Changing your hair color can do more than refresh your look—it may also influence how youthful or mature your features appear.
According to Daniela from Camel Glow, a trichologist known for sharing hair science and helping women address hair concerns including alopecia, research suggests that certain hair colors can create a more youthful appearance, while others may emphasize signs of aging.
In a viral TikTok video, Daniela discussed a scientific study examining how different hair shades affect perceived age. She revealed that one color stood out as the most youth-enhancing: medium copper hair.
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“The hair color that will actually make you look younger is medium copper hair,” she explained, pointing to celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba as examples of the flattering shade.
Medium copper tones—think warm auburn, golden copper, and soft reddish-brown shades—can add warmth and brightness to the complexion, creating a softer overall appearance.
She used Jennifer Lopez as an example, showing her signature warm copper-toned hair before digitally editing it to a darker brown shade.
“JLo has this copper hair color that they’re referring to in the study, but I went ahead and edited her hair to make it look darker, and I feel like she does look older with this darker hair,” she said.
She also highlighted Jessica Alba’s copper-toned hair as another example of how warmer shades can complement mature features.
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Why Medium Copper Hair May Look More Youthful
Hair naturally becomes darker-looking, duller, or less vibrant as some people age, and very dark shades can sometimes create stronger contrast against the skin. This contrast may draw attention to fine lines, shadows, or changes in complexion.
Warmer copper tones, on the other hand, can reflect light around the face and create a softer, more radiant effect.
The Hair Color That May Make You Look Older
According to Camel Glow’s interpretation of the study, dark brown hair was one of the shades more likely to create an older appearance. While deep brunette shades can look rich and sophisticated, very dark colors may sometimes appear harsh—especially if they create a strong contrast with the skin.
She noted that many people naturally gravitate toward dark brown hair, but the shade may not always have the most youthful effect.
While hair color alone cannot actually reverse aging, choosing a shade that complements your skin tone, adds dimension, and enhances brightness can make a noticeable difference in how youthful and refreshed your overall appearance looks.
