When you are in your 40s or 50s, you can’t wear the same hairstyle you did in your 20s or 30s, as it may no longer match your skin tone or facial features. You’ll also want a style that matches your age and maturity without making you look frumpy and out of style. A medium-short hair cut that falls between the shoulders and chin is usually simple to maintain and can look trendy without looking as if you’re trying to resemble your daughter.

Layered Bob

The bob, the popular short haircut, works for women of all ages. Give yours a hint of maturity by going a bit longer than usual and by adding some layers. The layers can add volume to your hair, which is especially effective if you have slightly fine or flat hair. You can boost the volume even further by using a wide-barrel curling iron or rollers and by running some mousse through your hair.

Shag

The shag haircut first appeared in the 1970s and keeps coming back. The cut can flatter your face, no matter what shape it is. When you get a shag cut, your stylist should cut the layers to frame your face. You can choose to go with bangs that drape over your forehead or hair that drapes to the side of your face and down to your neck in choppy layers. You may want to skip the style if you have very curly or frizzy hair, as it may be too difficult to maintain.

Curls

When you get older, long, straight hair can make your face look a few years older than it actually is, so curls are the way to go for a youthful and pretty hairstyle. Get your curls cut in layers, starting around the cheekbones, so that they gently frame your face. Keep the curls under control by using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Apply a de-frizzing gel to your hair right after shampooing to keep frizz away. Let your hair air dry.

Chignon

If your hair falls somewhere between your chin and shoulders, you can still pull your hair off your face for a polished look suitable for a formal party. Brush your hair over your scalp and then twist it into a loose bun in the back. You may want to leave a few strands out of the chignon, especially if you have short layers in the front. Secure the chignon with a few bobby pins or an elastic band.