We’re told our hair is a reflection of who we are and how we feel, but how often is that really true? Dealing with hair changes can be frustrating and challenging and often leaves us feeling like the opposite of ourselves. There are a few ways to combat this. First, find a stylist you trust and work together to find a classic haircut that makes the most of your hair’s texture and, if you have thinning hair or fine hair, boosts every strand so that it looks filler and healthier. Second. stop making some of the most common hair mistakes that can make you look older:
Keep these five easy-to-make mistakes on your radar.
The Back of Your Hair Is Too Long
When the back of your hair is much, much longer than the front, it can have the effect of dragging the eye down. It can make the hairstyle look disjointed and not harmonious, as well. The solution is to ask your stylist to even out your layers so that complement one another, in the front and in the back.
The Front of Your Hair Is Too Long
The opposite can be true, as well: the front layers of your hair can be too long for your haircut, which closes off your face and features. Creating wispier, lighter layers in the front will open this area up and bring balance between the front and back of your hair.
Flat, One-Layered Hair
A single layer of hair that sits flat at the scalp and base lacks the volume you may need, especially if your hair has become thinner over time. There are a few ways to boost the appearance of volume, including getting strategic layers that leave the baseline of your hair a bit more blunt so that they don’t look straggly and playing with texture. Adding waves or curls to your hair is an instant volume boost. Play with heatless curling options if you don’t want to introduce high heat to your strands.
Going Too Dark
It can be tempting to cover up gray hair with whatever box dye you can find that comes closest to your hair color. But box dye is strong and the color often comes out darker than the photo on the box. Before you know it, your hair may take on an inky, dark shade that looks more aging than letting your grays stick around.
Talk to your stylist about coloring options like highlights and balayage that bring light and depth to your hair. This can brighten up your skin and make you look more youthful.
Choosing the Wrong Hair Tone
Choosing the right hair color isn’t just about the color — its tone is everything. If you have warm-toned skin that looks best in gold jewelry, hair color or highlights that are super cool can wash you out. And the same is true if you have cool-toned skin that looks great in silver—sticking to cool tones in your hair makes your overall look more harmonious, while warm hair tones can bring out the sallowness in your complexion.
There are countless ways to make the most of your hair at any age and any stage. Find a stylist you trust, bring in as many photos of your favorite hairstyles and colors as you want, and take your time discussing your hair goals before getting a snip, a new shade, and a new lease on life.
