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15 Hairstyles That Work Against You After 50, And A Couple You Should Never Try

15 Hairstyles That Work Against You After 50, And A Couple You Should Never Try

Navigating hairstyles as you age can be tricky. Certain haircuts can inadvertently add years to your look. Here is a list of styles that might not be doing you any favors if you’re over 50. Let’s explore these styles and why they might be better left behind.

1. Super Short Pixie

© salonkhairspa

A super short pixie can be harsh as you age, emphasizing a lack of volume. It might highlight fine lines and draw attention away from your eyes.

2. Straight Blunt Bob

© irina_v_c

The straight blunt bob might seem chic, but it lacks movement and softness. This haircut can frame your face too rigidly, emphasizing sagging skin.

3. Tightly Pulled Ponytail

© bankonzen

A tightly pulled ponytail might pull the skin back, accentuating lines and loss of elasticity. It also lacks volume and softness.

4. Ultra Long Hair

© silvergirlmx

Ultra long hair might weigh you down, drawing attention away from your face. This style can make hair appear thinner and lifeless.

5. Choppy Layers

© style.me.ageless

Choppy layers can look unkempt and chaotic, especially if not styled properly. This can highlight a lack of definition. Opting for softer, blended layers can frame the face more elegantly.

6. Severe Bangs

© chloekhairdesign

Severe bangs might create a heavy, outdated look. They can highlight forehead lines rather than conceal them. Softer, side-swept bangs can open up the face, offering a younger and more approachable look.

7. Buzz Cut

© frankiehairtoppers

A buzz cut can be stark and reveal scalp or skin imperfections more prominently. This might not offer the softness or volume you desire.

8. High Top Knot

© growinggray_

A high top knot can pull facial features upward, highlighting skin imperfections. This hairstyle might not add any volume. A lower bun with some loose strands can soften the face and present a more youthful appearance.

9. Spiky Hair

© jeanleonsalon

Spiky hair can be too harsh, emphasizing skin texture and facial lines. This style might lack the softness desired in mature looks.

10. Tight Curls

© crown.curls

Tight curls can create a dated, overly styled appearance. They might not add the elegant flow you seek. Looser, more natural waves or curls can offer a soft, graceful look that enhances facial features.

11. Bleached Blonde

© beauhalodestin

Bleached blonde can wash out your complexion and highlight damage. It’s high-maintenance and might appear harsh.

12. Messy Bedhead

© shifferdiane

Messy bedhead styles can look too unpolished and might give off a neglected appearance. More structured, tousled waves offer a carefree look while maintaining elegance and style.

13. Geometric Cuts

© candy_costas_style

Geometric cuts can be severe and highlight angular features. They might lack softness and movement. Flowy, layered styles can soften angles and create a harmonious, welcoming appearance.

14. Unnatural Colors

© adelencolorist

Unnatural colors might appear harsh and draw attention to imperfections. They often clash with mature skin tones. Opting for rich, natural hues or subtle highlights can enhance your natural beauty.

15. Asymmetrical Bob

© jomohair

Asymmetrical bobs can be edgy but may accentuate asymmetry in facial features. They might lack balance. A traditional, softly layered bob can provide a more balanced and flattering silhouette.

16. Sharp Angular Cuts

© ichellehair

Sharp angular cuts can be too severe, emphasizing harsh lines. They can detract from a soft and gentle appearance. Choosing rounded, flowing styles can add softness, and highlight your best features.

17. Overly Layered Styles

© donovanmillshair

Overly layered styles can look busy and unkempt, detracting from facial harmony. Moderating layers for subtle movement can add elegance and allow features to shine without overpowering.

18. Razor Cut Ends

© meticulous_margie

Razor cut ends can appear frayed and rough, highlighting hair damage. They might not provide the polished finish desired. Instead, softly textured ends can create a look that maintains sophistication and elegance.

19. Bowl Cut

© rubyshaymonroe

Bowl cuts can look outdated and emphasize facial roundness. Consider soft layers or a classic bob to add dimension and create a more modern appearance.

20. Skin Fade

© sm_lawless

Skin fades can be too harsh, exposing scalp imperfections. They might lack the softness sought in mature styles. A tapered cut with gradual fading can maintain style while offering a balanced, sophisticated look.

21. Excessive Bangs

© aaashleee

Excessive bangs can overwhelm the face, covering features you wish to highlight. Softer, side-swept bangs can gently frame the face, adding softness and drawing attention to your eyes and smile.

22. Wet Look Hair

© thetennillelife_

Wet look hair can appear greasy and unkempt, detracting from a polished appearance. Allowing hair to dry naturally with a bit of styling product can add texture and create a fresher, more natural look.

23. Short Blunt Cut

© joecharltonhair

A short blunt cut can be too severe, emphasizing facial lines. Opting for a slightly longer version with some layers can soften the look and add a touch of elegance.

24. Extreme Undercut

© deborah__darling

Extreme undercuts can be overly edgy and harsh. A subtle undercut with longer layers on top can achieve an edgy look without compromising elegance and sophistication.

25. Frizzy Perm

© sleeklooksbyjulie

Frizzy perms can appear chaotic and unkempt. Embracing natural texture with gentle styling products can control frizz while maintaining a fresh, natural appearance.

26. Overly Styled Updo

© donnahairstyles

Overly styled updos can look rigid and outdated. A softer, loosely pinned updo with face-framing tendrils can offer a more modern, romantic look that exudes elegance and charm.

27. Long Shag

© discocowboychlo

Long shags can appear unkempt and too casual, lacking the sophistication desired in mature styles. Shorter, more structured layers can create a polished look that complements your features.

28. Box Braids

© sarahsbraidph

Box braids can be heavy and might cause strain on aging scalps. Opting for lighter braid styles or twists can maintain cultural style while offering comfort and elegance.

29. Vivid Colored Ends

© unicorn_manes_bymykey

Vivid colored ends can be too bold, overshadowing natural beauty. Subtle highlights or lowlights can enhance natural tones, offering a sophisticated touch that maintains elegance and style.

30. Retro Mullet

© studiowsalon

Retro mullets can appear outdated and might not balance facial features. A modern twist on a layered cut can maintain some edge while offering balance and elegance, enhancing your natural beauty.

31. Extreme Layers

© thedirtiertheblonde

Extreme layers can look chaotic and might not provide polish. Choosing moderate layers can create a balanced look that frames the face beautifully, offering sophistication without overwhelming your features.