Hairstyles for Women Over 40: Look Years Younger with These Flattering Cuts

Navigating the world of hairstyles for women over 40 can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! As we mature, our hair’s texture, density, and color often change, requiring us to adapt our styling choices. The perfect cut and color can take years off your appearance, boost your confidence, and complement your individual style. Forget about age-defying serums; sometimes, all you need is a fresh, flattering ‘do. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and offer a curated selection of hairstyles for women over 40 that are both stylish and age-appropriate.

We’ll explore everything from classic bobs and layered lobs to modern pixie cuts and effortless waves, providing inspiration and practical tips to help you find the perfect fit. Discover how incorporating subtle blonde highlights can brighten your complexion and add dimension to your blonde hair, or how to embrace your natural curly texture with confidence. Whether you’re seeking a short hairstyle for ease of maintenance or a medium-length hairstyle that offers versatility, we’ve got you covered. This guide highlights the best short options that keep you looking fresh and fashionable. Learn how to work with your hair’s natural characteristics and choose styles that enhance your features, rather than aging you. Discover how to find hairstyles for women over 40 to look and feel fabulous at any age.

1. The Classic Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The classic bob is a timeless hairstyle for women over 40 that exudes sophistication and style. This short hairstyle is incredibly versatile, easily adapted to different face shapes and hair textures. Whether you prefer a blunt cut for a bolder statement or subtle layered ends for added movement, the bob offers endless possibilities. Consider incorporating blonde highlights to brighten your complexion and add dimension to your blonde hair. For those with curly hair, a textured bob can enhance your natural waves, creating a chic and effortless look. This medium-length hairstyle can be a refreshing change, offering a more youthful and modern appearance. The bob is easy to maintain and style, making it a practical and fashionable choice. A well-executed bob instantly elevates your style, showcasing confidence and elegance. This versatile short cut can be dressed up or down, seamlessly transitioning from day to night. Embrace the bob and discover its transformative power, and a more youthful style.

2. Layered Lob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The layered lob, or long bob, is a supremely flattering hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle gracefully falls between the chin and collarbone, offering a perfect balance of length and manageability. The addition of layers adds volume and movement, preventing the hair from looking flat or lifeless. Blonde highlights can further enhance the layered effect, creating a sun-kissed glow that brightens the face. If you have curly hair, a layered lob can help define your curls and reduce bulk. For those who prefer a short hairstyle, a lob can be a great transition, offering a more manageable length without sacrificing style. The layered lob is incredibly versatile, suiting various hair textures and face shapes. A well-cut lob can make you look younger and more vibrant. This short and stylish option requires minimal styling, making it a practical choice for busy women. The layered lob is a winning hairstyle for women over 40, providing a fresh and youthful appearance. The layered lob continues to be a popular option.

3. The Chic Pixie: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The pixie cut is a bold and stylish hairstyle for women over 40 who want to make a statement. This short hairstyle is all about confidence and embracing your individuality. A well-executed pixie cut can be incredibly flattering, accentuating your facial features and showcasing your eyes. While it’s a short style, a pixie cut can be surprisingly versatile. You can add texture with styling products or create a sleek, polished look. Consider incorporating subtle blonde highlights to add dimension and brighten your complexion. This hairstyle for women over 40 can be a great option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance style that doesn’t compromise on fashion. For those with blonde hair, a pixie cut can enhance your color and create a striking contrast with your skin tone. While not a medium-length hairstyle, the pixie cut offers a modern and edgy alternative. The pixie cut is a symbol of strength and independence, making it a perfect choice for women who want to exude confidence. This bold choice can provide a dramatic and stylish change.

4. Soft Waves: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Soft waves offer a romantic and timeless hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is incredibly versatile and flattering, adding movement and volume to your hair. Achieve soft waves using a curling iron or by braiding your hair overnight. Incorporating blonde highlights can enhance the dimension of your waves, creating a sun-kissed and youthful look. If you have curly hair, you can embrace your natural texture by using curl-defining products to create soft, bouncy waves. While this style can work for a short hairstyle, it’s particularly stunning on medium-length hair. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile choice for any woman. Whether you prefer loose, tousled waves or more defined curls, this style can be adapted to suit your personal preferences. The soft waves are both elegant and easy to achieve. This short but attractive look is a great way to refresh your look and provide texture to your blonde hair.

