The Best Hairstyles for Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

While down-to-there hair may have looked gorgeous on you when you were a kid, but the same thing may not necessarily be the case when you get older. Now, that’s not to say that you need to fully cut out certain hairstyles from your life as you age, but it’s just a friendly reminder that there may be better options out there to consider. Take a look at some of your favorite celebrities, models, and social media stars. While some trends may stand out, it’s rare that one hairstyle ever rules for all age groups. For that reason, we’ve rounded up a selection of hairstyles that’ll flatter different age groups. And remember: Choose whatever hairstyle makes you feel the most confident—regardless of how old you are!

The Best Hairstyles for Your 20s

Young and carefree, that’s what you are! There’s never a better time to experiment with an edgy haircut than there is when you’re in your twenties.

Sleek single-length strands: Some say that sleek, single-length strands never go out of style, and we happen to agree. When styling with a flat iron, be sure to spritz hair with a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight HeatSpray. Then, for added shine, spray on a glossing mist when you’re done.

Blunt bangs: This ultra-edgy look has been seen on twenty-somethings everywhere from the runway to the everyday. The trick to nailing this hairstyle is to ask your stylist to cut your fringe at brow-length so that your bangs hit just above your eyes. Unlike micro bangs, these slightly longer bangs can be quite versatile because the added length gives you the option to sweep them to the side.

Gamine pixie: Androgynous haircuts are all the rage these days. While you may enjoy looking at pictures of them from afar, you might not feel like you can actually pull the look off yourself. If you want to try to, however, in your twenties could just be the best time to do it. When styling your new short hairstyle, apply a mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse, to damp hair, then let your hair air dry.

Down-to-there hair: Super-long hair is seen all over fashion runways, but it’s rare to see someone with waist-length hair in real life. If you want to get in on the trend, there’s no time like your twenties. Show that mane off!

Asymmetrical buzz: You might be wondering what this particular cut looks like, but if you think to some of your favorite boss babes in the music industry, this hairstyle should ring a bell. Unlike an undercut where a buzzed side is hidden, an asymmetrical buzz features a deep side part with one side (the large side of your part) showcasing voluminous locks, often cut in a pixie-esque style, while the other half is buzzed. In order to maintain this hairstyle, you’ll need to buzz one side frequently—but trust us, it’s edgy, different and 100 percent worth it.

The Best Hairstyles for Your 30s

Show off a gorgeous head of hair as you kick butt in your career in one of the following hairstyles.

Split-part, side-swept bangs: Thirty, flirty, and thriving, right? One of the best hairstyles to embody your sophisticated yet sassy new decade is the modern side-swept bang. Instead of sweeping all of your bangs to one side, you create a side part in your fringe, pulling bangs to each side of your face. It’s soft, girly, and professional all at once. Just keep in mind that that split part could be hard to maintain throughout the day, so be sure to spritz your hair with a brushable hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray, to keep everything together.

Pixie pompadour: We love this look! Much like the asymmetrical buzz, the pixie pompadour features volume and buzz all at once. Instead of keeping volume on one side of your head, with this cut your stylist will buzz the sides while maintaining volume on top. With that volume, you can create perfectly pancaked braids, a mini bun, and, of course, a full-on pompadour. Just add workable gel or mousse and you’re good to go!

Long layers: Yep, you can still totally rock long hair in your thirties. Instead of one ultra-long layer of hair, you can update the lengthy look for your age by opting for long layers with a few that frame your face. This style can help add body to your length for a gorgeous, voluminous look.

Bouncy bob: A-list celebs rock this hairstyle flawlessly, so go ahead and try it yourself. To get the red carpet-approved look, keep your bob between the lobes of your ears and your jawbone. Instead of styling with heat, when you hop out of the shower, spritz damp hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray. Talk about low maintenance and super-cute!

Blunt chop: If you want to opt for an edgy hairstyle in your thirties, it’s all about the blunt chop. The best part about this hairstyle is that it works beautifully on all hair types, especially naturally wavy hair.

The Best Hairstyles for Your 40s

Look for hairstyles that freshen up your face for a more youthful appeal—like one of the five below.

Modern shag: The classic mom cut gets an upgrade with this hairstyle. Embrace choppy, front-to-back layers and know you look gorgeous rocking them.

Soft, wavy crop: If you’re not ready for a shag, try a crop. This cut falls around your collarbones for a fun, versatile hairstyle that can easily transition from weekend warrior projects to nights out on the town.

Stacked bob: There’s a good reason this hairstyle is so trendy these days. The blunt, layered cut creates a stacked appearance with longer sides and slightly shorter back. Sassy and seriously stylish? Yes, please!

Side-parted lob: Who doesn’t love a good lob? Not a bob and not a chop, a lob just barely reaches your collarbones in a way that almost looks like it’s a grown-out bob. The laidback hairstyle offers up serious style for everything from your desk to drinks. Paired with a side part, it can create a younger-looking demure.

Shoulder-grazing waves: Forty and fabulous? If your idea of fabulous includes slightly longer hair, go for it! To maintain volume, we recommend keeping those slightly longer strands confined to your shoulders or just beyond. Wear them on their own or paired with bangs for your own personalized version of the hit style.

Want even more hairstyle ideas? Next up, check out our article, 5 Hairstyles with Bangs to Update Your Look.