From pixie cuts to long, angled layers, we chatted with the pros for the styles that will take years off your face.
By
Victoria Moorhouse is a writer, editor, and consultant based in Brooklyn, New York who focuses on beauty, fitness, and health. Victoria was previously the Senior Beauty Editor at InStyle.com and a Senior Editor at POPSUGAR. Her work can also be found in notable publications such as Shape.com, The Zoe Report, Forbes.com, and Well+Good. She graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Professional Writing.
Updated on December 18, 2022 @ 10:21AM
Trending Videos
Finding the perfect, most flattering haircut is a challenge for all ages. You want a style that is going to make you feel your most confident, flatter your features and help you look your best.
"When we age, we want to have a more glowing effect with our skin and our hair," says Natascha Hemple, salon field trainer for The Salon by InStyle Inside JCPenney. "When I have clients that want to change their look to appear more youthful, I ask them what they dislike about their look now. Then, I focus on their face shape and the areas that seem to make them look older."
But going back to the cut you had when you felt your youngest probably isn't the best route to go. So instead, test out these ageless styles below — from pixies to hair that hits below the collarbone, we chatted with the pros to learn about a few hairstyles that'll take years off your face. Get ready to get ID'd.
01of 11
Long Pixie Cut
Hemple recommends trying a short cut with some volume, like Halle Berry's long pixie here. Her pro tip? Keep the strands tousled and soft, rather than spikey.
02of 11
Stacked Bob
Try a stacked bob that is shorter in the back and longer in the front like Cameron Diaz's cut here. Hemple says that the asymmetric cut will complement practically any face shape. Plus you can wear it straight, curly, or tousled.
03of 11
Curly Pixie Cut
If you have coils or curls, embrace them by opting for a long pixie cut with your natural texture. Gabrielle Union recently went for the big chop, and the result is a chic, effortless 'do.
04of 11
Pixie Cut
"A lived-in pixie that has a little length around the face is a flattering style for short hair. It's particularly youthful because it's a no-fuss hairstyle," says Brian Zinno, education director at the Antonio Prieto Salon in New York City. He adds it works on many face shapes, and is particularly low-maintenance, which means you don't have to stress about styling it every single day. When looking for a celeb picture to bring to the salon, we think Kris Jenner is a no-fail option.
05of 11
Tousled Bob Cut
If you're most comfortable with bob-length hair, go for a chin-grazing style that incorporates layers. "It's youthful because while it's a bob length, the layers around the face keep it soft and flowing without the usual angular lines of a bob, and the layers in the crown or around the perimeter give lift and movement." We love Viola Davis's soft, layered, and tousled bob, while Zinno says that Helen Mirren is another example of this gorgeous look.
06of 11
Shoulder-Length Cut With Layers
"Jennifer Aniston has had this length, and what makes it look youthful is when the ends are shattered to keep it from looking blunt and heavy around the perimeter," says Zinno. He suggests longer angles around the face and below the jawline to keep the look flowing and soft.
07of 11
Medium-Length Cut with Long Layers
Eva Longoria has also demonstrated soft, shattered angles in the past, which she seamlessly wore between sleek and straight styles and in effortless, loose waves. Hemple says long layers always give off a youthful appearance. She adds that off-center or side parts that "fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance. "
08of 11
Medium-Length Cut with Side Fringe
"A favorite timeless hairstyle for long hair is cascading layers flowing from a shorter length around the face — a long fringe or side bang — to longer to the back," says Zinno. "This creates movement in the style and opens up the face." He suggests this cut styled in soft waves just like Julia Roberts.
09of 11
Long Cut with Waves
As far as how long is too long? Zinno suggests keeping your length around the breastbone area. And Hemple adds that waves or bouncy style, like Christie Brinkley's here, "open all facial features to compliment a bright open look that makes you look rested."
10of 11
Low Messy Bun
Zinno says that youthful-looking updos should be kept slightly undone and casual and never too tight or polished. We love this low coif seen on Keri Russell.
11of 11
High Ponytail
Jennifer Lopez's high, snatched ponytail has a lifting and tightening effect on the face. Curl the ends to give the style a soft, effortless vibe.
Updated by
Tessa Petak is a Brooklyn-based writer who helps to cultivate InStyle's illustrious news coverage across a wide range of topics including celebrity, fashion, and entertainment. She also produces and composes celebrity profiles and features for the site and InStyle's digital issues.