30 Haircuts That Are Super Flattering For Women In Their 30s
Let's be real. Navigating beauty in your 30s can be confusing in a number of ways, with one of the biggest being what in the world do to do with your hair. It's understandable. After all, in your 30's, you might not feel right getting the super trendy cut seen on famous Gen-Zers like Jenna Ortega or Sabrina Carpenters. However, you're not ready to make the jump to just throwing your hair in a bun and call it a day. As Mika Fowler, a stylist at the Gavert Atelier Salon, put it to Total Beauty, "Your 30s are a turning point. You're not a baby, but you're not super mature either. It's time to start thinking about enhancing your natural beauty." And we couldn't agree more.
But try not to fret if that sounds like you, because there really are so very many haircuts out there that will really work in your 30s. To give you all the inspo you need, we gathered some of our very favorite cuts to show that this decade can be just as chic and fun as the one before — at least when it comes to your hair.
The classic bob
There's a reason why the bob pops up on so many lists of chic haircuts (including our own list of hot cuts for 2024). That's because the look is absolutely timeless and can be flattering on people of literally any age. You could even take a leaf out of Gigi Hadid's book and style this look as a flippy bob for added flirtyness.
Try a middle-part afro
For a lot of people, one of the best parts about being in your 30s is coming to the realization that sometimes sticking with what's natural is better. If you have naturally curly hair with plenty of texture, consider rocking an afro. The rounded cut is super flattering because of how it softens facial features, helping you to feel more beautiful and confident.
The lob
Because the lob is just a longer version of the bob, it's great for those who want all the sophistication and chicness of a bob, but with a little more length to play with. Instead of stopping at the neck or jawline, lobs usually finish closer to the shoulders or just after, so you'll also get an added dose of versatility when it comes to styling. Try Lucy Hale's (who was born 1989) choppy version for inspo.
Add curtain bangs
No matter how long your locks are, adding curtain bangs is a great way to make it more flattering in your 30s. Defined as longer bangs that part in the middle and frame your face, curtain bangs are great because they add a little extra length around the face but with a slightly shaggy edge. Need a little extra inspiration? Then these are the ways you can style curtain bangs.
Rock long layers
Long layers will add some volume to your hair but still give you plenty of styling options. That's particularly useful in your 30s, because you can try everything from more youthful styles like beachy waves, to more sophisticated updos depending on what your diary dictates.
French girl bangs
Part of the French girl hair trend takeover we saw in 2023, French girl bangs can be a solid addition to your haircut. This style is similar to curtain bangs, but more effortless as it requires less styling; which is never a bad thing in your 30s. Featuring longer bangs that part in the middle, this look can really help to sculpt the face, too!
Sport a side-part afro
Afro-Caribbean hair can look particularly stunning with a side-part, as a little extra volume on one side can be super flattering to the face. While you can style any afro hair into a side-part whenever you like, asking for it to be cut with a side-part will allow your hairdresser to work on the weighting of your hair and provide a more rounded cut.
Long with sideswept bangs
Though sideswept bangs get a bad rep because so many of us have those dreaded memories of rocking one during our emo phase, the return of the side part vs. middle part debate has us reconsidering. Sure, it may make you look like a Millennial, but, hey, that's not a bad thing! Give the blast-from-the-past hairstyle a grown-up vibe by wearing it with longer layers and natural highlights.
The curly bob
Those with naturally curly hair, can look especially confident and gorgeous with a chin-length bob. Ask your hairdresser to give you a rounder cut, as that will eliminate any harsh or blunt edges that could potentially age your face.
The curly angled bob
You'd be forgiven for thinking that naturally curly hair doesn't work with an angled bob, but you'd be so wrong. This style essentially involves literally cutting the hair an angle so it's longer at the front than the back, and curls will give some gorgeous texture to this look. In your 30s, this look is perfect for giving that more sophisticated vibe but still with a little fun thrown in.
The layered lob
So, we've covered the standard lob, but another way to do it that's super flattering after your 30s is to go for a super layered version. As hairstylist Bridget Brager explained to Allure, this interpretation of the cut is a solid choice because it brings natural volume to your tresses without adding a lot of weight.
Rock the classic shag
If you've medium or thick hair, then a classic shag may be for you. The reason this cut is so great for your 30s is because it's super easy to style, making more time for work and play. "It's low maintenance and really shows off the natural texture of the hair," ARC Scissors stylist Rachel Williams explained to BehindTheChair.com.
Get volume with the Bardot shag
Inspired by siren Bridgette Bardot, the Bardot shag is a rounder version of the classic version of the cut — and it's stunning. This take on the cut also includes longer bangs, so you'll be getting all the benefits of bangs for face-framing, while also being able to hide things you may not want to show off, like developing fine lines.
Mid-length with a middle part
It's easy to forget that long hair has a lot of weight, which can make it tough to get that volume at the root. Going for mid-length hair a la Amanda Stanton (born in 1990) is ideal for thirty-somethings who want to cut some hair weight without giving up length. Plus, it's a look that's easily put-together without the fuss of bangs, and still long enough to create loose beach waves.
