Turning 40 as a man does not shrink your hair styling options. It simply changes how you deal with your hair. Hair often becomes a bit finer and less dense with age and research suggests scalp hair diameter tends to peak around the early 40s before it starts to decline.
Add genetics and hormones and pattern thinning becomes common, not rare. Research done on Alopecia found that vertex or full baldness occurs in around 31% in men aged 40 to 55 in a study population, with prevalence rising as age increases.
Texture can shift too. Medical guidance notes that as we age, hair growth slows, thinning becomes more noticeable, and changes in scalp oils can affect how hair feels and behaves.
That is why the best hairstyles for men over 40 are not about “looking younger.” They are about choosing cuts that sharpen your features, make hair look fuller where it counts, and fit your routine.
Below you will find low-maintenance options for every hair type and face shape, from clean short styles to longer looks that still feel intentional.
Mohawk Shape for Thin Hair
One of the best ways to distract from thin hair is by shaping the hair on top of your head into a mohawk. The sides will stay short, so all the focus is on the body up top.
Short Curly Cut for Black Men
If you’re a black man in your 40s and you have curly hair, cut it short to encourage your curls to look their best. At an inch long, curls will look healthy, and those greys will add character to the style.
Center-Parted Curly Hair
Men with curly hair can tame locks with just a bit of product, like mousse. Part your hair in the center and keep it above the ears for this stylish long hairdo.
Classic Short Cut with a Longer Top
If you’re a man with an oval or round face, try this short haircut with an even length on the sides and a bit longer up top. A trim beard rounds out this style nicely.
Messy Man Bun for Long Hair
If you have long hair, one easy way to wear it is in a messy man bun. It feels casual and relaxed while still looking intentional.
Short Wavy Cut for Thick Hair
If your hair is thick and wavy, cut the hair up top to just a couple of inches long. The short, neat sides will frame the top handsomely and keep it low maintenance.
Medium Layers with a Middle Part
For hair that is medium length and semi-thick, do your best to blow it out. Then part it in the middle and let layers fan out nicely around the head.
Relaxed Messy Texture
If you don’t need to worry about looking professional or polished, a messy hairstyle is a fine choice for men over 40. Avoid frizz by using a bit of hair oil on your fingers to smooth locks.
Edgy Ponytail with Shaved Sides
Whether it’s thick or thin, a manly ponytail keeps hair looking edgy, especially if you add a shaved side or two. Switch it out with a man bun every now and then for an update.
Shaved Sides with a Braided Top
To get Viking vibes, shave the sides and the back of the head, leaving just a strip of hair up top to braid back. A scruffy beard makes the look feel even stronger. You can also check out these beard styles perfect for men over 40.
Short Top with a Pointed Bang
If you already have a subtle bang poking through, put emphasis on it by leaving it long and shaving the rest of the hair short. For this look, all you need is a comb to run through your hair.
Slicked-Back Hair
Hair that is medium to long in length looks super dapper slicked back with a bit of gel. It’s a great hairstyle if you’re looking to get dressed up for fancy occasions.
Low Man Bun
Another handsome choice for medium or long hair consists of gathering hair in a low bun coiled around itself. A few loose strands at the sides of the face won’t hurt, either!
Thick Layers with a Vintage Mustache
Tame your thick hair with layers that add healthy body and soft waves. This center-parted hairstyle looks especially strong with a streak or two of white hair and a vintage curved mustache.
Short Hair with a Lifted Front
One hairstyle that works not just for men over 40 is this short hairdo with a slightly swooped-up shape in the front.
Viking Braid with Fade
Is your hair thick and maybe a bit hard to style? Keep it long or medium in length and form several braids that secure in the back. Low fades edge up this Viking hairstyle.
Smooth Side-Part Comb-Over
This side-parted cut is smoothed down, with no frizz in sight. A small wave on the opposite side makes this look very dapper and gentlemanly.
Long Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks in both dark and medium blonde fit well for thick hair in any texture. If you want a casual, low-maintenance hairstyle, dreadlocks are an edgy alternative.
Clean High Fade with an Undercut
An undercut and high fade are what make this short haircut fresh and clean. It’s a great look to wear to work or on date nights. Maintain the short length and shaved back for a polished look.
Short Gray Curls with Texture
Middle-aged men with short, heavily textured hair, like curls or slight waves, look great when the hair is shaped with product. Keep the length short for a flattering oval or round face.
Short Box Braids with a Neat Beard
Box braids aren’t just for young men. Men over 40 can wear them just as handsomely, especially at a shorter length with a full yet neat beard.
Messy Center-Part Waves
Growing old and not sure what to do with your white hair? For hair that is thin up top and thicker at the bottom with waves, part it in the center for a simple style, or leave it slightly messy, like pictured above.
