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60 Fabulous Hairstyles for Black Women Over 40 Years of Age!

Being over 40 means you’re only getting more fabulous by the day. You can spice up your hairstyle easily, anytime you want. No matter whether you’re looking for new ideas for styling braids, locs, or your natural hair.

Tired of the same old hairstyle? Unsure of how to style your braids or natural hair? Feel more confident than ever before by diving into the world of fabulous hairstyles designed to enhance your natural beauty and celebrate the wisdom that comes with age. Let’s discover the perfect look that will make you feel like the beautiful queen you truly are!

What is the best hairstyle to prevent hair damage and hair loss at this age?

If you’re concerned about hair damage and loss, consider opting for braids and locs. These hairstyles are known to be excellent for preventing such issues. Specifically, knotless braids are highly recommended for protective styling as they effectively avoid traction alopecia. Be cautious, though, braids that are too tight can often lead to hair damage and loss.

What kind of hairstyle makes you look younger?

Timeless hairstyles for women over 40 are tapered cuts, braids, and afros. These looks are always a hit, and guaranteed to make you feel like you’re 26 again.

What hairstyle is best for thin hair?

For thin hair, you want to try out twists or braids. Twists and braids can help disguise thinning hair. If you’re not into braiding, short styles are the way to go.

Can a 40+-year-old woman wear braids?

Absolutely! Braids are fantastic regardless of age. They offer a versatile and stylish look that can be flaunted by anyone. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s no age limit when it comes to embracing braided hairstyles.

You have the freedom to experiment with various braid styles and choose the ones that resonate with your style. Opting for knotless braids as opposed to traditional box braids can provide added comfort since they exert less tension on your scalp. So go ahead and confidently rock any braided look you desire!

How do I strengthen and keep my hair healthy in my 40’s?

In your 40s, maintaining healthy and strong hair becomes more crucial than ever. As we age, our hair tends to become thinner and more brittle, making it vulnerable to damage.

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for promoting hair health. Incorporate foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily meals to provide your hair with the necessary nutrients.

Remember that excessive heat styling can cause damage to aging hair. Limit the use of heated styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons and opt for heat-free alternatives whenever possible. Embracing your natural texture or experimenting with low-heat styling methods can help prevent further breakage and maintain the integrity of your strands.

Regular deep conditioning treatments are also an excellent way to strengthen and nourish aging hair. Look for products that are specifically formulated for black hair types!

Does aging affect my hair growth?

Aging does affect your hair growth. As you get older, the natural aging process can have a significant impact on the health and growth of your hair. While it is normal for everyone to experience some hair thinning as they age, various factors contribute to this change.

One of the main reasons for hair loss or thinning with age is the gradual decrease in hormone levels, estrogen, and testosterone. These hormones help with maintaining healthy hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

As their levels decline, the hair follicles become more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, which can lead to miniaturization of the hair follicles and cause them to produce thinner and shorter strands of hair.

Also, as we age our bodies experience a decrease in blood flow to the scalp. This reduced blood circulation means that fewer nutrients and oxygen reach the hair follicles, resulting in weaker and slower hair growth.

Do you look younger or older with colored hairstyles?

Colored hairstyles have a remarkable ability to make you appear younger! By adding a vibrant hue into your chosen style from our list, you’ll be surprised at the youthful transformation it brings. Try it for yourself!

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These pictures are all sourced online. To be credited for your personal picture, please contact me with the exact picture, and I’ll be sure to credit you. This post also contains affiliate links which means that I earn a small commission if you make a purchase with my link, at no additional cost to you.

1. Marley Twists on Type 4 Hair

marley twists hairstyle for 40 years old
@marthadove

These two strand twists are beautiful and perfect for daily wear. You can style this up or down anyway you’d like. Keep this style fresh by using a satin bonnet every night.

2. Curly Blonde Bob with Rollers

curly haircut for 40 years old women
@honeycombaesthetics.llc

There’s nothing hotter than a black woman with blonde hair! Add the curls in – and OMG!

3. Extra Long Feed-In Braids

fulani braids for black women
@jkbeauty.beats

Fulani braids have broken out into one of the biggest black braid trends – with good reason! These braids are gorgeous and when braided right, come out beautifully.

4. Up-Do on Stretched 4c Hair

updo hairstyle for women over 40 years old
@opaglamz

You can never go wrong when it comes to hair buns! Add some decorative string to help these buns stick out.

5. Natural Pressed Curls

short hair hairstyle for black women
@crownoflove

Not a huge fan of braids or weaves? Just use your own hair and get it pressed with some beautiful curls at the end!

6. Flat Twists on Medium Length Hair

flat twists hairstyle for women over 40 years old
@thenaturalhairstudion

This style is one for the books! Perfect for the ladies who prefer shorter styles, these cornrow twists are very unique.

7. Roller Set Curls on Natural Hair

perm curls on black women
@crownoflove

Curls, curls, and more curls! There’s nothing cuter than a head full of pretty curls.

8. Half Blue Half Pink Curly Locs

short locs hairstyle for black women over 40 years old
@g1ftedhands

Already have locs and looking for a new way to wear them? Try dyeing them! No matter what color(s) you choose, you’re definitely going to turn heads.

