20 Hairstyles Women Wish They’d Tried in Their 30s—But Are Loving Now

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Some hairstyles feel risky in your 30s—but end up being the ones you wish you’d tried sooner. Whether it was fear of change, lack of time, or just not knowing what would look good, many women waited.

Now, with more confidence and a better sense of personal style, these cuts and colors feel exactly right. It’s never too late to try something bold, fresh, or completely different.

If you’ve been thinking about switching things up, these are the styles that prove now might be the perfect time.

The Pixie Cut

The Pixie Cut
© odlandry

With its daringly short length, the pixie cut is a testament to confidence and charisma. This hairstyle frames the face, highlighting cheekbones and eyes.

Women who once hesitated to embrace such a bold look are now reveling in its low-maintenance beauty.

The pixie cut offers flexibility in styling with various textures, from sleek and polished to tousled and edgy.

Adding a touch of color or highlights can further enhance its appeal, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to showcase individuality.

Long Layered Waves

Long Layered Waves
© Itakeyou

Long layered waves are the epitome of timeless elegance, adding volume and movement to any hair type.

This style provides the versatility to switch from casual beachy vibes to glamorous evening looks effortlessly.

The layers create depth, making it suitable for various face shapes and personal styles. Enhancing with subtle highlights or balayage can bring out the best in this hairstyle.

Women appreciate how it frames the face gracefully, offering a youthful appearance that many wish they had explored earlier in life.

The Bob

The Bob
© Odisha Athletics Association

The bob is a classic hairstyle that never goes out of fashion.

It offers a polished look that can be tailored to fit personal preferences, whether it’s a straight, angled, or curly bob.

Women are finding this style incredibly appealing as it provides an air of sophistication without requiring hours of styling.

The bob can be an expression of chic minimalism or playful exuberance, depending on the cut and styling choices. It’s a look that’s both versatile and timeless.

Natural Curls

Natural Curls
© ashesashes11

Embracing natural curls has been a revelation for many women, offering a sense of authenticity and embrace of their natural beauty.

This style celebrates texture and individuality.

Women who once straightened their hair are now loving the bounce and life that natural curls bring. Products like curl creams and gels enhance the curl pattern, making it easy to style.

This look is not only beautiful but also empowering, allowing women to own their unique curl patterns and textures with pride.

Sleek High Ponytail

Sleek High Ponytail
© lclark0484

The sleek high ponytail exudes elegance and confidence, perfect for both professional settings and casual outings. It lifts the face and accentuates facial features beautifully.

Women appreciate its practicality and the way it keeps hair neatly in place while still looking chic.

Using a smoothing serum or gel helps achieve the glossy finish.

Accessorizing with a scrunchie or hairpiece can add an extra flair, making it suitable for any occasion.

Asymmetrical Lob

Asymmetrical Lob
© jbowland806

The asymmetrical lob offers a contemporary edge to the traditional bob, with its varied lengths providing a unique twist.

This style blends sophistication with a bit of rebellion.

Women love the movement and dimension this look provides, making it a favorite for those seeking something trendy yet timeless.

Adding waves or curls can enhance its playful nature, making it adaptable to different occasions and moods.

The Undercut

The Undercut
© Latest-Hairstyles.com

The undercut is a bold statement, showcasing a daring and adventurous spirit. This hairstyle involves shaving part of the hair, often hidden under longer layers, allowing for creativity and surprise.

Women enjoy expressing themselves through intricate designs or colors in their undercuts. It’s a fun way to show off individuality and a sense of daring that many wish they’d embraced earlier.

This style is both chic and functional, offering an unexpected flair to everyday looks.

Braided Crown

Braided Crown
© Ashley Brooke Designs

The braided crown is a style fit for royalty, wrapping around the head in an elegant, intricate fashion.

It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel like a queen.

This hairstyle keeps hair away from the face while adding a touch of drama and sophistication. Women love how it offers a romantic and vintage appeal.

Experimenting with different braid styles and adding small flowers or accessories can enhance its beauty.

Textured Bob

Textured Bob
© barnesbiker

The textured bob combines the classic bob with a modern twist, adding layers and texture for a lively appearance.

This style is perfect for women seeking both elegance and playfulness.

The layers create movement, making it suitable for those wanting a fresh, youthful look. It’s versatile, allowing for various styling options.

Women enjoy the ease of maintenance and the way it frames the face attractively, offering a chic yet effortless vibe.

