A great haircut can take years off your look, but if you’re not careful, the wrong style can add those years right back on. Finding a style that suits your face shape, hair texture, and current trends is essential to keeping things modern. Here are 15 haircut mistakes that could be making you look older.
1. Overgrown, Shapeless Hair
When your hair is stuck at that awkward in-between length with no shape or style, it can look unpolished and a bit sloppy. Regular trims are key to keeping your hair fresh and preventing that “grown-out” look from aging you.
2. Overly Short Pixie Cuts
Pixie cuts can be trendy, but when they’re too short, they can highlight fine lines and give your face a harder edge. The lack of volume can make your face look flat, so opt for a slightly longer, textured pixie to soften the look.
3. Sharp, Blunt Bobs
A blunt bob that stops at your jawline can make your face look wider or emphasize a double chin. A softer, shoulder-length bob with more movement and a slight wave will give you a more youthful, flattering style.
4. Thin, Overplucked Brows
Your eyebrows frame your face, so when they’re overplucked or too thin, they can age you instantly. Fuller, well-shaped brows help define your face and give you a more youthful appearance. Use a brow pencil to fill in sparse areas for a fresh, natural look.
5. Choppy, Unblended Layers
While layers are great for adding volume, choppy layers that aren’t blended well can look harsh and messy. They can draw attention to fine lines or skin imperfections, making you appear older. Softer, well-blended layers are more flattering and natural.
6. Super Short Bangs
Short, blunt bangs tend to draw attention to your forehead and fine lines, which can age your look. If you love bangs, consider longer, side-swept styles that frame your face softly and give you a more youthful, approachable vibe.
7. The Helmet-Like Pageboy
The pageboy haircut has a blunt, bowl-like shape that’s outdated and unflattering. It can make your face look rounder and your hair flat. A more modern cut with layers and movement is a better option if you want to look fresh and stylish.
8. Heavy, Outdated Highlights
Bold, chunky highlights can make your hair look dated, while over-bleaching can leave it looking dry and brittle. Softer, blended highlights that complement your natural color will keep your look fresh and healthy.
9. The Messy Shag
Shaggy cuts can look fun, but when they get too messy or frizzy, they make your hair look untidy. This unstructured style adds unnecessary volume and can age you. A sleeker, more polished cut will help you maintain a youthful appearance.
10. Dry, Brittle Gray Hair
Gray hair can look elegant, but it needs some TLC. When gray hair becomes dry or brittle, it adds years to your look. Keep your silver strands nourished with moisturizing treatments to keep them soft, shiny, and youthful.
11. Tight Curls and Perms
Perms and tight curls can add bulk and make your face look wider, giving off an outdated vibe. Loose, natural waves are more modern and flattering, creating a softer, more youthful appearance.
12. Severe Parts
Harsh center or deep side parts can elongate your face and draw attention to skin imperfections. A softer, slightly off-center part is more flattering and gives your face a more natural, balanced look.
13. The Mullets and Undercuts
Mullets and undercuts may seem bold, but they create a harsh contrast that can be difficult to grow out. These edgy styles can emphasize imperfections and give you a more severe appearance than you might want.
14. Asymmetrical Haircuts
Asymmetrical cuts can be fun and edgy, but they can also look harsh and unbalanced. If the style isn’t done right, it can make your face look uneven, which might add years to your appearance. A more balanced cut will flatter your face better.
15. Long, Lifeless Hair
Long hair can be stunning, but when it’s straight and flat, it can drag your look down. Adding some volume, layers, or waves will help lift your look and give it a youthful, lively vibe. Avoid styles that make your hair look weighed down.