9. Barrel-Styled Braided Locs

locs hairstyle on black women

Wearing your locs in different ways is easy! One of the most common styles is this barrel-style braided locs completed with two simple buns at the bottom.

10. Boho Knotless Braids

boho braids for black women
@hairpreto2022

One of the most popular braiding hairstyles to date – bohemian knotless braids. For this look, you’ll need a few packs of wavy hair and straight hair.

11. 3 Bun Mohawk

mohawk updo hairstyle for black women

Everyone loves buns! Keep these adorable buns looking as fresh as they did on day 1 by using a large satin bonnet when you’re lounging around and sleeping.

12. Long Knotless Braids with Curly Ends

box braids for women over 40 years old
@frenchgirls_touch

These braids are for the bold and fearless ladies! If you love length and curls, you’ll love these knotless braids.

13. Natural Curly Bob with Side Braids

natural hairstyle for women over 40

Looking to embrace your natural hair but love some braids? Keep your natural bob then add some braids on the right or left side.

14. Cornrow Bun

cornrows hairstyle on black women

Cornrows are always a great idea, especially when you pull it into a bun. Keep this style looking fresh by using a satin scarf.

15. Natural Short Hair Cut

short haircut for women over 40 years old

Sometimes, short is the best way. Get this tapered, curly short cut if you’re a lover of the short, natural hairstyles.

16. Short Ombre Curls

natural curly hairstyle for women over 40

Thinking of curls and color? Be prepared for a ton of compliments with this look! You can color your curls any color you’d like.

17. Short Twist Bob for Black Women

mini twists hairstyle for 40 years old women

Searching for something other than the usual knotless braids? These short twists are a must, especially during the hot summer months.

18. Natural Curly Afro

natural hairstyle for black women over 40
@rosie_curlycrown

Embrace your curls! Keep your curls looking moisturized and healthy with this hair oil and curl moisturizer.

19. Fulani Cornrow Twists

twists hairstyle for 40 years old women

Wow, wow, and WOW! This unique style is one you don’t see often, all the more reason to try it out at least once.

20. Braided Curly Bun

flat twists hairstyle on black women over 40
@nashehairstudio

Braided buns are always a winner. No need to worry about styling it every morning! Just take off your bonnet or scarf and you’re good to go. Use a shower cap to keep your braids fresh.

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21. Faded Cut with Design

short haircut on black women over 40

A good fade isn’t complete without an intricate design. Feel free to spice this look up with any design you can think of.

22. Short Passion Twists

twists hairstyle for 40 years old women

Twists are one of the cutest braiding styles for black women around. You’ll want to make sure the twists stay bouncy and beautiful by using this moisturizing spray.

23. Natural Wavy Curly Bob

natural hairstyles on black women over 40 years old

This bob is perfect for any black woman who is looking for a style with curls and tons of volume. Don’t forget your extra-large bonnet to take care of this look.

24. Mohawk Bun Styled Locs

soft locs mohawk style on black women

Contrary to popular opinion, there are so many ways to style locs. You or your stylist can style your locs into these adorable, loose buns.

25. Red Orange Straight Weave

ginger wig on black women

Sometimes, all a girl needs is a good weave! This red and orange colored weave is guaranteed to turn heads.

26. Short Two Strand Twists

short twists hairstyle on black women

@vivian_hairandmakeup

Two-strand twists are gorgeous and even more so when they’re short! The best part? You can style these twists any way you would like to.

27. Platinum Blonde Boho Knotless Braids

short blonde box braids for black women
@pearlthestylists

Take the regular boho knotless braids up a notch – by coloring them platinum! You’ll need a couple packs of platinum braiding hair for this amazing style.

28. Elegant Loc Bun

locs hairstyle for black women

Styling locs is one of the most fun things to do! Try styling your real or faux locs into a super cute and elegant bun.

29. Natural Burgundy Curly Bun

burgundy natural hairstyle for women over 40
@opaglamz

Color always takes a style to a new level. You can dye your natural hair using this burgundy dye to achieve this look. If you’re unsure about dyeing your hair correctly, ask a stylist!

30. Bantu Mohawk With a Ponytail

hairstyles for 40 years old

Look beautiful in this celebrity mohawk hairstyle. Add a curly ponytail or wrap a few tracks of water wave hair around your hair for a fluffy ponytail look.

31. Braided Up-Down Weave

fulani hairstyle on black women over 40 years old

Who knew that you could combine braids and a weave? With how glamorous this look is, don’t mess it up! An extra large bonnet and shower cap will be your best friends.

32. Tapered Fade Cut

tapered haircut for women over 40 years old

Fades on black women are beautiful! The side part design is simple, yet attention-grabbing.

33. Ombre Colored Locs

ombre copper curly hair for black women

One of the easiest ways to step up your loc game is to color them! You can use any colored dye for black hair that fits your personality.

34. Natural Kinky Curly Updo with Bun

natural hairstyle for black women over 40

Simple, cute, and manageable! Add some cute hair decor to this puffy style.

