## Top 3 Hairstyles That Age You (And How to Choose a Youthful Look After 50)
Ageing is a privilege, but many women want to look and feel their best at every stage of life. While a flattering haircut can dramatically enhance your appearance, taking years off your look, some styles can unfortunately have the opposite effect. Ghanima Abdullah, a leading hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, reveals the three biggest hair mistakes women over 50 should avoid to maintain a youthful and vibrant image.
1. The Ultra-Long Hair Dilemma:
As we age, our hair naturally thins. Opting for excessively long hair can accentuate this thinning, making you appear older than you are. Ghanima explains, “Long hair can age you because what were once full locks are now less so, and the difference is noticeable.” Instead of clinging to lengthy tresses, consider a long bob (lob) as a stylish alternative. This versatile length offers a touch of elegance without overwhelming finer hair. Ask your stylist to add subtle layering to prevent a flat, lifeless look. This adds volume and movement.
This advice is especially pertinent for women with textured hair. Ghanima notes, “Three-inch afros are a thing of the past.” While short, uniform-length cuts might seem convenient, they don’t flatter thinning textured hair. For a more youthful look, grow your textured hair to at least five inches and opt for a fade around the sides and back. This allows for more versatility in styling and creates a more modern and flattering silhouette.
2. The Layer-Less Bob Trap:
Layers are your secret weapon against ageing. They introduce movement, volume, and dimension to your hair. Feathering around the face cleverly highlights your features, creating the illusion of fuller hair. Avoid styles that are “the same length all over and barrel-curled close to the scalp,” warns Ghanima. These styles tend to flatten the hair and emphasize any thinning. In contrast, a pixie cut with varying lengths, allowing for some swirling movement, can look fantastic at any age, offering a chic and youthful appeal and gracefully managing thinning hair.
3. The Super-Short or Blunt Bang Blunder:
Bangs, or fringes, are undeniably timeless. However, the key to achieving an anti-ageing effect with bangs lies in the length and style. Avoid baby or mini bangs, which can unfortunately accentuate forehead lines. Ghanima explains: “Wherever your bangs fall, that is the feature they will emphasize the most. Short bangs falling right in the middle of your forehead where you might have a few lines will draw attention to them.” Instead, opt for bangs that graze your eyebrows, strategically drawing attention to your eyes and creating a more youthful and flattering focus.
Maintaining Healthy Hair is Key:
Beyond choosing the right style, maintaining healthy hair is paramount. Regular trims are essential. As hair becomes more prone to breakage and split ends with age, regular trims become increasingly important to prevent a frizzy, unkempt appearance that can add years to your look. Even if you are growing your hair out, regular trims are crucial for maintaining shape and health. Consistent care will ensure your hair looks its absolute best, complementing your chosen style for a timeless and radiant look. So, book that appointment and get ready to embrace a younger, more confident you!
