You are over 40. You have an event coming up. A wedding, a gala, a milestone birthday. You want your hair to look elegant and sophisticated. You want an updo that flatters your face and makes you feel confident. But you are not sure what style works for you.
I understand this completely. Finding the right updo hairstyles for women over 40 can feel like a challenge. But here is the good news. Updos are actually perfect for mature hair. They add height at the crown. They keep hair off your neck. And they can hide any sparse areas with strategic pinning and texture.
The best updos for women over 40 have soft, face framing pieces. They have height at the crown to elongate your face. They use texture to add volume. And they incorporate beautiful accessories for sparkle and interest.
In this guide, I will walk you through 20 gorgeous updo hairstyles for women over 40. You will learn which styles add the most volume. You will get pro tips for making your updo last all night. And you will find a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Let us find your perfect updo.
Elegant Low Updos and Messy Buns for Everyday Sophistication
These first five styles feature elegant low updos and messy buns. They are perfect for updo hairstyles for women over 40 because they are sophisticated and comfortable.
1. Elaborate Low Updo with Jeweled Accents
Description: This elaborate low updo has jeweled accents and a polished finish. The updo sits at your nape. The jewels add sparkle. You will need bobby pins, texture spray, and jeweled pins. The vibe is elaborate, sparkly, and very elegant.
Why It Works: For updo hairstyles for women over 40, the low placement is comfortable. The jeweled accents draw the eye. This works for oval and heart shaped faces.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown gently before creating the updo. Use spiral bobby pins for extra grip. Place the jeweled accents at different angles.
2. Messy Low Bun with Loose Face-Framing Pieces
Description: This messy low bun has loose face framing pieces and undone texture. The bun sits at your nape. The pieces soften your face. You will need bobby pins, texture spray, and a small elastic. The vibe is messy, romantic, and very pretty.
Why It Works: The messy texture hides any sparse areas. The face framing pieces soften your features. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is romantic.
Pro Tip: Do not brush your hair before making the bun. Use your fingers only. Leave intentional tendrils around your face.
3. Sophisticated French Twist Updo
Description: This sophisticated French twist updo is sleek and polished. The hair is twisted vertically against your head. The finish is smooth. You will need bobby pins, a smoothing brush, and hairspray. The vibe is sophisticated, classic, and very elegant.
Why It Works: The French twist is timeless and elegant. The vertical shape elongates your neck. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is classic.
Pro Tip: Apply a lightweight smoothing cream to damp hair before blow drying. Twist firmly and pin with spiral bobby pins every two inches.
4. Soft Low Bun with Wispy Face-Framing Strands
Description: This soft low bun has wispy face framing strands and a smooth bun. The strands are light and feathery. The bun is neat. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and a curling wand. The vibe is soft, wispy, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The wispy strands add softness without weight. The low bun is comfortable. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is feminine.
Pro Tip: Curl the wispy strands away from your face. Smooth the bun with a boar bristle brush. Use a light hairspray.
5. Intricate Braided Low Updo
Description: This intricate braided low updo features multiple small braids woven together. The braids add texture. The updo sits at your nape. You will need a rat tail comb, small clear elastics, and bobby pins. The vibe is intricate, braided, and very elegant.
Why It Works: The multiple braids create a net of texture on fine hair. The braids add interest. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is elegant.
Pro Tip: Braid your hair when it is slightly damp. This gives you more control. After braiding, gently pancake each braid by pulling the loops outward.
High Buns and Voluminous Updos for Height
These next five styles focus on high buns and voluminous updos. They are ideal for updo hairstyles for women over 40 that need height and drama.
6. Polished High Bun with Voluminous Crown
Description: This polished high bun has a voluminous crown and a smooth bun. The crown is teased for height. The bun is neat. You will need a teasing brush, bobby pins, and a small elastic. The vibe is polished, voluminous, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The voluminous crown adds height, which elongates your face. The high bun is elegant. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is sophisticated.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown with a fine tooth comb. Smooth the top layer over the tease. Create the bun at your crown. Pin securely.
