The air is getting cooler, pumpkin spice is in everything, and our wardrobes are not the only thing that need a seasonal refresh. Fall makes us think differently about our hair, do we want something softer, richer, perhaps a little bolder? It is time to swap out the beachy casualness of summer with cuts that are structured, dynamic, and have the right amount of drama.
No matter what you are attracted to be it a sleek bob, a textured pixie or a layered lob with a bit more volume, there is something this season that can bring out your best and make you feel instantly renewed. And when you have been wondering about going warmer, cooler, or even brighter, fall light is the perfect backdrop on which to display new color.
I have collected some of the most flattering, wearable, and confidence boosting haircuts on women over 40 and each of them is perfect to embrace the season in your own way. It can be seen as a slight push out of your comfort zone or perhaps a find a look you wore years ago and loved.
The question then is: which of these beautiful fall cuts will make you call your stylist before the leaves stop turning?
Playful Warm Caramel Layers
It is something about the soft, caramel layers in fall light that is like a warm hug. This stacked pixie-bob has lots of airy volume in the crown, which makes it look like it has the ālifted without trying too hardā vibe. The slightly dishevelled end keeps it current, the peekaboo streaks of copper give it character-the first red leaves peeking through an autumn canopy. It is an effortless method of lightening the complexion without making a full color change.
To maintain, I have discovered that a lightweight volumizing mousse such as Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse is ideal to maintain this style bouncy but not stiff. A fast round brush blow-dry flips the roots and a couple of flat iron flicks at the ends provides you with that purposeful-but-not-trying bend. It is low maintenance, yet feels fancy enough to make dinner reservations or work events.
My favorite thing about this cut is that it suits different hair densities. I have a stylist friend who once explained to me that the key to a flattering layered pixie-bob is point-cutting the top layers to add movement without bulk and I can never unsee it. It is that movement that plays on the light so well–particularly in soft fall sunshine.
In case you do not feel like adding a bold streak, use a warmer glaze first. It is able to add a bit of shine to make it look freshly done in the morning and at the same time darkening your tone in a subtle manner. Believe me, even your coffee shop barista will see.
Sleek Blonde Pixie Side-Swept Fringe
Neat edges, airy feather-light texture, and creamy blonde color- this is the type of a cut that gets attention without screaming. The side-swept fringe is a perfect way to frame the eyes and soften the overall appearance and is universally flattering on women over 40. The slight graduation at the back prevents it being boxy and the layers of the crown give it a slight lift which does not require much styling.
The point here is color care. A mild purple shampoo, such as Pureology Strength Cure Blonde, once per week will help keep brassiness in check, and a moisturizing leave-in conditioner will help the strands stay hydrated through cooler weather dryness. Blonde tones may lose their shine more quickly during fall, so I would always suggest a glossing treatment every six weeks to keep the salon-shine.
I have worn a similar cut previously, and what I liked most is that it is so easy to transform the casual to polished. Just replace a comfy sweater with a fitted blazer and now you can go anywhere, whether it is shopping or drinks. Kristin Ess, a celebrity stylist once said that the best short cuts on women over 40 are the ones that make the eyes bigger and this style makes her right.
Thinking about going shorter in fall? This is an easy way to dip your toes in the water, you have all the advantages of a pixie but you still have that soft, feminine touch.
Textured Crop Honey Tone
This fuzzy harvest in golden honey-blonde hues almost shines on the autumn backgrounds. The coloring here is brilliant–the roots are a bit darker, fading into the lighter tips, which gives depth so that short hair does not look flat. The lightly shaved strata provide a fun, tactile texture that is nevertheless purposeful, so it is an excellent option to anyone who enjoys a bit of motion in their fashion.
I would keep this look fresh by using a texturizing spray such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to enhance the layers without stiffening them. Shorter styles such as this can be helped with regular reshaping trims, preferably every five weeks, to keep the shape. The wonderful thing? It even looks lived in when it grows out due to the mixture of tones.
To me, this style comes across as bold yet friendly- you know what suits you but you are not afraid to have some fun. I have heard celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham speak of the process of root smudging to ensure the color grow-out is seamless and this is a textbook example of how to do it.
Honey tones will be your best bet to dip into warmer shades this season without having to go full brunette, and they are rich and flattering and seasonally on point.
