When it comes to hair and personal expression, there’s no one style that suits everyone. But there’s also no one style that is a definite no-no for all people, regardless of their age. On one woman, super long hair can look incredible — shiny, bouncy, and perfect for complementing their overall essence. But another woman may simply look their absolute chic best with a pixie cut that shows off their bone structure. But if we’re talking about generalizations about hair styles and aging, there are a few common tips you’ll hear from many hair experts that seem to resonate. If you’re trying to keep your hairstyle fresh and current, avoiding these three “dated” styles can make a huge difference in your overall appearance.
Super Long Hair
“From my experience in hairdressing, long straight blunt hair is not always becoming with age,” says Alice Rawling, a hair stylist and chief editor at Hairdo Hairstyle. “The long length can pull the features down and make them appear more drawn.”
Professional Hair Stylist Lauren Holland, leading hair care expert at LatestLocks.com, agrees that long hair that falls beyond your shoulders will always look old-fashioned. “It can make you look older because as we age, our hair follicles get smaller and produce thinner hair,” Holland says. “Thinner hair doesn’t have the same volume or body as thicker hair, so it can make your head look fuller. And because long hair is often associated with youthfulness, having long hair when you’re older can make you look older than you really are. Avoid having long hair, as they’re very limited when it comes to styling. Short hairs are always flexible and make you look younger than your true age. The best option is always healthy hair. If your hair is damaged, it will only break as it gets longer, and if it is thin, it will only get thinner as it grows out.”
And if you do decide to keep your hair long, Rawling recommends opting for longer layers that create movement and texture. “Longer side bangs and face-framing pieces can also result in a more youthful appearance by drawing the eye to the appealing facial features,” Rawling says. “In general, this provides for a fresher and more youthful look.”
The Mullet
You may have seen mullets in magazines lately and thought: how cool — should I try that? The answer is: yes, absolutely, if that’s what you really want. But beware of trying to make trendy editorial hairstyles transition to real-life scenarios. “Yet another haircut that can be styled to look fresh in a magazine editorial, the mullet has also made a comeback,” Rawling said. “This cut is defined by a longer length in the back and much shorter, choppier layers in the front. It has rock star appeal, but it can also be aging. The style was popular in the 1980s and featured short hair in the front and long hair in the back. While this style may have been ok for men, it’s not as flattering on women because it tends to accentuate wrinkles and make you look older.”
The Bowl Cut
“The bowl cut will make a statement; there’s no doubt about it,” Rawling said. “But the super-trendy style that looks unique and interesting on the pages of a magazine doesn’t always translate to real life. It features hair that is cut evenly all around the head, similar to how you would cut a bowl out of cardboard. This look can be aging because it makes your face look rounder and more childlike.”
