Glam

Hair

5 Flattering Bob Haircuts For Women In Their 40s

Are you 40, flirty, thriving, and ready for a glow-up? Sometimes we all need a change, and what better way than with a fresh haircut? If you're looking to reinvent your mane, a bob is a great way to switch things up with a simple cut. And for those of us in our 40s, there are some specific bob styles that are sure to enhance any look.

In an exclusive interview with Glam, creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Amy Abramite, shared the five most flattering haircuts for women in their 40s. Because, let's face it: This decade gives us different goals and challenges than we've had before. "Women in their 40s tend to experience changes in their hair due to fluctuating hormone levels that cause hair thinning," Abramite explains, adding, "These hormonal differences can cause shedding and slow down the regrowth process. Bob haircuts are a beneficial haircut option because the shorter lengths make hair appear thicker and have more volume." Furthermore, Abramite says, "Bobs also provide many style options from classic to trendy that are easy to manage and maintain." There's a match made in bob heaven for everyone — it's all about choosing the right style, and we've narrowed it down to the top five picks. " ... Ask your stylist for any of these five bobs that have these standout characteristics to tailor to your styling needs," Abramite advises, noting, "With bobs, it's all about the length!" 

A lob looks great with a side or middle part

While the idea of a bob may feel like a major hair transition for many of us, there are actually ways to rock a bob that don't force you to sacrifice having a little extra length for styling and pulling your hair back into a ponytail. Enter the lob, which Amy Abramite describes as, simply, "the longest version of a bob." She reveals exclusively to Glam, "A lob or 'long bob' is a haircut that is longer than the length of a classic bob with the length falling beyond the chin near the shoulders."

After the age of 40, some women experience thinning hair. For folks who have been dealing with this change, a lob with a side part can be a great way to get your hair to look as thick as possible. Lobs can look just as elegant with a middle part, but a side part allows you to flip your mane from side to side and keep it looking full of volume. A lob is also a great solution if you typically wear hair extensions or frequently bleach your locks and are looking to give your natural hair a bit of R&R. As for what you should ask your hairstylist for when you're ready to enter your lob era, Abramite says that a lob "looks best when it has an angle forward and hits the collarbone." 

It doesn't get more sophisticated than a French bob

One of the most classic and iconic bob haircuts has to be the French bob. "The French bob is a chic, shorter version of the classic bob with straight across bangs," Amy Abramite explains exclusively to Glam. "The length falls below the ears and above the chin and worn sleek and polished for sophistication and shine." This bob style makes more of a fashion statement than many of the other cuts, and its distinct, tailored shape will complement many face shapes and leave you looking put together with minimal effort.

When it comes to living with a French bob, this cut has pros and cons in terms of upkeep. The cut's specificity and style means that your time spent getting ready in the morning will likely get a lot shorter and simpler. And after 40, many of us are looking for ways to slim down our beauty routines so we can get going more quickly in the morning. On the other hand, in order to keep this cut looking sharp and perfectly shaped, you're likely going to need to make more frequent trips to the salon. If upkeep with your hairstylist isn't a dealbreaker for you, this cut is surely worth a try. A French bob can work for most people; it's all about choosing the right bang style for your face shape and hair texture, which is something you can consult your stylist about. 

The Italian bob feels effortless

There are few haircuts out there that are quite as chic as the French bob. Yet, some of us want the high-fashion look of the French bob with a more easy-breezy, effortless feel. If this sounds like your ideal cut, then may we suggest shifting from France to Italy? "The Italian version of this bob has a casual feel with a length that is at the middle of the neck," Amy Abramite shares in an exclusive conversation with Glam. The Italian bob, Abramite explains, "is layered for volume and soft movement and worn naturally to enhance texture and fullness."

If you love your hair with extra volume and movement, then an Italian bob may be the best bet for your new 'do. Furthermore, this cut will likely work for you regardless of your hair texture or your face shape, so you're less likely to end up with a cut that doesn't fit your look than you may be with other styles. While the Italian bob is a timeless cut, it also often gives vintage vibes, which can add a bit of oomph to your look. There are many ways to style an Italian bob, from flipped-out ends to straight with a middle part. You should choose your go-to technique based on your personal style and hair type. To lean into your Italian bob's voluminous nature, though, texturizing products and a round brush are key. 

A blunt bob is your go-to low-maintenance 'do

While some of us are looking for movement, volume, and lightness in our haircut, others prefer something sleek and simple. The perfect cut to fit this criteria is the blunt bob. As Amy Abramite puts it in our exclusive chat, "This classic version of the cut has a clean, straight line at the chin. 'Blunt' describes the way the ends are cut so the edges are straight across with no texturizing. A blunt bob typically has no layers making the ends look dense and thick."

This is the bob for you if you love a low-maintenance 'do. The blunt bob is the ultimate wash-and-go cut, particularly if you have fine hair. It doesn't discriminate based on face shape; there's a blunt bob cut for you, whether you've got defined cheekbones you love showing off, a square jaw you're looking to complement, or anything in between. There's one key tip to keep in mind to make sure you get the perfect blunt bob when you hit the salon chair. The key feature of a blunt bob is, of course, its bluntness. And that straight-cut edge can draw attention to the part of your face where it lands. For example, if you don't want to draw attention to your jawline, you should cut your bob a bit longer to make your face appear lengthened. Consider which part of your lower face or neck you'd most like to accentuate to determine where your stylist should make the chop.

Opt for a layered bob if you value versatility

If a blunt bob doesn't sound like the right fit for you, then you may want to try the opposite: a layered bob. "A layered bob has layers to add texture, volume and remove weight," Amy Abramite explains exclusively to Glam. The layered bob, of course, must have layers. Beyond that, though, it's flexible to meet your needs. According to Abramite, layered bobs "vary in length and can be styled with or without bangs. It's versatile and can be styled from sleek and straight to tousled and lived-in." 

If you're eager to try out a bob but are feeling a bit nervous about the drastic change, a layered bob is a great pick to help you transition into being a certified bob girlie. This bob style is easy and effortless and works perfectly if you've got anything from lots of natural curls to straight locks. Plus, the layers mean you won't have to worry about keeping up with your haircuts as strictly as you might with other bobs. So, if you're on the fence about shedding your long hair, it may be time to give a layered bob a try. We have a feeling you're going to feel lighter, fresher, and more fabulous than ever.