Layered haircuts are a timeless beauty secret for Korean “ageless goddesses” like Jun Ji-hyun and Song Hye-kyo. This haircut involves cutting the hair into gentle layers, lifting the roots, framing the face, and creating a natural slimming effect without the need for perming or dyeing.
Not only does this style defy age, but it also flatters various face shapes and hair lengths. Here are five layered haircuts that help women over 40 maintain their youthful and captivating appeal, suitable for both long and short hair, from round to square faces.
1. Long Hair with Layers: Soft and Flattering
The long layered haircut utilizes a graceful layering technique, creating a “feather-light” effect that gently hugs both sides of the face. Skillfully cut layers help conceal prominent cheekbones, soften uneven features, and give a three-dimensional effect, making the face appear more defined and firm.
This style exudes natural volume and bounce without thinning out the hair or losing its shape. It is particularly flattering for young women with round faces or prominent cheekbones.
For daily styling, simply use a round brush to gently curl the ends outward and apply a touch of hair serum to add shine, maintaining an elegant look while exuding softness and sophistication.

2. Lob with Layers: Elegant and Modern
The lob, a classic shoulder-length haircut, takes on a new dimension when combined with layered cutting. This style effectively tackles flat and lifeless roots, adding natural volume to the hair.
Layers are carefully cut from the crown to the mid-lengths, giving the illusion of fuller hair, especially beneficial for those with thin hair or a flat crown.
There’s no need for intricate styling; a touch of hairspray and a low-heat curling iron to gently curl the ends in will do the trick. This look exudes effortless elegance, refinement, and a modern feminine touch for women over 40.
3. Short Bob with Layers and Soft Curls
If you’re seeking a bold and festive look for the holiday season, a short bob with layers and soft outward curls is ideal. This jaw-length cut, combined with bouncy layers, offers a trendy and unique style while retaining a feminine touch.
The gentle outward curls not only add volume but also create a face-framing effect, accentuating the jawline and enhancing the overall delicate appearance.
4. Low-Layered Haircut
The low-layered haircut, ending just above the collarbone, exudes subtlety, elegance, and trendiness. The skillfully cut layers at the ends soften the facial features, creating a slimming and graceful silhouette.
This style is perfect for the summer due to its airy and comfortable feel. Whether left natural or blow-dried with a slight lift, this haircut embodies the understated charm of an intellectual woman who embraces simplicity yet exudes allure.
Jun Ji-hyun’s layered haircut.
5. High-Layered Haircut with French Bangs
The combination of bouncy French bangs and high layers creates a harmonious look, blending modernity with sweetness. The high layers lift the roots, framing the face and creating a slimming effect, while the soft bangs across the forehead soften the features, enhancing femininity and grace.
This haircut is beloved by many Korean women for its remarkable age-defying quality, exuding youthfulness while maintaining elegance. Whether left straight or gently curled, this style effortlessly accentuates a gentle yet captivating aura.