The first rule about unflattering haircuts is that there are no universally unflattering haircuts. For one woman, a head full of curls may never work, while for another it is the optimum hairstyle to create volume and density in thinning hair. This applies to all haircuts, whether they’re short, long, or shoulder-length. If you love your haircut, even though it’s not one typically recommended for mature women, you know best.
But if you can’t put your finger on why your haircut is not as flattering as it once was or as you expected it to be when you brought that photo of a 20-year-old into the salon as an example, the reason may be that it’s not usually the best look over 40 or 50. Your hair may be too stiff or harsh, failing to create the softness in your face that you’re looking for. Here are seven haircuts that many stylists will warn you against because they can age you.
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1. Long, One-Length Hair
At the top of every “watch out” haircut list is long, one-length hair that lacks layers and could lack volume as a result. Many people experience hair thinning with age, and a one-length cut that is way past the shoulders can make thinning look more exaggerated. Stylists will often recommend losing a few inches to remove straggly ends and adding long layers for movement and volume.
2. Severe Center Parts
When hair gets thinner, it is often most apparent on the crown. This means wearing a severe center part can highlight sparseness of hair by the scalp and look more aging. Simply changing your part and trying a side part can be the easy solution to that problem.
3. Teased, Stiff Hair
A bit of teasing and backcombing can create volume in thinning hair. But too much of it, combined with a hair-sprayed stiffness looks unnatural, dated, and aging.
4. Blunt French Bob
The chin-length bob is a fan favorite for mature women looking for a style that lifts their face and makes hair look thicker and healthier. But a French bob, which is shorter than the chin, combined with blunt ends and no layering, may look severe and fail to soften the face.
5. Thin, Short Bangs
Bangs cut well can look youthful and fun. But once you take a wrong turn with bangs, everything feels like it goes wrong. Avoid bangs that are too thin and wispy and too short — these can cut off the face and look harsh.
6. Flat Ironed Hair
If you take a flat iron to thin hair you can expect it to look straight and perhaps shinier, but at the expense of volume. When hair falls flat it looks thinner and can make you look older than your years.
7. Damaged Hair
It doesn’t matter if your hair is long, short, curly, straight, or layered. If you have damaged hair that has been neglected and has gone some time without a trim, it won’t look its best. Take the plunge and book that salon trip for a snip, then invest in the best shampoo and conditioner you can that is free of ingredients like sulfates and parabens to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
