Is YOUR hair making you look older? Experts reveal how to 'inject some youth into your look'

August 2024 · 7 minute read

Finding the perfect haircut to suit your features can be challenging, especially if you're trying to navigate new styles as you get older.

With concerns about frown lines, thinning locks or receding hairlines as we age, it can be hard for many women to know how to adapt their locks to 'inject some youth back into their look'.

But thankfully, top British hair stylists have revealed the best ways to ensure your hairstyle isn't aging you.

From framing your face with a fringe to avoiding solid colours and only ever tucking one side of your hair behind your ears, experts told FEMAIL the best ways to 'anti-age' your hair cut.

Thankfully, top British hair stylists have revealed the best ways to ensure your hairstyle isn't aging you. Pictured, an example of a youthful hairstyle

Thankfully, top British hair stylists have revealed the best ways to ensure your hairstyle isn't aging you. Pictured, an example of a youthful hairstyle

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KEEP FRINGES SOFT AND ANGLED

Stylist Tom Smith said: 'As we age the natural fat pads in our face begin to descend creating a more square face shape which can make jaws look heavier. 

'While fringes can be an attractive choice to conceal forehead wrinkles, a horizontal, block fringe will add to the square appearance of the face while a soft sweeping and textured fringe can take the edge of the corners of the face and look much more flattering.'

Tyler Moore, expert stylist at Live True London, echoed this point, saying: 'Adding a fringe can be a great way of softening the face and highlighting the cheekbones. 

'We advise against a fuller fringe if you don’t have a high forehead, as this can obscure the face and draw attention to any imperfections, but a side swept fringe can be a great option for most.'

AVOID SOLID COLOURS 

'One of the most common changes I make to those seeking a more youthful hairstyle (pictured), is to add panels of a deeper colour concealed within the body of the hair,' said Tom

'One of the most common changes I make to those seeking a more youthful hairstyle (pictured), is to add panels of a deeper colour concealed within the body of the hair,' said Tom

'One of the most common changes I make to those seeking a more youthful hairstyle, is to add panels of a deeper colour concealed within the body of the hair,' said Tom. 

OPT FOR LOOSE WAVES 

Tyler said: 'Loose waves is the perfect style to inject some youth into your look. Avoid pin straight hair, as this can be ageing as it highlights any thinning.

'Sleek flat hair can be harder to wear on a mature face,' echoed Tom. 'Instead embrace any natural curls or waves you might have to give off a carefree and youthful energy.'

Tyler said: 'Loose waves (pictured) is the perfect style to inject some youth into your look. Avoid pin straight hair, as this can be ageing as it highlights any thinning'

Tyler said: 'Loose waves (pictured) is the perfect style to inject some youth into your look. Avoid pin straight hair, as this can be ageing as it highlights any thinning'

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'As the hair naturally greys it can be tempting to go lighter and lighter to reduce the contrast with the roots - this works really well but be sure to retain some "shadows" away from the parting which keeps the hair looking alive and dynamic.'

Tyler agreed that solid colours should be avoided, adding: 'If you are looking for an anti-aging colour option, we recommend a muted money piece highlight to draw attention to the face. 

'This can be subtle or bright, but by creating light around the face it will brighten the complexion and make you appear more youthful.'

DON'T CLING ON TO FRAZZLED ENDS

Tom insisted: 'I don’t believe any hairstyle is "off limits" for any age - rather, wear what makes you feel great! 

'However, if you’re desperately trying to keep your hair long, but your hair is thinning and extensions are not an option, trimming wispy ends will dramatically increase the appearance of fullness and actually make you look far better.'

'Bob length haircuts are a great option for looking younger,' explained Tyler. 'If you have thinning hair keep it all one length for maximum fullness and if you have thicker hair opt for some long layers to add movement and dimension.

ONLY EVER TUCK ONE SIDE OF YOUR HAIR BEHIND YOUR EARS 

Stylist Tom said: 'If you prefer your hair in a side parting or like to keep your hair out of your face, try to discipline yourself to tuck one side only behind your ear.

'In the case of a side parting tucking the smaller side behind your ear (to gather it together and give a lift on your cheekbone) also helps to create more of a heart shaped face - known to be most youthful. 

'Tucking both sides of your hair behind your ear can look harsh and a little too utilitarian, opt for asymmetry and softer, face framing layers instead.'

ADD LAYERS

Hair Expert Nicole Petty at Milk + Blush said: 'While one-length hair can look chic on some people, it can be tricky to pull off and can end up ageing you. To add volume and movement to thinning hair, ask your hair stylist to add feathery, subtle layers throughout your hair and a few face-framing layers (pictured)'

Hair Expert Nicole Petty at Milk + Blush said: 'While one-length hair can look chic on some people, it can be tricky to pull off and can end up ageing you. To add volume and movement to thinning hair, ask your hair stylist to add feathery, subtle layers throughout your hair and a few face-framing layers (pictured)'

Hair Expert Nicole Petty at Milk + Blush said: 'While one-length hair can look chic on some people, it can be tricky to pull off and can end up ageing you.

USE HYDRATING HAIR PRODUCTS 

Nicole said: 'As you get older, your hair slowly becomes drier, coarser and thinner. That's because as hair follicles get smaller, sebum production declines - meaning the scalp produces fewer natural oils that keep the hair hydrated.

'If you’re noticing big changes in your hair’s texture, you may need to switch up your haircare routine.

'Incorporate more moisturising products, such as oils and hair masks, into your routine to keep frizzy hair at bay, visibly soften hair, and help maintain hair health.

'You may also want to incorporate a glossing product to help bring back shine to your locks.'

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'To add volume and movement to thinning hair, ask your hair stylist to add feathery, subtle layers throughout your hair and a few face-framing layers.

'Adding face-framing layers helps to accentuate your best features and can give the illusion of more defined cheekbones.

'However, don't fall into the trap of getting layers too short, especially if you have short hair, as these can look quite dated, making you appear older.

Tyler added: 'If you prefer to wear your hair long, add some long layers to add movement to the hair. 

'Long hair that is all one length can drag the features down, making you look older, however cutting your hair into a more styled look can have a more youthful effect.' 

GO FOR ASYMMETRICAL HAIRCUTS

Nicole explained: 'Consider asymmetrical if your hair is better suited to short or mid-length cuts.

'Asymmetrical or lopsided haircuts emit a youthful glow as they correct the shape of the face and smooth out any harsh angles or lines that can make you look older.

'Worn by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz, they're good for adding an edge to your look while still being relatively easy to maintain.

'Just visit your hairstylist once every 5-6 weeks to maintain the shape and keep it looking fresh.

'Plus, the styling options are endless. Simply style the look with a deep side-parting to provide thinning hair with an instant lift and fullness. 

'How you opt to style it from here is up to you. You can emphasise the bluntness of the cut with a straight and slick hairstyle, add inverted waves for fullness, or add Hollywood waves or accessories on one side for an uber-glam look.'

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