Ever wonder why photos of women from the past can leave you in shock when you realize they’re so much younger in age than they actually look? Could it be the beehive or helmet hair style adding years to their look (no offense intended — a beehive is a hair creation of beauty). A dated hairstyle, makeup, and wardrobe can conceal a person’s actual age more than anything — even more than their skin texture. But the great news is that with a few smart styling hacks, you can make small adjustments to mature, thinning hair that add up to big gains in your appearance.
Hairstyle Quia Querisma and Hair Expert Caleb Backe at Maple Holistics weigh in with their picks for three “mind-blowing” hair styling hacks you need to know about if hiding signs of aging is your goal.
Cut Your Hair Shorter
We know — this one tip is probably ringing in your ear and if you’re a fan of long hair, it’s also advice that you’d rather not hear yet again. But hear Querisma out: though it may seem counter intuitive, shorter haircuts are more flattering on mature women, she stresses. “It may bring you to the salon more often, but a clean modern bob or pixie will help keep your look fresh, instead of matronly,” Querisma adds.
The reasons for this is that long hair creates a vertical line that brings the eye down, according to Querisma, and it also elongates the face and may emphasize wrinkles. “Also, if you have started losing hair density, blunt bob cuts tend to make the hair look fuller. If you happen to have curly hair, the odds are in your favor. Curls are easily manipulated to create volume, mimicking fuller tresses.”
When searching for hairstyle inspiration, Querisma recommends looking towards mature models and celebrities. “It's a great way to see how certain haircuts complement your face shape and hair type.”
And remember: you can work with your stylist to customize a bob or lob (or even a pixie with longer pieces) so that you are able to keep enough length to make you feel comfortable.
Lift Your Roots
Thinning hair can appear flatter at the roots, which can be aging. One trick that Backe recommends is using products and blow-dry techniques to lift hair at the roots and create more volume.
“Use volumizing mousse or root-lifting sprays at the roots of your hair to add lift and body,” Backe says. “When blow-drying your hair, flip your head upside down and direct the airflow towards the roots to create volume. Using texturizing sprays or dry shampoos can add texture and grip to your hair, making it easier to style and giving the appearance of thicker hair.”
Another way to add volume is to pay attention to the shape of your haircut — not just the length or specific style. “Ask your stylist for a layered haircut, as it can provide movement and lift to your hair,” Backe says. “Wrinkles on the forehead are often associated with aging. Bangs or face-framing layers can help draw attention away from the forehead, effectively hiding the wrinkles and creating a more youthful appearance. These styles also add softness and dimension to the face, contributing to a more rejuvenated look.”
Add Highlights Or Balayage
Color techniques can be your best hair styling friend. Adding strategically placed highlights or balayage can help soften the appearance of gray hair and add dimension to your overall look, Backe says. “Opt for shades that complement your skin tone and blend well with your natural hair color.”
What’s The Worst Styling Mistake For Aging Hair?
Now that you’ve got the 411 on the best styling hacks for mature hair, what should you avoid doing at all costs? A few things, actually. For one thing, stop over-manipulating your hair, Querisma urges. “Excessive thermal styling with curling and flat irons will cause breakage,” she says. “Also, wearing tight elastics and cotton headbands can put undue stress on strands that are already fragile.”
Backe agrees that frequent use of harsh chemical treatments, such as relaxers, perms, or excessive hair coloring, can weaken and damage thinning hair even more. “These treatments can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to further thinning or breakage,” Backe says. “If you must use chemical treatments, ensure you give your hair enough time to recover between sessions and use nourishing products to maintain its health.”
These styling hacks — and avoiding doing too much to your hair, which can cause further damage — can help you maintain a fresh, modern, and more youthful look for years to come.
