8 Common Hairstyle Mistakes That Can Make You Look Older
When it comes to their image, hairstyles are crucial for many women. Well-groomed hair can enhance facial features and soften flaws, while an incorrectly chosen haircut or color can detract from even the brightest appearance and accentuate unwanted features.
Here are some common styling mistakes that can add years to your look, along with recommendations on how to avoid them:
1.Hair That’s Too Dark
Dark hair can highlight overgrown roots and, if you have fair skin, it can also emphasize imperfections. A better alternative to a solid dark color is a more complex color with warm tones and bright highlights. This approach adds volume to the hair and can make the face look younger and fresher.
2.Cold Blonde Shades
Blondes with warm skin tones should avoid cold shades like ash or platinum, as these can enhance imperfections and make the skin look pale. Instead, opt for warm shades such as honey, caramel, or wheat, which complement the skin better.
3.Stiff Hair
"Stiff, unmoving hair looks staid and unnatural—it’s aging on anyone," says Charles Dujic, a hairstylist from Los Angeles. Overusing hairspray or products with a strong hold can create outdated, rigid hairstyles. Instead, aim for more natural, flexible styles.
4.Hair Combed Back
Pulling your hair back completely exposes your forehead, drawing attention to the hairline, which can recede with age. It also emphasizes skin imperfections. To avoid this, choose hairstyles that frame your face or include bangs to help conceal flaws.
5.Long Hair Without Volume
As we age, hair follicles become less active, and the sebaceous glands produce less oil, leading to thinner, more brittle hair with reduced volume. If you experience this, consider a shorter hairstyle that maximizes your hair’s natural volume. You don’t need a "boyish" cut; just a length that allows for fuller-looking hair.
6.The Same Hair Color at Different Ages
Both hair and skin lose pigment over time, so the color that suited you in your 20s or 30s may not be as flattering in your 40s or 50s. Instead of sticking to the same shade you’ve always had, consult your hairstylist to find a color that complements your current complexion.
7.A Straight Part
As collagen production slows with age, the subcutaneous fat on the face redistributes, often concentrating in the chin area, which elongates the face. A straight part accentuates this effect. To balance your facial proportions and add volume to your hair, try a side part instead.
8.Outdated Hairstyles
It’s an obvious mistake, yet many women still cling to outdated styles. Hairstyles like tight ringlets, short perms, or unnatural hair colors like "burgundy" or "aubergine" can make you look older. It’s time to leave these styles in the past and embrace a more modern look.
What hairstyle recommendations do you have? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Lizzy Chung
Dr. Chung brings over a decade of experience as a primary care physician. Alongside clinical practice, she actively contributes to medical education, serving as a mentor and lecturer for medical students and residents. Dr. Elzar has also undertaken the role of a peer reviewer for various esteemed medical journals.
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