Beauty

Hairstylists Reveal The 3 ‘Worst’ Haircuts That Can Add Years To Your Face After 40—Avoid Them This Fall

November 28, 2025 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Beauty
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You should always feel free to cut, style, and wear your hair in any way that makes you feel confident—no matter your age. Hair has no expiration date and no universal rulebook, and some of the so-called “don’ts” become iconic when someone makes them part of their personal style. We all know celebrities like Demi Moore, who wears long, straight hair with elegance, or Zooey Deschanel, whose thick, full bangs are as much a part of her signature look as her big blue eyes. When something feels authentically you, it works.

But speaking more broadly, certain haircuts can look aging on some women because of shape, structure, and how the cut complements (or doesn’t complement) facial features. And if you are intentionally trying to avoid styles that may add years to your overall look, three cuts come to mind.

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1. Stiff, Structured Short Haircuts 

 

Super structured short haircuts can sometimes feel a little too stiff on older women because they leave very little softness around the face. These cuts rely on sharp lines and precise shaping, which can draw attention to areas you may prefer to gently blur, like fine lines around the eyes or a softer jawline. A short cut with more movement, texture, or wispy pieces can look just as polished while giving your features a lifted, more effortless look.

demi-moire

2. Long Hair With No Layers 

 

Long hair with no layers can weigh your features down and create a heavy, dragging effect that makes the face appear longer or more tired. When hair is all one length, it often falls flat against the head and draws the eye downward. Even adding a few subtle layers can make a huge difference by creating movement, framing your face, and adding lightness that helps your natural features shine. You can and should keep your long length, if that's what make you happy, but just a touch of shaping can make it much more flattering.

Zoe-deschanel

3. Heavy Blunt Bangs 

 

Heavy blunt bangs can be a tricky look because they create a strong horizontal line across the forehead, which can make facial features look shorter and more closed off. On older women, this type of bang sometimes emphasizes the forehead and creates a shadow that makes the eyes appear smaller. Softer bangs that are slightly feathered or piecey can still give you that fun, youthful feel while keeping your face open and bright. They offer a gentler frame that flatters more easily and blends beautifully with the rest of your style.

 

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Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

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