7. Romantic Textured Low Bun
Description: This romantic textured low bun has soft texture and loose pieces. The bun sits at your nape. The texture is undone. You will need bobby pins, texture spray, and a small elastic. The vibe is romantic, textured, and very pretty.
Why It Works: The textured bun adds volume. The loose pieces add softness. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is romantic.
Pro Tip: Spray texture spray on dry hair before making the bun. Pull pieces out intentionally for a romantic feel.
8. Messy High Bun with Voluminous Texture
Description: This messy high bun has voluminous texture and undone layers. The bun sits at your crown. The texture is piecey. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and texture spray. The vibe is messy, voluminous, and very cool.
Why It Works: The high bun adds height. The messy texture hides any sparse areas. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is cool.
Pro Tip: Create the high bun by twisting and pinning randomly. Pull pieces out intentionally for a messy look.
9. Messy Top Knot with Full Curtain Bangs
Description: This messy top knot has full curtain bangs and undone texture. The top knot sits at your crown. The bangs frame your face. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and texture spray. The vibe is messy, top knotted, and very boho.
Why It Works: The top knot adds height. The curtain bangs frame your face softly. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is boho.
Pro Tip: Blow dry the curtain bangs away from your face on both sides. Create the top knot by twisting and pinning randomly.
10. Sculpted High Updo with Side-Swept Details
Description: This sculpted high updo has side swept details and a polished finish. The updo sits at your crown. The side sweep adds asymmetry. You will need bobby pins, a flat iron, and a shine spray. The vibe is sculpted, side swept, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The side swept details add a slimming diagonal line. The high placement adds height. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is sophisticated.
Pro Tip: Flat iron the side swept details smooth. Use a shine spray for a glossy finish.
Textured Low Buns and Voluminous Messy Updos for Natural Beauty
These next five styles focus on textured low buns and voluminous messy updos. They are perfect for updo hairstyles for women over 40 that embrace natural beauty.
11. Elegant Textured Low Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
Description: This elegant textured low bun has face framing tendrils and soft volume. The tendrils are light and curly. The bun is textured. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and texture spray. The vibe is elegant, textured, and very pretty.
Why It Works: The face framing tendrils draw attention to your eyes. The textured bun adds volume. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is pretty.
Pro Tip: Curl the face framing tendrils away from your face. Spray texture spray on the bun for grip.
12. Voluminous Messy Blonde Updo with Soft Wisps
Description: This voluminous messy blonde updo has soft wisps and undone texture. The updo is full and bouncy. The wisps soften your face. You will need bobby pins, texture spray, and a curling wand. The vibe is voluminous, messy, and very glamorous.
Why It Works: The voluminous updo adds height. The soft wisps add softness. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is glamorous.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown gently before creating the updo. Curl the soft wisps away from your face.
13. Intricate Twisted Low Bun with Soft Blonde Highlights
Description: This intricate twisted low bun has soft blonde highlights and multiple twists. The highlights add dimension. The twists add texture. You will need bobby pins and texture spray. The vibe is intricate, twisted, and very elegant.
Why It Works: The multiple twists distribute the weight of the updo. The soft blonde highlights add depth. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is elegant.
Pro Tip: Twist each section tightly. Loosen slightly before pinning. The soft blonde highlights will add dimension.
14. Romantic High Messy Bun with Loose Face-Framing Strands
Description: This romantic high messy bun has loose face framing strands and undone texture. The bun sits at your crown. The strands soften your face. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and texture spray. The vibe is romantic, messy, and very pretty.
Why It Works: The high bun adds height. The face framing strands add softness. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is romantic.
Pro Tip: Create the high bun by twisting and pinning randomly. Curl the face framing strands away from your face.
