The right haircut can make all the difference when it comes to your look, especially as you get older. Unfortunately, for every great haircut out there that emphasizes your bone structure, hides fine lines, and gets people stopping you to ask where you got it done, there are a dozen unflattering cuts that are actually adding years to your look.
In fact, if you're trying to look younger—or at least want to avoid looking significantly older than your actual age—there are a number of popular women's haircuts you should avoid at all costs. From outdated trends to sneaky styles that draw attention to the signs of aging, make sure you know what not to ask for before you make the big chop.
1
The Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett's signature feathered hairstyle was a go-to for countless women coming of age in the '70s and '80s—and unfortunately, many women who got used to this look when it was still popular haven't quite been able to let it go. Unfortunately, this cut is a particularly egregious offender when it comes to making people look older. "A dated hairstyle can age a woman—like feathered bangs from the '80s," says master stylist and national Living Proof educator Shreeda Tailor.
2
Chelsea cuts
While the traditional Chelsea cut is shaved in the back with longer pieces and bangs in the front, this slightly-less-drastic modification has become increasingly popular in recent years—for better or for worse. Unfortunately, the cut can make you look older, as it draws attention to the neck, which tends to show early signs of aging, while the longer parts in the front of this cut tend to hit areas that show your age, like the forehead, eyes, and lower jaw.
3
Close crops
Though a closely-shorn cut may seem like a low-maintenance alternative to longer pixies, this style can dramatically emphasize the signs of aging. With virtually no hair to distract from fine lines, skin discoloration, or wrinkles, this cut can instantly age you.
However, that doesn't mean you should necessarily avoid all short cuts just to avoid looking older. "If [a woman] doesn't have the time or have the skill to do her own hair, she should think about going a little shorter so she can do a minimal amount of work with it," says stylist Marc Zelno of Delilah Salon in Brooklyn.
While many people associate long hair with youth,keeping your hair long and stick straight can actually make you look older than you are. Pin-straight hair puts your face front and center—including all those little lines you're trying to obscure. Straight hair also looks less voluminous than hair with a bit of body, mimicking the natural loss of volume that tends to accompany the aging process.
Luckily, that doesn't mean that long hair has to be out of the question just because you're getting older. "Women can start wearing hairpieces," says Zelno. "It's not just for young women to wear wigs or extensions—they even have clip ons."
5
Short spiky layers
Though a little volume can go a long way when it comes to making you look younger, opting for a short, spiky cut won't do you any favors—in fact, it can make you look far older than you actually are. "If you have an older woman who's lost some volume, the layering should be kept to a minimum, particularly if they have fine hair," says Zelno.
6
Eye-length bangs
While eye-length bangs can adorably frame your face when you're younger, if you're trying to shave a few years off your appearance, this look isn't for you. "If a woman hasvery pronounced lines or texture around her eyes, then bangs that draw attention to the eyes would be contraindicated," says Tailor.
7
Bob with bangs
Sure, it may be the go-to look of Vogue head honchoAnna Wintour, but the blunt bob-and-bangs combo is doing no favors for most women—especially those trying to look younger. As is the case with many blunt cuts, this harsh style puts emphasis on the eyes and jaw—two parts of the face most affected by age—and its sharp lines rarely create a youthful look.
While this look may have been the height of fashion half a century ago, if you're still getting your hair cut to make this style work, you're only aging yourself. Teasing and spraying—two requirements for anyone eager to master this look—are practices as antiquated as the bouffant itself.
8
Wispy bangs
If you're thinking of getting bangs to obscure some of those lines on your forehead, go for it—just make sure they're not wispy ones. Not only will these thin bangs draw more attention to your hair's overall thinness, they're not particularly forgiving when it comes to hiding those fine lines bangs typically cover.
10
Long layers
While many people associate having long hair with a more youthful look, as your hair begins to lose volume with age, those long layers can actually look dull and lifeless. "One misconception people have is that if they layer their hair, they're going to get more body out of it," says Zelno. "If someone has medium to thin hair, that's not the case—it's only the case with people with thicker, coarser hair."
