Hairstyle Mistakes That Make Women Look Much Older Than They Are

We all know that beauty products like creams and serums can help our skin look youthful and fresh. But what about our hair? Believe it or not, your hairstyle can also add years to your appearance without you even realizing it. If you want to look younger—or at least avoid looking older—there are some hair do’s and don’ts that stylists recommend. Let’s break it down!

Advertisement

The Perm

Perms were super popular back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It felt like almost every woman was getting a perm regularly! Many people opted for those tight, bouncy curls, and honestly, they looked great. There’s something so fun and stylish about rocking those curls.

Portrait of young woman
Advertisement

EyeEm

Now, if you’re younger, a perm might come off as vintage or even trendy. It’s funny how styles come back around, isn’t it? You might even see it as a cool way to express yourself. And hey, if you’re not in that younger crowd but still love the permed look, go for it! Age is just a number, and hair is a way to show off your personality.

Crimped Hair

If you grew up in the 80s, you probably remember how crimping your hair was all the rage. Everyone seemed to be rocking those fun, zigzagged waves for quite a while! But, as with many trends, crimped hair isn’t really in style like it used to be. Times change, and so do hairstyles.

Free Woman Wearing White and Green Sleeveless Dress Stock Photo
Advertisement

Min An

If you’re looking to keep your look fresh and trendy, it might be a good idea to steer clear of crimping right now. But if you absolutely love the crimped style and can’t let it go, that’s totally fine too! After all, fashion tends to come back around eventually. You never know—maybe crimped hair will make a big comeback in the future!

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that crimping can be pretty harsh on your hair. It can cause damage if you do it too often, so just be careful. If you do decide to crimp, maybe save it for special occasions instead of making it a daily thing. Hair should be fun, but it should also stay healthy! So, whether you choose to crimp or not, just make sure you’re loving your look and taking good care of your hair.

Pigtails

Pigtails are famously a hairstyle for young girls. It is an easy hairdo to maintain for the active lives of children, and parents love the simplicity of this look. Because of its youthful associations, you might think that it’d help you look younger. But that is not necessarily the case. So while you should rock this fun and quirky style if you love it, don’t expect it to make you look more youthful. Do expect it to make you look like the coolest adult in the room, though!

Advertisement


alfaparfmilanopr
o_usa

What matters most is that you feel like your most authentic, gorgeous self, even if it’s not a style guaranteed to make you look ten years younger.

Farrah Fawcett’s Feathered Look

Farrah Fawcett was famous and will continue to be recognized for years due to her gorgeous hair. It made her iconic. Her luscious locks epitomized the 1970s and even part of the 1980s. It was an effortless, feathered look that women of all ages wanted. But because it was in style so long ago, this might not be the do to go for if you’re hoping to look younger.

Farrah Fawcett's Feathered Look
Advertisement

emilyandersonstyling/Instagram

But as with any hairdo, it’s all about what you feel fits you best. After all, today’s kids might at any moment decide to start wearing their hair feathered again!

Don’t Forget to Fill in Your Eyebrow Edges

The eyebrow is not usually the first part of your face that you will focus on when doing your makeup or fixing up your hair. However, you can never underestimate how important your eyebrows are. After all, they frame your face, and, often subconsciously, they are one of the first things people notice or see about your face when you meet. So here’s one tip to keep those brows looking fabulous: be sure to fill in the edges of your eyebrows.

Don't Forget to Fill in Your Eyebrow Edges
Advertisement

Shutterstock

Eyebrow edges tend to fade and thin as you age. It can be very subtle, and you might not even notice it happening; however, filling them in can take your makeup to another level.

Excessive Layers

Most people try to add some layers to their hair to ensure that it doesn’t look flat or unstyled. And for some of us, moderation is key when it comes to all that layering. Too many layers can add years to our appearance. But balance is key – eliminating layers altogether isn’t necessarily the solution. Trying out different levels of it can give you a good idea of what feels best to you.

Excessive Layers

thefashionball.com

There are so many examples of layered haircuts out there. Surfing the web and looking at all the options can give you an idea of the best fit for you and your style.

The Oversized Bun

Who doesn’t love the big, messy bun? It’s cute and, most important of all, convenient. So we’re not saying to ditch this look altogether – especially if it’s one of your favorites. But it’s probably best to keep this style for more casual moments or alternating with other styles might be a good idea. Some women prefer to go for something that frames their faces and results in a more softened look.

The Oversized Bun
Advertisement

rodanandfieldswithbrooke/Instagram

If you want to continue to use the messy bun in your everyday life but also want a softer look, you could simply pull a few pieces of hair onto your face. It’ll look chic and effortless.

Slicked Back Hair

If you love to wear your hair slicked back, and it makes you feel powerful, then carry on. However, if you keep trying this look only to be disappointed every time, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The slicked-back hairstyle isn’t for everyone. While some of us might feel glamorous and elegant rocking this style, many of us are left feeling the complete opposite. Plus, just like with the messy bun, it leaves our entire faces exposed.

Slicked Back Hair
Advertisement

twitter.com

So if you want to make this look work but just can’t seem to do it, you might want to try leaving a few pieces flowing in the front. It might look messy or be just the right amount of softening up you need for your face.

The Layered Bouncy Bob

A bob hairstyle is often very popular with women as they age. In fact, nowadays, it’s become really popular with younger women, too! However, not all short haircuts and bobs are created equally. Lots of layers in the bob can actually have the opposite effect that you would think. It does not give more volume to the face but actually accentuates some areas you might prefer not to call so much attention to.

The Layered Bouncy Bob
Advertisement

jeanclaudeelmoughayar/Instagram

But again, this changes from person to person. For some women, the layered bob accentuates all the places they do want to show off. It’s all about individual trial and error!

Try to Keep the Frizz Away

There were times when frizzy, full curly hair was all the rage. Everyone in the 1980s and 1990s was doing everything possible (mostly an endless amount of teasing) to have their hair as frizzy and as large as possible. But we recommend staying away from this simply because it’s not healthy for your hair. All that teasing is a bit outdated but, most important of all, will harm your hair in the long run.

Try to Keep the Frizz Away
Advertisement

brushedcurls/Instagram

So why not avoid hairstyles that will damage your hair? Keeping your hair healthy is the easiest way to stay looking youthful.