Looking fabulous at any age is every woman’s right, but some hairstyles can actually add years rather than complement your natural beauty.
As we mature, our hair texture changes and what worked in our 30s might not be the best choice now. Let’s explore which styles to avoid for a more sophisticated, age-appropriate look that truly celebrates your beauty.
1. Super Long, One-Length Hair
Extremely long, unstyled hair can drag your features down and look unkempt. Instead, consider a medium length with layers that frame your face beautifully.
The weight of very long hair often flattens at the crown, removing volume where you need it most.
2. Severe Pixie Cuts
Harsh, boy-like pixie cuts can accentuate facial lines and create a masculine silhouette. Opt for softer versions with textured layers that maintain femininity.
A bit of length around the ears and nape adds grace while still keeping that wonderful low-maintenance appeal.
3. Blunt, Heavy Bangs
Thick, straight-across bangs create a harsh line that emphasizes forehead wrinkles rather than disguising them. Consider side-swept or wispy bangs instead.
They’ll soften your features while still providing that youthful framing effect around your eyes.
4. Helmet-Like Bob
The stiff, rounded bob that curves under your chin creates a dated, helmet-like appearance. Modern bobs have movement and texture.
Think soft layers, slightly angled lines, or a bit of wave to keep this classic style fresh and flattering.
5. Permed Tight Curls
Those tiny, uniform curls reminiscent of the 80s add years to your appearance and often look damaged. Modern perms create larger, more natural-looking waves.
If you love curls, ask your stylist for a looser, more contemporary perm technique.
6. Overly Teased Updos
Massive teased hairstyles with excessive height add years instantly. They scream ‘dated’ rather than ‘dignified’.
More relaxed, softer updos with gentle volume create elegance without the time-warp effect of over-teasing and hairspray.
7. Jet Black All-Over Color
Solid black hair creates harsh contrast against mature skin, emphasizing lines and looking obviously dyed. Softer dark tones with dimension appear more natural.
Consider dark chocolate or deep espresso with subtle highlights that mimic natural hair variations.
8. Platinum Blonde Overload
All-over platinum can wash out mature complexions and draw attention to thinning hair. Multidimensional blonde tones create natural-looking brightness.
Mixing in lowlights and keeping some depth at the roots prevents that harsh, artificial appearance.
9. Shaggy, Undefined Layers
Haphazard, messy layers without direction can look neglected rather than carefree. Purposeful layering creates beautiful movement and shape.
Well-defined layers that complement your face shape and hair texture will look intentionally stylish, not just unkempt.
10. The Wedge Cut
Short in back, longer in front wedge cuts create a dated silhouette that screams ‘1980s soccer mom’. Modern angled bobs have softer transitions.
If you love short backs, choose styles with more gradual length changes for a contemporary update.
11. Overgrown Roots
While root shadow is trendy, significant outgrowth looks neglected, not intentional. Regular touch-ups maintain polished elegance.
Modern shadow roots are subtle and blended, not a stark line of demarcation between your natural and colored hair.
12. Ringlet Curls
Perfect spiral ringlets can look artificial and aging. Looser, varied curls create natural-looking texture and movement.
Mixing curl sizes or embracing your natural curl pattern with modern products creates youthful bounce without the doll-like effect.
13. The Triangle Cut
Haircuts that are flat on top and wide at the bottom create an unflattering triangle shape. Volume should be balanced throughout the style.
Adding layers and creating lift at the crown prevents that bottom-heavy silhouette that drags your features down.
14. Feathered Wings
Those iconic Farrah Fawcett feathered sides look firmly stuck in the past. Today’s face-framing techniques are more subtle and blended.
Softer, more natural-looking layers around the face achieve that flattering effect without the dated 70s reference.
15. Blunt, Straight Middle Parts
Severe center parts with long, straight hair can accentuate facial asymmetry that comes with age. Softer, slightly off-center parts are more flattering.
A gentle side part or even a subtle zigzag part adds interest while being much more forgiving.
16. Mall Perm Mullet
The curly-on-top, straight-at-bottom combination looks dated and unflattering. Consistent texture throughout creates harmony.
If you love texture contrast, modern versions blend the transition areas for a more sophisticated, intentional look.
17. Chunky Highlights
Thick stripes of contrasting color look artificial and dated. Today’s highlighting techniques create subtle, natural-looking dimension.
Fine, blended highlights or balayage create that sun-kissed effect that appears natural at any age.
18. Rainbow Colors
Bold purple, blue, or pink all-over color can look harsh against mature skin. If you love vibrant hues, try subtle peekaboo highlights instead.
A few strategic pops of color show personality without overwhelming your natural beauty or looking like you’re trying too hard.
19. Crispy Crunchy Curls
Stiff, product-laden curls that look wet or crunchy age you instantly. Today’s curl products create touchable, natural-looking definition.
Soft, bouncy curls with movement look youthful and vibrant compared to the shellacked curls of decades past.
20. The Mushroom Cut
Round, bowl-like cuts that create a mushroom silhouette add years to your appearance. Styles with varied lengths create more flattering shapes.
Adding texture and asymmetry prevents that dated, one-dimensional mushroom effect that can make features appear heavier.