This post has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert tips.
If a new season has you itching for a brand new haircut, but you aren’t sure which direction to go, there are plenty of options that will update your look and give you a fresher and more modern style. Inspired by chic shags and a super-simple bang trim that will instantly create a sleeker look, we asked professional hair stylists for three haircut tips that can you an instant lift and pull you right into the modern age.
You don’t have to completely overhaul your look to update it and give yourself a fresher appearance. A strategic trim or a few highlights here and there may be all you need to make a big impact. The most important thing to keep in mind is that, no matter what your age, you needn’t follow old-school hair advice.
"Years ago magazines would tell women that once you hit a certain age, it’s time to chop and perm," says Andrea Claire is a licensed hairstylist and makeup artist represented by Judy Inc. “Now that’s the one style that dates you. Run away from anyone who tells you to chop and perm unless your next goal is to call out: BINGO! The other ‘pass me my walker ‘ haircut is the extremely cropped, inverted bob aka ‘I want to speak to your manager’ haircut. The harsh lines paired with the too much hairspray that can protect your head from a fall off your high horse is a very dating haircut.”
So which cuts should you consider if your goal is a fresh update?
1. A Modern Shag
“One of my favourite, fresh, facelifting cuts is Kaley Cuoco’s hair from The Flight Attendant,” Claire says. “A modern shag that isn’t mullet-y with a curtain fringe and layers that you can adapt for any age and face shape. I prefer to point cut the layers which adds to the natural movement of one’s hair. One of the biggest mistakes women make as they age is keeping one length, long hair. It becomes a security blanket that one hides behind. Layers provide lift and shape, which translates to a modern, youthful feel.”
2. Classic Bouncy Bob
If you prefer a shorter style, Claire says a classic bob never goes out of fashion. “Slightly inverted and layered freshens up this classic look,” Claire says. “Both of these styles will suit any hair texture and are flexible from air drying to working them with heat tools. Keep it contemporary by choosing products with a flexible hold.”
One-length cuts and those that lack texture seem to be high on the list of “dated” cuts. Award-winning stylist Nunzio Saviano says haircuts that can be dating your look include “shoulder length, one-length hair with no body or movement that can look drab and dull and bobs that don’t have dimension or texture. No movement equals a lack of style and ‘polish’ to an overall hair look.”
If a serious cut makes you nervous, consider a simpler change that doesn’t require a big commitment: getting bangs.
3. Long Layers with Curtain Fringe
"A simple fringe add-on to an already established style, aka The French Facelift. (Yes, we call it that)," Claire says. “The curtain fringe is a quick way to soften a look which rolls back years. Goldie Hawn is the queen of this vibe. Playing with your parting can soften your look as well.”
Additional Pro Tip: Don’t Forget Color
Whatever haircut you decide to pursue, don’t neglect a color change. “Adding a few tone-on-tone highlights around the face also helps to brighten the complexion and add dimension to the hair for a fresher, more youthful style,” Saviano says.
Although it has been a mainstay at salons for years now, Claire says she still prefers balayage to freshen up a client’s look.“I love to accent these cuts with a sun-kissed whisper of color,” Claire says. “Think traditional balayage and not the morphed versions we see of late.”
Simple, classic, and fresh — these haircut and styling tips aren’t drastic, but can still make a dramatic difference.
