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Breaking out of a hair styling rut and finding looks that compliment your appearance is vital for underplaying your age and looking youthful. While a classic ballerina bun or high pony are often the easiest looks to turn to when styling your hair, there are a multitude of other options out there which can look just as effortlessly chic while allowing you to appear younger.
Hair expert Ghanima Abdullah explains, “Although updos are used to add age and sophistication, there are some that can also lighten your look. After all, updos are trending, and we all want to have the latest look. The key to youthful updos is to make them loose and have long, wispy bangs in the front.” With that being said, these are the four updo styles you should be trying this spring and summer to get your hair out of your face while complimenting your personal style.
Not Too High, Or Tight
When trying to capture a youthful appearance, you want to make sure that you aren’t pulling too tightly on your hair, which can make your features appear harsh and gaunt. “Messy buns that are loose in nature can make you look really youthful. This is especially the case when you have a few wispy hairs coming forward onto the face,” explains Abdullah. “Just sweep your hair back and use a hair tie to create a loose bun. Make sure it’s not so high so that you can see the bun from the front. High messy buns look like grandma trying to be chic.”
Small Pompadour
Giving your hair a boost will help to liven up your appearance and provide a little more intrigue than a typical bun. “A variation of the messy bun is to have a very small pompadour created in the front, and wispies on the side. This look is cute and classy at the same time. Just use a few bobby pins to give some height to your forelock and sweep the rest back into a loose bun,” says Abdullah.
Loose French Braid
While tight braids can appear matronly and harsh, a loose braid can offer that effortless, romantic look perfect for date night or a day in the park. “We’re not going for the round-the-head look here. That’s old! Craft your loose braid only on one side and wrap the tail around your messy bun in the back. If you already have a side-swept bang, it will work perfectly on the side where the braid is,” suggests Abdullah.
Back Roll
Another alternative to the basic bun, this chic style looks complex and effortless while being easy to pull off. “In lieu of a messy bun, you can roll the back up and pin it. But again, keep the look loose, especially on the sides. Long bangs work great here, too,” says Abdullah. Make sure to pull out a few face framing pieces and you’re good to go!