Copper Shaggy Pixie
There is something tempting about a strong copper color and a shaggy pixie cut as fall comes along. It is an attitude style, piecey layers, soft fringe, and a shape that nearly styles itself. The top is feathered to provide lift and the sides are a little longer to balance the face. And the color? It is the ideal wink to falling leaves and pumpkin spice.
I cannot live without Davines Alchemic Copper Conditioner to maintain copper vibrancy, it adds just the right amount of pigment to keep the flames burning between salon appointments. Apply it once or twice a week and combine it with a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping the color.
I adore how this type of cut is fun and elegant at the same time. Hairstylist Guy Tang has claimed that copper shades have a built-in spotlight effect, and I can not agree more they simply make your skin glow. It is easy to style with your fingers which is ideal in the mornings when you feel like taking your time over coffee.
You have been toying with the idea of going red, fall is the time to do it. It can never be more beautiful than it is now between the light and the colors of the season.
Modern Edge Silver Chic
There is something undeniably chic about going gray–and when you add a contemporary, layered pixie to the mix, it is anything but a granny look. This is a little longer at the crown to give volume and the side-swept fringe balances the overall effect and focuses on the eyes. The general silhouette is not harsh and is rather slim, which makes it an excellent choice to consider when one wants to have short hair without losing the softness.
The silver shades maintenance is all about maintaining the tone bright. One purple toning mask, such as Amika Bust Your Brass Intense Repair Mask, can do miracles once a week to neutralize yellowing and provide hydration. Silver strands can also be made to appear healthy instead of dull with the use of a lightweight shine serum.
Personally, I found that silver hair with this kind of sharp cut can be very liberating–you are not struggling against your natural color, but you are showing it off in the most fashionable manner. Colorist Jack Martin, who does silver transformations, is fond of discussing how much confidence his clients feel when they do this, and I have seen it in practice.
You know, when you have been considering whether or not to grow out your natural silver, a stylish cut like this one will make the transition appear totally purposeful–and totally stylish.
Blonde Highlights on Chic Layered Bob
There is something so simply young about a softly layered bob with sun kissed blonde highlights woven through. The style combines warm beige with cool ash in a manner that compliments nearly all skin undertones, giving your face that immediate lift, but in a manner that does not look too hard. The layers movement prevents the cut to feel heavy and the front pieces frame the face in the most flattering manner. It is refined, yet not formal the ideal combination of fall.
In order to maintain those highlights light and the layers fresh, I would always suggest a purple toning shampoo such as Fanola No Yellow once a week. It prevents brassiness and assists in preserving that fresh-out-of-the-salon look. And the blow-dry, a round brush and a lightweight volumizing spray are magic to add bounce at the crown.
I, personally, believe this is one of those haircuts that look even more beautiful when it grows out. The layers are settled, the highlights are blurred and you have that lived-in texture that is so in fashion. The celebrity stylist Tracey Cunningham has a habit of saying that with a well-placed highlight, you can look fresher than a complete makeover, and this is evidence.
This is the happy medium if you have been thinking of going lighter in color but do not want to maintain the full blonde. It is smart, stylish, and just right in cuddly fall sweaters and brisk morning coffee breaks.
Side-Swept Bangs Textured Silver Pixie
A pixie cut with texture that is done in shimmering silver is the epitome of confidence-meets-style. The short cut has a playful personality because of the piecey layers and the side-swept fringe softens the appearance. The silver color, be it natural or salon-created, immediately reflects the light, which makes the hair appear healthy and lively.
Silver tones need to be hydrated to truly shine, so I would recommend Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask once per week. Not only does it make the cuticles smooth it also adds that supple movement to the hair that we love in shorter styles. A little bit of matte pomade through the ends will also give that just-rolled-out-of-bed look without being stiff.
I have always envied those women who have silver hair, and carry it off so well after the age of 40. It is not about concealing grays, it is about bringing them up. Hairstylist Jack Martin, the silver transformation expert, says that a short, layered cut is the best friend of silver hair and he is right. It maintains the style contemporary and low maintenance.
The prettiness of this cut? You wake up, ruffle your hands through it and you are good to go. It is casual yet it has something to say- like the ideal cashmere sweater that goes with everything.
Brunette Pixie Caramel and Copper Streaks
Here is where a traditional brunette pixie is given a spicy touch of warm caramel and copper streaks throughout the layers. The positioning is important: not too much to overpower the base color but enough to reflect the light and give depth. The result? A dynamic cut that appears new and up to date, particularly on the warm light of fall sun.
