When it comes to boosting volume and bringing youthful energy, one of the best options for women over 40 is usually a layered haircut. However, it’s important to remember that not all layers are created equally. Unfortunately, the wrong cut could actually make matters worse and draw even more attention to signs of aging.
To discover four common layering mistakes that make women over 40 look so much older, we checked in with Jack Miles, a hair expert and founder of Wigporium, and Rosie Myers, founder of nope and a hair expert. Read what they had to say below!
Layers that are too uniform
"I find that when layers are cut to the same length throughout the entire head, it can create a flat, monotone look that can make the hair look dull and lifeless," Miles explains. This can make the hair look flat and one-dimensional, especially for women over 40. He continues, "I find it also does little to your face, often acting like an arrow to those areas you'd rather hide." So, when you cut your layers to the same length, it may actually point out fine lines and crow's feet around the face.
Layers that are too long
You've probably said, "I want layers, but keep the length" at a haircutting appointment more times than you can count. But, you may want to be careful when it comes to long layers. "When layers are cut too long, they can end up creating a 'stringy' appearance that can make [the] hair appear thin and lifeless," Miles says. "This can immediately age you, especially if your hair is already fine in the first place, as it gives the impression that your hair is thinning with age. Long layers can also drag down your face, with the heavy ends giving your face a drooping appearance."
Layers that are too short
Similarly, Myers says, cutting your layers too short can also make most women look older than they actually are. "This is because short layers can draw attention to wrinkles on the face, leaving you nowhere to hide, defining areas that may not usually be so problematic, but are brought forward by the short nature of the hair" she notes.
Having too many layers
Instead of adding volume, if you get too many layers it can make the hair stick to the scalp. It can end up looking choppy and messy all the time. "Choppy layers can be fun, but if they're left too blunt they can end up making you look far older," Myers says. "Choppy layers can create a harsh, unbalanced look that can take away definition from the face, as well as make the hair look messy, taking the look from fun and youthful to unruly and unkempt."
While some hair needs multiple layers to create movement, too many layers can quickly make a cut too disheveled and unflattering. "Unless you have very dense, thick hair, lots of layers can leave you with a choppy, uneven appearance that makes hair look less voluminous and more dry and static. Lots of layers can make your hair look unnatural, brittle, and give an overall messy appearance that is hard to pull off over 40, coming across as more unkempt than youthful," Miles emphasizes.
Bottom line
If you're still worried about getting layers, it's always best to consult your hair stylist before you get a cut. And, Miles and Myers have suggestions for layering haircuts that can make you look instantly younger.
"I find that a great way to make yourself more youthful is to add some face-framing layers. These layers can 'soften' the face, breaking up any harsh lines as well as adding some roundness and body," Miles says. "These layers should be cut on an angle to add some natural movement to the hair, as well as add some fun texture that can instantly lift the face. I like curtain bangs as these can easily be implemented into most hairstyles, and are flattering to all face shapes." Myers suggests trimming the ends to create a soft, feminine look. This is not only very flattering but gives the face a softness that can instantly take years off.