5. Long Layers with Face-Framing: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Long layers with face-framing are a universally flattering hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle adds movement and dimension, while the face-framing layers soften your features and highlight your best attributes. The layered effect creates volume and prevents the hair from looking heavy or flat. Blonde highlights can further enhance the layered effect, adding a touch of sunshine to your blonde hair. If you have curly hair, long layers can help define your curls and prevent them from looking bulky. This hairstyle for women over 40 is a great way to maintain length while adding style and sophistication. While it’s not a short hairstyle, it offers a versatile and feminine look that can be dressed up or down. Whether you wear your hair straight, wavy, or curly, long layers with face-framing will always look chic and polished. Avoid a short length with this longer style.

6. Graduated Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The graduated bob is a sophisticated and stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle features a shorter back and longer front, creating a sleek and angled silhouette. The graduation adds volume and lift at the crown, making it a flattering choice for women with fine hair. Blonde highlights can enhance the dimension of the graduated bob, creating a modern and edgy look. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a short and manageable style that still exudes elegance. While it’s not a medium-length hairstyle, the graduated bob offers a versatile and chic alternative. For those with curly hair, a modified version of the graduated bob can work, but it’s important to consult with a stylist who specializes in curly cuts. This style works best with straight hair, showing off the graduation. The graduated bob is a great choice if you want a short hairstyle with style and class.

7. Asymmetrical Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The asymmetrical bob is a modern and edgy hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle features different lengths on each side, creating a bold and unique look. The asymmetry adds interest and dimension, making it a stylish choice for women who want to stand out from the crowd. Blonde highlights can further enhance the asymmetrical effect, adding a touch of contrast and personality. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a short and manageable style that still exudes confidence. While it’s not a medium-length hairstyle, the asymmetrical bob offers a versatile and chic alternative. It is best if you avoid curly hair with this look, or go for gentle waves. While not a blonde hair exclusive style, the asymmetrical bob shines with subtle blonde highlights that showcase the cut’s unique angles.

8. Shoulder-Length Shag: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The shoulder-length shag is a carefree and stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle features layered ends and a tousled texture, creating a relaxed and effortless look. The shag is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks chic and fashionable. Blonde highlights can enhance the texture of the shag, adding a touch of brightness and dimension. This hairstyle for women over 40 is a great option for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, as it enhances the natural texture. While it’s not a short hairstyle, the shoulder-length shag offers a versatile and flattering look that can be dressed up or down. Consider this option for an updated and fun style. Adding blonde hair color to this style enhances the texture.

9. Chin-Length Bob with Bangs: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A chin-length bob with bangs is a classic and flattering hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle is timeless and versatile, easily adapting to various face shapes and hair textures. The bangs soften the face and draw attention to the eyes, while the chin-length bob adds volume and movement. Blonde highlights can brighten the complexion and add dimension to the hair. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a short and manageable style that still exudes sophistication. While it’s not a medium-length hairstyle, the chin-length bob with bangs offers a chic and youthful alternative. If you have curly hair, consider a longer, textured fringe to complement your curls. This is one of the most timeless hairstyles for women over 40.

10. Gray Blending with Highlights: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Embrace your natural gray hair with a blend of blonde highlights, a stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle allows you to gradually transition to gray hair while maintaining a youthful and vibrant look. The blonde highlights soften the contrast between your natural gray and your previous hair color, creating a seamless and natural-looking blend. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want to embrace their natural gray hair without sacrificing style. It is not a short hairstyle, allowing for flexibility in styling. For those with curly hair, blending gray can be done with layers to enhance texture. This short and stylish look is a perfect choice. Embracing natural color is one of the best hairstyles for women over 40.

11. Voluminous Curls with Defined Layers: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Voluminous curls with defined layers provide a glamorous and youthful hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle emphasizes natural curly hair by creating lift and volume at the roots and carefully sculpted layers that prevent bulkiness. The layers allow curls to cascade beautifully, enhancing their natural bounce and shape. Adding blonde highlights can further accentuate the dimension of the curls, bringing out the depth and texture of the blonde hair. Although the style isn’t inherently short, the layers can be customized to achieve a more compact appearance if desired. The focus on volume and definition makes this one of the most vibrant hairstyles for women over 40. This short and stylish hair is an especially stunning choice for women with naturally thick, curly hair.

