shag cut for its effortless style and movement. It’s perfect for the more mature women looking to refresh their look with something modern yet easy to manage. This cut works well with natural curls, adding texture and volume without much fuss.
A curly shag cut offers layers that bring out the best in curly textures. It’s a versatile look that suits different face shapes and hair types. For those interested, more about the shag cut can be found on this website.
6) Curly Side-Swept Bangs

I love how curly side-swept bangs can add a fresh look to any hairstyle. They frame your face and bring out your eyes, giving you a youthful vibe. The best part? They’re easy to manage with your curls.
To achieve this style, I suggest using a lightweight mousse. It helps define the curls without making them stiff. A side part works wonders to create the sweeping effect.
For added charm, let a few curls fall casually over your forehead. Embrace the effortless style and enjoy the attention.
7) Afro Curls

Afro curls showcase incredible volume and texture. Keeping them moisturized is important, so I always recommend using hydrating products.
For styling, I often use a leave-in conditioner to help keep the curls soft and bouncy. If you’re trying to keep the curls defined, a light curl cream or gel works wonders.
Afro curls can be versatile, and changing up your look with a fun accessory like a colorful scarf can make a big difference. The pineapple hairstyle is another great option for keeping curls intact and full of personality.
8) Long Curly Bangs

I like how long curly bangs can add a fresh twist to any hairstyle. They frame the face beautifully and can soften features. The key is to cut them in a way that enhances your curls and complements your face shape. Keeping them trimmed regularly will help maintain their bounce and ensure they don’t get too heavy.
Using a lightweight styling cream can help define the curls without weighing them down. This small adjustment can refresh your look and bring out the best in your curls. Maintaining their health and shine is essential, so a regular moisturizing routine goes a long way.
9) Curly Updo With Tendrils

When styling curly updos for women over 40, I really like adding tendrils for a soft, romantic touch. This style combines elegance with a relaxed look. The curls naturally frame the face, enhancing features.
I recommend leaving a few strands loose around the hairline. This adds charm and a youthful vibe to the updo. It’s perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.
10) Loose Spiral Curls

I love loose spiral curls for their natural and airy feel. They add a beautiful texture to medium or long hair. Using a curling iron and a bit of texturizing spray, you can achieve these curls easily.
Loose spiral curls are fantastic for adding volume without too much effort. They give a relaxed look, perfect for casual outings or a day at work. These curls are great for women over 40 who want a timeless, fresh style.
11) Curly Mohawk

Creating a curly mohawk can be a bold choice if you’re looking to make a statement with your hairstyle. This look offers an edgy and stylish vibe, perfect for adding some flair.
I often recommend keeping the sides sleek or trimmed, which draws focus to the curls cascading from the top. This style suits both short and long curls and can be customized with different lengths and textures, allowing for a unique and personalized style every time.
For those willing to experiment, the curly mohawk is a great option to explore.
12) Curly Quiff

The curly quiff is a stylish choice that blends volume and sophistication. I love how it adds height and definition to the overall look. It works well with naturally curly hair, allowing the curls to add texture and movement.
Styling a curly quiff involves using a good quality mousse to keep the curls in place while maintaining their bounce. I recommend using a diffuser to dry the hair upwards, creating more lift at the roots. This is a great style for keeping curls manageable and chic, adding a fashionable flair to everyday looks.
13) Asymmetrical Curly Bob

I love suggesting the asymmetrical curly bob for the older woman. Its uneven lengths add flair and sophistication. This style is great if you want a modern look without too much fuss.
An asymmetrical bob can easily highlight your natural curls, adding movement and volume. The shorter side gives an edgy touch while the longer side softens your overall appearance.
It’s a fantastic option for adding definition and framing the face. This hairstyle not only accentuates your curls but also adds a youthful energy to your hairstyle. It’s a perfect balance of fun and elegance.
14) Curly Half-Up Half-Down

Wow! I adore the curly half-up half-down hairstyle for women over 40. It effortlessly mixes style and comfort, making it perfect for any occasion. This hairstyle lets you show off your beautiful curls while keeping your hair out of your face.
To achieve this look, I recommend using a curl spray or balm. This helps define the curls and control frizz. Once your curls are set, separate your hair into top and bottom sections, securing the top section with a clip or band.
15) Curly Bob With Highlights

