A good hairstyle can take years off a person's face. There are many women that believe that they should not get a particular haircut or hairstyle, just because they are over 40. But, the fact is that you can wear any hairstyle as long as it suits you. Hair thins as one ages and, therefore, women over 40 should opt for a layered haircut, that gives hair body and volume. Mature women should choose a hairstyle that is not only trendy, but is sophisticated and sexy as well. Getting the right haircut and hairstyle goes a long way in making a woman look attractive. There are a few things that you should remember to look youthful and put-together.

• Sometimes the wrong hair color can make you look washed out and aged. Hair color that is too dark or which does not suit your complexion can mar your looks. Always opt for a color that is not more than two to three shades lighter than your original hair color.
• Never follow hair trends blindly. Make sure that any hairstyle trend that you wish to sport is age-appropriate and suits your face structure, hair type, and your lifestyle.
• Hair that is one color can look flat, dull and boring. The best way to remedy this is to opt for subtle highlights or lowlights. Opt for highlights in warm shades like golden blond, cinnamon and honey.
• Avoid stiff hairstyles or hairstyles with slicked-back styles. It highlights fine lines and crow's feet and puts them on display. Hair that is bouncy and has movement makes a person look young.

An angled bob with side-swept bangs is ideal for mature women. To get this hairstyle, ask your stylist to cut your hair longer at the front and shorter at the back. Hair at the front should be cut in layers, hitting your jawline. Side-swept bangs that are bouncy will help hide forehead wrinkles and lines. This kind of hairstyle elongates the face and is well -suited for women who have a wide or round face. How to style it: To style, apply a coin-sized amount of texturizing cream and blow-dry hair with a paddle brush. Most people think that a pixie hairstyle is only for the young. But the fact is that it can work well on a mature woman too. Just think Sharon Stone or Jamie Lee Curtis. Ask your stylist to cut your hair in short layers at the top with a graduated cut at the sides and behind. You can also opt for a fringe to soften the haircut. This hairstyle is suitable for women with delicate bone structure. How to style it: Apply a bit of thickening cream at the crown and blow-dry hair. If you have medium-length hair, then it is best to get a layered hairstyle. Cutting your hair in layers, gives hair more body and movement. To keep the style youthful and to accentuate your facial features, face-framing layers are the best. Avoid adding long layers as they tend to highlight saggy body parts. How to style it: The best way to style a layered hairstyle is to apply a bit of styling cream to hair at the ends and curl it using a large-barreled curling iron. When in doubt, always opt for an updo. A low chignon is one of the best hairstyles for mature women. Remember to keep the look soft and a little undone. Avoid severe updo styles as they end up looking matronly. Also avoid using too much wax or hairspray or the style will look stiff. How to style it: Apply a coin-sized amount of volumizing hair mousse to the roots and blow-dry hair. Gather hair into a low bun and secure with bobby pins. Finally, mist hair with a light glossing mist to give the hairstyle a polished look. A great hairstyle for slightly mature women is the half-up hairstyle. This hairstyle is surprisingly versatile and can be worn at work as well as for an evening do. The key to rocking this hairstyle is to choose a style that is soft and classy. This hairstyle is effortlessly elegant and requires very less time to style. How to style it: Apply a bit of mousse to hair at the crown area and backcomb it. Take a two-inch section of hair from the front and pin them with bobby pins. There are many hairstyles and haircuts that suit mature women. Remember that to create a good hairstyle, your hair needs to be in good condition. So, opt for regular trims and indulge in moisturizing hair masks.