I never want the copper tones to wash out, so I always rely on color-depositing conditioners such as Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper. It maintains the liveliness between salon visits. To style, a light texture cream would be used to set the layers without losing softness.
I am a huge fan of a little bit of crazy color every now and then like a pair of statement earrings with a plain outfit. You may not be ready to go all over color, but a few well-placed streaks will give you that small touch without being too extreme.
And here is the trick: these warmer colors can lift the complexion, and make your eyes pop. In case you have been feeling that your hair has been in the background, this is the nudge into something exciting without moving out of your comfort zone.
Slick Bob in Spicy Orange
Why not, when the fall leaves begin to turn, have our hair also the same fire? This sharp angled bob with bright orange streaks is a stunner. The color positioning in the front attracts the eyes and cheekbones, and the straight lines of the bob maintain the overall style classy.
Vibrant colors such as orange need some TLC to maintain their color. It is important to use a sulfate-free shampoo, my favorite is Pureology Hydrate. Then seal the tone with a color-protecting leave-in spray. And wash, when you can, with cooler water to retard fading.
I am not going to lie, this is the one that the woman who likes to make an entrance will love. It is not a haircut, it is a mood. This is what celebrity colorist Guy Tang refers to as the seasonal power shades, which make people stop and stare, and this is what it is.
Are you playing it safe? Then perhaps this fall is the time to take a step out in something bold. Wear it with your favorite red lipstick and feel how invincible you are.
Soft Volume Layered Blonde Lob
A long bob, or lob, with a warm blonde balayage is the cashmere scarf of haircuts: classic, easy to wear, and luxuriously comfortable. The youthful lift in the volume at the crown is just beautiful and the sweeping layers frame the face so well. This is the type of haircut that can be worn to brunch, boardrooms and all in between.
A gloss treatment every two months will help maintain the blonde tones to continue to shine. I have been very successful with Redken Shades EQ Gloss, and it revitalizes the color and makes it have a mirror shine. To achieve that slight volume on a daily basis, a root-lifting mousse will add that volume without weighing the hair down.
I personally have had a variation of this cut and it is the one I revert to when I want something that feels effortlessly chic. Stylist Jen Atkin has been known to say that a well cut lob can fit any season, all you need is a change of styling; sleek and smooth or messy and weekend-ready.
It is a cut that does not shout out to be noticed, yet it does. The type of style that gets you silent compliments in the coffee queue by strangers.
Soft Lilac Precision Bob
This is a sleek bob haircut with a soft lilac color, which is pure autumn romance with an edge. The length, grazing below the chin, is very pretty in the way it frames the face and the clean, precise cut gives a polished finish. The pastel-meets-metallic color is not too saccharine, it is mature and fashionable, and it suits the woman who would like to combine maturity and trendiness. The discreet side part and the smooth texture make it look sophisticated but casual.
And when it comes to pastel colors such as lilac, everything is about care. I suggest Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo to prevent brassiness, and a weekly moisturizing mask such as Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. These colors are known to fade quickly, so I prefer to wash using cool water and to keep direct heat styling to a minimum.
I believe this is the ultimate quiet luxury hair moment personally. According to celebrity colorist Rita Hazan, you can instantly freshen up your skin by using lighter, cooler hues. It comes as a surprise in the fall and that is what makes it memorable.
Classic Copper Rounded Bob
The rounded bob haircut in a warm copper shade is fall in hair form-rich, glowing and endlessly flattering. The smooth, tucked under ends give it that face-hugging elegant silhouette which is very beautiful on medium to thick hair. The side sweep makes it less harsh, so it is suitable not only in the office but also on a date.
Copper tones are high-maintenance, but it is worth it. I would recommend a color-depositing conditioner such as Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper to maintain the vibrancy in between salon visits. To add shine, a light oil mist will assist in adding the shine without adding weight to the style.
The thing I like about this cut is the versatility of it. It is classic, but it can be turned around with the right accessories, such as colorful earrings or a thick scarf. Copper hair and fall coats? That is a movie couple.
Soft Bangs Textured Silver Pixie
This pixie hair cut is silvery with light, feathered bangs, and it is playful and sophisticated. The bangs will give emphasis to the eyes and the choppy layers will give movement. It is not too long to require much maintenance but there is still the possibility to style it in different ways: messy on casual days and smooth on evenings out.
Silver may be icy and sometimes too much, but the texture makes it accessible. To keep that fresh silver sheen, a purple toning spray such as Kristin Ess The One Purple Conditioner is useful. And yes, a pinch of texturizing paste will make those layers spunky all day.