Do dreadlocks
Between work and family commitments, it's no secret that people in their 30s find themselves pretty busy. Because of this, wearing naturally textured hair in dreadlocks can be a massive timesaver. However, it's also in many cases, quite empowering.
Give eyelash bangs a go
Eyelash bangs are already massive in 2024, so you know you'll be on trend if you get them. However, the style — which involves long bangs that skim your lashes — is perfect for your 30-somethings with curls, as they offer a flirty, vintage vibe that will make you want to wear your natural hair more often.
Do braids
Braids are another stunning way to wear your curly, textured hair in your 30s. Not only does it look gorgeous, it can also be a practical choice for those who don't want to have to style their hair day-in and day-out.
Waterfall bangs
Another way to flirt with fringe without going for a super blunt cut is to try waterfall bangs. This style involves cutting straight-across bangs with a slight split in the middle that gradually get longer as they get closer to the temples. Although this style is still wispy and soft, it can help to give your hair (and your face) some added structure and definition.
Go long with wispy bangs
If you're still traumatized from blunt, childhood bangs, or Zooey Deschanel-style hipster bangs in the 2010s, we understand. However, if you're looking too experiment with bangs again, a wispy style is a great option. It's a far less severe look that runs intentionally longer (past the eyes) and feathers out to the sides. Because the look is more classic, it won't feel too forced or like you're trying to hard to chase a trend.
Wear long curls with a side part
We can't get enough of long curly hair with a side part. This look brings a whole lot of fun to your tresses (because you can totally still have fun with your locks in your 30s, of course!) as it creates natural volume on one side without having to use a teasing comb. Style this look with a diffuser for extra oomph.
Go round with wispy bangs
Those with naturally 3b curls or tighter can benefit from a round cut with wispy bangs, as it will soften the facial features and create a more youthful look overall. We suggest keeping your round cut as close to your shoulders or shorter, as this will stop your curls from being weighed down for added movement and volume.
The wolf cut
For those unfamiliar with the wolf cut, it's essentially a mix of the mullet and a shag. But before you think the trendy look is best left to Gen-Z, think again. "This modified style maintains the bob silhouette while adding layers to enhance natural hair texture and frame the face," Franck Izquierdo, cofounder of IGK Hair Care, explained to Glamour. In other words, if you've been rocking the same cut for years, this is a great way to change things up.
Barely-there bangs
We know, your 30s may not be the time you want to play around with your fringe too much, which is why barely-there bangs are great. They give the face some extra framing without having to commit to something super blunt or heavy. This is a great option for those with naturally curly hair, as the bangs can easily be bobby pinned down when you're ready to grow them out again.
The butterfly cut
Whether you have textured, curly, or stick-straight hair, the butterfly cut (also known as the octopus cut) is a super flattering cut that gives you countless styling options. The look is essentially like a choppy shag, but with a bombshell-esque vibe as it mixes long and short layers that hit right at the cheek and shoulder.
A layered bob
While a layered bob has an air of elegance about it, it still has that youthful edge we long for in our 30s. "The layers around the face keep it soft and flowing without the usual angular lines of a bob, and the layers in the crown or around the perimeter give lift and movement," Antonio Prieto Salon's senior education director Brian Zinno told InStyle.
Add length with feathered ends
For those who like hair that plays well with a curling iron, try a 1970s-inspired feathered cut. The feathered ends (which are cut in a semi-jagged fashion) are more exciting than regular layers without being overly distracting.
A choppy pixie
For those who want to bring some edge into their looks, a choppy pixie can work wonders. The ultra-short, piece-y style looks a little bit more unkempt, but when paired with forward bangs, it can look quite chic. Consider dying it a light bleach blonde for a fun, summertime look.
The rounded bob
We know we've thrown quite a few bob haircut options at you, but trust us when we say the rounded version of the classic (also known as a bell-bottom bob) can be one of the most sophisticated. We've seen this style on a number of celebrities — Kim Kardashian included — and totally understand why. Cut just above the shoulders with a center part that highlights your facial features, it's a look that exudes confidence and reminds the world that you're standing on business when it comes to your style.
The undercut
We know, an undercut probably isn't the first haircut you think of when you think styles to wear after 30, but professionals argue the '80s rockstar 'do has gotten a grown-up makeover over the past decade.
"Undercuts are a great way to achieve those mid-length looks due to the removal of weight in the interior of the hair, allowing some length to hang over with an overall leaner, softer profile and shape," Bellami hairstylist Philip Wolff told Byrdie. As long as you're good at keeping your tresses smooth and styled, this is a great look with lots of personality.
Ask for a U cut
If you prefer to keep your hair longer, a U-cut is the way to go. For those unfamiliar with the style, it involves cutting layers that are slightly shorter in the front and sides, while leaving the middle, rear layers longer. This causes the hair to form a U shape when it falls behind your back. The benefit of this is it gives your hair some bounce and shape, without compromising on length. Perfect for anyone caught between styling choices!