15. Chic Brunette Updo with Voluminous Bangs and Face-Framing Pieces
Description: This chic brunette updo has voluminous bangs and face framing pieces. The bangs are full and soft. The updo is polished. You will need bobby pins, a round brush, and a blow dryer. The vibe is chic, voluminous, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The voluminous bangs add density at your forehead. The face framing pieces draw attention to your eyes. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is chic.
Pro Tip: Blow dry the voluminous bangs forward with a round brush. The face framing pieces should be curled away from your face.
Sleek Low Buns and Dutch Braid Updos for Timeless Style
The final five styles are sleek low buns and Dutch braid updos. They offer timeless style for updo hairstyles for women over 40.
16. Sleek Low Bun Adorned with a Decorative Crystal Hair Piece
Description: This sleek low bun is smooth and polished. A decorative crystal hair piece adds sparkle. The bun sits at your nape. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and a crystal hair piece. The vibe is sleek, sparkly, and very elegant.
Why It Works: The sleek low bun is timeless. The crystal hair piece adds elegance. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is elegant.
Pro Tip: Smooth your hair with a boar bristle brush before creating the bun. Tuck the crystal hair piece at the side of the bun.
17. Effortless Low Messy Bun with Soft Side-Swept Bangs
Description: This effortless low messy bun has soft side swept bangs and undone texture. The bangs are long and diagonal. The bun is relaxed. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and texture spray. The vibe is effortless, side swept, and very chic.
Why It Works: The side swept bangs add a slimming diagonal line. The messy bun hides any sparse areas. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is chic.
Pro Tip: Spray texture spray on dry hair before making the bun. The side swept bangs should be dried away from your face.
18. Textured Updo Featuring a Side Dutch Braid and Loose Curls
Description: This textured updo has a side Dutch braid and loose curls. The braid starts at your temple. The curls add volume. You will need a comb for braiding, bobby pins, and a curling wand. The vibe is braided, textured, and very romantic.
Why It Works: The side Dutch braid adds asymmetry. The loose curls add body. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is romantic.
Pro Tip: Pancake the Dutch braid by pulling each loop outward. Curl the loose ends with a small barrel wand.
19. Sophisticated High Updo with Soft Curtain Bangs
Description: This sophisticated high updo has soft curtain bangs and a polished finish. The bangs part in the middle. The updo sits at your crown. You will need bobby pins, a round brush, and a shine spray. The vibe is sophisticated, curtain banged, and very elegant.
Why It Works: The soft curtain bangs frame your face softly. The high updo adds height. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is elegant.
Pro Tip: Blow dry the curtain bangs away from your face on both sides. The high updo will add volume.
20. Vintage-Inspired Low Bun with Decorative Floral Hair Accessory
Description: This vintage-inspired low bun has a decorative floral hair accessory and soft texture. The accessory adds a romantic touch. The bun is low and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a small elastic, and a floral accessory. The vibe is vintage, romantic, and very pretty.
Why It Works: The low bun is comfortable and elegant. The floral accessory adds a romantic touch. For updo hairstyles for women over 40, this style is pretty.
Pro Tip: Place the floral accessory slightly off center. Smooth the bun with a boar bristle brush.
Conclusion
Finding the right updo hairstyles for women over 40 is about choosing styles that add height, softness, and elegance. Low updos are comfortable and sophisticated. High updos add drama and height. Messy buns hide any sparse areas. And braided styles add texture and interest.
The 20 styles above prove that updos can be beautiful at any age. Elegant low updos add sophistication. Messy buns add romance. High updos add glamour. And braided styles add elegance. There is an updo for every event and every personality.
Remember to tease your crown for height. Use texture spray for grip. Use spiral bobby pins for fine hair. And always leave out face framing pieces for softness.
Save one or two of these photos to show your stylist. A good stylist will know exactly how to adapt these looks for your specific hair type and face shape. And do not forget to bring your dress swatch to match your accessories.
Which of these 20 styles will you try first? Are you leaning toward the elegant French twist or the romantic messy high bun? Let me know in the comments below. And if you have questions about making these styles work for your hair, ask me anything. I am here to help you look and feel your best for your special event.
