By the time a person reaches their 40s, they should have achieved numerous milestones that they had dreamed of. It is a tricky age when certain men rekindle their desire to look different. Of the many factors that make a man attractive, a hairstyle takes the primary stage. It influences their personality and how others perceive them. Having already crossed three decades of existence, finding a good hairstyle is no longer about following the trends. It is more about finding a style that suits your lifestyle, facial shape, and the natural changes your hair undergoes with age.

At Men Zone, we are here to help you find your unique style. Having worked with clients from diverse age groups, we understand the challenges you face in your 40s. In this blog post, we have listed some of the finest hairstyles to try when you are over 40, along with expert advice on how to maintain them.

1. The Quiff

Similar to the pompadour, but with a more casual feel, the quiff is a hairstyle that creates volume in the front section of your hair and keeps the sides shorter. The quiff works brilliantly on men who don’t want the full pompadour but need a bit more form than a casual messy hairdo.

The style not only enhances various kinds of hair but also fits various facial features. Quiff is an excellent style worth experimenting with. It is both youthful and trendy without being too dramatic.

How to style?

After washing your hair, apply a volumizing mousse to your damp hair. Use a blow dryer to lift the hair from your roots. Use a light-hold spray to complete your look and keep the quiff stable all day long. Remember not to overdo and maintain the natural volume of your hair.

2. The Buzz Cut

The buzz cut masters all types of effortless hair styling. The hair is trimmed short on all sides, resulting in a clean and sharp appearance. It is most preferable for men wanting to hide balding spots. As with shorter hair, the maintenance trouble does not exist.

Consider this cut if you have a busy lifestyle and barely have time for regular grooming. 

How to style?

Apply a clipper with a guard length that suits your preference. To maintain the buzz cut, you should visit your barber at least every 3 to 4 weeks to have it trimmed slightly to stay fresh.

3. The Crew Cut

The crew cut hair is a short and tapered styling that has been in existence for decades. Men who prefer a clean, polished and not too short style will find this cut ideal. The sides are shaved, and the top hair is kept a little longer. Such a cut is tailor-made for men with sharp facial features (like a square face). It softens their edgy look without losing the definition.

Whether it’s a daily formal look or a beach vacation, it suits any setting. The crew cut always looks polished without the need for styling.

How to style?

You can use a light styling gel on top to add texture without losing the shape. It works well for casual getaways. This haircut is for the everyday man who wants to look presentable at all times without putting in much effort.

4. The Slick Back

The slick-back is a sophisticated, tidy hairstyle ideal for formal settings or presentations that require a smart appearance. It is combed back and held in place with a small amount of product, typically accompanied by short sides to create a sharp contrast.

It is perfect for men with thicker hair, although it can also be scaled down to thinner textures by adding more volume at the roots.

How to style?

Want a classy look? Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade and tuck the hair towards the back. Comb it backwards and allow the product to dry naturally, or use a blow dryer if desired.

5. The French Crop

This haircut has its sides relatively shorter but longer on the top, where the front is pushed forward to form a fringe that settles slightly above the eyebrows. French crop is edgy and youthful, making it suitable for men who want to look fashionable while maintaining a mature appearance.

This haircut is designed for straight or wavy hair. It complements round faces, especially as the fringe creates a more elongated appearance of the face.

How to style?

For a neat finish, applying a little product on the fringes is recommended. However, avoid applying too much of it, as it can make your hair stiff and look unnatural.

6. The Textured Crop

Manifesting a low-maintenance haircut that adds to your powerful image? A textured crop may be the right choice for you. The sides are usually trimmed shorter, and the top is kept heavier. It is perfect if your hair is thinning, as the texture on top creates an illusion of more hair.

This easy-to-carry hairstyle is ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. You can achieve a sharp, young look with the textured top, which also appears very modern. The textured crop indeed masters styling without much effort.

To give you an idea, here’s a personal experience of a 45-year-old man, David, who noticed that his hair had started to thin from the top. He came to us, hoping that he would find a solution to not look bald. We advised him to go with a textured crop as it would help him create an illusion of having more hair on the top. Without questioning further, David decided to go for the cut. The layers on top made David’s hair look voluminous and more fascinating. After the cut, David noticed that his hair was much softer, and he liked his new look, which made him feel better about his appearance.

How to style?

Apply a matte paste or styling cream to wet hair, then bring everything up with your fingers to create natural texture. This style suits well with a natural volume, and heavy gels or wax should be avoided, as they can flatten the hair.

7. The Classic Side Part

Backed by its name, the classic side part is an ageless style that pulls off a sophisticated look. It sits perfectly on different hair types, giving men over 40 a clean, polished look. Its true versatility is evident when one wears it to the office and a party. 

On the side, you style a clean, distinct part on one side of your head and comb over the rest of your hair. It could be combined with a taper fade on the sides as a reference to the modern effect, or have a more classic appearance by keeping it longer. The style is very mature and professional, and perfect for a man who is above 40 years but desires a classic but trendy look.

How to style?

Lightweight pomade or styling cream helps to achieve a neat side part. It will provide your hair with an appropriate amount of hold and shine. The trick is to ensure the section remains crisp and clear, so the fine-tooth comb should be your best friend in this case.

8. The Modern Pompadour

The pompadour is an old-school hairstyle that has been redesigned to suit the contemporary man. It can be identified by hair that is held high and combed back, showing more volume on the top with short, tapered sides. Pompadour, today, is made less stiff than the ones in the 50s. It looks relaxed and flexible, particularly on men with a round face. The special cut adds some height to the face and overall appearance.

The pompadour looks great with medium and thick hair; however, it cannot be done on very thin hair. It is ideal for formal events and can also be modified for casual events, making it one of the most versatile styles for men over 40.

How to style?

Using a mousse or pomade helps in getting the pompadour slick. A blow dryer is recommended, lifting the hair up at the roots. Once the hair is dry, comb it back and apply the pomade to get the shine and hold. The trick is to make the height at the front specific yet not rigid.

9. The Widow’s Peak Look

Men often try different hairstyles to hide their widow’s peak. Accept the natural peaks and let them blend with your own style. A slicked-back or a side part usually draws immediate attention to your hairline. If styled well, you will have your own unique and confident look.

How to style?

Using a medium-hold pomade or gel is recommended. Comb your hair forward to achieve a slick-back look. If you want to try a side part, make sure you do not cover your natural hairline. It must be kept distinct to achieve that balanced look.

Conclusion

The first point to consider before starting your search for men’s hairstyles after 40 is to embrace your looks. There are many hairstyles that men can master, even as their hair grays or thins. A simple cut and a little bit of styling can make you look younger without losing the mature look.

To find out your next ideal haircut, a consultation with an experienced barber comes first. At Men Zone, our fully-trained staff can help you find a suitable hairstyle according to your hair type, face shape and lifestyle. Afraid to experiment? We are here to guide you through. Book your appointment at your nearest Men Zone barbershop today.