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20 Outdated Hairstyles That Make You Look Older & 20 That Make You Look More Youthful

20 Outdated Hairstyles That Make You Look Older & 20 That Make You Look More Youthful

Explore the transformative power of hairstyles. Some styles might inadvertently add years, while others bring a youthful glow. Let’s navigate through two distinct styles for a refreshed look.

1. Heavy Perms

© tomoko0223

Heavy perms can appear dated, adding years to your look. The tight curls often lend an 80s vibe. Opt for softer waves instead. A modern twist on curls can bring vibrancy and movement.

2. Soft Layers

© hairbyvantha

Soft layers add dimension and vitality, making you appear more youthful. The gentle transitions in length frame the face beautifully.

3. The Beehive Resurrection

© hairstyles_by_grissel_

The beehive, a towering wonder of hairspray and backcombing, once reigned supreme in the 1960s. Bringing this style into the modern day can unfortunately add years to your look. Its structured formality and height make it an outdated choice that might not complement today’s fashion-forward outfits.

4. Electric Blue Pixie

© jshermansalon

Vibrant and daring, the electric blue pixie cut screams youthful rebellion and individuality. Its short, choppy layers offer a modern flair that’s easy to style and maintain.

5. The Bowl Cut Revival

© kat_leehair

The bowl cut, a relic of past decades, seems to stubbornly persist in some corners. This style, with its blunt edges and uniform length, often lacks the finesse needed for a youthful appearance.

6. Lush Mermaid Waves

© allurebyhamsha

Mermaid waves, with their cascading curls and voluminous texture, are the epitome of youthful elegance. This hairstyle captures a carefree spirit, reminiscent of beach days and sunshine.

7. Tight Ringlet Perm

© curlycolurz

Tight ringlet perms, once a staple in the hair world, can often project an aged appearance. The uniformity and tightness of the curls can draw attention away from your natural features, making them seem outdated.

8. Sunkissed Balayage

© lumieresalondebeaute

Sunkissed balayage, with its natural, gradient highlights, is the embodiment of youth and vitality. This style seamlessly blends colors to create a sunlit effect that brightens the face and adds dimension.

9. The Pageboy Throwback

© sebabulous

The pageboy cut, with its straight lines and inward curls at the ends, harks back to a bygone era. This style can often make individuals appear older due to its rigid structure and outdated appeal.

10. Tousled Bob

© latesthair

The tousled bob is a modern classic that breathes life into any setting with its effortless style. This haircut, characterized by its uneven layers and casual wave, is perfect for adding volume and texture.

11. Frosted Tips

© bishops.seattle

Frosted tips, a staple of the ’90s, have a tendency to age rather than rejuvenate. The stark contrast between bleached ends and darker roots often leads to a dated appearance.

12. Soft Curtain Bangs

© rachicuts

Soft curtain bangs frame the face with a gentle, youthful allure. These bangs softly part in the middle, creating an elegant look that highlights the eyes and cheekbones.

13. Feathered Layers

© ashleyarellanocuts

Feathered layers, reminiscent of the ’70s and ’80s, can inadvertently add years to your appearance. These layers can make hair appear thinner and less vibrant, particularly if not maintained regularly.

14. Shaggy Pixie

© latesthair

The shaggy pixie cut, with its textured layers and tousled finish, is the embodiment of youthful exuberance. Its short length and playful layers create a dynamic style that’s easy to manage and versatile for different settings.

15. Vintage Bouffant

© mexakitsch

The vintage bouffant, a voluminous relic from the past, often adds an unintended aged appearance. Its structured and teased form can overshadow natural beauty, making it less ideal for those seeking a youthful vibe.

16. Textured Lob

© hirohair

The textured lob, or long bob, combines sophistication with a youthful flair. This hairstyle offers an ideal blend of length and layers, providing volume and movement that feel effortlessly chic.

17. Helmet Hair

© salonhelmet

Helmet hair, characterized by its stiff and overly sprayed look, is a style best left in the past. This rigid hairstyle can add years, making hair appear lifeless and unnatural.

18. Beachy Blonde Highlights

© color_by_heather

Beachy blonde highlights offer a sun-kissed glow that exudes youth and vitality. Perfect for any hair type, these highlights can be tailored to complement your natural shade, providing a seamless blend.

