18 Hairstyles for Plus Size Women Over 40

ByEmily Shine Posted on

Finding the perfect look requires more than just a quick trim. You deserve a cut that celebrates your features and your age. This guide to 18 Hairstyles for Plus Size Women Over 40 provides the inspiration you need to refresh your signature style today.

The Soft Blonde Wave

selfie of a 44-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a rounded, soft nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of light sunspots on the cheeks and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are deep-set blue. She is wearing a magenta top with a blonde, wavy, shoulder-length hairstyle, front view, plain white wall.

Soft waves offer a romantic touch that softens the jawline beautifully.

This shoulder length cut utilizes gentle texture to create movement without adding unnecessary bulk to the sides of your face.

You can achieve this look by using a wide barrel curling iron and brushing through the curls for a relaxed finish.

This style suits heart and oval face shapes perfectly.

It works well for a casual office day or a semi formal dinner party where you want to appear effortlessly polished.

Layered Silver Sophistication

casual photo of a 47-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a straight, prominent nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of fine lines around the eyes and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are hooded grey. She is wearing a light blue mask and grey top with a layered, grey and blonde hairstyle, side view, salon background.

Layers provide the lift that many women over forty crave to keep their hair from looking flat.

This side view highlights how shorter pieces around the crown create height and volume.

The blend of grey and blonde tones hides regrowth while adding a modern metallic shine.

You will find that this medium density style flatters round faces by drawing the eye upward.

It is a practical choice for busy women who still want a sharp, professional edge at the hair salon.

Wavy Blonde Pixie

selfie of a 49-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a petite, upturned nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of enlarged pores on the chin and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are bright green. She is wearing a blue top with a short, blonde, wavy hairstyle, three-quarter view, blurry background.

Short hair does not have to be boring or severe.

This wavy pixie cut uses volume at the top to balance a fuller face, creating an approachable and energetic vibe.

You can style this in minutes using a bit of texturizing mousse to give the waves some grip.

This look suits women with fine to medium hair density who enjoy a low maintenance routine.

Wear this to a weekend brunch or a casual outing to show off your playful personality.

Curly Grey Crown

selfie of a 46-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a wide, friendly nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of deep smile lines and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are sparkling hazel. She is wearing a bright pink top with a grey, curly, shoulder-length hairstyle, front view, plain grey wall.

Embrace your natural texture with these beautiful grey curls.

Shoulder length hair provides enough weight to keep curls from becoming frizzy while still allowing for plenty of natural bounce.

This high density look fills out the space around the neck and shoulders, providing a balanced frame for your face.

You should apply a curl defining cream to wet hair and air dry for the best results.

This look is fantastic for everyday wear and highlights a confident, natural aesthetic.

Layered Cream Tones

selfie of a 45-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a narrow, straight nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of uneven skin tone and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are wide set blue. She is wearing a cream-colored top with a shoulder-length, layered, grey and blonde hairstyle, three-quarter view, blurred background.

Tying together grey and blonde strands creates a multidimensional look that adds depth to your hair.

These long layers start at the cheekbones to draw attention to your eyes while slimming the lower half of your face.

You can use a round brush during your blowout to give the ends a soft flip.

This style is quite versatile for medium hair density.

It works beautifully for school meetings or professional presentations where you want to look approachable and put together.

Edgy Leather And Layers

casual photo of a 43-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a sharp, defined nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of scattered freckles and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are piercing blue. She is wearing a black leather jacket with a layered, grey and blonde hairstyle, side view, plain wall.

Short layers at the back paired with longer pieces in front create a dynamic profile that screams confidence.

This side view shows how the hair tumbles naturally without requiring constant adjustment.

This style is perfect for women who want a bit of an edge without going for a full mohawk.

The mixture of cool blonde and natural grey tones provides a contemporary feel.

This look pairs exceptionally well with bold outfits for a night out or a concert.

The Bright Blue Bounce

selfie of a 41-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a button nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of pinkish undertones and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are large brown. She is wearing a bright blue top with a blonde and brown layers in her shoulder-length hair and bangs hairstyle, front view, blurred background.

Bangs are a secret weapon for shifting focus away from a double chin and toward your gorgeous eyes.

These feathered layers combine blonde and brown tones to simulate natural sunlight hitting the hair.

The fringe should stay light and wispy to avoid overwhelming your forehead.

You can style this with a quick blow dry and some light hairspray.

This look provides a youthful energy that is perfect for community events or family gatherings where you want to feel lively.

The Power Blazer Wave

selfie of a 48-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a long, elegant nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of weathered texture from the sun and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are calm grey. She is wearing a black blazer over a white t-shirt with a long, wavy, grey hair hairstyle, front view, plain background.

Long hair is absolutely an option after forty.

These long, grey waves provide a softened look that balances the structured lines of a professional blazer.

Keeping the waves loose avoids a dated appearance and keeps the style looking fresh and modern.

This works best for medium to high hair density.

You might use a sea salt spray to give the waves a bit of grit and staying power.

It is an excellent choice for executive meetings or high stakes interviews.

Pearl Necklace Chic

casual photo of a 44-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a soft, rounded nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of fine dehydration lines and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are smiling blue. She is wearing a black top and pearl necklace with a blonde, wavy, shoulder-length hairstyle, side view, blurred background.

Waves that flow away from the face open up your features and prevent the hair from hiding your neck.

This side view illustrates how a shoulder length cut can look incredibly glamorous when tucked behind one ear.

