Best hairstyles on celebs over 40

Cate Blanchett's Long Bob

Blanchett's bob is great for women who want a fuss-free, moderately long cut that still delivers a chic, sophisticated style says Stodghill. Ask your stylist for a long bob that falls somewhere between the nape of your neck and your shoulders. To achieve this versatile look, which works well for any face shape and hair texture, blow dry your hair using a round brush (to add volume at the crown), smooth, and curl the ends under.

Tina Fey's Shoulder Grazer

Not too short and not too long, the 30 Rock star's style works great on oval face shapes. At the salon, request a shoulder-length cut that's layered throughout, with shorter layers framing the face and side-swept bangs. If your hair is extra thick, ask the stylist to remove the bulk using thinning shears, says Stodghill. To style, the choice is yours — use a curling iron or a round brush to add body. Then finish with styling cream and hair spray.

Lauren Graham's Full Volume

The Parenthood star's hairstyle is an easy wash-and-go option if you have natural waves. At the salon, simply request long layers, including some that frame the face. Born with straight hair? Don’t fret — you can still wear waves. Use a 1 1/2 inch barreled curling iron and work from back to front to create this elegant, voluminous look. Be sure to curl layers away from your face and use fingers to break up the curls, which adds fullness, says Stodghill.

Michelle Obama's Stacked Bob

The First Lady, seen here at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, sports a hairstyle that's a classic and universally flattering choice for women of any age. Popular for its sass, smarts, and no-nonsense appeal,” Stodghill says, it's a look that's for great for professional women. Ask for a blunt, stacked, layered cut that falls a couple of inches below the nape of the neck. Hair should be slightly shorter in the back and longer on the sides. Use a round brush and some wrist action to boost body.

Diane Keaton's Layered Bob

Lots of flirty layers keep Keaton's style fresh and full of movement; face-framing fringe also offers a fun complement to her bold specs. Ask for a layered bob that falls just below the jaw line and includes shorter fringes around the face and side-swept bangs. To style, use a round brush to flip the ends out as you blow dry.

Padma Lakshmi's Smooth Waves

To flatter a square or heart-shaped face, consider soft waves as seen on the host of Top Chef. The key to Lakshmi's put-together wavy style is to start curling hair about an inch from the roots. “This contrast gives you the look of beach hair that is smooth and in control, but with an edge, says Stodghill. You could also wear this long layered cut blown out -- no curling iron required.

Lucy Liu's Straight Mane

The Elementary star's straight hair is a cinch to wash and wear. Ask your stylist to trim just enough to remove any split ends. Keep your locks sleek and smooth - not dry - by using moisturizing shampoo, deep-conditioning weekly, and applying frizz cream.

Jane Fonda's Modern Shag

Want to go short? Try Fonda's modern take on the shag. To snag this look, ask your stylist to cut choppy layers from front to back with shorter layers framing your face. Style the layers flipped at the ends with molding gel to create the texture that makes this crop pop.

Kate Walsh's Center Part

A middle part, like the one worn here by Private Practice star Walsh, can help make your locks appear fresh and youthful, Stodghill says. If you want to update your 'do like Walsh’s, ask for long layers at the salon. To style, use a 2-inch curling iron to create big waves, then apply a smoothing serum to eliminate frizz and add shine.

Viola Davis' Curly Pixie

The star of The Help sports a cropped cut that's a hassle-free choice for curly haired women. But be forewarned, this is best reserved for confident ladies since the short style focuses attention on your face. Ask for a pixie cut that's longer on the top than the sides. Wash, rinse, and walk out the door.