11
Ultra-short curls
Those closely-cropped curls probably aren't doing much to flatter your face—in fact, they could be making you look older. Not only is this style difficult to maintain—a single night of sleeping on it while it's damp can completely ruin the look—it's unforgiving for those with volume loss and, since your curls don't actually touch your face, they do little to highlight your bone structure or hide those fine lines or complexion woes.
12
Undershave
The undershave may have been the go-to cut for hipsters five years ago, but this look isn't going to do much for you except make you look older. "If it's not a current trend, a look from the past can make a woman appear outdated and thus older," says Tailor.
13
Baby bangs
Tiny bangs may be a go-to for many 20-somethings, but if you're nearing middle age and still wearing them, you might be making yourself look older. The harsh horizontal lines created by baby bangs only emphasize those lines starting to appear on your forehead, and in many cases, trendy looks, like baby bangs, can make you look like you're trying too hard, making you look older in the process.
14
Flipping your hair in front
The front flip—a kind of mini-bouffant popularized in the early 2000s—can instantly add years to your look. Not only is this trend outdated, this style can draw attention to your forehead and eye area, bringing those crow's feet and fine lines front and center.
15
Any ultra-light color
No matter what cut you opt for, if you're dyeing your hair an ultra-light blonde, you're making yourself look older, especially if you're dyeing it to cover those grays.
"The biggest misconception older women have is that their hair has to be lighter," says Zelno, who says that light blonde with a gray cast tends to appear gray rather than blonde. "Over-highlighting their hair when they get older tends to make them look older instead of younger."
16
Super-short pixie cuts
While pixie cuts can look adorable, if they're cut too short, they can make you look far older than you actually are. Not only do they draw attention to every line and wrinkle on your face, ultra-short hairstyles tend to be preferred by women of a certain age, making even young women look significantly older than they actually are when they get one.
17
Short pin-up curls
Adding some vintage appeal to your hair, whether you're busting out the victory rolls or the finger waves for a special occasion, can be cute, but going for those short, tight pin-up curls on an everyday basis can make you look like you're stuck in the past. "If you like a retro look, consult with your stylist to see how your favorite retro style can be given a modern twist," recommends Tailor.
While many people associate long hair with youth, keeping your hair long and stick straight can actually make you look older than you are. Pin-straight hair puts your face front and center—including all those little lines you're trying to obscure.
Forget what you thought about long hair past the age of 40—thick hair actually looks more youthful and polished when it falls shoulder-length or longer. Shorter hair has a tendency to expand at the ends, leaving you with an unflattering triangle effect.
For older women, keeping your hair youthful (without trying to look too young) will make you look and feel younger. Long hair can make you feel youthful. If your hair is very healthy and shiny, long hair shows it off. There are many ways to wear long hair, including braids, ponytails, upsweeps and more.
Medium-length hair is versatile, low-maintenance, and universally flattering. You really can't go wrong with a cut that falls somewhere between the chin and a few inches below the shoulders—regardless of your age.
Limp and lifeless hair will make your face look drawn, while highlighting laugh lines and crow's feet. And, if you are using a flat iron to achieve this look, you are subjecting your hair to damaging heat, making hair strands themselves look older.
Adding bangs to the hairstyle will help shape your face and make you appear much younger. The best part about layers and bangs is that they work for any type of hairstyle, from long locks to shorter styles. Either way, with the right cut, they will add personality to your look and highlights your best features.
One of the most popular hair chart length options is definitely the shoulder length (12 inch). The main reason why so many women prefer the type is that it borrows the best features from the medium and long mane. Thus, any look you opt for will turn out to be trendy and chic.
Your skin is another obvious indicator of your age. This doesn't just include wrinkles, but things like dry skin and tired eyes, which can both be avoided. Reddit user Redhaired103 posted in /r/AskWomen that dark circles, pale skin, puffy eyes, and heavy makeup can also make you look older.
As we mature, some physical skin changes occur naturally: Collagen production slows down – so skin loses its firmness.Elastin production decreases – and skin becomes less elastic.Fat cells start to disappear – and skin starts to sag.
“Retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) can rejuvenate the skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Patel says. “Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture, which gives it a smooth, glowing look.” Opt for serums and night creams with retinol and AHAs, and a daily face moisturizer with hyaluronic acid.
Neuman Bobs, pixies, wedge cuts, and short shags are the best hairstyles for women over 50 with fine hair. Keep in mind your face shape because this also plays a factor in determining how to amp the volume for your locks. So it's worth talking with your hairstylist about this.
The most low-maintenance haircuts are very short haircuts like pixies and cuts with long layers that make styling easy and don't require a ton of salon maintenance. While you'll still need to see your stylist every few months to keep your cut looking its best, you can go longer between appointments.
“For 2023 it will have an updated feel with more layers and softer cropped fringes, like a '70s or 90s-esque curtain bang, and copious amounts of movement made easy from internal layers – perfect for that on trend cool girl,” he says. Or, if you can't decide between a bob and a pixie, combine both.
Skin brightening treatments, like Microdermabrasion, Light Peels, Micro Laser Peels, or the Clear & Brilliant Laser treatment all help patients to look 10 years younger or more, with just a few treatments. These treatments can be used in order to combat the signs of aging in the face, such as: Wrinkles. Age spots.
Generally, these colours will make anyone appear older: black, cool dark brown, fiery red, yellow blonde, mousy blonde and dark grey. There's a common opinion that platinum blonde and silver hair dye age you, but we don't believe so.
An oval face shows the earliest signs of aging around the eye and cheek area. Creasing occurs around the eyes called crows feet and upper eyelid hooding can occur. There is usually loss of volume and definition from the cheeks which can lead to a hollow and tired looking face.
A classy mid-length cut with a side part is one of the most desired hairdos among ladies over 60. Its length reaches slightly below shoulders which makes it very versatile in terms of styling. Wear it smooth or wavy, tie it up, or half up half down. The side parting makes the hairstyle look more formal or elegant.
Hair naturally loses pigment as we age, but stylist Paul Falltrick points out that the notion that grey hair makes you look older is increasingly becoming a misnomer: "Grey shades can be stereotyped as ageing, but a clean-looking grey is stunning" he says.
Caramel, honey, gold, copper, and strawberry give a healthy brightness that makes us look and feel younger. (Framing your face with lighter shades draws the eye away from any complexion concerns, as well.)
Warning: Too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and occasionally, rapid heartbeat. Not recommended for use by individuals under 18 years of age. One serving of Bang provides 300 mg of caffeine which is more than two cups of coffee.
When men are asked to rank features they find most attractive on the opposite sex, maintained manes always dominate the list. The truth is that long hair triggers a primal, instinctive response within men. Evolutionarily speaking, long hair serves a purpose.
As far as hairstyles that make your face look thinner go, long hair is one of the easiest options. "Long hair instantly slims most face shapes. Think about getting semi-permanent hair extensions to speed up the process," says Lopez.
It's tempting to cling to long hair like a security blanket. However, the most flattering lengths for fine or thin hair are shoulder-length or shorter, no matter your age. It removes enough weight to give your mane a boost of fullness at the ends, and it makes it much easier to add volume to the roots.
Stylists recommend medium-length or longer hair for a round face because it elongates your face shape. Keeping your hair below the chin draws attention away from the jaw line.
A medium-length shag is one of the most flattering haircuts for overweight women over 50. Face-framing layers and a side part help to make the face look less rounded. The layers and flyaways also give the extra volume and conceal thinning hair if it's needed.
Clothes with gray undertones can wash you out and make you seem older, says Natalie Jobity, an image consultant and author of Frumpy to Fabulous. “This is especially true about the colors you wear closest to your face, like those in scarves,” she says.
1. Completely black attire. Black may feel like a safe color to wear to work, but when you dress in the dark hue head-to-toe, Marie Claire reported the color can make you look “ill, washed out and considerably older” especially when worn near the face.
Older ladies also tend to be emotionally mature, stable, confident, and independent. Attractive older women are less likely to be needy or jealous in a relationship. All of these great qualities mean that older women are often considered attractive women!
