Thin Hair, Round Face? Hairstyles That Shine After 40

Finding the right hairstyle in your 40s and beyond can feel a little daunting. There’s so much information and so many “rules” (leave our side part alone, Gen Z!). When we add hair loss or thinning hair to the mix, the results are even trickier to sift through. Having struggled with hair loss for years now, I’ve googled it all and I’m here to help! I’ve gathered some of the best hairstyles for my over-40 friends and followers with thin hair and a round face and are looking to add a little extra volume to those locks. From chic pixie cuts to versatile bobs, these styles are designed to enhance your natural beauty and give your hair a fuller, more dynamic look. 

Let’s check out some of the best hairstyles for round-faced babes with fine strands.

What is the best haircut for a 40 year old woman with a round face?

When it comes to finding the perfect haircut for a 40-year-old woman with a round face, the key is to choose a style that adds a bit of length. Along with some added angles, the extra length will help to balance out the natural curves of your face. A long bob, often called a “lob” (how clever!), is a great cut to add the illusion of length without the bulk of really long hair. The lob frames the face beautifully and gives you a more elongated shape. It’s my favourite of the low-maintenance hairstyles. It’s so easy to wash and go, and the style is an incredibly versatile cut. You can wear it with straight hair, natural curly hair, or add some beautiful beachy waves whenever the mood strikes.

Photo: @yukistylist
A young girl with a long bob featuring the diagonal lines of side-swept bangs and an asymmetrical style.

Photo: @yukistylist

This long bob checks all the boxes! It’s just the right length, with beautiful layers that frame her face.

Adding side-swept bangs can work wonders for a round face shape! Not only do bangs soften your features, they also add a little playfulness that keeps your look fresh and fun. An asymmetrical cut is also an excellent choice, especially if you add some long layers with a bed-head vibe. The diagonal lines of side-swept bangs and an asymmetrical style draw attention downward. This focus make your face look longer and more balanced.

Photo: @yokii.san

A young model with a bob featuring heavy side swept bangs.

Photo: @yokii.san

Side-swept bangs: the ultimate face-flattering touch.

Photo: @mefiu

Adding layers to your tousled bob enhances dimension, bringing out the best in your features.

Face-framing layers are another great way to lengthen the face. Leaving longer pieces around your face offers a slimming effect and will add some dimension to your overall look. Any time you can add some movement to your ‘do, do it! 

Photo: @corinna.at.pony

before and after photo showcasing Face-framing layers beautifully highlighting facial features and creating volume!

Photo: @corinna.at.pony

Face-framing layers beautifully highlight your facial features. Check out the volume!

On the other hand, adding any kind of volume to the sides is something you’ll want to avoid. And be careful to steer clear of a super blunt bob, too. You want to add length and texture, not more roundness with horizontal lines. The same goes for blunt bangs — hard pass for all of us with a gorgeous, chubby face! 

Photo: www.latest-hairstyles.com

A young girl with a classic bob: timeless and chic,

Photo: www.latest-hairstyles.com

The classic bob: timeless and chic, but best avoided by those with round faces.

What is the best hairstyle for over 40 with fine hair?

The best hairstyle for someone over 40 with fine hair is one that adds volume and movement. Of course, will still want easy maintenance — a MUST for me! A layered bob is a top choice — it adds fullness and texture, making fine hair appear thicker and more lively. For a class looking, you can go for a chin-length bob. Or, opt for a longer version if you prefer a bit more length. Adding some soft waves or loose curls can also help create the illusion of fuller hair.

Photo: @ruteboazhair

Before and after photos of a model with a brown, layered bob—ideal for adding volume and vitality to fine hair.

Photo: @ruteboazhair

The layered bob: perfect for adding volume and life to fine hair.

Another great option is a pixie cut. This short haircut is chic, youthful, and super easy to style — wash and wear! The shorter length gives the appearance of thicker hair. Then, you can also play with texture using a little styling product to create volume and definition. If you like the pixie but it’s just a *little* too short for you, consider the mixie or bixie — we’ll get into those a little further down!

Photo: @brianacisneros

Collage of 6 photos showing a model with blond hair and various options for a pixie cut.