Blonde Top with Dark Short Sides
Contrasting color on a men’s haircut is a popular choice for men in their 40s. Choose a brighter tone like blonde for the top, but keep the sides short and dark.
Side Part with a Line Design Fade
For a sharp, modern look, part hair at the side and comb hair smooth. Shave in a fade and detail it with a line design, like waves or zig-zags.
Small Quiff with Airy Lift
This smaller version of the classic quiff is a great option for a short haircut. The front is swept up with airy volume while the rest of the hair is short and neat.
Short Sides with a Combed-Back Top
Don’t want to chop your hair short but want a new style? Try the short sides, long top. All you have to do is comb the top hair straight back and smooth it down for a polished look!
One-Side Shave with Long Hair
Add a twist to your hairstyle by shaving one side and leaving the other long. While it looks great with curly or wavy hair, it’ll also look striking with straight locks.
High Fade Mohawk
Go with a high fade to set off a rocker mohawk. This thicker version looks best when hair is fuller. Middle-aged men can even add hair color to it, like purple or blue.
Short Pompadour for Thick Hair
A pompadour works great for men with thick hair. You won’t have to use too much product to shape the thick, full front on this short haircut.
Gray Sides with a Dark Wavy Top
Emphasize shaved sides by coloring them grey or white and leaving the top hair long with a dark color and slight waves. It’s the ultimate style for a dapper gentleman.
Buzz Cut
If you are dealing with baldness or simply love short hair you should definitely go for a buzz cut. It’s a short hairstyle perfect for men with thin hair usually designed with electrical clippers. Men over 40 with thinning hair and a receding hairline can easily rock this look.
This classically masculine and low maintenance style looks great with a little salt and pepper in the hair. Men can couple it with beards and mustaches as well.
Short Caesar Cut
Because of its simplicity and ability to cover hair loss or a receding hairline, Caesar hairstyle is a great option for older men with balding scalps and thinning hair. This short hairstyle is characterized by hair that is styled forward.
This is truly a no-fuss style that requires only the most basic of maintenance. It walks a fine balance between high fashion and a low key and is a versatile cut.
Bald Look
A bald cut can turn thinning or balding into a clean, confident style choice. Men over 40 with balding scalps often find that this look feels sharper and easier to maintain. Pairing the bald head with a beard can create a strong, masculine finish.
You no longer have to worry about bald spots or trying to cover them. Styling is minimal. Just keep the scalp clean and use a quality moisturizer.
Ivy League Haircut
A timeless hairstyle, the ivy league has been in fashion for decades and is a superb styling option for a middle-aged men’s hairdo. It cleverly blends an aristocratic look with an attractive and refined finish. A short ivy league gives men a casual look and is completely appropriate for formal and casual events.
This classic cut is very versatile and can be complemented with modern techniques. Its main peculiarities are a short cut back and temples, a neat parting, and an asymmetrical fringe. Low maintenance is a bonus feature of this haircut. All you need is a comb and a small amount of lightweight styling cream to keep the style neat.
Pomp Fade
It is a practical hairstyle for 40-year-old men who are willing to spend a few minutes working on their hair. The hair on the top is slightly longer than the sides and is styled in such a way that it gives volume to thinning hair. The sides may be tapered or may have a fade or an undercut.
The pomp looks amazing when coupled with a side part. This hairstyle does require a blow dryer and a lightweight volumizing product.
Thin Curls
If you have thin curly hair, you may find it difficult to style properly, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a sleek, polished look.
You can cut your hair short to medium and use a lightweight curl cream or mousse to define the curls without weighing them down. It is a good option for men over 40 who want a neat style for work.
Short Comb Over
This style suits the guys who are losing their hair because it can add volume and depth to the hair. It can be achieved by using a medium-length comb, overlapping the hair at the top and across the forehead, and styling it into a high piled-up hairstyle.
Relaxed Medium Messy Cut
As men get older, the natural hair on their heads becomes thinner. To style this, keep your hair medium and let the texture stay soft and relaxed. A small amount of lightweight texturizing product can help add separation without making the scalp more visible.
Middle Parting
Medium thin hair parted in the middle is a good option if you want to keep your bangs looking natural. This style is perfect for men who want to maintain their style while having less hair on their forehead.
Burr Cut
It is cut very short, usually no more than an inch, and the ends are then carefully trimmed to create a smooth, even surface. This type of haircut can help to minimize the appearance of a receding hairline and make the hair appear fuller and thicker.
Surely, you’re feeling more relieved after seeing all the haircut options for men over 40. For long or short hair, and thick or thin, wavy or straight texture, there’s a great style choice for them all.
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