Hairstyles aren’t just a way to express yourself. They’re also a key tool in looking the age that you feel—and when you’re over 50, a certain hairstyle can make or break that youthful look. To make sure you aren’t making any haircut mistakes, we’ve listed the worst offenders you and your stylist should stay clear of.
Long, Untamed Hair
When hair is excessively long and left without much structure or styling, it can weigh down your overall look, making your face appear drawn or tired. The length itself isn’t necessarily the problem, it’s the lack of movement or definition, while a haircut that flatters your face shape while adding texture will feel fresh, as opposed to dragging your look down.
A Severe Parting
A sharp, severe part, especially one that’s dead-centre, can draw attention to thinning areas or even highlight wrinkles on the forehead, and even though it might sound like a small detail, where your hair naturally falls can make a big difference.
A side part, or even a softer, slightly uneven middle part, helps create a more balanced frame for your face.
Over-Processed Platinum Blonde
Going blonde is fun and flattering for many women, but platinum or icy blonde shades can easily veer into harsh territory, especially if your complexion has warmed with age. When the colour is too light, it can wash you out, making your skin look dull or even highlighting fine lines.
One-Length Bobs
A little bit of effort in shaping can make a bob look timeless and chic, rather than rigid and ageing. The classic bob can be a go-to style, however when it’s cut at a single length with no layering or texture, it risks looking stiff or overly severe, and this is especially true if the length falls below your jawline.
A Heavy Fringe
Have you considered a thick, blunt fringe to hide forehead lines? It’s a good idea in theory, yet a fringe can sometimes end up overpowering your face or looking too harsh. Plus, if it’s cut straight across and left heavy, it can feel dated, with a better choice being a lighter, wispy fringe.
Extremely Dark Hair
Going slightly lighter or adding highlights can soften the effect of dark black or brown hair highlighting dark circles and wrinkles due to the contrast in shade. Balayage or caramel tones can add warmth and dimension, brightening your overall appearance without making it obvious that you’ve lightened your hair.
Ultra Short, Rounded Styles
Styles that are overly rounded or cut too close to the head can feel rigid or unflattering, despite the fact that they might feel rather chic, and if a style lacks texture or layers, it risks looking shapeless, which isn’t what most people are going for. A pixie cut with choppy, uneven lengths can give you a youthful, modern look.
Overly Teased Volume
Do you remember the big, teased hairstyles of the 1980s? Wearing them now can look dated and overdone, because overly high volume can also make your face appear smaller or draw attention to thinning hair at the crown.
Instead, aim for natural volume using modern techniques, like light backcombing or volumising products.
Flat, Lifeless Styles
If you’re sporting hair that hangs flat and lacks any sense of life or movement, you might find you appear tired or older than you feel—and this is especially true if your hair has thinned with age, as flat styles can make that more noticeable.
Layers, soft curls, or even a good blow-dry can give your hair the lift it needs to frame your face beautifully.
Structured Curls That Are Too Tight
Curls can be stunning, but when they’re wound too tightly or styled to look overly neat, they can come across as stiff and unnatural. These kinds of curls can sometimes age you by making your hairstyle appear more formal than necessary; instead, letting curls fall freely or using a curling wand for beachy waves can strike the perfect balance.
Greying Roots on Dyed Hair
Grey roots peeking through dyed hair can be a dead giveaway of neglect or a busy schedule, and they can make you look older than you really are. Keeping up with root touch-ups or even transitioning to a more natural shade that blends better with your greys can help, or you can opt for adding highlights.
Feathered Layers
These cuts often lack the clean, modern lines or textures that are popular today. A better option is to ask for soft, face-framing layers that work with your natural hair texture, as modern layering techniques add movement and shape without looking dated, and this can help you achieve a youthful, current style.
Excessive Hair Accessories
While accessories can add flair to a hairstyle, overusing them—think large bows, oversized clips, or brightly coloured scrunchies—can end up looking overly playful or even a bit juvenile. You’d be better off choosing simple and elegant options like a pearl-studded pin or a sleek hair band to enhance your hairstyle without competing with it.
Overly Sleek, Pulled-Back Styles
If you want to emphasise fine lines, wrinkles, or thinning hair at the hairline, go for a tight, slicked-back bun or ponytail. Looser, more relaxed versions of these styles are a much better choice, especially if you pull a few strands free to frame your face or add texture to the crown, which can soften the look.
Neglecting Split Ends
Most of us are guilty of this, as split ends can seem like a minor issue, yet they can give your hair a frizzy, damaged appearance that instantly makes you look less put together. Regular trims are essential to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny, while in between cuts, using a good leave-in conditioner or nourishing hair oil can help keep your ends smooth.
Monotone Grey Hair
You need to do it right if you’re going to make the empowering choice of embracing grey hair, as going completely monotone with it can make your hair look flat or dull. Adding dimension with highlights or lowlights can make grey hair come alive, giving it a rich and dynamic appearance and showing off the natural beauty of silver tones.