We all use different beauty products like creams and serums to make our faces appear more youthful and fresh. But what about our hair? The wrong hairstyle or grooming technique could potentially add on the years without us even noticing. If you wish to appear younger, or at least not to age yourself with the wrong style, here are some hair do's and don'ts stylists gathered by stylists to help maintain a more youthful look, or at least avoid unnecessary aging!
Steer Clear of the Perm
Perm's seemed to be all the rage in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It seemed that just about every woman was perming their hair on a regular basis. Most people chose the tight curls for their look, but there actually were a lot of options. However, the perm is quite outdated these days. And while you may be able to pull it off, the age of the hairstyle will automatically put you in that age bracket as well.
If you are very, very young then you might be able to pull off this style, as it will look vintage and trendy. However, if you are already concerned about your hairstyle aging you, steer clear of the perm.
Do Not Crimp Your Hair
Now, this is actually a pretty uncommon hairstyle nowadays. If you lived in the 80s, you might think differently as it was all the rage for a long period of time. However, times have changed and crimped hair is no longer as fashionable as it used to be, especially just portions of crimped hair in the hairdo. If you are trying to keep your look young and trendy, avoid crimping your hair under any and all circumstances.
Crimping is also a surefire way to damage your hair, so there aren't too many things going for this hairstyle. It ages you and damages your hair so it's pretty unanimous that it should be avoided.
Pigtails Are Better With the Kids
So pigtails are famously a hairstyle for young girls. It is an easy hairdo to maintain for the active lives of children and parents love the simplicity of this look. Because of its youthful associations, you might be led to think that it would help you to keep a young look for yourself, however, that is not necessarily the case. Despite your automatic thoughts, pigtails can actually make you look older than you are.
Because it is so much of a look just for children, if you are older it might just come across as a desperate attempt to hold onto youth instead of a playful look.
Farah Fawcett's Feathered Look
Farrah Fawcett was famous and will continue to be famous for years as a result of her gorgeous hair. It made her iconic. She epitomized the 1970s and even into the 1980s. It was an effortless, feathered look that women wanted to hold onto throughout their lives. After all, it's not easy to find a hairstyle so beautiful and simple. If you are trying to keep a young look, this might not be the best choice for you.
As with any outdated hairdo, you run a risk when trying it out. You don't want to look like the time period that the hairdo is from, otherwise you'll appear much older than you would desire.
Don't Forget to Fill in Your Eyebrow Edges
The eyebrow is not usually the first part of your face that you will focus on when you are doing your makeup or fixing up your hair. However, you can never underestimate how important your eyebrows are. After all, they frame your face and, often subconsciously, they are one of the first things that people notice or see about your face when you meet. If you want to keep your features looking young, be sure to fill in the edges of your eyebrows.
Eyebrow edges tend to fade and thin as you age. It can be very subtle and you might not even notice it happening, however, filling them in can make a world of difference.
Avoid an Excessive Amount of Layers
Most people try to add some layers into their hair to ensure that it doesn't look flat or unstyled, however, everything should be done in moderation. Balance is the key to most things in life, and the same goes with layers in the hair. Too many layers can add years to your appearance and should be avoided if possible. Don't eliminate the layers altogether though, or it could pull your face down.
Try to talk to your hairdresser about the possibility of a moderate amount of layers. You'll see that it will make such a difference in your overall appearance.
You Don't Want an Oversized Bun
If you are trying to maintain a youthful look, you may be forced to abandon the most convenient and easy hairstyle out there...the big messy bun. It's hard to imagine a world without the messy bun as it is so easy and casual. However, it may be a bit harsh on your face as it leaves your face totally exposed. There is no hair to soften your look at alll.
If you want to continue to use the messy bun in your everyday life, you should consider pulling a few pieces of hair onto your face to soften your overall look.
Don't Slick Back Your Hair
Ok, so there are very few people who can pull off the slicked back hairstyle in general. The combination of a bob and lots of hair gel can come across as very glamorous and elegant, or it can make you look like the exact opposite. Any hair that is pulled directly away from the face can leave your face exposed, with any of its imperfections. That's why it is difficult for anyone to pull off this look.
