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Not everyday can be a good hair day, and when those moments arise you should have an arsenal of styles in your back pocket for damage control. The magic of a good updo is that not only can it hide a bad hair day, but it can also help you look younger, drawing attention away from areas of the face which might show signs of aging. If you want to add to your youthful appearance and pull off some seriously chic updos, below, hairstylists sound off on the most flattering styles for any age.
The High Ponytail
The most basic updo in the book is thankfully also one of the most flattering, especially as you age. DreamGirls co-founders Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson agree that a sleek high ponytail is perfect for streamlining your face and cutting off years, while also displaying your gorgeous locks. “Ponytails open up your face and tighten facial features, emphasizing your eyes and cheekbones. They almost act as an instant face lift.”
Instead of simply throwing your hair up into a haphazard pony, the pair suggest that you make sure to position the style in the center of your head, where the top of the ponytail will be visible, and brush out the crown for an extra smooth finish without flyaways. Want to ensure your hair is smooth as can be? Thompson and Wilson recommend the DreamGirls True Essence Oil Treatment.
Sleek Top Knot
According to Dove stylist Mark Townsend, a sleek topknot is the perfect updo to show off your styling skills during your next Zoom meeting, while simultaneously cutting years off of your face. He explains, “I’ve been loving taking a classic silhouette and making it more modern with shape and texture. We’re no longer spending hours teasing hair and molding into the perfect coif or French twist. You can take a classic ballerina bun, which typically sits on the lower-middle back of the head, and raise it up three inches to turn it into a sleek topknot. Similarly, you can take a low ponytail, which typically sits at the nape of the neck, and pull it into a tight, sleek high ponytail, which lifts and elongates the face and results in a more sleek, youthful silhouette.”
A Low, Romantic Bun
If a top knot isn’t your forte, try a lower bun at the nape of your neck with some pieces pulled out to frame your face. These loose strands will add a light, romantic twist to the look, and fall in line with Townsend’s analysis on popular hairstyles this year. He says, “Lately, everyone is so focused on front-facing hairstyles, meaning they are styling their hair based on what is visible on Zoom or FaceTime, especially when it comes to updos, which is why we are seeing styles that sit much higher on the crown. My favorite product to use for updos is Dove Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo. The grit from the starch not only helps hold the ‘do in place, but adds extra volume and lift.”
While skincare products are most frequently depended on for anti-aging purposes, the way you style your hair can also make a huge impact on preserving your youth. Try these chic updos this winter to keep your hair from getting tangled in the wind, and look younger than ever with the instant facelift these styles provide.
