Hitting 40 doesn’t mean your style has to take a backseat. In fact, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your look and show the world you’ve still got it.
A great haircut can boost your confidence, highlight your features, and keep you looking sharp no matter your age. But with so many styles out there, choosing the right one can be tricky.
That’s where we come in. Whether you’re after something classic, low-maintenance, or a modern edge, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best haircuts for men over 40.
These styles work with different hair types, face shapes, and personal vibes. So, if you’re ready to impress without trying too hard, this list has exactly what you need to look and feel your best.
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Textured Crop
The textured crop features short, tidy sides with a layered top, offering volume and movement, perfect for thinning hair. Apply a matte styling paste for natural texture.
Pair this cut with a navy blazer, crisp white shirt, dark denim, and a silver watch. Round it off with tortoiseshell glasses for a sophisticated edge.
Styled Swoop
A great choice for gents who like a touch of flair. The styled swoop keeps longer length on top, swept neatly to one side.
Use a light-hold gel to lock it in. Match with a charcoal crewneck sweater, wool trousers, leather loafers, and a classic belt.
The Classic Taper
The classic taper is a no-fail cut that blends short sides into a slightly longer top for a clean, timeless look.
Style with lightweight cream and wear with a light blue button-down, tan chinos, brown brogues, and a canvas strap watch.
Side Part with Fade
This style adds modern definition with a crisp fade and a structured side part—sharp yet subtle.
Use a light pomade for control. Team it with a tailored blazer, dark denim, leather boots, and a steel bracelet watch.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut offers low-maintenance confidence. It works well for thinning or receding hairlines.
Moisturize your scalp regularly. Wear it with a short-sleeve Henley, slim jeans, and minimal sneakers. Add a leather cuff for a rugged finish.
Closely Cropped
Simple and practical, the closely cropped look is neat and requires minimal styling. It gives a clean and tidy look that suits any hair type.
Regular trims keep it fresh and neat. Pair with a fitted polo, drawstring trousers, and crisp trainers for effortless cool.
Slick Back
The slick back brings a touch of old-school class. Hair is combed back with light shine for a smooth, commanding look.
Use medium-hold pomade. Combine it with a white dress shirt, dark slacks, Oxfords, and a leather strap timepiece.
Ivy League Cut
The Ivy League cut is polished and part-friendly, offering a longer top and neatly tapered sides.
Go for light pomade and style with a crew sweater, tapered trousers, and Chelsea boots. Finish with a leather belt for a sharp, timeless look.
Textured Volume
Add fullness to your style with this layered, tousled cut. Great for thinning hair that needs a boost.
Apply a light mousse and pair it with a casual button-up and black jeans. Finish with desert boots for a relaxed yet stylish feel.
Messy Bedhead
Messy bedhead is a laid-back style that works great for men who want a casual, effortless vibe. It’s ideal for off-duty days.
Use a light texturizing spray to add grip. Combine it with a zip hoodie, tapered joggers, and slip-on shoes.
The Short Pompadour
The short pompadour adds height without the drama. It keeps the sides short while the top has enough length to sweep back with volume.
Use a medium-hold pomade to keep it in place but natural-looking. Wear with a fitted sport coat, crew tee, dark jeans, and Chelsea boots.
Grown-Out Fade
This relaxed fade gives a soft, natural transition from sides to top—perfect for a slightly rugged finish. The sides are longer than a regular fade, blending smoothly into the top.
Use styling cream and match with a chambray shirt, slim jeans, sneakers, and a simple bracelet.
Combed to the Side
Combed to the side is a classic, easy-to-wear style that adds a touch of polish without much effort. The hair is neatly swept to one side, giving a clean and sharp look.
Apply cream or light gel. Pair with a patterned shirt, flat-front trousers, and a metallic watch. Finish with loafers for a smart, timeless vibe.
The Crew Cut
Short all around with a bit of shape on top, the crew cut is clean, versatile, and age-appropriate.
Style with a touch of cream. Match with a polo shirt, tailored shorts, and boat shoes. Add aviator sunglasses for weekend-ready ease.
Natural Waves
Natural waves add a relaxed, effortless vibe to your look. It works great for salt-and-pepper or coarse hair.
Complete your look by spritzing sea salt spray and wear with a linen button-down, rolled chinos, and suede loafers.
Cropped Short
The cropped short haircut keeps things simple and sharp. It’s cut close to the scalp but leaves just enough length on top for some texture.
Pair this look with a casual crewneck sweater, slim jeans, and a leather strap watch. Finish with clean sneakers for a laid-back, polished vibe.
The Mid Fade
The mid fade offers a modern, clean look that’s versatile and easy to style. It’s a gradual taper that starts halfway down the sides of the head.
Use light pomade to shape the top. Team it with a crew tee, cuffed jeans, and chukka boots. Add a leather wrist strap to complete the look.
High-Hairline Crop
It works well for receding hairlines by keeping the look clean and balanced with short sides and a lightly textured top.
Use a matte styling paste to add texture without shine. Pair this look with a casual shirt, chinos, and a leather watch for a clean, confident style.
Conclusion
Looking stylish after 40 is all about choosing the right haircut that fits your lifestyle, face shape, and hair type. Among all the great styles, the Classic Taper and Textured Crop stand out as top picks—both timeless, easy to maintain, and flattering for mature men. Even Hollywood stars like George Clooney and Idris Elba have embraced similar cuts, proving that age is no barrier to sharp style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should men over 40 keep their hair short or long?
Short to medium styles generally work best. They highlight facial structure, are low-maintenance, and suit thinning hair, though longer styles can work with healthy, thick hair and proper grooming.
Does hair change after 40 for men?
Yes, hair often becomes thinner, drier, or recedes at the temples. A flattering haircut with volume and texture can help manage these changes and boost confidence.
Is it okay for men over 40 to dye their hair?
Yes, it’s completely fine. Many men use subtle coloring to cover grays or enhance natural tones. Choose low-maintenance, natural shades for the best look.
Are fades suitable for men over 40?
Yes, low or mid fades are great for men over 40. They offer a clean, sharp look and work well with receding hairlines or thinning at the crown.
