Curly hair is timeless, versatile, and full of personality, making it the perfect canvas for creating unique hairstyles.
If you prefer short, sophisticated cuts or long, flowing curls, there’s no shortage of options to suit your taste and lifestyle.
Women over 40 can especially benefit from styles that enhance their natural beauty while keeping maintenance manageable.
Today, I’ll show you 20 curly hairstyles for women over 40 to embrace your curls and elevate your style.
1. Voluminous Curls with Subtle Silver Highlights

Voluminous curls paired with subtle silver highlights create a chic and youthful look. The silver tones add a touch of sophistication, perfectly complementing the rich brown base. Styled to enhance natural bounce, this hairstyle shines beautifully under warm lighting, adding depth and movement to the curls. This is a timeless choice for women embracing their natural beauty with flair.
2. Tight Ringlets with Ash Blonde Tips

Tight ringlets with ash blonde tips offer a lively, modern twist on curly hairstyles. The natural brunette base adds richness, while the blonde highlights brighten the look, adding a playful edge. This hairstyle is perfect for a garden party or an everyday chic vibe, exuding charm and confidence in every strand.
3. Soft Waves with Caramel Lowlights

Soft waves with caramel lowlights add a touch of warmth and dimension to chestnut brown hair. This effortless style complements natural beauty and works beautifully in casual or professional settings. The interplay of light and texture in the waves enhances the hair’s shine, creating a soft and inviting look for any occasion.
4. Curly Bob with Face-Framing Layers

A curly bob with face-framing layers is both youthful and flattering. The defined spirals and rich auburn tones create a sophisticated yet approachable look, while the layers add movement and structure. Perfect for women over 40, this hairstyle frames the face beautifully and works seamlessly for both casual outings and formal events.
5. Loose Curls with Honey Blonde Balayage

Loose curls with honey blonde balayage create an elegant and polished appearance. The warm tones of the balayage seamlessly blend with the dark base, adding depth and dimension. This hairstyle is perfect for showcasing natural curls in a sophisticated way, making it a go-to choice for evening events or formal gatherings.
6. Curly Shag with Light Auburn Streaks

The curly shag with light auburn streaks is an edgy yet approachable style. The layers create texture and volume, while the auburn tones enhance the sandy blonde base, giving the hair a sun-kissed glow. This hairstyle works well for women seeking a fresh, playful look with a hint of boldness.
7. Shoulder-Length Curly Lob with Golden Highlights

A shoulder-length curly lob with golden highlights is a modern and versatile choice. The highlights bring warmth and vibrancy, while the curls create a soft, natural texture. This hairstyle beautifully balances volume and length, making it an ideal option for women over 40 looking to embrace their curls with style.
8. Defined Spiral Curls with Burgundy Undertones

Defined spiral curls with burgundy undertones offer a bold and sophisticated touch to any look. The rich burgundy adds depth and dimension to the dark base, creating a striking visual effect. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to make a statement while embracing their natural curls.
9. Soft Curly Layers with Platinum Tips

Soft curly layers with platinum tips offer a modern and trendy vibe for women over 40. The gradual transition from dark to platinum creates a striking contrast, while the layered curls add volume and movement. This hairstyle is a great way to showcase confidence and individuality.
10. Curly Pixie with Textured Layers

The curly pixie cut with textured layers is a bold and confident choice. The natural salt-and-pepper tones add depth, while the soft curls create an approachable and stylish look. This hairstyle works beautifully for women over 40 who want to embrace short hair without compromising on texture and volume.
11. Cascading Curls with Rose Gold Highlights

Cascading curls with rose gold highlights exude elegance and romance. The subtle pink tones blend seamlessly with the chestnut brown base, adding a touch of uniqueness to the style. This look is perfect for formal occasions or as an everyday statement of graceful beauty.
12. Curly Updo with Twisted Strands

A curly updo with twisted strands is an ideal choice for special occasions. The combination of intricate twists and loose curls adds an air of sophistication, while the caramel tones bring warmth to the overall look. This hairstyle beautifully highlights the face, making it a show-stopping option.
13. Natural Curls with Sun-Kissed Highlights

Natural curls with sun-kissed highlights celebrate texture and individuality. The golden tones add a radiant glow, perfectly complementing the dark base. This carefree and breezy hairstyle is ideal for outdoor settings or casual days, exuding effortless charm and beauty.
14. Defined Curls with Side-Swept Bangs

Defined curls paired with side-swept bangs offer a stylish and approachable look. The deep espresso tones with mahogany undertones add richness, while the bangs frame the face beautifully. This hairstyle is a versatile choice, perfect for both casual outings and professional settings.
15. Soft Coils with Champagne Blonde Accents

Soft coils with champagne blonde accents bring out a vibrant and youthful energy. The blonde streaks illuminate the dark base, creating a stunning contrast. This hairstyle is perfect for casual coffee dates or leisurely afternoons, combining elegance with a relaxed vibe.
16. Curly Half-Up, Half-Down Style

The curly half-up, half-down style is a timeless and versatile choice. The golden streaks add dimension, while the soft curls create an effortlessly feminine look. This hairstyle is perfect for transitioning from daytime events to evening gatherings with ease and style.
17. Corkscrew Curls with Lavender Highlights

Corkscrew curls with lavender highlights make a bold and trendy statement. The soft pastel tones add a unique flair, while the natural curls maintain an organic, textured look. This hairstyle is ideal for women over 40 who love experimenting with color while embracing their curls.
18. Layered Curls with Sandy Blonde Streaks

Layered curls with sandy blonde streaks offer a fresh and radiant style. The layers enhance volume, while the blonde accents add brightness and dimension. This hairstyle is a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings, radiating elegance and natural beauty.
19. Curly Ponytail with Side Braids

The curly ponytail with side braids combines elegance with practicality. The sleek braids add structure, while the voluminous curls bring texture and charm. This hairstyle is great for an active lifestyle, offering a polished yet playful look.
20. Curly Top Knot with Loose Strands

The curly top knot with loose strands is a chic and relaxed hairstyle. The copper highlights add warmth and depth, while the loose strands soften the look, framing the face beautifully. This versatile style works well for casual settings or as an everyday go-to option.
Conclusion
Your curls are a statement of individuality and elegance, and the right hairstyle can highlight their beauty effortlessly. Whether you’re heading to the office, a social event, or enjoying a relaxed day out, these 20 curly hairstyles offer versatility and flair. Experiment with different looks to find the one that makes you feel confident and radiant. With these ideas, you’re sure to turn heads and let your curls shine!