It’s a new year and a new opportunity to rock a brand new look. Your hairstyle speaks volumes to the world about your personal style — the sooner you figure out what’s flattering for you and what is best to skip, the closer you’ll be to cultivating a beautiful look that feels all yours.
Our hair needs change as we age, and sometimes the styles we used to love no longer love us back. Suddenly, that old style weighs down your hair, makes it appear thinner, or maybe makes your face feel like it isn’t as lifted. If any of these apply to you, it’s time for a change. Here are three hairstyles that can look unflattering and are worth skipping and three more to consider.
Avoid: Long Hair With No Layers
Do you have to chop off all of your hair after age 40? Of course not. But the reasons so many stylists suggest a cut or trim is because hair that is longer tends to look thinner, and if your hair is already thinning, well, you can see how that might exacerbate matters.
The combination of long hair and no layering creates a look that’s flatter on the scalp and thinner on the ends — not anyone’s most flattering look.
Try: ‘90s Blowout
The ‘90s blowout, popularized by classic beauties like Cindy Crawford, requires a few layers and a little off the length (shoulder-length or below it works well). Root spray gives you lift at the crown and a great round brush and blowdryer help create volume and major oomph.
Avoid: Thick, Blunt Bangs
We love a good fringe on any haircut. But thick, blunt bangs can pull too much from your hair to look as good as they should. The effect can be square in shape and severe at a time where you may be looking for ways to soften your face.
Try: Jane Birkin Bangs
Jane Birkin bangs are all the rage this season. The look, inspired by the 1960s French/British icon, involved a blunt bang, but it’s not as thick as traditional bangs. Instead, it has softer, rounder edges and is slightly sparse at the ends.
Avoid: Choppy Bob
The chin-length bob isn’t going anywhere this season, but we’re seeing a move away from super-choppy bobs. Cutting tons of layers in your bob can make your hair look thinner and more frail, which isn’t the most flattering look.
Try: Rounded Bob
The rounded bob curves inward toward your face to frame your facial features beautifully. The ends are neither super blunt nor sparse and this cut is known for being easy to maintain and voluminous. What more could you want from a bob?