35. Super Puffy Afro

afro hairstyle for black women over 40

It doesn’t get much puffier than this! You’ll need afro-kinky hair to achieve this puffy afro.

36. Extra Long Colored Faux Locs

boho locs ombre on women
@trapness

Faux locs have been becoming a huge trend in the loc and braiding world. These extra-long locs are for the ones who don’t mind the attention being on three.

37. Short Jumbo Knotless Boho Braids

jumbo bohemian braids on girls
@qthebraider

These short, honey-colored ombre braids are so pretty! You can style them up or down, and even add colored hair.

38. Twist Ponytail Bun

low ponytail with flat twists
@khadajeeee

Embrace your natural curls with this twist bun! You can use your natural hair, or use your natural hair and on hair.

39. Faux Long Interlocs

long locs hairstyle on black women

Thinking about joining the faux loc wave? Take this picture as a sign you should! Don’t forget about keeping your faux locs looking good by keeping your hair wrapped out at home.

40. Cornrow Boho Braids

cornrows on black women over 40 years old

This mix of cornrows and boho braids will give you the best social media pics. Be ready to grab everyone’s attention with this style!

41. Medium Fully Brown Traditional Locs

short locs hairstyle for black women over 40

@tresses_africaine

What’s better than locs? Brown locs! Level up your locs getting them brown and medium-sized!

42. Feed-in Low Bun

braided hairstyle on low bun

Feed-in braids are here to stay! So why not try a feed-in bun?! You can feel free to change up the size of the braids.

43. Cornrow Up-Do

flat twists hairstyle for black women
@livarabeauty

Are you looking for a simple style to wear daily? Make sure you have hair oil to ensure your braids stay looking good.

44. Passion Twist Bob

short locs hairstyle for women over 40 years old

Not everyone wants hair down to their butt. If you love short styles, this passion twist bob is just right for you.

45. Cornrow Feed-in Bun

low bun conrows hairstyle on black women

Feed-ins and regular cornrows come together to make one unique style. For this look, you’ll need packs of braiding hair, hair jam, and a bonnet/scarf to protect your hair.

46. Knotless Braids with Honey-Colored Ends

coi leray hairstyle on women

Who knew knotless braids could look this good? The honey-colored ends make it a look that’s to die for. Don’t be surprised when you get a ton of compliments!

47. Fulani Feed-in Braids

all back stitch braids on black women

Fulani braids are beautiful no matter who’s wearing them! To keep this style looking fresh, remember to NOT get your hair wet – a shower cap is a must-have to prevent frizziness.

48. Weave with Two Buns and Small Braids

cornrows hairstyle on women

You can have the best of both worlds with the combo of weave and braids. Don’t be surprised when you get stopped every 5 seconds to ask who did your hair!

49. Extra Small Knotless Braids

long box braids hairstyle for women

Knotless braids look beautiful in any size, but these extra small knotless braids are one of a kind. You can style the braids in multiple different styles!

50. Princess Leia Buns

bantu knots hairstyle on black women

These Leia buns have always been around, but recently, they’ve been making a comeback. The two braids in the front add a touch of spice to the look.

51. Heart-Shaped Cornrow Braided Bun

cornrows hairstyle for black women

Add a couple of hearts to your next cornrow braids! This style ends in a bun, which keeps the style easy to maintain.

52. Brown and Black Faux Locs

soft locs hairstyle on women over 40 years old

The truth is, not everyone wants to go through the process of growing their own locs. If this is you, these extra-long faux locs are ideal for you.

53. Curly Loc Bobs

short curly locs hairstyle

Didn’t know you that curl locs? Well, you can! You or your stylist can curl your locs using regular curlers. Don’t use heat to curl your locs.

54. Bun Afro Up-Do

twists out updo hairstyle for black women

The more volume, the better! For those who love volume, this style is calling your name. Afro-kinky hair is used to achieve this look.

55. Light Brown Boho Braids

box braids with curly ends on black women

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of extra-long braids going down your back. Tired of the usual black braids? All you need are some packs of brown braiding hair. Don’t forget to wrap your hair up at night!

56. Leila Space Buns

bantu knots hairstyle for black women

Feeling the space bun look? You can rock it yourself with your natural hair. Keep the buns in place by wearing a bonnet to bed or lounging around.

57. Two Strand Twists with Colored Ends

short protective hairstyle for women

Two-strand twists are already beautiful, but with the colored ends, they look even better! You can add colored ends to any real or faux two strand twists.

58. Unique Natural Up-Do

natural hairstyle for black women

This natural, puffy updo is unlike any others. Want to do this look? You’ll need kinky hair and hair decor.

59. Twists with Triangle Parts

short two strand twists hairstyle for black women

Normally, braids are done with square parts. These twists have been done with gorgeous triangle parts. You’ll want to ensure your twists stay moisturized by using this hair spray.

60. Threaded Twists

protective hairstyle on teenage girl

This simple hairstyle keeps your hair stretched and ends protected so you can grow long hair. It’s low manipulation and easy to maintain.

Conclusion

There are so many ways you can wear your natural hair, regardless of the age and stage you’re in, in life. All you need is some creativity and confidence to wear your natural hair in a way that makes you feel beautiful and authentic.