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12. The Rounded Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The rounded bob is a soft and flattering hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle is cut to create a curved shape that frames the face beautifully, offering a softer alternative to the more angular bob styles. The rounded edges add a touch of elegance and can help to soften stronger features. Blonde highlights can brighten up the overall look and add depth to your blonde hair. While not a medium-length hairstyle, the rounded bob is versatile enough to be adapted to slightly longer lengths. For those with curly hair, a variation of this cut can be achieved with careful layering to maintain the round shape. It is a chic and timeless option for creating a polished, yet approachable look. It is not too short, allowing for some versatility.

13. Modern Shag with Curtain Bangs: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A modern shag with curtain bangs is a trendy and youthful hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle features lots of layers to create texture and movement, combined with soft, face-framing curtain bangs. This cut adds volume and personality to the hair, while the bangs soften the face and draw attention to the eyes. Subtle blonde highlights can enhance the layered effect and add a touch of brightness to the overall look. Although it is not a short hairstyle, the layers can be adjusted to accommodate shorter lengths. It is a great way to add some edge and flair to your style. It can work well for those with curly hair, provided the layers and bangs are cut to complement the natural texture. The short fringe of this look compliments the layers well.

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14. Choppy Pixie with Undercut: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A choppy pixie cut with an undercut is a daring and fashionable hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle combines the edginess of a pixie cut with the boldness of an undercut, creating a dynamic and statement-making look. The choppy texture adds volume and movement to the hair, while the undercut adds an element of surprise and modernity. Blonde highlights can emphasize the texture and dimension of the cut. While it is inherently a short hairstyle, the styling options are endless. This hairstyle for women over 40 is ideal for those with a strong sense of personal style and a desire to stand out. While not typically suited for curly hair, a skilled stylist can adapt the cut for wavy hair textures. As a short hairstyle it offers a low-maintenance routine.

15. Balayage on Long Wavy Hair: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Balayage on long wavy hair is a stunning and low-maintenance hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle utilizes the balayage coloring technique to add subtle blonde highlights that seamlessly blend with the base color, creating a sun-kissed and natural look. The soft waves add movement and volume to the hair, enhancing the overall beauty and dimension. The balayage technique is perfect for adding depth and dimension to your blonde hair. It’s not a short hairstyle, but it offers plenty of styling options for those who prefer longer lengths. Balayage can be especially flattering on curly hair, enhancing the natural texture and shape of the curls. It’s one of the most stylish hairstyles for women over 40.

16. Face-Framing Highlights on Mid-Length Hair: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Face-framing blonde highlights on mid-length hair is a subtle yet effective hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle focuses on adding blonde highlights around the face to brighten the complexion and draw attention to your features. The blonde highlights can be customized to complement your skin tone and eye color, creating a youthful and radiant look. Layered ends can add movement and dimension to the hair, enhancing the overall effect. While not a short hairstyle, it offers a versatile and flattering option for those who want to enhance their natural beauty. It’s a timeless and elegant choice for hairstyles for women over 40. For those with curly hair, face-framing blonde highlights can add dimension and definition to curls.

17. Angled Bob with Side-Swept Bangs: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

An angled bob with side-swept bangs is a chic and sophisticated hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle features a shorter back and longer front, creating a sleek and angled silhouette. The side-swept bangs soften the face and add a touch of elegance. Blonde highlights can enhance the angle and add dimension to the hair, creating a modern and stylish look. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a short and manageable style that still exudes confidence. While not a medium-length hairstyle, the angled bob offers a versatile and chic alternative. It works great with blonde hair. Although best for straight hair, gentle waves can provide a soft look for curly hair.

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18. Sleek and Straight Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A sleek and straight bob is a timeless and elegant hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle is known for its clean lines and polished finish, creating a sophisticated and refined look. This timeless classic always makes you look put together. The sleekness emphasizes the hair’s shine and texture, while the straight cut exudes confidence and style. Subtle blonde highlights can add dimension and interest to the overall look. While not a medium-length hairstyle, the sleek and straight bob offers a versatile and chic alternative. While those with curly hair can achieve this look, it typically requires heat styling. Avoid the short hairstyle if it requires too much work.

19. Long and Loose Waves: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Long and loose waves offer a romantic and effortless hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is incredibly versatile and flattering, adding movement and volume to your hair. Achieve the waves using a curling iron or by braiding your hair overnight. Incorporating blonde highlights can enhance the dimension of your waves, creating a sun-kissed and youthful look for your blonde hair. If you have curly hair, you can embrace your natural texture by using curl-defining products to create soft, bouncy waves. While this style can work for a short hairstyle, it’s particularly stunning on medium-length hair. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This short but attractive look is a great way to refresh your look.