You also run the risk of having your hair look greasy and oily instead of glamorous and fresh. Maybe start with this as a ponytail instead of a bob if you are stuck on this look.
The Layered Bouncy Bob Is Not for Everyone
A bob hairstyle is often very popular with women as they age. Most older women prefer to keep their hair short as it can help to assist in the anti-aging process. However, not all short haircuts and bobs are created equally. Lots of layers in the bob can actually have the opposite effect that you would think. It does not give more volume to the face, but actually accentuates some areas you would rather not, such as the neck.
This is probably not the absolute worst hairstyle to choose if you are trying to look young (the short bangs or slicked back bob may be far worse), but it is still worth it to consider avoiding.
Try to Keep the Frizz Away
There were times when frizzy, full curly hair was all the rage. Everyone in the 1980s and 1990s were doing everything possible (mostly an endless amount of teasing) to have their hair as frizzy and as large as possible. Besides being very bad for your hair's overall health, it may not be the best look for you. This trend is no longer the "cool" thing to do, so it might look like you are trying to fit in with the wrong generation.
Why not avoid hairstyles that will age you and also destroy your hair? They are a bad choice just about any way that you look at it.
Watch the Length of Your Bangs
Bangs are very critical when it comes to your hair and your appearance. Bangs can be a very good choice to keep you looking young as they can hide forehead wrinkles (the area that tends to wrinkle the fastest and the most), however, they must be done right. If the bangs are cut too short, it will actually end up emphasizing the forehead area, something you do not want as you age.
If you have absolutely no wrinkles at all on your forehead, maybe you don't have to worry about the risks of this hairstyle. But a wrinkle-less forehead is difficult to achieve!
Don't Try to Be Like Rapunzel
It was probably every girl's dream at some point to grow their hair out extremely long, and for them to look like Rapunzel, whose locks went on forever. However, if you are trying to look young, this may not be the time for you. As you age, your hair tends to thin naturally, making it difficult to maintain volume. Lengthening your hair a lot will only make that even more difficult.
Very long hair will also pull your features down, something you are trying to avoid as you age and your features pull down automatically. It is better to give all the help necessary to pull your features up.
Keep the Bangs Thin
You probably wouldn't think of it, but the thickness of your bangs can make a huge difference when it comes to your appearance and your age. Bangs in and of themselves are not a poor choice if you are trying to look young and can compliment a face, however, bangs that are too full can give the illusion of added years. If you want to keep your face and hair looking young, try keeping your bangs thin.
If your hair is naturally very thick and it would not be possible to thin out your bangs, maybe you should reconsider your choice of bangs altogether.
Keep the Symmetry in Your Haircut
The asymmetrical bob has become all the rage in recent years and has dominated many women's trending looks for a long time now. Depending on your facial features, this actually might be a great fit for you and you could appear very trendy and cool as a result of this look. However, it also has a lot of potentials to age your face and make for a much too sharp appearance.
In short, be skeptical of this hairstyle. It might be exactly what you need to look young and trendy, but it might also have the exact opposite effect.
Get Rid of Your Split Ends
Now this is a tip for just about every person who is trying to ensure that their hair appears healthy and well maintained...make sure that you do not have split ends. It seems like a silly thing, but the appearance of split ends in the hair (although it may even be subconscious) can make it look like you are not maintaining your hair and can thereby add a few years to your appearance.
Just make sure to cut your hair frequently to avoid the appearance of split ends and do a hair treatment if necessary to ensure that they do not come back quickly.
The Well Known Mom Cut
You have most likely seen this cut countless times throughout the years. There are countless moms who swear by this look for its convenience and ease...and of course the fact that it is flattering. However, if you are under the age of 60, this might not be the best style of hair for you. There are many other styles that would be much more flattering for your face and your age.
People are used to seeing older women with this syle of hair, so if you are in your 30s or 40s, they might mistake you for a lot older.
Rocking the Buzz Cut
As tempting as it might be to simply shave off the majority of your hair and rock a buzz cut, it is a very risky move. Some women look wonderful with this look, especially if they have sharp or dominant features, but it is not for everyone. As there is practically no hair to hide any blemishes or to soften any looks of the face, it can actually make you look older than you may desire.