I love how curly bobs can look so fresh and lively with highlights. Adding highlights to your curls gives them more depth and dimension. It really brings out the different tones in your hair.
A curly bob with highlights is perfect for adding some brightness without doing a full color change. You can choose lighter shades to add a sun-kissed effect. These little touches make your hairstyle stand out beautifully.
It’s a great way to keep your curls looking vibrant and healthy while giving a modern twist to a classic look.
16) Vintage Curly Waves

I love the timeless charm that vintage curly waves bring. This hairstyle takes inspiration from classic Hollywood glamour and is perfect for special occasions or a chic everyday look. The curls are soft and defined, reminiscent of styles worn by stars of the past.
Creating vintage curly waves usually involves using a curling wand or rollers. I recommend starting with a heat protectant to keep your hair safe. Once the curls are set, gently brush them out to achieve those soft, flowing waves. A little hairspray helps maintain the shape throughout the day.
17) Defined Ringlets

Defined ringlets can transform curly hair for women over 40. They give your curls a bright and polished look. Maintaining them is easy, as they naturally add shine and structure to your hairstyle.
These ringlets become a statement piece, enhancing your natural beauty. They’re perfect if you want a youthful, lively style that’s also manageable. To keep them looking their best, I recommend using a good curl-defining product and regular trims.
18) Curly High Ponytail

I enjoy styling the curly high ponytail for women over 40, especially when it’s for a special occasion. It’s a great way to show off natural curls while keeping hair neatly styled. This look is versatile and can work for formal events or casual outings.
To achieve this style, I recommend using a strong hair tie to secure the ponytail. Adding in a curl-enhancing product can help the curls pop, giving the ponytail a fuller appearance. A curly high ponytail is not only chic but also adds a youthful touch to any look, making it a favorite in my hairstyling toolkit.
19) Curly Layers With Fringe

Curly layers with fringe can create a fresh, lively look for middle-aged women. As a hairstylist, I find that incorporating layers helps manage curly hair while adding volume and movement. The fringe softens the face and adds a youthful touch.
Choosing the right length of layers and fringe is the secret sauce! Shorter layers work well for more defined curls, while longer layers suit looser waves. The fringe can be trimmed to highlight your eyes or cheekbones, depending on your preference.
20) Curly Bowl Cut

The curly bowl cut has a unique and bold style. It’s a modern twist on a classic look, perfect for women over 40 who want something fresh and fun. The added texture from the curls gives it a lively appearance, making it a standout choice.
Adding highlights can make the curls pop even more. This style exudes confidence and is excellent for those ready to try something different and eye-catching. It’s important to have a skilled stylist who can shape the bowl cut to flatter your face and showcase those beautiful curls.
21) Curly Bob With Fringes

I admire how a curly bob with fringes can add freshness to a look. This style is great for highlighting natural curls while the fringes frame the face beautifully. It’s chic and works well for women over 40 who want something stylish yet easy to manage.
Fringes can be tailored to be side-swept or straight across, depending on your preference. This flexibility allows for a custom look that suits your personality. Embracing curls with a bob and fringes gives a youthful appearance and adds bounce to your style.
22) Messy Curly With Low Lights

What’s not to love about the look of messy curls with low lights? This style adds depth and dimension to curly hair, making each curl pop with subtle, natural-looking contrast. It’s a great way to add interest without overpowering your natural look.
When I work with clients, I often recommend low lights for those looking to refresh their style. The soft hints of color blend beautifully with messy curls, giving a carefree yet polished feel. It’s easy to maintain and grows out gracefully, keeping you looking stylish with minimal effort.
23) Textured Curly Pixie

I love how the textured curly pixie combines style and ease for the more mature lady. This haircut embraces natural curls, giving them a fresh bounce. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a chic look without spending too much time styling.
By keeping the pixie cut textured, it enhances the curls, making them more defined and lively. With minimal products, you can easily manage frizz and highlight the natural curl pattern. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, this style adds a playful twist to your look.
24) Defined Dry Twists