20. Textured Lob with Beach Waves: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A textured lob with beach waves provides a relaxed and stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is effortlessly chic, featuring a long bob (lob) with textured ends and soft beach waves. The texture adds movement and volume to the hair, creating a carefree and youthful look. Blonde highlights can enhance the texture and dimension of the waves, adding a touch of brightness and warmth. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks polished and fashionable. While it’s not a short hairstyle, the textured lob offers a versatile and flattering alternative. Adding sea salt spray can help create this effortless style even for those without curly hair.

21. Layered Cut with Wispy Bangs: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A layered cut with wispy bangs is a soft and flattering hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle enhances movement and dimension through carefully placed layers, creating a youthful and airy look. The wispy bangs soften the face and draw attention to the eyes. Adding blonde highlights can further enhance the layered effect, adding a touch of brightness and dimension to the hair. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a versatile style that can be easily dressed up or down. While not a short hairstyle, the layered cut offers a flattering alternative. It is a great choice for curly hair. Opting for a shorter length will make this a short hairstyle.

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22. Side Part with Voluminous Waves: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A side part with voluminous waves is an elegant and timeless hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for adding volume and sophistication to your look. The side part creates a flattering asymmetry, while the voluminous waves add movement and dimension. Blonde highlights can enhance the waves, creating a sun-kissed and youthful appearance. If you have curly hair, you can embrace your natural texture by enhancing your waves with curl-defining products. While it is not a short hairstyle, you can make the look shorter by curling more tightly. blonde hair is perfectly complimented by this style.

23. Classic French Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

The classic French bob is a chic and timeless hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle is defined by its jaw-length cut, blunt ends, and often, a fringe that sits just above the eyebrows. It’s a style that exudes effortless elegance and sophistication. Subtle blonde highlights can add dimension, but the beauty of the French bob lies in its simplicity. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who appreciate minimalist style and want a short and manageable cut. This short hairstyle offers a versatile and chic alternative. The French bob typically works best on straighter hair types; those with very curly hair might find it challenging to maintain the shape.

24. Sleek Low Ponytail: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A sleek low ponytail is a versatile and elegant hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, offering a polished and sophisticated look. The sleekness of the ponytail emphasizes the hair’s shine and texture, while the low placement creates a graceful and refined appearance. Adding blonde highlights can enhance the dimension and movement of the ponytail, adding a touch of brightness and warmth. While it is not a short hairstyle, it is still a great option. The low ponytail is one of the most flexible hairstyles for women over 40. It is a sleek and simple short style. This is not ideal for curly hair, unless straightened.

25. Half-Up Half-Down Style: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A half-up half-down style provides a soft and feminine hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for adding a touch of romance to your look while keeping your hair out of your face. The half-up portion can be styled in various ways, such as a braid, twist, or bun, adding versatility to the style. Blonde highlights can enhance the texture and dimension of the half-up half-down style, creating a sun-kissed and youthful look. The half-up style is easy to create and maintain, making it a great choice for those who want a quick and effortless look. It is not a short hairstyle, but offers a youthful look for the style-conscious. This style is great for curly hair and blonde hair. It is not a short hairstyle, but offers a youthful look.

26. Braided Crown: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A braided crown is a romantic and elegant hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for special occasions, adding a touch of whimsy and sophistication to your look. The braided crown can be created using various braiding techniques, such as a French braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail braid, allowing for customization and personalization. Adding blonde highlights can enhance the texture and dimension of the braided crown, creating a sun-kissed and radiant appearance. While not a short hairstyle, the braided crown is a stunning option for those who want to showcase their hair’s length and texture. This style is great for curly hair. Avoid if you prefer a short hairstyle.

27. Tousled Waves with a Deep Side Part: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Tousled waves with a deep side part is a relaxed and stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is effortlessly chic, featuring soft, tousled waves and a deep side part that adds volume and dimension. The tousled waves create a carefree and youthful look. Adding blonde highlights can enhance the texture and dimension of the waves, adding a touch of brightness and warmth. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks polished and fashionable. While it’s not a short hairstyle, the tousled waves offer a versatile and flattering alternative. Embrace the tousled look!