This style speaks of confidence to me. It does not attempt to be someone it is not, it is just bringing out natural beauty with a touch of chic. This is the evidence I have heard celebrity stylist Chris McMillan say that the right short cut can make you feel more feminine.
Soft Pastel Ribbons Platinum Pixie
This is a pixie-bob hybrid with a short angled crop and the platinum base is lifted with pastel pink and smoky grey ribbons. It is imaginative, but not obnoxious, like the ideal statement piece that you wear on a daily basis. The side-swept fringe is long and face-flattering, the stacked back gives it volume and shape.
Pastel accents require some additional care and attention, and I like Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Spray with UV and heat protection. A dry shampoo that is color safe can help you extend the time between washes, and this keeps the tones fresh.
I love the way this style is edgy and elegant. These cool, icy tones are in the best taste in fall, when the world is all warm and earthy in color.
Short Layered Platinum Crop
The final low-maintenance chic- this is a short layered hair cut in bright platinum, it is sharp, modern and full of energy. The less harsh top is slightly textured so that it does not look too harsh, and the sides are close to give that natural, just woke up like this look.
Platinum hair is not easy, but it can be maintained healthy. I take an Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector once a week to keep it strong, and a moisturizing leave-in cream every day.
This is a cut that reminds me of those days when you just put on a warm turtleneck and a big coat and your hair is already done. It is fast, it is bold and it is so new to look at short hair and not lose identity.
Dimensional Silver-Blonde Long Bob
This long bob is silver-blonde and is a synonym of elegance combined with comfort. The softly layered ends provide the hair with natural movement and the sweeping side fringe opens up the face and brings out cheekbones. The combination of ash and silver tones is multi-dimensional, which is ideal in fall light, with cool tones such as morning frost. It is a subtle but effective cut that can be easily worn with casual sweaters as well as with evening dresses.
To maintain this shade bright, I would recommend alternating a hydrating shampoo with a purple toning shampoo- Fanola No Yellow is my personal favorite to use to neutralize brass without drying out the hair. A big round brush blow-dry increases the volume of the crown and leaves the ends smooth.
When I attempted a similar cut last year, I thought that it provided me with the right degree of edge without making me feel too much out of my comfort zone. According to celebrity stylist Riawna Capri, a good bob is the best canvas to work on color and this one is a testimony to that.
This is the type of bob that will give you a seasonal refresh without having to compromise length, it is chic, versatile, and unapologetically modern.
Tawny Pixie Textured
Short hair with tawny blonde foundation and layers of lighter highlights can be such a mood-booster as the weather turns colder. This choppy pixie is very dynamic due to the choppy layers, and the slightly longer fringe makes it soft. It is fashionable yet not too polished- ideal with women who like hair with personality.
The good thing about such a cut is that it is easy to maintain. I would have a jar of Bumble and bumble Sumotech to hand to piece-define. A little bit of dry hair styling product rubbed through the hair will leave it intentionally messy without feeling crunchy.
I recall a friend saying how liberating it felt to go short, textured in the fall- hats and scarves were so much easier, yet still looked like you had done something to them as soon as they were taken off. That is practicality that is usually ignored but so useful.
With naturally fine hair, a cut such as this will instantly add volume without hours of blow-drying, a godsend on darker and shorter mornings.
Volume Layered Silver Lob
This tiered silver lob is the most dramatic in the most perfect way. The back layers are stacked to provide natural lift and the longer pieces on the front frame the face exquisitely. The coloration of this work is also quite beautiful here, silvery strands with some ash tones, which make the cut look as though it is glowing in autumn skies.
To style, a large-barrel curling iron may just give a little wave to the ends, which will add to that full-bodied silhouette. I like Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray because it protects against heat and keeps frizz at bay, which is a godsend during dry and crisp weather.
In my experience, cuts this voluminous are confidence-building in themselves. You can hardly help but feel a bit more pulled together when you have hair with this sort of shape. The power of what Chris Jones, a renowned hairstylist, has many times called the power of rounded volume in lobs on women over 40 is clear to me here.
This could be your sweet spot if you want to make a statement but you do not want to go shorter than shoulder length.
Platinum Power Pixie
This is the most daring of the lot-a platinum power pixie and the top is styled into a soft quiff. The super-short sides and back are contrasting and the longer crown provides some space to texture and movement. It is half-traditional and half-adventurous, particularly in that clean platinum hue that glows in the sun.
