15 Hairstyles and Shades Making You Look Older and Less Attractive

A great haircut instantly makes you look chic and polished and is an important finishing touch to your personal style. As we age our hair loses its natural pigment and can thin, shred, and become dry and brittle if you don’t give it regular TLC. On top of that the wrong hair color can add years to appearance and make you look tacky and outdated. Ahead: 15 styles, shades, and habits to avoid to look younger and more glamorous.

1. Short Sharp Cuts

Short hair can be a chic choice as you age, but ultra-sharp, very short cuts can often look harsh and unflattering. These styles can emphasize fine lines and sharp angles in the face, making you appear older than you are. A softer, slightly longer cut with texture and movement can help balance your features and create a more youthful vibe. Consulting a stylist to find the right short length for your face shape can make all the difference. Instead of severe styles, aim for ones that enhance your natural beauty while softening your overall look.

2. Out of Date Hairstyles

A great cut can take years off your age according to personal stylist and image consultants Beckie + Martina. Clinging to the hairstyle you’ve worn for decades can make you look stuck in the past. Trends evolve, and what was chic twenty years ago might now add years to your appearance. A modern update, like adding layers or switching up your part, can instantly rejuvenate your look. Personal stylists and hair consultants emphasize the importance of tailoring your cut to your current face shape and lifestyle. A fresh, updated hairstyle can take years off your age and make you feel more confident and stylish.

3. Harsh Dark Hairshades

Dark hair can look striking, but as we age, overly dark shades can appear harsh against mature skin. They tend to exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles, making your complexion look washed out. Lighter, softer shades, or subtle highlights can bring warmth and vibrancy back to your face. If graying is a concern, blending lighter tones with your natural color can create a more flattering effect. The right shade can brighten your features and make you look more radiant and youthful.

4. Ignoring Gray Hair

Gray hair can be incredibly chic when styled and cared for properly. Embracing your natural grays, like Judi Dench or Helen Mirren, can project confidence and elegance. However, if you prefer to cover them, regular touch-ups are essential to avoid visible roots that create a disheveled look. Skipping maintenance can make gray roots stand out starkly against your dyed hair, aging your appearance. Whether you embrace or cover your grays, keeping your hair healthy and polished is key to looking your best.

5. Limp Lifeless Hair

Hair also naturally breaks and sheds with age according to the beauty experts at Allure, so it’s best to adapt your hair style with cuts that promote volume and texture. Lifeless locks can make your face look saggy and tired. Adding layers to your cut can create the illusion of volume and movement, while volumizing products can boost texture. Flat hair is often caused by excess oil, thinning strands, or using the wrong products, so adjusting your routine can make a big difference. A fuller, bouncier style instantly lifts your face and adds a youthful energy. Taking steps to add body and texture can keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy.

6. Too Much Volume

While volume can enhance your hair, too much of it can overwhelm your face and make you look dated. Big, teased hairstyles or overly layered cuts can appear excessive, especially as trends favor softer, more natural looks. A mid-length cut with gentle layers can strike the perfect balance, adding structure without going overboard. Thicker hair types can also benefit from thinning techniques to keep the volume under control. Aim for a style that frames your face and highlights your best features without overpowering them.

7. Overly Bleached Hair

Regularly bleaching and dyeing your hair affects its health and condition and can cause breakages, shedding, and damage. Too much bleach exposes you to nasty chemicals, which can leave the hair brittle and with a straw-like texture. Opting for soft highlights or lowlights that complement your natural hair color and using gentle plant-based dyes can improve the texture and appearance of your strands.

8. Severe Restrictive Styles

Tight ponytails, slicked-back buns, or overly restrictive hairstyles can pull on your hair and scalp, causing damage over time. These severe styles can also make your face look harsh and emphasize signs of aging. Relaxed, softer styles with a bit of movement are far more flattering and forgiving. Loose waves, low ponytails, or textured updos are great alternatives for a polished yet natural look. Avoiding tight, harsh styles helps maintain your hair’s health and creates a more youthful appearance.

9. Long, Unkempt Hair

Long, lifeless hair can weigh down your face and make you look older and less polished. Neglecting trims and layers creates an unkempt appearance that can detract from your overall style. A mid-length cut with soft layers adds structure and frames your face beautifully, highlighting your best features. Regular maintenance ensures your hair stays healthy, vibrant, and free from split ends. A well-kept, modern style can make all the difference in maintaining a youthful look.

10. Bad Heavy Bangs

Bangs can be a tricky hairstyle to pull off, especially if they’re blunt and heavy. Overly thick bangs can overshadow your face and create an unbalanced look. Softer, side-swept bangs or longer front layers are more flattering for mature features. These styles add softness and elegance without overwhelming your face. If you’re considering bangs, consult your stylist to find the shape and length that complements your face best.

11. Wrong Shade for Your Skin

Choosing a hair color that doesn’t complement your skin tone can make you look washed out or older. Bold, unnatural shades or overly cool tones often clash with mature skin, emphasizing imperfections. Consulting a professional colorist can help you find a shade that enhances your complexion and brightens your features. Warmer, softer tones or multi-dimensional highlights are generally more flattering as you age. The right shade can transform your look and give you a more youthful glow.

12. Product Overload

Overusing hair products like hairspray, mousse, or gels can leave your hair looking stiff, oily, or weighed down. Product buildup can also damage your hair’s health and dull its natural shine over time. The key is to use lightweight, nourishing products that enhance your hair’s natural texture and volume. Choosing the right products for your hair type ensures a polished, healthy appearance without overdoing it. Less is often more when it comes to achieving a youthful, effortless look.

13. Dodgy Dye Job

While at-home dye kits are convenient, they often lead to uneven color and brassy tones that look unnatural. Bold or overly bright shades can clash with your complexion and age your appearance instead of enhancing it. Professional colorists can create subtle, natural highlights or lowlights that blend seamlessly with your base color. Investing in salon-quality color ensures a polished, professional, flattering, long-lasting look. A great dye job is worth the extra effort to maintain a youthful, radiant appearance.

14. Dead Straight Styles

Pin-straight hair, especially when long, can drag your face down and emphasize fine lines. A bit of texture or wave adds dimension and softens your overall look, giving your hair a youthful bounce. Layered cuts and heat styling tools can create loose curls or natural waves that frame your face beautifully. Adding volume and movement makes your hairstyle look effortless and fresh. A little texture goes a long way in creating a vibrant, modern look.

15. Neglecting Hair Health