Curly hairstyles can be a beautiful way to express personality and embrace natural texture, especially for women over 40.
From soft spiral curls to bold pixie cuts, there are endless options to suit different tastes and hair types.
Adding highlights, layers, or volume can bring even more life to your curls while keeping them stylish and manageable.
In this article, I’ll show you 21 curly hairstyles for women over 40 that you’ll love!
1. Voluminous Shoulder-Length Curls
This shoulder-length curly hairstyle brings elegance and volume, perfect for women over 40 who want a youthful yet sophisticated look. The bouncy curls frame the face and add softness, while the chestnut brown shade enhances the overall warmth. Ideal for formal and casual occasions alike.
2. Soft Blonde Curls with Side Part
Soft blonde curls with a side part create a graceful and timeless appearance. This style is perfect for women over 40 who prefer a gentle, face-framing effect. The pastel pink blazer adds charm, making it ideal for professional settings or brunch outings.
3. Defined Salt-and-Pepper Curls
Defined salt-and-pepper curls celebrate natural beauty and confidence. The mix of silver and dark strands adds dimension, while the shoulder-length cut keeps the look modern. Ideal for women embracing their natural grays with elegance.
4. Loose Curls with Bangs
Loose curls paired with soft bangs offer a relaxed yet chic vibe for women over 40. The auburn shade adds warmth, while the face-framing bangs enhance features delicately. Perfect for both casual and semi-formal looks.
5. Short Curly Bob
The short curly bob is a bold and modern choice for women over 40, providing a fresh, youthful appearance. The defined curls add texture, while the sleek black top keeps the focus on the hair. Great for making a statement at evening events.
6. Natural Gray Curls
Natural gray curls offer timeless beauty, emphasizing confidence and grace. The voluminous texture adds elegance, while the teal blouse complements the cool tones. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or casual daytime events.
7. Tightly Coiled Afro Curls
Tightly coiled afro curls celebrate natural texture and individuality. The rounded shape adds balance, while the mustard yellow top brings vibrancy. Perfect for artistic settings and social events.
8. Long Loose Curls with Highlights
Long loose curls with caramel highlights add depth and dimension, enhancing natural beauty. The cascading effect creates softness, while the cream lace blouse completes the romantic look. Great for special occasions and celebrations.
9. Curly Pixie Cut
The curly pixie cut is a bold and stylish choice, offering elegance with a modern twist. The soft curls add texture, while the dark espresso shade keeps the look sophisticated. Ideal for professional settings and evening outings.
10. Curly Lob with Subtle Layers
The curly lob with subtle layers is a flattering choice for women over 40, offering both volume and softness. The chocolate brown hue enhances natural warmth, while the cozy indoor setting adds a relaxed feel. Perfect for casual gatherings.
11. Curly Shag Cut with Layers
The curly shag cut with layers brings movement and dimension to the hair, making it ideal for women over 40 wanting a youthful yet effortless style. The chestnut and caramel hues blend beautifully, adding warmth and softness to the face. Its medium length allows for easy styling while keeping the curls well-defined. This look is perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.
12. Medium-Length Soft Curls with Side Swept Bangs
Medium-length soft curls with side-swept bangs offer a timeless, flattering look for women over 40. The golden blonde hair with lowlights gives a sun-kissed effect, while the gentle curls add natural volume. Side-swept bangs soften facial features, creating a youthful appearance. Paired with a floral blouse, this style is perfect for both everyday wear and semi-formal gatherings.
13. Curly Updo with Loose Tendrils
A curly updo with loose tendrils brings a sophisticated charm suitable for formal occasions. The auburn curls, enriched with copper highlights, add warmth and dimension to the hair. Loose tendrils gently frame the face, enhancing natural beauty. Paired with a navy gown, this look balances elegance and softness, making it perfect for weddings, galas, or evening dinners.
14. Layered Curls with Face-Framing Highlights
Layered curls with face-framing highlights offer a soft, youthful glow. The honey blonde accents around the face brighten the complexion, while the layers add shape and movement to the curls. This versatile hairstyle works well for everyday looks or intimate gatherings. The cozy gray sweater complements the warm tones of the hair, creating a balanced and inviting appearance.
15. Curly Bob with Subtle Balayage
The curly bob with subtle balayage provides a fresh, modern twist for women over 40. The mocha roots blend seamlessly into caramel ends, giving depth and a natural sun-kissed effect. The bouncy curls enhance volume while the shorter length keeps the style manageable. Paired with a pastel scarf, this look is chic, making it perfect for casual brunches or stylish everyday wear.
16. Voluminous Curls with Side Part
Voluminous curls with a side part create a glamorous and bold look for women over 40. The chestnut highlights add warmth and dimension, while the deep espresso base keeps the style rich. The side part enhances volume, making the curls appear fuller. Paired with a vibrant emerald blouse, this hairstyle stands out beautifully, perfect for both professional events and special occasions.
17. Tight Corkscrew Curls with Natural Gray Blending
Tight corkscrew curls with blended gray strands offer a graceful, natural look for women embracing their silver hair. The mix of dark brown and silver adds depth, while the tight curls create fullness and texture. This style balances elegance with authenticity, perfect for those wanting to celebrate their natural beauty. The lavender blouse adds softness, complementing the hair’s cool tones.
18. Curly Lob with Caramel Balayage
The curly lob with caramel balayage is both modern and flattering. The soft curls fall just above the shoulders, creating a youthful yet sophisticated appearance. The caramel balayage blends seamlessly into the natural base, adding brightness and warmth. This hairstyle pairs perfectly with casual wear, like a cream sweater, making it ideal for daytime outings or cozy gatherings.
19. Curly Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle
The curly half-up, half-down hairstyle offers a balance of elegance and ease. The chestnut brown curls with honey highlights add dimension, while the lifted top section provides height and flair. Perfect for both casual days and events, this style works beautifully with flowy dresses, like the sage green one shown, enhancing natural charm.
20. Curly Pixie with Defined Curls
The curly pixie cut is bold and empowering, ideal for women over 40 seeking a chic, low-maintenance style. The defined curls create texture, while the mahogany highlights add warmth. The cropped length showcases facial features, and the tailored navy blazer completes a professional yet stylish appearance perfect for work or social events.
21. Loose Spiral Curls with Auburn Tones
Loose spiral curls with auburn tones exude warmth and elegance for women over 40. The rich auburn shade enhances the curl pattern, while the long length keeps the style flowing and feminine. Paired with a burgundy blouse, this hairstyle feels both sophisticated and radiant, making it perfect for date nights or formal gatherings.
Conclusion
Curly hairstyles offer endless beauty for women over 40. From short, defined pixies to long, flowing waves, there’s a perfect style for everyone. Embracing natural curls with highlights, layers, and the right cut can enhance your features while keeping your look fresh. Try out these curly styles to feel confident, chic, and fabulous at any age.
