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Let’s get one thing out of the way. Your hair, your choices. Whether you want to wear your hair completely shaved to the scalp or down past your knees, that is your wonderful choice to make and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to personal aesthetic. With that in mind, some people are interested in hair styles that are more up to date and modern and that will give a fresh appearance, especially on those days when you’re feeling tired and run down. If you feel like your hair is not reflective of how you feel inside, or if you suspect your ‘do might be a little dated, there are simple ways to give it life and a more contemporary feel. But first: this is the surprising hair mistake you should avoid over 40 because it makes you look 10 years older.
Long, One Layer-Hair
Before you shout — no, please, not another recommendation that I cut my long hair! — hold that thought. While it’s true that longer hair can drag the face downward and can make you look older because of it, that doesn’t meant you have to find the scissors pronto and chop off all of your strands. The solution can mean making a few simple adjustments to your current long hair style in order to provide the face with lift and more life.
The first really easy and flattering adjustment you can make to your long hair is one highly recommended by Monica Davis, a professional hairstylist and founder of the MyStraightener blog: get a full fringe cut.
“The full fringe cut hides forehead wrinkles and gives your cheekbones a lift,” Davis says. “By playing with the length of the rest of your hair, you can also achieve a neck-lengthening effect. Unlike the classic full-fringe cut, the modern one is thinned to look “lightweight” and prevents your forehead from sweating when it’s hot outside.”
Not in love with the way fringe looks on you? Turning one-layer hair into multi layers that put the emphasis on your cheekbones or a strong jawline is another super simple way to update long locks and make them feel and look fresher and more modern.
If you are open and willing to part with some length, Davis says another amazing hairstyle to try is a short bob.
“A haircut that has an asymmetrical fringe and a cut as high as the jawline has a powerful anti-aging face-lifting effect,” Davis says. “It’s a simple geometrical trick that works for almost anyone. A short bob is easy to make and holds the shape whatever goes wrong. Tuck one strand behind your ear and this haircut will not only make you look younger but also add playfulness to your daily style.”