The defined dry twists hairstyle is great for anyone seeking a polished look. This style involves twisting sections of dry hair to create neat, pulled-together curls, perfect for adding definition to curly hair.
I often see women over 40 embrace this look for its elegance and simplicity. Using a mousse can enhance shine and keep the twists in place.
25) Wavy Curly Combination

I love helping women over 40 find hairstyles that bring out their best features. A wavy curly combination is a fantastic choice. This style blends the texture of waves with the bounce of curls, giving your hair a fuller, more vibrant look.
The beauty of this style is its versatility. You can easily adjust the tightness of the curls or waves depending on your mood or the occasion. It’s perfect for adding volume and character to your hair. For more inspiration, you might check out this collection of stylish, ageless curly haircuts.
26) Tapered Curly Bob

The tapered curly bob style is stunning for women over 40. It’s perfect for adding volume and movement to your hair. The tapered cut creates a flattering shape that enhances curls naturally.
This style works well with most face shapes and is easy to maintain. If you’re looking for something chic and simple, this is a great option to consider.
27) Curly French Twist

I love how a curly French twist adds elegance to any look. First, I gather my client’s hair into a low ponytail. Twisting slowly, I secure it at the base and start moving upward.
As I twist towards the crown, I use pins to keep the style in place. It’s perfect for any occasion.
28) Soft Curly Updo

I’ve found that a soft curly updo is perfect for adding a touch of elegance. It combines gentle curls with a slightly messy bun, creating a style that feels both relaxed and sophisticated.
To achieve this look, I like to start by loosely curling the hair and gathering it into a low bun at the back of the head. Allow a few curls to fall naturally around the face to frame it beautifully.
29) Textured Curly Lob

I appreciate the textured curly lob for its versatility. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want to keep their natural curls while enjoying a chic, modern look. The haircut features layers that add volume and movement, enhancing facial features beautifully.
It’s easy to maintain and style, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. You can let it air dry with a curl-enhancing product for a relaxed, bouncy finish.
30) Curly Side Bun

I admire the curly side bun because it’s both elegant and easy to style. Gather your curls to one side, and secure them with bobby pins to create this lovely updo.
This hairstyle is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The curls add texture and flair, making it stand out beautifully. You can also leave a few tendrils loose for a softer look, adding a touch of romance to your style.
I think the lady in this image looks amazing – and the gray color really suits her.
31) Long Curly Layers

I love working with long curly layers because they add life and movement to hair. This style can make your curls look bouncy and full.
Layers help manage the weight of long curls, preventing them from looking flat. When I add layers, it often brings out the natural texture in the best way.
Layers can also frame your face nicely. They can highlight your features and give you a fresh look. Keeping the layers well-trimmed is key to maintaining the style.
32) Boho Curly Braids

As a hairstyling expert, I like how boho curly braids offer a relaxed yet stylish look for women over 40. These braids mix loose curls with braiding techniques to create a carefree vibe.
Adding little accessories like beads or threads can make the hairstyle pop. This style is perfect for an easygoing and chic everyday look or a special occasion.
33) Romantic Curly Updo

I love creating romantic curly updos because they beautifully highlight a person’s natural texture. This style is perfect for special occasions or just adding a touch of elegance to your everyday look. A romantic updo with a floral headband can create a boho finish that brings out softness and grace.
To achieve this look, I usually start by gathering curls loosely, letting a few tendrils fall around the face for a gentle frame. Accessories like flower clips or delicate headbands can enhance the romantic feel.
34) Corkscrew Curls

Corkscrew curls are a fun and lively hairstyle that I love because they add tons of character and bounce. These tight ringlets can frame the face beautifully and work well for any occasion. I often recommend using a curling iron or small rollers to achieve this look.
Moisture is the secret sauce when styling corkscrew curls. I suggest using a hydrating curl cream to keep them looking fresh and defined. For women over 40, this hairstyle can be a great way to embrace natural texture and showcase a youthful, vibrant style.
35) Voluminous Curls With Highlights

Voluminous curls with highlights can really amplify the look of curly hair for older women. Curls naturally add depth and texture, making hairstyles appear fuller and more dynamic.
Adding highlights into curly hair is a wonderful way to bring out different shades and tones. Light streaks in the curls catch the light and add an eye-catching dimension. It’s a simple way to get a refreshed and youthful look without changing your entire hair color.
36) Curly Crown Braid