Fat loss in areas like the cheeks, temples, nose, chin and around the eyes reduces plumpness. Cartilage loss accentuates bony structures, particularly in the nose. All these are part of intrinsic aging, or the natural aging process that occurs over the years regardless of outside influences.
Exposure to light is a top cause of premature aging: Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.
Having low body fat may look great on your body but it causes your face to look prematurely older. As we age and lose collagen, our skin doesn't retract as much as it used to. Unable to tighten back up, our skin is left loose causing deep wrinkles and in some cases even hanging skin.
Drinking enough water each day replenishes your skin's tissue and cells, allowing for younger and healthier looking skin. Another key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to simply get some rest! When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal.
You might assume that giving your hair layers will make it look thinner than ever. But in reality, layers can be great for fine hair, says Adam Broderick, owner of Adam Broderick Salon & Spa. “Soft layers can remove some of the weight and let some of the hair be released and have more volume,” he explains.
Is thin hair better layered or one length? Subtle or light layers are best for thin hair, as too many layers can make your hair appear thinner. Subtle layers, however, can help give the illusion of fullness. You can also get interior layers to help volumize thin hair.
A layered shoulder-length cut is an excellent choice for women over 50 who are obese. It has a face-framing feature that offers a slimming effect. Layered bob hairstyles for over 50 have a length that's versatile and easy to maintain. Blow dry with a round brush and a root volumizing spray.
The #1 haircut length is one-eighth in. It is slightly longer compared to a zero haircut but is still pretty short. So, when you opt for it as an all-out haircut, you should be aware that you will get a buzz cut that will expose the scalp. That is why it is most suitable for getting the sides faded.
It's anything shoulder length or shorter. There's the bob, the long bob (lob), the pixie, the Kate Gosselin, and several other styles. But the general consensus is, a mom haircut is a short, low maintenance style which moms adopt after they get sick of a perpetual messy bun.
What is a butterfly haircut? The butterfly cut is a very layered, feathery haircut thats longest layers fall just below the shoulder. Shorter layers are cut around the crown of your head to create the illusion of having shorter strands.
"2023's biggest hair trend and most requested by my clients is the Long, Choppy Textured Bob. This cut is easy to style and super cute year-round." — Ashley Gomila, Celebrity Hairstylist.
The decision about locks for a youthful appearance is more about style than length. As a result, whether or not you choose long or short hair, your hairstyle determines if you look older or younger with your hair. Essentially, there are shorter hairstyles that give you a more youthful appearance.
Ultimately, short hair can make you look older, but it doesn't have to. “The way you style your short hair has a bigger impact on how old it makes you look rather than the actual haircut itself,” she says. This leads us to the importance of texture in a short haircut, and its instant de-aging effects.
Removing length is often the best thing you can do to your hair to start looking ten years younger. Fair enough, since shorter hair looks healthier and fuller. If you don't feel like going very short, consider a chin-length bob — you'll be amazed at the result!
One of the most popular hair chart length options is definitely the shoulder length (12 inch). The main reason why so many women prefer the type is that it borrows the best features from the medium and long mane. Thus, any look you opt for will turn out to be trendy and chic.
According to Thompson and Wilson, a bob is not only universally flattering but is also one of the hairstyles that make you look younger because “it softens facial features and opens up the face,” which, in turn, reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
“In general, shorter hair is usually perceived as more professional and confident,” she says. “Long hair, especially if it is a hair weave, can be perceived as more youthful and sexy to some people.”
Which hair colour do women think is the sexiest? Most women think brunette hair is the sexiest, as 25% of those polled favoured this option. Womens' second preference is blonde, which was voted as the sexiest hair colour by 19.6% of women. Again, red took third spot, accounting for 11.8% of womens' votes.
When men are asked to rank features they find most attractive on the opposite sex, maintained manes always dominate the list. The truth is that long hair triggers a primal, instinctive response within men. Evolutionarily speaking, long hair serves a purpose.
Define Awkward Hair Length. The awkward stage can take many shapes and forms, but the generally accepted definition for awkward length hair is from the point when it starts to look like you need a haircut until the time you can tie it up. It starts when you start to look shaggy, not so neat and tidy, a little unkempt.
Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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