10 Celebrities Over 40 With Amazing Hair For Salon Inspo
Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to do with your hair when you're over 40 years old. Leaving your 30s behind can be a great time for change and reflection, and altering our locks can be one of the best ways to outwardly show how far we've come. It can demonstrate how we've grown and learned more about our likes and dislikes. After all, a lot of people 40 and above are no longer as preoccupied with trends and fads, and focus more on cuts, colors, and styles that suit their busy lifestyles. Then there's the fact that our hair and its needs change as we age. Aging can cause hair loss and thinning, and, of course, our tresses lose pigment over time and turn gray. But how exactly do we reflect those changes in our hair while still looking stylish?
Advice for flattering cuts in your 30s doesn't necessarily apply anymore (though there's nothing wrong with keeping a look that works for you), so, instead, one of the best things to do is to get inspiration from those dealing with the same hair changes. There are plenty of celebrities out there with stunning styles in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond who prove there's not just one way to rock a 'do post-30s. From Julia Roberts' super long locks to Lupita Nyong'o's cropped 'do and pretty much everything in between, we've got a style that's perfect for you.
Tia Mowry
If you follow Tia Mowry on social media, you'll know this "The Game" actor loves to change up her hairstyle — and she's rocked some seriously stunning and intricate looks. We absolutely loved it when she wore her natural curls with a center part in a March 2023 Instagram post. The volume in her hair is so fun and youthful, while the shortness of the cut makes it easy to manage for those in their 40s, 50s, and beyond with super busy lives. Perfect salon inspiration!
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts has rocked several iconic hairstyles over the years, but one of our favorites from this beauty has to be her super-flattering longer locks with full bangs. The length of her hair gives her whole look a youthful edge, while bangs are great for covering things we maybe don't want to highlight as we age, such as age spots, or fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead. The color is also a winner because the golden undertones are flattering on so many skin tones.
Carrie Underwood
Who said you can't rock long hair in your 40s? Carrie Underwood proves that you don't have to go short this decade. Her signature voluminous blonde waves are super youthful, and the curtain bang-esque pieces of hair on either side of her face help to frame her face, which can give the illusion of a slimmer face. Just keep in mind to recreate Underwood's look, you may need a few extensions to really achieve that bulk, as long hair can be notorious for falling flat because of how heavy it can be.
Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian has indeed rocked some seriously iconic hair looks over the years, but one of our favorites has to be her sleek black bob. This look is flattering on the reality star as it doesn't overpower her petite frame. It's also so easy to maintain, making it a good choice for those who are juggling a lot in life. Kardashian usually wears her bob with a middle part, which is actually a super modern way to rock your locks (and you can find out here if the side part or middle is best for you).
Gabrielle Union
Another celeb with incredible hair worth recreating is Gabrielle Union. This star has changed up her look quite a lot over the years, but her box braid styles are some of her most stunning. For this look, Union kept the length in her locks for a half up, half down 'do that's oh so gorgeous. Though getting box braids can take a while, once they're done, they can be easier to manage if you have naturally curly and textured hair than styling your locks daily. Perfect for those who are 40-plus who don't want daily hair hassle.
Jennifer Lopez
When Jennifer Lopez sported this stylish lob, it instantly became one of her top hair looks. This classy cut is perfect for those who don't want to commit to something super short but want something not quite so long so it's easier to manage. This length also makes creating root volume easier, and JLo did that with a deep side part. We also love the caramel color of Lopez's hair, as adding highlights to brunette locks will lighten it without having to dye the entire head, which can be damaging and not ideal if your hair is thinning.
Heidi Klum
We can't get enough of Heidi Klum's deep side-part bangs. This side-swept version is one of the supermodel's best styles ever in our opinion. Much like full bangs, this look is a go-to for those who want to frame their face and put the focus on their eyes rather than their forehead. A long version of side bangs can also be useful for those who want to camouflage the likes of crow's feet that so many of us deal with in our 40s and beyond, as it can sweep over the eye in a super flattering way.
Garcelle Beauvais
Garcelle Beauvais is no doubt one of the most stylish and talented "Real Housewives" stars, and we couldn't get enough of it when she changed up her look for an oh-so-chic red bob. Beauvais put her own stamp on things when she opted for the on-trend flippy bob we've seen Gigi Hadid rocking, and this dark red shade is a glamorous way to do something different and make a statement post-30s without going too outside the box.
Constance Wu
Sometimes, blunt bangs really can turn back the years, and Constance Wu showed us why a heavy bang has such a reputation for being a flattering addition to your 'do. Her naturally dark hair perfectly compliments her skin tone, and her choppy yet voluminous bob — because it's imperfect — gives off an undone and fresh-faced vibe.
Lupita Nyong'o
Ready to go super short? Then use Lupita Nyong'o as your salon inspo! This actor has insanely stunning hair, and her take on the velvet crop that was trending in 2023 is particularly beautiful. Cutting your hair this short can be scary, particularly if you're in your 40s and haven't gone this short before, but Lupita Nyong'o proves how striking and glamorous it can be. Nyong'o put her own twist on the short 'do by adding a deep side part.