I love the way a curly crown braid can add a touch of elegance to any look. It works especially well for women over 40 who want to showcase their curls while keeping hair off the face. It’s both sophisticated and practical.
Creating a curly crown braid involves weaving sections of your natural curls into a halo around your head. This style can bring out the natural beauty of curly hair.
37) Low Ponytail Curls

I love the charm of low ponytail curls. This style is perfect for adding some elegance to curly hair. It’s simple yet stunning. You can keep it casual or dress it up.
With a low ponytail, curls hang gracefully. It’s a versatile look that’s easy to achieve.
38) Shaggy Curly Layers

I enjoy styling shaggy curly layers. This look adds volume and texture, giving hair a playful and youthful vibe. The layers work well with natural curls, reducing bulkiness and creating a balanced shape.
When styled, shaggy curly layers highlight facial features in a flattering way. The cut allows for easy styling, perfect for those who want a low-maintenance routine. A little mousse or curl cream can enhance the curls and bring out the natural beauty of this style.
39) Curly Half Braids

Curly half braids are a great style for women over 40 who want a fresh look. I love how they blend the beauty of curls with the structure of braids. This style is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while still showing off your natural curl pattern.
To create curly half braids, I usually braid the top half of the hair and leave the rest loose. This creates a balanced look that highlights both the detail of the braid and the softness of curls. It’s an easy go-to style for a casual day or even a special occasion.
40) Bold Curly Mohawk

Wow! I just love how the bold curly mohawk lets you express your unique style. This look can be fierce yet elegant, perfect for adding a bit of edge. Slick the sides back to emphasize the curls cascading down the center, creating a powerful silhouette.
It’s an easy way to mix personal flair with a timeless design. Experiment with different curl patterns and colors to make it truly yours. Keeping your curls defined and moisturized is key to making this hairstyle pop.
Consider this style if you want to make a strong statement. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking to turn heads.
Choosing The Right Curly Hairstyle
When picking a curly hairstyle, you must pay attention to face shape and hair texture. These factors help you choose a style that suits you best and highlights your features. Below are key aspects to consider for each.
Understanding Face Shape
I always start by looking at face shape to guide hairstyle choices.
- For round faces, longer curls that fall past the shoulders help elongate the face.
- An oval face pairs well with almost any curl pattern, from tight coils to loose waves.
- If you have a square face, softer curls can balance out angular features.
- Heart-shaped faces benefit from volume at the top, balancing a narrow chin. This way, your curls flatter your unique face shape, enhancing your natural beauty.
Considering Hair Texture
Hair texture plays a big role in choosing the right curly hairstyle. Fine curls can benefit from layers, adding volume without losing bounce.
For thick, coarser curls, I suggest longer styles to weigh down the curls and reduce frizz.
Soft, manageable curls can achieve lots of styles, from bobs to shoulder-length cuts. You might like a textured pixie or a layered bob if you want short curls.
Each texture requires different care to keep curls looking their best, ensuring you get the most out of your natural curl pattern.
Maintaining Healthy Curls
Maintaining healthy curls involves giving them extra care and using strategies that support their natural texture. Staying hydrated and keeping up with trims are essential to keep curls looking their best.
Hydrating And Conditioning
I always find that the key to healthy curls is keeping them well-hydrated. Curls tend to be drier, so I recommend using a rich, moisturizing conditioner.
Look for products with ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. Deep conditioning treatments can be a great addition, applied once a week to restore moisture balance.
Leave-in conditioners are also fantastic. They provide ongoing nourishment and protection against frizz. I always tell clients to avoid products with alcohol, as it can dry out the curls further.
Regular Trims And Styling Tips
Regular trims are a must for curly hair. I suggest getting trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and maintain shape. This keeps curls bouncy and reduces the appearance of frizz.
When styling, I recommend using a wide-tooth comb or fingers, which prevents breakage. Air drying is best, but if you’re using heat, always apply a heat protectant spray. Avoid tight hair ties that can cause tension and breakage. Instead, opt for soft, fabric-covered elastics.