It is probably very tempting to go with this easy to maintain hairstyle. After all, how nice would it be to just wake up and never worry about what to do with your hair?
Don't Go Wild With the Colors
Now, no one is saying that you cannot go as wild as you want with your hair colors at any age, however, if you are trying to look young, dramatic changes in hair colors and very bright shades may not be the best choice for you. However, it all depends on the color choice and if it compliments your skin tones and styles. It can be done right and even make you look younger!
If you don't care at all what age you look, go as wild as you want with the colors! You can do a combination of all the colors if you want as well!
Don't Pin Those Curls
Vintage looks can be quite flattering as they truly knew how to do beauty back in the day, but with certain styles, you run the risk of aging yourself by at least a few years. Pin curls are one of those looks. As this style of hair is generally associated with women above 60, it can automatically lump you into that category as well. But don't let this hinder you entirely, if done correctly it can be stunning.
Just because it is a vintage look, doesn't mean that it will make your skin and your appearance overly vintage as well. Some styles are very flattering and can actually make you look much younger.
Don't Add Bangs to Your Bob
Bangs can be very flattering for some women, as they help to hide some of the areas of the face that tend to wrinkle first. However, if you have a bob hairdo, then maybe the bangs are not the best choice for you. It can be very nice as it accentuates your jawline, however, it can also be a little too harsh. It all depends on the look you are going for!
This looks, however, is generally associated with younger women and it may not be the most flattering for a more mature woman.
Avoid the Risky Chelsea Hairdo
You may not know the name of this hairstyle simply by hearing it, however, you have probably seen a few people with it throughout the years. It is a pretty attention-grabbing hairstyle no matter what the age of the wearer, and it is not that popular for obvious reasons. It consists of shaved back portions of the head with long bangs and sides. It takes a special person to be able to pull this off.
It doesn't even appear to be a low maintenance hairstyle. It's hard to imagine what would make anyone choose to get this hairdo when they go to the hairdresser, regardless of trying to look young or not.
No One Wants "the Karen"
Everyone knows about the phrase a "Karen", however, did you know that there is a hairstyle that is made to match? Besides being associated with a generally disliked type of person, this hairstyle is also bound to age you by years (partially because it is used by so many Karens). So if you are trying to look young, keep your hair all generally one length in the front and in the back.
You do not want to have your hair too long in the front and too short in the back. The most important thing is for it to be consistent.
Don't Try the Top Knot
Sometimes it is best to know when to leave a certain trend in the past. That is exactly the case with the top knot. It had a few years of fame and glory, but those years have passed, and now is the time to let go, especially if you are trying to look young. It is no longer a stylish hairdo and should be avoided by women of all ages.
Besides being out of date, this hairstyle also can make you look much older by pulling your hair harshly away from your face. A little bit of hair to add some softness never did any harm!
Stay Away From the Undershave
Once again you are presented with a hairstyle that is very difficult to pull off at any stage of life. Although some women truly rock the under shaved look, it is not the most flattering for everyone. Some people can look edgy and beautiful while others just appear outdated. Hipsters rock this style consistently, however, if you are trying to appear young, this is probably not the best choice for you.
This look also draws a lot of attention to the neck area (due to the lack of hair), so it can accentuate any portions of your neck that you might not want to accentuate.
Keep Your Blow Drying Skills up to Par
One of the simplest things that you can do to make yourself look like you are having a bad hair day is to not blow dry it properly. Who would think that it could make that much of a difference, however, it is truly the make or break of a hairstyle. Frizzy and poofy hair is probably not the look that you are going for, so be careful when you are drying that it does not appear that way.
If you want to appear younger, it is important to have your hair looking well maintained at all times. The unsuccessful blow dry is not the best way to go about doing that.
The Sleek and Elegant Ponytail
Many people love the look of a slick and sleek ponytail pulled up tight on the top of the head, without a single hair dangling out of place. While this might look elegant for some, it may add a few years to others (oftentimes unknowingly). It is difficult to hide the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines behind a sleek ponytail. A little bit of volume or wisps of hair can really help.
