Hair is so personal that it’s impossible to say which hairstyles are flattering and not flattering as if there’s some one absolute rule that holds true for everyone. The truth is that everything from your facial features to your essence and personality can determine whether a hairstyle is perfect for you. One person’s elegant pixie cut that highlights their bone structure and eyes is another person’s worst haircut ever. If you’re on the fence about whether to try a certain hairstyle, the best thing you can do it bring photos and idea to your salon stylist and talk about how that look will translate to your hair type and facial features — perhaps it’s just a matter of giving your fringe a little more length or adding a few more layers in your cut to make your hair swing and look its healthy best.
But if you are attempting to keep your look as modern and fresh as possible, there are a few hairstyles that many experts agree are best to stay away from. Even though some of these cuts are enjoying a wild comeback, these are the three unflattering haircuts that some experts say can add years to your face.
The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut is going to make a statement, there’s no doubt about it. But the super-trendy style that looks unique and interesting on the pages of a magazine doesn’t always translate to real-life. “This super-severe haircut was popular in the 1970s and has made a recent resurgence on the runway,” says Arrogant Smith, a professional hairstylist and the Hair Consultant of keswigs.com. “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.”
In a nutshell: the bowl cut doesn’t offer softness or movement, two qualities that can add a more youthful look to your appearance.
The Mullet
Yet another haircut that can be styled to look fresh in a magazine editorial, the mullet has also made a comeback. This cut is defined by a longer length in the back and much shorter, choppier layers in the front. It has rock star appeal, for sure, but it can also be aging. “This style was popular in the 1980s and features short hair in the front and long hair in the back,” Smith says. “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 Pixie Cut
Is there a haircut as divisive as the pixie? On some people the pixie cut looks absolutely elegant and divine — it has the power to highlight a long neck and cheekbones. But achieving the perfect pixie is all in the details, Smith says, and it’s important to find a stylist who knows how to tailor this cut to fit your specific face and features. “This is a very popular haircut right now, but it can be aging if you don’t choose the right version of it,” Smith says. “Super-short pixie cuts can make you look harsh and severe, while longer versions with softer lines can be more flattering. So, before you chop off your locks, make sure you consult with a stylist to find the right pixie cut for your face shape.”
As with all beauty and hair tips, these aren’t universal. There is no one rule for all people. You may be able to rock a mullet and look amazing, and age isn’t a factor. At the end of the day, the hairstyle that is perfect for you is the one that makes you feel your absolute most confident — whether that’s long locks with a center part or the shortest of pixie cuts.
