Gorgeous Curly Hairstyles for Women Over 40 That Are Full of Bounce

Curly hairstyles for women over 40 showcase natural texture with stylish and easy-to-manage looks. Highlighting everything from layered bobs to voluminous updos, these hairstyles emphasize elegance and vibrancy, perfect for enhancing curly hair’s unique charm. Each style demonstrates how curls can be both a beautiful statement and a mark of sophistication for mature women.

Curly Hair Over 40 Advice

Curly hair is extremely versatile, so it’s not surprising that it’s a popular style among women of all ages. However, curly hair requires a little extra maintenance to look its best, and as women age, their scalp and hair care needs often need to be adjusted.

• Depending on the type of curls you have, you might want to work with a stylist to choose a cut that flatters your face and hair.
• You’ll also want to ask your stylist how often you should wash your hair. Most women with curly hair can get away with shampooing every 2-5 days. Washing too much will strip your scalp of moisture which will make your curls dull.
• When you do wash your hair, use a shampoo and conditioner system formulated for curls. This set from Verb cleanses and softens while gently detangling your locks.
• For extra hydration, swap your conditioner out for a hair mask, like this one from Olaplex, about once a week.
• One of the tell-tale signs of healthy curls is shine. If you’ve been overwashing or regularly using dyes, you might notice a dullness in your tresses. You can combat that with a little hair gloss, like this one from Kenra. Not only does it make your hair look healthier, but it also tames flyaways, which are a common problem with curls.
• Curly locks tend to have volume on their own, but as you age, your hair will tend to grow less densely. Massage a little hair growth serum, like this one from Kerastase, into your scalp 1-3 times a week for a few minutes to stimulate your hair follicles.
• One of the worst things you can do for curls is brush them, especially with dry hair. Whether you’re shampooing or not, get your hair wet before styling, preferably with cool or lukewarm water.
• Though you can use a delicate brush to get rid of knots, opt for a wide-toothed comb, like this set from L3, to carefully work through tangles without ripping your locks out.
• Once detangled, work a little curling cream, like this one from Cantu, into your hair and scrunch with your hands to help the curls reform once dry.
• Letting your do air dry is the best option for your hair’s overall health. However, using a hair dryer can help you get the most pristine curls. Use some heat-protecting spray, like this one from Chi, to reduce the chance of heat damage on your locks.
• Consider getting a diffuser for your hairdryer as well if you don’t already have one since they help distribute the hot air to boost curl formation. This one from Drybar is a good and relatively universal option.
• Don’t forget to protect your hair from the sun’s UV rays. Avoiding direct sunlight, either by staying inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or by wearing a hat, is ideal. However, you can also choose to spray a healthy dose of hair-safe sunscreen on your locks and scalp. This one from COOLA offers SPF 30 protection and is vegan-friendly.

Curly Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Voluminous Natural Curls

This full-bodied curly look is perfect for showcasing the beauty of natural texture. The tight coils create a rounded shape, giving off an effortlessly chic and youthful vibe. Keeping your curls well-moisturized with a curl cream or leave-in conditioner is key to maintaining that bouncy definition.

If you’re embracing your natural gray or adding subtle highlights, it gives the curls even more dimension—something I always recommend for a little extra pop!

Modern Curly Bob with Lowlights

This curly bob is a fantastic choice for women over 40 who want something stylish yet easy to maintain. The layers add movement, while the subtle lowlights create depth, making the curls appear more defined.

I always tell my clients that a well-structured bob like this frames the face beautifully while keeping things fresh and modern. Bonus: it’s a breeze to style in the morning!

Long, Loose Curls with Natural Highlights

If you love a relaxed, effortless look, these soft curls are a great way to embrace your natural hair with a bit of polish. The warm highlights add a sun-kissed effect, which makes this style feel youthful and vibrant.

I always say, the trick to keeping long curls looking fresh is regular deep conditioning and a layered cut to prevent them from weighing down!

Soft, Glamorous Curls with Face-Framing Layers

This look is all about movement and dimension! The blend of curls and soft waves gives a glamorous yet relaxed feel, while the face-framing layers add a touch of elegance.

Whether styled with a curling wand or enhanced with a diffuser, these curls can easily transition from casual to sophisticated. If you’re looking for a versatile style, this one’s a winner!

Classic Layered Curls with Caramel Balayage

For those who want to enhance their natural curl pattern while adding a bit of color, this caramel balayage is a stunning option. The layers prevent the curls from looking too heavy and instead create a soft, cascading effect.

I always tell my clients, balayage is the best way to add dimension to curls while keeping the upkeep super low-maintenance!