To maintain platinum in fall, it is important to add additional moisture-Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is my must-have when it comes to repairing and strengthening bleached hair. A small amount of styling paste will help the quiff to be raised without being stiff.
I have always envied women who dare to have such a cut- it exudes confidence and makes a definite statement of style. Stylist Sally Hershberger, who specializes in short styles, says, that hair this short emphasizes the face like a frame does a painting, and I couldn t agree more.
This is your ticket in case you are willing to accept your features and you want a cut that requires minimal styling time.
Soft Blonde Layered Bob
The soft blonde layered bob is just so adorable, and the color is warm and cool and blended together so well. There is plenty of airy motion in this cut, due to light layers and a feathered fringe that falls just right above the brows. Its rounded form makes it look classic and yet modern at the same time.
I would apply Living Proof Full Thickening Cream prior to blow-drying to add body and to make the layers pop. It is one of those cuts which grows out beautifully so you are not back in the salon every few weeks.
I used to have a similar style and I loved it because it was so adaptable, smart in the evening, a bit rumpled at the weekend. According to stylist Tracey Cunningham, highlights strategically placed around the face can serve as a form of built-in lighting, and this is exactly what this is.
And when you want a style that is universally flattering and one that you can wear forever, this bob should be on the top of your list.
Silver Blonde Elegant Short Cut
This smooth, slimming, soft silver blonde is a lesson in elegance. The neat, short silhouette at the sides leads into the right amount of length on top to produce slight volume. The shade is illuminating, neither too warm, nor too cool, which is ideal to lighten the complexion under the golden light of autumn. It is the type of style that can be worn with casual knits or a more sophisticated evening attire.
To keep the silver color, I would recommend alternating a mild purple shampoo, like LOrƩal Professionnel Silver Shampoo, with a hydrating one to prevent dryness. A quick spray of shine spray as you go out gives that finishing touch without weighing hair down.
I never felt like going lighter, silvery at age 40, is a way to disguise something, it is a way to embrace elegance. Stylist Chris Jones tends to exclaim that with the haircut cleanly structured, the color is left to do all the talking and this cut is a testament to his words.
And in case you have been tempted to go lighter but are not sure of maintenance, this style is a breath of fresh air to maintain. The soft grow-out enables you to have more time in between salon visits without losing style.
Warm Honey Blonde Layered Long Bob
This warm honey blonde lob has a richness to it that is so fall in a haircut. The layers are extended and gently tapered, which provides the style with volume and maintains the edges smooth. It is face-framing without being heavy and the golden undertones are ideal to add warmth in cooler months.
A gloss treatment such as Redken Shades EQ every two months is a lifesaver to keep shiny and avoid brassiness. I also prefer applying a heat protectant that has smoothing properties prior to styling something like Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime to keep the strands frizz-free.
In my personal experience, a longer layered bob such as this is a mood enhancer since it moves with you. It is fantastic on women who desire to have sufficient length to have soft waves, yet still enjoy the manageability of a mid-length haircut.
And the best of it? It is seasonally flexible. It is smooth enough to blow out for a night on the town or you can scrunch in some wave spray to make it look cozy on the weekend.
Feathered Pixie Blonde Balayage
One of those cuts that combine precision and playfulness, a feathered pixie is even more modern in this blonde balayage version. The textured strands give the hair volume at the crown and the lighter streaks are positioned to resemble the way the sun tends to hit the hair. The outcome is a flattering look in all directions.
Balayage on short hair does require maintenance and I swear by Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector to maintain the lightened areas strong and shiny. To style, just a little volumizing mousse at the roots, and a quick blast of a blow dryer will give that carefree lift.
I adore the way this style is in that happy medium between neat and messy. This is what stylist Sally Hershberger has frequently stated a great short cut should look like: you just woke up fabulous.
In case you have been reluctant to go short due to the fear that it will restrict your styling capabilities, cuts such as this one will show you otherwise. You may smooth it, spike it, or leave it to fall naturally,–all are attractive.
The fall season is the best time to change your haircut, the air is fresher, the light is softer, and a new style can be an additional spark you need. A daring pixie, a softly textured bob, a warm-hued lob, the right haircut can do more than frame your face it can brighten your spirits and update your entire appearance. Then why not use this season inspiration and make it yours? Why not, after all, a small change now can be the beginning of your best hair season ever.
