Your hairstyle can dramatically influence how young or old you appear, especially after 50. Some styles might be adding unnecessary years to your appearance without you realizing it. On the flip side, there are modern, low-maintenance options that can instantly refresh your look and subtract years from your face. Let’s explore which hairstyles to avoid and which to embrace for a more youthful appearance.
1. Outdated Blunt Bob
A one-length blunt bob without layers creates a harsh frame around your face, emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. The severe edge draws attention to sagging jawlines rather than softening them.
The lack of movement in this rigid style can make your overall appearance seem stiff and dated.
2. Too-Dark All-Over Color
Flat, single-process dark dye jobs create stark contrasts against aging skin, highlighting every line and shadow. The unnatural darkness often appears harsh and artificial.
As we age, our skin loses pigment naturally, making extremely dark hair color look disconnected from your complexion.
3. Outdated Perms with Tight Curls
The ’80s-style tight-curl perm instantly ages your appearance with its dated, matronly look. Those small, uniform curls create a helmet-like effect that screams “grandma hair.”
Tight curls also tend to shrink up, making your hair appear thinner than it actually is.
4. Ultra-Long Straight Hair
Extremely long, straight hair without layers or shape tends to drag down facial features as we age. The weight pulls at your face, emphasizing sagging and jowls.
Hair also naturally thins as we get older, making very long styles appear stringy and lifeless rather than luxurious.
5. Severe Scraped-Back Updo
Pulling hair tightly back exposes every facial contour and emphasizes areas that may have lost elasticity. The severe tension creates an instant face-lift effect that paradoxically highlights aging.
This style also draws attention to thinning hairlines, which become more common after 50.
6. Dated Teased Crown
Heavy teasing and excessive height at the crown screams outdated ’60s style. This old-fashioned volume technique often looks artificial and draws attention to thinning hair.
The stiff, sprayed look ages you instantly by associating your style with decades past.
7. Wispy, Unshaped Pixie
A too-short, wispy pixie without proper shaping can make fine hair look even thinner and emphasize ear prominence. When cut without consideration for face shape, it can highlight rather than minimize aging concerns.
These shapeless cuts often require frequent maintenance yet still look unkempt.
8. Modern Layered Bob
A shoulder-grazing bob with soft layers creates movement while maintaining fullness. The strategic cutting technique frames your face beautifully, drawing attention away from neck and jawline concerns.
This versatile style works with various hair textures and requires minimal daily styling.
9. Soft Dimensional Color
Multi-tonal color with destaques subtis mimics the natural dimension of youthful hair. The strategic placement of lighter pieces around the face brightens your complexion instantly.
This low-maintenance approach allows for extended time between salon visits as it grows out gracefully.
10. Textured Shag with Fringe
The modern shag incorporates choppy layers that create volume and movement without looking dated. A soft fringe disguises forehead lines while drawing attention to your eyes.
This intentionally tousled style looks better slightly messy, making it perfect for busy women.
11. Pixie with Textured Top
A well-crafted pixie with length on top creates a youthful, confident look that’s surprisingly versatile. The textured top provides styling options while keeping the sides neat and flattering.
This cut eliminates morning styling struggles while still looking intentional and polished.
12. Soft Blended Layers
Long, blended layers create movement without removing too much weight from your hair. This technique adds volume at the crown while maintaining length, perfect for those not ready for a major chop.
The subtle graduation frames your face while still allowing for ponytails and updos.
13. Curtain Bangs with Layers
Face-framing curtain bangs soften features while requiring minimal styling. The gentle sweep draws attention to cheekbones rather than fine lines or wrinkles.
This grown-out fringe blends seamlessly with layers, creating a low-maintenance look that flatters most face shapes.
14. Modern Tousled Lob
The long bob (lob) hits just above the shoulders, creating a fresh, modern silhouette. Subtle texturizing creates natural-looking volume without the need for excessive product or heat styling.
This versatile length works for straight, wavy, or curly hair types with minimal adjustment.
15. Soft Waves with Face-Framing Highlights
Gentle waves create soft movement that flatters aging faces without looking overdone. Strategic highlights around the face brighten your complexion instantly, drawing attention to your best features.
This style works with your natural texture rather than fighting against it.