28. Shaggy Bob with Bangs: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A shaggy bob with bangs provides a youthful and stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle is effortlessly chic and full of personality, featuring a bob with layered ends and textured bangs that graze the eyebrows. The shaggy texture adds volume and movement to the hair, creating a carefree and youthful look. Subtle blonde highlights can enhance the layered effect and add a touch of brightness to the overall look. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks fashionable and trendy. While it is primarily a short hairstyle, it can be adapted to slightly longer lengths. Avoid for very curly hair.

29. High Bun with Face-Framing Pieces: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A high bun with face-framing pieces is an elegant and sophisticated hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to your look. The high bun can be styled in various ways, such as sleek and polished or loose and messy, allowing for customization and personalization. The face-framing pieces soften the face and add a touch of romance. Adding blonde highlights can enhance the texture and dimension of the high bun, creating a radiant and eye-catching appearance. It is generally not suited to a short hairstyle. Those with curly hair may prefer a looser bun.

30. Braided Updo: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A braided updo is a timeless and elegant hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for special occasions, adding a touch of sophistication and charm to your look. The braided updo can be created using various braiding techniques, such as a French braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail braid, allowing for customization and personalization. Adding blonde highlights can enhance the texture and dimension of the braid, creating a radiant and eye-catching appearance. Not recommended as a short hairstyle, it may be difficult to attain this look with shorter hair. Ideal for those with curly hair who want to manage volume and texture.

31. Pixie with Long Side Bangs: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A pixie cut with long side bangs is a modern and chic hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle is both stylish and manageable, providing a youthful and fresh appearance. The long side bangs soften the face and add a touch of femininity to the edgy pixie cut. Blonde highlights can accentuate the texture and add dimension to the cut, enhancing its overall appeal. The pixie cut is a fantastic option if you’re seeking a bold change that requires minimal styling. While it’s a short style, it can be customized to suit different face shapes and personal styles. It is not generally suitable for curly hair, as it is best on straight hair. The long side bangs also accentuate blonde hair beautifully.

32. Asymmetrical Long Bob: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

An asymmetrical long bob (lob) is a trendy and stylish hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle features different lengths on each side, creating a modern and edgy look that’s still sophisticated and manageable. The asymmetry adds interest and dimension, making it a great choice for women who want to stand out. Subtle blonde highlights can further enhance the asymmetrical effect, adding a touch of contrast and personality. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a versatile and chic style that can be dressed up or down. While it’s not a short hairstyle, the asymmetrical lob offers a flattering and stylish alternative. It can also be adapted for curly hair.

33. Feathered Layers with a Side Part: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Feathered layers with a side part is a soft and flattering hairstyle for women over 40. This medium-length hairstyle features delicate feathered layers that frame the face and add movement, creating a youthful and airy look. The side part adds volume and softens the features. Adding blonde highlights can further enhance the layered effect. This hairstyle for women over 40 is perfect for those who want a versatile style. It is best suited to medium-length hair, and less suitable as a short hairstyle. It also beautifully enhances blonde hair and is an excellent option for curly hair as the feathers give a nice shape.

34. Low Textured Bun with Center Part: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

A low textured bun with a center part is an understated yet elegant hairstyle for women over 40. Suitable for medium-length hair, this style provides a refined look, ideal for both professional settings and casual outings. The key to this style is creating a soft, tousled texture before securing the bun, adding volume and preventing a severe appearance. The center part offers symmetry, framing the face in a balanced way. Adding blonde highlights can provide subtle dimension and visual interest, enhancing the texture of the bun. The low bun is not easily achievable with a short hairstyle, needing a certain length for the bun to be substantial. It beautifully manages curly hair, enhancing the bun’s natural texture. This style encapsulates effortless chic without being overly complex.

35. Shaved Sides with Long Top: Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Shaved sides with a long top is a bold and edgy hairstyle for women over 40. This short hairstyle combines the rebelliousness of shaved sides with the versatility of longer hair on top, creating a striking and modern look. The longer hair on top can be styled in various ways, such as slicked back, tousled, or braided, allowing for customization and personalization. Blonde highlights can emphasize the contrast between the shaved sides and the longer top, adding a touch of brightness and dimension. The shaved sides require regular maintenance to keep the lines sharp and clean. While not a medium-length hairstyle, the shaved sides with long top offer a daring and fashionable alternative. Ideal if you prefer blonde hair and want a short hairstyle.