Searching high and low for a beautiful, elegant hairstyle that suits you and makes you look like your most refreshed, radiant version of yourself? You may not need a complete makeover — sometimes subtle changes to your existing hairstyle are all it takes to make a huge difference in your appearance.
By simply changing the way you part your hair or working with your hairstylist to create more strategic layers that make thin hair look thicker and frame your face, you can instantly highlight features on your face like strong cheekbones, beautiful eyes, and a gorgeous smile. Even if you’re not in the market for a brand-new bob haircut or a full head of balayage, these hairstyle tips can yield amazing results. Start by avoiding these three common hairstyling mistakes that can age you — they’re a cinch to correct and you’ll notice a difference in your appearance right away.
Parting Your Hair Down The Middle
Hair parted down the middle gives off sweet ‘60s vibes, for sure. But as we age and on hair loses some of its natural volume and can maybe start shedding more than it used to, the way you part your hair can make a big difference in your overall appearance. You hair may show signs of thinning at the crown, so a middle part can emphasize this even more.
Instead, apply a volumizing spray or mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots. Then, experiment with parting your hair to the side — slightly or in a more extreme way — and blow dry it with a round brush so that it appears more lifted at the roots. This can instantly make your hair look fuller and thicker.
Layers That Are Too Short
Layering your hair is an easy and effective way to bring life and lift to a single-layered hairstyle that might otherwise fall flat. But there is more than one layering technique and landing on the one that works best for your hair type, face shape, and facial features can take some trial and error. If your layers are too short, for example, it can make your hairstyle look completely off-balance. The shorter layers may not be doing anything to highlight your features, and could instead be distracting by calling attention to a haircut that doesn’t appear harmonious.
Fixing this error may take a little patience as you allow your shortest layers to grow back. A stylist can help plan for your hair success future and, when your hair is ready, cut strategic layers that flow with one another.
Not Framing Your Face
Face-framing layers are like makeup for your features: they can draw attention where you want it and conceal things you may not be crazy about. If you start your shortest layer at, let’s say, your cheekbones, it adds a contour effect that highlights this part of your face. Layering your hair toward your jawline is a little like drawing an arrow toward a strong jawline and full lips. Play around with curtain bangs to bring drama to your face without the high-maintenance upkeep of short or blunt bangs.
There is no age limit when it comes to getting chic, sophisticated hair that looks healthy and shiny. But avoiding common mistakes that can age you by making your hair look flat or outdated is the first place to start. You don’t need a makeover: a few subtle changes are all it takes to make a big difference.
