“Boring” and “exciting” haircuts and hairstyles are in the eyes of the beholder. What doesn’t work for one person may be an absolute signature look for someone else, so it’s always a good idea to take lists of “boring” haircuts with a grain of salt. With that said, if you’re feeling like your current look just isn’t working and something is off, it might be because your hair is making you look and feel outdated. In many cases, this can be remedied quickly and with just a few subtle changes.
Here are nine haircuts and hairstyles that could be making you look outdated, along with the styles you can try instead.
1. Long, Flat-Ironed Hair
As we age, our hair can lose density and thickness. Even though long, flat-ironed straight hair has a major moment every now and then, it hasn’t been trendy in a few years. Replacing it we’ve seen an embrace of natural texture and body, and even a little frizz hasn’t been snubbed to achieve it.
2. V-Shaped Haircuts
A V-shaped haircut is shorter in the front and longer in the back, but cut so that it ends in a distinctive V-shape. This thinning of the hair in the back makes it look less voluminous. To combat this, try a blunt cut with more fullness concentrated at the ends.
3. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, seen here on Jennifer Lopez, have been the rage for years now. But they’re slowly starting to become replaced by other bangs styles, including traditional wispy bangs and side-swept bangs.
4. Tight Ponytail
The tight ponytail has some advantages, including that it is a low-maintenance style that gives your face an instant lift. But it has been seen everywhere, and on every celebrity under the sun. If Ariana Grande has moved on from her famous high, tight ponytail, you know the moment is passing.
5. Mullet
Few people would have predicted that the ’80s mullet would return in the 2010s to rule runways and hip streets, but that’s just what happened. The look, however, is starting to lose its energy and is beginning to appear outdated.
5. Single-Layered Bob
The bob is a universally flattering haircut that is trending in a big way right now. But a bob with light layering and movement will always look healthier on mature hair than a single-layered bob that falls flat at the crown.
6. One-Dimensional Hair Color
Angelina Jolie rocked one-dimensional color when she was younger like nobody's business. But as she has matured, Jolie has added pops of brightness to her hair because her stylist knows: one-dimensional hair color can look flat and dull, especially against mature skin. Adding a few highlights or balayage can help break up one block of color and make your hair appear shinier and healthier.
8. Sleek Bun
The sleek bun has been done .. and done. It looks elegant and offers a simple way to style hair, but if you want to stand out from a crowd more, adding a bit of height at your crown or creating a twisted updo instead of a bun can help.
9. Spiky Pixie
The pixie is a great haircut choice for mature women. A pixie with shorter, spiky pieces on top has been replaced by one with longer layers that appears soft around the face.
Try Instead: Layered Lob
If you’re struggling to find a haircut swap that looks more modern, consider the layered lob. This lob reaches the collarbone and features light layers throughout your hair to add a tousled effect.
Try Instead: Air-Dried Hair
For a more modern look, put down the hair dryer, styling brush, and stiff hairsprays and pick up a bit of styling cream. When your hair is damp after a shower, apply styling cream, scrunch your hair from the bottom up, and allow it to air dry. This will create natural texture that makes your hair look thicker and less perfectly styled (which is the goal).
