Miracle overnight creams, cosmetic procedures and countless supplements might not turn back the clock, but a well-chosen hairstyle genuinely can. Whilst appearing younger shouldn’t be life’s sole priority, there are numerous ways to feel more youthful at any stage of life.
However, if refreshing your locks helps you feel a decade younger when gazing in the mirror, perhaps it’s time to consider a fresh cut and shade. Hair specialist and cosmetologist Ghanima Abdullah from The Right Hairstyles has identified five styles those over 50 should steer clear of, or risk appearing considerably older.
Ultra-length
Countless women have sported lengthy locks at some stage, but advancing years naturally lead to thinner hair.
The most effective approach to showcase healthy-looking hair is a cropped, layered style rather than wispy, elongated strands.
Ghanima explained how long hair “can age you because your once full locks are now less so, and it shows”.
For those still desiring some length, a lob, or long bob, is worth considering.
“Lobs – bobs that fall in the neck area or above the shoulders – soften angles that come out in your face with age,” the hair expert said.
Settling on a fresh hairstyle can feel intimidating, particularly when you’re comfortable with your current look. Nevertheless, selecting the appropriate cut and maintenance routine can prove transformative in maintaining youthful, vibrant-looking hair as time passes.
“With age, hair needs more than ever to look healthy and shiny, just like skin,” celebrity stylist and Fudge Professional global ambassador Jonathan Andrew shared with Express.co.uk.
However, to prevent the haircut from appearing dull, request your stylist to incorporate some layers.
Conversely, those with textured hair should steer clear of short haircuts that maintain “the same length all around”.
Ghanima expressed that “three-inch afros are a thing of the past” and don’t exude the youthful appearance that other styles can offer.
The optimal approach for textured hair is to grow it to at least five inches and have it tapered around the sides and back.
Bobs without layers
Layers instigate movement and volume, and feathering around the face accentuates features whilst giving the illusion of thicker hair if it’s thinning and ageing.
The hair guru advised women seeking a younger appearance to avoid a shortcut that’s “the same length all over and barrel-curled close to the scalp”.
Pixie cuts with varying hair lengths to allow some swirling over thinning areas look “fantastic at any age”.
Extremely short or blunt fringes
Fringes are timeless, versatile and compatible with any hair colour and texture.
For the most effective anti-ageing fringes, steer clear of baby or mini fringes.
Ghanima explained: “Wherever your bangs fall, that is the feature they will emphasise the most.
“You don’t want short bangs that fall right in the middle of your forehead, where you might have a few lines. Instead, bring the fringe down to the eyebrows to emphasise your eyes.”
Thick, blunt bangs should also be avoided as they “don’t frame the face well”.
Curtain bangs remain the most popular trend, and are not only youthful but “romantic”, she said.
A centre parting works brilliantly for creating long layered fringes that fall on either side of your face, adding volume with a blow-dry.