Shoulder-Length Shag

Shoulder-Length Shag
© darbyyoung39

The shoulder-length shag is the epitome of relaxed coolness. With its choppy layers and casual flair, it brings out an adventurous spirit.

Women are drawn to its low-maintenance nature, allowing for a carefree yet stylish appearance.

The shag adds volume and texture, perfect for creating a bold statement.

Pairing this look with curtain bangs can add to its charm, offering a nod to vintage styles with a modern touch.

Vintage Waves

Vintage Waves
© emilyacatchpole

Vintage waves bring a touch of old Hollywood glamour, with soft, structured waves cascading gracefully. This style offers a romantic and sophisticated vibe.

Many women are finding joy in recreating this timeless look, perfect for formal events or when wanting to feel extra special.

Using a large barrel curling iron or rollers can help achieve the iconic wave pattern, making it a favorite for those loving the classic style.

Tousled Lob

Tousled Lob
© The Right Hairstyles

The tousled lob is perfect for those seeking a balance between polished and casual. This style offers a relaxed wave pattern that adds a playful texture.

Women love its versatility, allowing for easy transitions from day to night looks. This hairstyle frames the face softly, enhancing natural beauty.

Using texturizing spray or mousse can enhance its tousled effect, making it a go-to for effortless chic.

Classic French Twist

Classic French Twist
© Allure

The classic French twist embodies elegance and sophistication. This updo is perfect for formal occasions, adding a touch of refinement to any ensemble.

Women appreciate its timeless appeal and how it can elevate their overall look. It’s a simple yet effective way to achieve a polished appearance.

Securing the twist with decorative pins or combs can add an extra layer of glamour, ensuring this style never goes out of fashion.

Bold Bangs

Bold Bangs
© Byrdie

Bold bangs are a fantastic way to make a statement, drawing attention to the eyes and adding a distinct edge to any hairstyle.

Women are embracing this look for its ability to transform and freshen their appearance. It’s a versatile choice, fitting many face shapes and personal styles.

Pairing bold bangs with a sleek bob or long layers creates a striking contrast, making it a fun and dynamic choice.

Messy Bun

Messy Bun
© kerrylsoltis

The messy bun is a beloved style for its effortless charm and practicality. It offers a laid-back vibe while still looking polished for any occasion.

Women love its versatility, whether it’s for a day at the office or a casual outing. Adding a few loose strands can enhance its appeal.

This hairstyle can be dressed up with accessories like headbands or clips, making it a go-to for quick yet chic styling.

Soft Pixie with Bangs

Soft Pixie with Bangs
© juliecarr382

The soft pixie with bangs offers a gentle take on the classic pixie, providing a feminine and elegant touch. This style highlights the eyes and cheekbones beautifully.

Women appreciate its low-maintenance nature while still looking chic and stylish. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking simplicity with a twist.

Adding subtle highlights can enhance its charm, ensuring a playful yet sophisticated appearance.

Shaggy Layers with Fringe

Shaggy Layers with Fringe
© mkjpsullivan

Shaggy layers with fringe add a youthful and fun touch to any look, offering movement and texture. This style is perfect for women who love an edgy, carefree vibe.

The fringe frames the face while the layers add volume, making it a versatile choice for different face shapes.

Styling with a bit of mousse or texturizer can enhance its playful nature, making it a dynamic choice for those who love variety.

Elegant Chignon

Elegant Chignon
© courtneysworldblog

The elegant chignon is a timeless hairstyle that exudes grace and sophistication. Perfect for formal events, it offers a neat, polished look.

Women love how it can be easily dressed up with decorative pins or flowers, adding a personal touch.

This updo keeps hair neatly in place while showcasing elegance, making it a favorite for those who enjoy classic beauty.

Voluminous Blowout

Voluminous Blowout
© denise911

The voluminous blowout is all about body, shine, and bounce. This style offers a salon-worthy finish without the need for constant maintenance.

Women love the way it adds volume and lifts to their hair, creating a full and vibrant look.

Using a round brush and blow dryer, along with volumizing products, can achieve this glamorous effect, making it a staple for those who enjoy a bit of drama in their hairstyle.

Beachy Waves

Beachy Waves
© jenniferfor9376

Beachy waves embody a carefree and sun-kissed look, perfect for those who love a relaxed and natural style. This hairstyle is ideal for everyday wear, providing a touch of casual glamour.

Women appreciate its easygoing nature, allowing for quick styling without sacrificing beauty.

Using salt spray or a curling wand can achieve the desired wave pattern, making it a go-to for those who love an effortless vibe.