19. Mullets

© heavymetalhair_

The mullet, with its “business in the front, party in the back” slogan, is a style that can often age the wearer. Its stark contrast and dated reputation make it an unlikely choice for those seeking a youthful appearance.

20. Pastel Fantasy Hair

© meaghanmastersonhair

Pastel fantasy hair offers a soft, dreamlike quality that captures youthful creativity and imagination. These colors, ranging from soft pinks to gentle blues, create a unique and eye-catching effect.

21. Grandma’s Tight Curls

© ladymandyflora

Tight curls reminiscent of yesteryears can often add decades to your look. This style tends to make hair appear shorter and less voluminous.

22. Sleek High Ponytail

© ceetails

The sleek high ponytail is a youthful hairstyle that exudes energy and style. This look, popular among younger generations, offers an immediate facelift, drawing attention upwards.

23. Helmet Bangs

© salonhelmet

Helmet bangs, characterized by their thick and blunt cut, tend to give an impression of seriousness and age. This heavy style can overshadow delicate facial features and make one appear more mature.

24. Messy Top Knot

© roralovestrand

The messy top knot is a go-to hairstyle for those embracing a carefree, youthful vibe. This look is effortlessly chic and perfect for both busy days or laid-back weekends.

25. The Mushroom Cut

© thecutlife

The mushroom cut, with its rounded shape and uniform length, often recalls memories of childhood haircuts. This outdated style can inadvertently age a person, making them appear stuck in a past decade.

26. Textured Waves

© slickback_buttahtoast

Textured waves bring a youthful and fresh look to any hairstyle. These waves create movement and volume, adding a playful element that suits various face shapes and hair types.

27. Brassy Highlights

© beautybygenevieve

Brassy highlights, particularly when overstated, can age an individual by creating a harsh contrast against natural hair color. This look often lacks the subtlety needed for a graceful appearance.

28. Fringe Bangs

© davidwbullen

Fringe bangs are a timeless hairstyle that adds a touch of youthfulness to any look. These bangs frame the face delicately, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

29. The Severe Bob

© _hair_ah_

The severe bob, characterized by its sharp lines and uniform length, can sometimes come across as harsh and aging. This straightforward cut lacks the movement that often contributes to a youthful appearance.

30. Playful Braided Crown

© meliss_luvs

The playful braided crown is a whimsical hairstyle that exudes youthfulness and creativity. This look is perfect for those seeking a romantic, bohemian vibe.

31. Aging Bouffant

© manon_crespi

The aging bouffant, with its voluminous structure and height, often feels like a relic from the past. While once a symbol of sophistication, it now risks appearing outdated.

32. Sleek Side Part

© hairbylavo

The sleek side part is a classic hairstyle that offers a polished and youthful appearance. This look, often favored by professionals, adds a touch of sophistication without aging the individual.

33. The Puffy Bouffant

© vintagefamilies

The puffy bouffant, characterized by its exaggerated volume, can be seen as a throwback to an era long past. This style often adds unnecessary age, overshadowing more subtle features.

34. Modern Shag

© yukistylist

The modern shag is a trendy haircut that radiates youth and individuality. This style, defined by its choppy layers and relaxed vibe, offers a fresh update to traditional haircuts.

35. Rigid Finger Waves

© manecandyshop

Rigid finger waves, once a staple of glamour in the early 20th century, can now feel overly formal and aging. This structured style often lacks the fluidity needed for a contemporary look.

36. Effortless Beach Waves

© chelseahaircutters

Effortless beach waves exude a carefree and youthful vibe that’s perfect for a sunny day or a casual outing. This style adds texture and movement, enhancing the natural beauty of the hair.

37. Heavy Pompadour

© melaniespring

The heavy pompadour, with its substantial volume and height, can feel outdated and excessively bold. While once a symbol of edgy fashion, it now risks adding age to one’s appearance.

38. Casual Low Bun

© denisedoesbridal

The casual low bun is a timeless hairstyle that radiates elegance and youth. This look, favored for its simplicity, suits any occasion from a day at the office to a relaxed weekend outing.

39. Retro Flip

© flower.trip67

The retro flip, characterized by its outward curls and voluminous shape, can sometimes come across as dated. This style may inadvertently add years to one’s appearance.

40. Modern Textured Bob

© yukistylist

The modern textured bob is a stylish and versatile hairstyle that offers a youthful update to the traditional bob. This look, with its layers and movement, suits various face shapes and hair types.