The world is your oyster when it comes to hairstyles and haircuts, whether you are 19 or 90. But if one of your goals with hair is to appear fresh and modern, some haircuts and styles aren’t going to fulfill that promise as well as others. All of the hairstyles on this list are great — and you should wear them with confidence if they’re among your favorites. If, however, you are searching for a few great styles that will give you a more youthful aura, these aren’t necessarily the best out there.
Here are eight surprising hairstyles you should avoid wearing over 50 because they can add years to your face.
1. Flat Hair
Flat ironing your hair with intense heat does a few things you may want to avoid. It adds heat damage to your stands that can make your hair feel and look more brittle and become prone to damage. It can also making thinning hair look even thinner. All of that ironing may create enviable shine, but it can also make your hair appear flat and fine. If you’re already dealing with shedding and thinning, this is one style to avoid.
2. Overly Teased Hair
A bit of teasing at the roots can make your hair look thicker and more va-va-voom voluminous. But if you overdo the teasing, especially when hairspray is involved, your hair can appear dry, brittle, and old-fashioned. If you plan on backcombing your hair for volume, go easy on styling products and brush through your hair to make it appear softer.
Middle Part
Parting your hair in the middle can look more severe and, if you have bald spots and thinning, can emphasize this, as well. Simply swapping your middle part for a side part can automatically soften your look.
4. Very Dark Hair
Extremely dark hair can be mysterious and dramatic. But because it lacks any highlights and lightness it can create a stark contrast to skin (especially if you have lighter skin). Dark hair can also emphasize texture on the face, like fine lines and wrinkles. Breaking up the hair with highlights or balayage can help.
5. Ashy Tones
Ashy hair color tones and highlights lack warmth that can, in turn, help warm up your complexion. These tones may wash out your skin and make it appear sallow. Choosing more vibrant golden-based tones can help make your skin look more youthful — as they mimic the way the sun naturally hits your hair.
6. Half-Up Hair With Banana Clips
Beware of hair styles that are typically worn by young women and girls. They seem like they should make you look more youthful, but they can have the opposite effect, giving you the appearance of someone who is chasing little girl styles.
7. French Twist
The French Twist is an elegant classic updo that has an air of sophistication and formality. This hairstyle can lack volume and also make one associate it with retro styles. This is never a bad thing, but if you’re searching for fresh hairstyles that appear modern, the French Twist may be one to skip.
8. Stiff Updos
While we’re on the subject of French twists and updos, if you’re putting your hair up, avoiding over-teasing and spraying your strands with stiff, drying products like sprays and gels will always look more modern and youthful.