Photo: @brianacisneros

Pixie cuts give you endless ways to switch up your style every day.

Whichever style you choose, the key is to keep things light and airy, avoiding heavy products that might weigh your hair down and prevent the volume and movement that this hair styles are meant to create. Make sure you talk to your hairstylist for product ideas that won’t weigh you down!

What hair length suits round chubby faces?

I”m sure that based on our discussion so far, you’re not surprised to hear that stylists often recommend medium-length hair or longer for a round face, simply because it elongates your face shape. Keeping your hair below the chin draws attention away from the jawline and making it appear more balanced and oval. Longer hair also offers more versatility — you can play with choppy layers, a gentle wave, or even a bit of volume on top to add height (if you were around in the 80s, you know exactly what this is about!). If you really do prefer a short hairstyle, just make sure to add some layers or choose an asymmetrical cut. This will help to avoid adding width to your face. These ideas are all about adding length instead!

Photo: @marikaraiter_hair

This model has dark coloured medium-length hair with choppy layers.

Photo: @marikaraiter_hair

Medium-length hair with choppy layers creates effortless volume and texture on top, perfect for those with thinning hair.

What haircut makes fine hair look thicker?

If your round brush has lost its magic and you’re still looking to make fine hair appear thicker, certain haircuts can get you there. The lob, bob, midi, and pixie cuts — or even the trendy mixie — are all fantastic options for adding volume and fullness to your hair. These styles are great because they create the illusion of thicker strands, making your hair look fuller and more vibrant. For us gals with fine or thinning hair, we want to stay away from longer layers so that we can add volume without the obstacle of extra, unnecessary weight. Long hair will pull your hair down at the root and prevent the life and volume you need to make your fine hair look thicker.

@Photo: @charlieandcosalons

The midi (mid-length) haircut on this blonde model adds fullness and thickness, perfectly enhancing the hair's volume and body.

@Photo: @charlieandcosalons

The midi (mid-length) haircut: the right length to make your hair look fuller and thicker.

Pixie cuts are another excellent choice for fine hair. Their shorter length naturally makes hair look denser, and you can play with texture to add even more volume. The mixie, a combination of a pixie and a mullet (another shoutout to the 80s!), offers a fresh take that’s perfect for those who want to keep things edgy while still giving their hair a fuller appearance. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also got the bixie to play with — this one is a hybrid of the bob and the pixie. It usually has shorter layers at the nape of the neck with a subtle graduation, leading to longer, more textured layers towards the crown. It’s a perfect shorter style to give your hair a little personality while still increasing the volume.

Photo: www.shorthairstyles.com

This model has a mixie style haircut which is a blend of pixie and textured bob for a playful, modern look.

Photo: www.shorthairstyles.com

The mixie is a style made popular by celebs like Miley Cyrus and Kristen Stewart. It brings a fun vibe and boost of volume to your look. 

Photo: @shmoakin_hair

A blonde hair model with a bixie haircut—a chic blend of a bob and pixie—offering effortless style and playful volume.

Photo: @shmoakin_hair

The bixie adds volume and texture for a fresh, stylish look.

Maybe you’re thinking, “These styles are cute and everything, but I don’t have any hair to cut!” I have good news: I’ve got the answer for that, too! My own hair has been thinning since my early 20s, and I recently made the big, brave jump into the world of hair toppers. These amazing little numbers will absolutely change your life, and I know because I’ve tried them. Hair toppers are so easy to use – just clip them in and you’re ready to go! Then, you can have your stylist cut and dye them to perfectly match your desired look.

Have I piqued your interest? Check out my other post Human Hair Toppers 101: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about hair toppers and find out if they are right for you. Once you’re fully convinced, check out Crowning Glory: Your Comprehensive Guide to Gorgeous Hair Pieces to help you choose the right topper for you.

With the right cut (and possibly an extra boost from a hair topper), even the finest hair can look thick and full of life! Finding and embracing a style that suits your face shape and hair texture at any age can make a world of difference. Remember, the goal is to find a look that makes you feel like a better, more confident and vibrant version of yourself.  Experiment with these fabulous hairstyles, and enjoy the boost of volume and style they bring to your everyday look!

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