While hair trends come and go, some styles can inadvertently age you if they don’t suit your face shape or personality. If you’re looking to subtly defy age, ladies in their thirties and beyond should steer clear of these six hairstyles that can make you look older than you are:
1. Short Curly Hair
Curly hair can easily add a few years to your appearance.
Many middle-aged women opt for small curls that end at the chin or shoulders to create volume and hide thinning hair. However, this style is high-maintenance and can quickly become unruly, adding years to your look if not properly cared for. Instead, go for soft, natural waves that will give you a more youthful and effortless look. You can pair this with a long side-swept fringe that’s lightly curled to frame your face and create a slimming effect.
Shoulder-length hair with soft waves can take years off your appearance.
Miss Universe Vietnam, Phuong Khanh, rocks a youthful and bouncy shoulder-length hairstyle.
2. Long Straight Hair
Long, straight hair can look elegant, but it’s not for everyone and can easily age you.
While long, straight hair has long been a symbol of femininity, as we age, our hair changes. It becomes more prone to split ends, thinning, and dryness, which can make us look tired and older. Additionally, hair that hugs the face can accentuate wrinkles and less defined features. Middle-aged women should consider shorter styles that are easier to manage and give a youthful bounce. Try a side-parted hairstyle with a 3:7 or 4:6 ratio, paired with a side-swept fringe to elongate and soften your face.
A long haircut with layers and lightly curled ends adds a trendy and youthful touch.
3. Tight Ponytails or Hair Pulled Back
Pulling your hair back too tightly can accentuate the signs of aging.
While a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle might seem like a quick fix for a bad hair day, it can actually highlight hair thinning, a receding hairline, or a sagging face. This style demands sharp features to pull off successfully. To avoid looking stiff and lifeless, create some natural volume at the crown—whether you wear your hair down or up, a little lift at the roots will give your face a more balanced and vibrant appearance.
A voluminous hairstyle with face-framing tendrils accentuates the elegance of middle-aged women.
4. Short Hair with Blunt Bangs
The combination of short hair and blunt bangs can be unflattering and throw off the balance of your features.
Blunt bangs can weigh down your face, making it look heavier and less delicate, especially as you age. While bangs can create a youthful appearance, if not done right, they can make you look like you’re trying too hard. If you prefer short hair, try side-swept or lightly parted bangs to reveal your forehead, brightening your face and making you look younger while maintaining an elegant and mature vibe.
This comparison clearly shows how a side-parted hairstyle can contour the face more effectively than blunt bangs.
5. Extremely Short Hair
While short hair can be stylish and edgy, it may not be the best choice for most middle-aged women. This style can accentuate facial flaws, highlight harsh angles, and make your features look less delicate. Additionally, extremely short hair can be high-maintenance and, if not styled properly, can appear messy and aging.
Extremely short hair can make you look harsh and accentuate facial flaws.
6. Thick Bangs
Thick bangs draw attention to the lower half of your face, where wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration are more likely to appear as we age. For those with uneven skin tone or oily skin, thick bangs can also make your face look heavy and lack vitality.
Thick bangs can cast shadows on your face, making it look dull and older.
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