The blonde highlights add a touch of luxury that matches classic accessories like pearls.

This style suits most face shapes, especially those with prominent cheekbones.

It is the go to look for anniversary dinners or any occasion where you feel like dressing up.

The Polished Professional

selfie of a 40-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a delicate nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of light acne scarring on the jaw and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are deep-set brown. She is wearing a white blouse and a black cardigan with a long, wavy brown hair hairstyle, front view, posing with hands on hips.

Long, dark waves offer a sense of authority and grace.

This style uses subtle layers to prevent the hair from weighing down your expression.

You can achieve this look by using a large curling wand and wrapping segments of hair away from your face.

The rich brown color provides a warm frame for the complexion.

This style is exceptionally versatile and works for everything from a PTA meeting to a corporate keynote.

It signals that you have everything under control.

The Asymmetric Edge

selfie of a 43-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a narrow nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of faint pigmentation and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are bright blue. She is wearing a white top with a blonde, asymmetric bob haircut hairstyle, front view, blurred background.

An asymmetric bob is a fantastic way to add visual interest and a slimming effect to a round face.

One side is noticeably longer, which creates a diagonal line that draws the eye down.

This blonde cut is sleek and modern, requiring only a quick straighten to look its best.

This style works best for women with straight hair and medium density.

Use this look to show off your trendy side at a gallery opening or a modern workspace.

The Textured Scarf Look

selfie of a 46-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a straight nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of dry patches and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are hazel. She is wearing a dark blue cardigan and a patterned scarf with a short blonde and brown layered haircut hairstyle, front view, blurred background.

Short, choppy layers are brilliant for adding volume to fine hair that might otherwise look thin.

This multi tonal blonde and brown cut creates the illusion of more hair through texture and height at the crown.

You can style this easily with a small amount of pomade to define the different layers.

This look is perfect for the cooler months when you are wearing scarves and layers.

It keeps the hair off your collar while maintaining a stylish, intentional shape.

Highlights And Heat

selfie of a 42-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a rounded nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of sun damage and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are brown. She is wearing a brown tie-dye t-shirt with a medium-length, wavy brown hair with blonde highlights hairstyle, front view, blurred background.

Adding blonde highlights to a brown base provides a sun kissed look that brightens the entire face.

This medium length cut features soft waves that hit just below the shoulders, making it a very safe and flattering choice for many women.

You can use a texturizing spray to keep the waves from looking too perfect or stiff.

This is a great everyday style for running errands or meeting friends for coffee.

It is relaxed, comfortable, and very easy to manage.

Voluminous Green Jacket Curls

selfie of a 45-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a slightly flared nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of deep pores and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are blue. She is wearing a green jacket over a black top with a voluminous, blonde curly hair hairstyle, front view, plain background.

Go big or go home with these voluminous blonde curls.

High density hair looks stunning when allowed to take up space and frame the face with soft, rounded shapes.

This style balances a wider torso by providing a strong visual presence at the top.

You should use a volumizing spray at the roots and a diffuser when drying these curls.

This look is bold and confident, making it ideal for women who love to be the center of attention.

The Brunette Fringe

selfie of a 47-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a button nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of fine lines and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are hazel. She is wearing a black top with a short, brown, layered haircut with bangs hairstyle, three-quarter view, blurred background.

A short, layered brunette cut with bangs offers a classic look that never goes out of style.

The bangs hide forehead lines while the layers around the ears add a bit of width where it is usually needed for balance.

This style is quite easy to maintain with regular trims every six weeks.

You can use a flat brush to keep the bangs smooth and the layers neat.

This hairstyle is perfect for a professional who prefers a tidy, no nonsense appearance.

The Bold Undercut

casual photo of a 44-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a sharp nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of pink spots and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are grey. She is wearing a striped top with an edgy, blonde, and grey undercut hairstyle, collage showing front, side, and back views, blurred background.

If you feel adventurous, a blonde and grey undercut is the ultimate modern statement.

This style removes bulk from the sides and back, focusing all the volume and interest on the top.

It is an excellent choice for hot climates or for women who find long hair too heavy.

You can style the top long or keep it spiky for a different look every day.

This haircut works well for bold personalities who want to stand out at social gatherings.

Warm Tonal Transitions

selfie of a 41-year-old plus size Black woman with a chubby face and a wide nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of dark spots and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are dark brown. She is wearing a floral-patterned top with a long, wavy, dark brown hair with lighter brown highlights hairstyle, three-quarter view, blurred background.

These long waves featuring light brown highlights on a dark base offer a warm and inviting look.

The three quarter view shows how the waves cascade down the shoulders, creating a slimming vertical line.

High density hair types benefit from the weight of this length, as it prevents the hair from puffing out too much.

You can achieve this with a large curling iron and some shine spray.

This style is perfect for a garden party or a summer wedding.

The Perfect Back View

casual photo of a 48-year-old plus size Caucasian woman with a chubby face and a soft nose. The skin is heavily textured with a complex pattern of freckles and a faint, thin scar traversing the left eyebrow. The eyes are blue. She is wearing a dark top with a short, layered, brown and blonde hairstyle, back view, blurred background.

Seeing the back of a haircut is just as important as the front.

This short, layered look shows how stacked layers at the nape of the neck create a beautiful, lifted silhouette.

The mix of brown and blonde tones ensures that every layer is visible and textured.

This style is great for avoiding the ‘mullet’ trap while keeping enough length to feel feminine.

It is an ideal look for a professional woman who wants to look sharp from every single angle.

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