Defined Curls with Honey Blonde Highlights

These perfectly defined curls have a warm, golden glow, thanks to the honey blonde highlights. This is a great option if you want to brighten up your look without going full-on blonde.

Using a curl-enhancing mousse or gel will help keep each curl separated and frizz-free, giving you that salon-fresh finish every day.

Short, Tousled Silver Curls

If you’re rocking your natural gray, this short, textured cut is a fantastic way to show it off! The volume at the crown adds a playful touch, and the slightly tousled styling makes it look effortless.

I always recommend a lightweight curl cream to keep the silver strands looking shiny and hydrated—this kind of style thrives on healthy hair!

Shoulder-Length Blonde Curls with Soft Layers

These loose, natural curls are the perfect mix of structured and carefree. The blonde highlights add brightness to the overall look, while the shoulder-length cut keeps things versatile.

Whether you wear it air-dried or define the curls with a diffuser, this style is great for anyone looking for an easygoing, yet polished look.

Short, Defined Curls with Side Part

For those who prefer a more structured shape, this short curly cut is a fantastic option. The defined ringlets create a polished, put-together style, while the side part helps frame the face beautifully.

I love this look for its low maintenance—you can just scrunch in some curl cream, let it air dry, and you’re good to go!

Soft, Dimensional Waves for an Elegant Look

If you’re looking for a style that blends curls with soft waves, this one’s perfect. The darker base with lighter balayage highlights adds depth and movement, making it ideal for those who want a touch of elegance.

A curling iron or diffuser will help you achieve this effortlessly chic finish, and a little shine serum will keep it looking silky all day long!

Classic Short Tight Curls

This look is all about structure and definition! The tight, glossy curls frame the face beautifully, creating a rounded, voluminous shape that is both timeless and chic.

This is a fantastic style for women who want low-maintenance curls with a polished finish. A bit of curl cream or gel will keep these spirals bouncy all day long.

Bold and Playful Red Curls

Now, this is a head-turning look! The fiery red shade makes the curls pop, giving them even more dimension and personality. The tousled, short layers add movement and make this style effortlessly fun.

If you’ve ever thought about going red, this warm, vibrant hue is a fantastic way to add some spice to your curls!

Long Dark Curls with a Hint of Silver

I absolutely love how this natural black base blends with a touch of silver streaks—it gives such a refined and elegant feel. The loose, voluminous curls are perfect for those who want a sophisticated but effortlessly stylish look.

A light mousse or curl-enhancing cream can help define the curls without weighing them down.

Silver Curls with Soft Volume

There’s something so effortlessly chic about silver curls, especially when they’re styled into a soft, layered shape like this. The blend of natural gray and white creates a dimensional look that enhances the volume of these gorgeous waves.

If you’re embracing your natural grays, a purple shampoo will keep them bright and fresh.

Playful Short Platinum Curls

This is what I call a power look! These platinum curls are styled into a playful, face-framing shape that feels both youthful and elegant.

The cool-toned blonde color brings a fresh, modern touch to the curls, making them look full of life. A little texturizing spray will add even more movement to this already lively cut.

Soft Chocolate Brown Waves

This style is perfect for those who love a mix of soft waves and defined curls. The rich chocolate brown hue adds warmth and depth, making the hair look extra glossy.

This layered cut gives movement while keeping a bit of classic volume at the crown. A round brush and diffuser will be your best friends for styling this look!

Natural Gray Curls with a Shaggy Touch

A modern take on the classic shag! These natural gray curls are cut into layers that give the hair lots of bounce and movement. I love how the subtle highlights of silver and white add depth to the curls, making them pop.

This is a fantastic style for anyone embracing their natural grays with confidence.

Tapered Curly Pixie Cut

Talk about a bold and stylish short cut! This tapered pixie is a great option for those who want to keep their curls manageable but still full of texture.

The shorter sides enhance the definition of the curls on top, while the warm brown highlights give just the right amount of dimension.

Soft and Tousled Chin-Length Curls

This is such a flattering cut for all face shapes! The curls are kept loose and natural, creating a soft and romantic effect. The rich brown color adds depth, making the curls look even more luscious.

This style is easy to maintain—just a bit of curl cream and a scrunch, and you’re good to go!

Messy Curly Bob with Bangs

I love how effortless this look is! The layered curls, paired with those wispy bangs, create a laid-back but stylish vibe. The mix of warm highlights adds texture and movement, making the curls appear even more voluminous.

A little sea salt spray can enhance that tousled effect for an easy, everyday look.