Is your hair color making you look older? (2024)

by Laura French July 03, 2019

Is your hair color making you look older? (1)

Image by Madison Reed

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From moisturizers, eye creams, and serums designed to target just about every skin issue out there...to microneedling, laser treatments, and even drinking collagen—though it goes without saying that everyone’s routines and budgets are different, many of us spend a fair amount of time and money trying to turn back the clock on our skin. So...might your hairstyle be able to help with any of the heavy lifting? Turns out, most colorists and stylists think your hair really does influence whether you look older or younger.

We celebrate beauty at every age, and there is no right or wrong approach to personal care. But for anyone who’s curious about how your cut and color might be secretly making you look older—or could sneakily be helping you look younger!—read on for 7 tips and tricks that might just take years off your hair.

7 Hair Tips To Help You Look Younger

  1. Add contrast

    If you’re trying to look younger, a monotone shade is a big no-no. Hair color that lacks dimension is automatically aging on virtually everyone—and, depending on your haircut, could even give you the dreaded helmet head. Opt for a shade that’s multi-tonal, which will give your color depth and make your hair look healthier and more natural.

    Is your hair color making you look older? (2)

  2. Brighten up

    Ten out of ten colorists agree, shades that are warm-toned read more youthful than cool-toned hair colors. Spicy copper reds, rich caramel brunettes, and soft honey blondes will warm up your complexion for younger-looking skin (hold the retinol).

    Is your hair color making you look older? (3)

  3. Find your most flattering cut

    Don’t assume a shorter haircut is more “age-appropriate”—a b.s. term if we’ve ever heard one—or that you shouldn’t wear long hair past a certain age. Many stylists think longer layers can actually be far more flattering than a chop that is too short, straight-across, or severe. Real talk, though, your most flattering haircut is your favorite haircut—whether that’s super short, shoulder-length, or long enough to sit on. You do you.

    Is your hair color making you look older? (4)

  4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

    This one’s unanimous. The condition of your hair can be far more aging than any color or style. If your hair is too dry, your color looks overly processed, or your split ends are in dire need of a trim, please show your strands some TLC, ASAP.

    Is your hair color making you look older? (5)

  5. Think outside the balayage

    Listen, we love highlights too, but they aren’t going to help you with gray coverage. If you’ve been relying on your highlights to cover any newly-emerging grays, you’re only going to make your strands more dry and damaged (see: #4). Here’s what colorists recommend instead—a single shade of permanent hair color for gray coverage on your roots, followed by subtle highlights on your mid-lengths and ends to add depth and dimension. Try one of our Light Works® Balayage Highlighting Kit for sun-kissed, face-framing highlights.

    Is your hair color making you look older? (6)

  6. Consider going darker

    If your hair is too light—think platinum blonde—it can look white or silver at first glance. When in doubt, go a shade or two darker to avoid looking washed out.

    Is your hair color making you look older? (7)

  7. Bust brass

    Overly orangey or reddish undertones in your hair color can be aging and may make your color look damaged. Use a hair gloss like cool Espresso to neutralize brassy tones and improve condition at the same time. Win-win.

    Is your hair color making you look older? (8)

Do you think the right hair color or cut can help you look younger? Or could you not care less? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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Is your hair color making you look older? (2024)

FAQs

Is my hair color making me look older? ›

Too dark

Going too dark with your color creates the illusion of more fine lines and wrinkles, says Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair Room Service. Also, if you have gray hair, you can make the line of demarcation more apparent when your hair starts to grow in.

Will dying my hair make me look younger? ›

Does light or dark hair make you look younger? There's no defined hair color that is more youthful. However, consider going for a more multi-dimensional hair color with lighter and darker pieces overall. Typically, a safe bet is to ask for balayage highlights that are around two shades lighter than your natural hue.

What hair color makes people look younger? ›

Rich Copper

According to Korab, "A rich red, such as auburn or copper, will enhance brunettes and redheads. This gives the appearance of younger and more radiant skin by reflecting light around the face with its warm tint. The deep red has a kick of fiery vibrancy no matter if you go subtle or ultra-bright."

Should you go lighter with hair color as you age? ›

Our Designers at One Salon concur that it's usually flattering to lighten your hair a bit as you age. Furthermore, going blonder makes it easier to conceal gray new growth. However, going too light can be as unflattering as going too dark.

What hair color makes you look whiter and younger? ›

Lighter hair color makes you look younger – but the tone you go for is paramount. If your skin has warm undertones, stay away from cool, ashy tones, and add some warmth to your look with golden highlights. Go for shades like honey to give your complexion a healthy, youthful glow!

What hair color ages the best? ›

If you're looking to stay true to your aging roots, a light blonde shade is always the way to go. This color blends seamlessly with ashy browns and grays.

What colors make you look older? ›

Colours to avoid for aging include blacks and greys which can throw shadows on the face and make you look older. 'If you simply love black, then consider pairing with a scarf, statement necklace or a faux collar for a pop of colour,' she says.

Should I go darker or lighter hair? ›

White's rule of thumb is that light skinned, light eyed girls will look more natural with lighter shades, while dark skin and dark eyes work better with darker shades. Your colorist should be able to help you determine your skin tone.

What hair color is best for 50 year old woman? ›

The Best Hair Color Ideas for Women Over 50
  1. Bronde. For most complexions, “bronde” is a great option. ...
  2. Black with silver balayage. ...
  3. Auburn or burgundy. ...
  4. Caramel balayage. ...
  5. Rich brown with babylights. ...
  6. Buttery blonde. ...
  7. Brunette balayage.

What hair length makes you look younger? ›

Will having long hair or short hair make me look younger? If you have medium to thick hair, a lengthier mane can give off an air of youthfulness. But if your hair leans thin, it's best to go with a cut that's mid-length or shorter to lend natural volume to your look.

Does very long hair make you look younger? ›

This is because longer locks tend to cover up wrinkles and age spots on the face, creating a smoother complexion that can give off an impression of youthfulness. Additionally, long hair frames the face in such a way that it makes people look younger than they actually are.

Do bangs make you look younger? ›

Do bangs make you look younger? Bangs can add personality and youth to a person's appearance, but not all bangs have the same effect. Blunt bangs can draw attention to the middle of someone's face, which may or may not reveal their age.

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