There is no exact age when this hairstyle stops being flattering and should be avoided. It is very much a case by case basis.
Don't Keep Your Dark Roots
Now there is a difference between simply not maintaining your hair coloring job and intentionally making it so that you have dark roots and lighter hair. There was a time (thanks mainly to Shakira) that this was all the rage and everyone was rushing to grow out their freshly dyed hair to expose the darker roots. Although Shakira could pull it off, it is not the best look for everyone, especially if you are trying to look younger.
This look will generally just make it appear as if you are not maintaining your hair and its color. It probably will not have the casual look that you were hoping for.
Cover the Gray Hair Properly
Now this one might come across as a no brainer, however it may not be that intuitive. Everyone knows that gray hair automatically makes you look older than you are. It's hard for the brain to unassociate gray hair with age...after all, it does normally only come about as people get older. If you want to dye your hair, make sure to hide the gray roots consistently and constantly.
Even worse than simply having gray hair is having some gray hair around the roots. If you are transitioning to full gray, that is one thing, but if you are trying to keep the appearance of colored hair, make sure there are no gray roots!
Don't Overly Crop Your Bob
Bob hairstyles, as has been established, can look quite flattering for some women and can keep them looking young and fashionable. However, depending on the length, you are in for some risky business. If you are considering a very short, edgy look to your bob and want to crop it a lot, especially in the back, be aware that it can potentially make you appear older than you may have desired.
You do not normally want to accentuate the neck area when you are trying to look younger, and this haircut does exactly that...it accentuates the neck area.
Don't Spike the Short Hair
Short haircuts can be quite flattering for women as they age as they can assist with pulling the overall appearance upwards instead of downwards, as longer hair can tend to do. However, you should really avoid spiking the hair if you are going to go with a shorter cut. Volume is your friend when you are trying to appear youthful, as spikes do not really provide that (as can be assumed).
If you are looking for an edgy and trendy look, then by all means go for it! However, just be aware that it might not be as youthful as you were hoping.
Don't Cut the Pixie Too Short
The Pixie haircut is one of the most versatile and flattering hairstyles for women of all different ages and looks. However, if you are trying to appear young, be mindful of the length that you cut your pixie. If you cut it to a certain length, and make it too short, it will categorize you as older than you are and add a few unnecessary years to your face.
This can look great on some women, but you need to be aware that it is still potentially adding some age to their faces, even if it still looks great on them!
Bringing Out the Bouffant
Although it may be tempting to give the bouffant hairstyle a chance, if you are trying to appear young, it may not be the best choice for you. In certain circumstances it can look very glamorous and beautiful, however, it is generally associated with the 1960s. If you do not also want to be associated with being from the 1960s, this may not be the best hairstyle choice for you.
The bouffant is also very damaging for the hair. In order to create this look, you need to do a lot of teasing to the hair and apply lots of hairspray.
Wave Away From Your Face
Did you know that the direction that you create your waves with a curling iron has a direct effect on how old you appear? Probably not, since it is not the most commonly known fact. However, now that you are in on the secret, be sure to utilize it properly! If you want to appear younger, make sure to wave your waves away from your face and not towards it.
Making sure the waves are away from your face helps to soften your overall look and make you appear younger than you are. If the waves are towards your face, it can appear aggressive against the face.
Keep the Braids Loose
Tights braids look very good on some women and are a large part of certain hairstyles in many different cultures, however, if you are trying to appear younger than you are, this may not be the best choice. Braids that are braided tightly to the head tend to pull back the skin and make for harsh and aggressive lines. Although this is fine for younger women, it is usually avoided as you age.
This hairstyle is also usually associated as a hairstyle for children. If you want braids, there are many other choices and styles that would still be very flattering.
Don't Cut Your Curls Too Short
Curls can be very cute when they are cut short, however, you want to make sure that they are not cut too short. Not only will it be very difficult to maintain, but it can also not be the most flattering if you are trying to look young. The lines may not look the best against your face and it may be hard to keep the volume at all times.
You can risk this hairstyle as you age, however, keep in mind that it is a risk!