Our hair plays a significant role in how youthful and vibrant we appear. However, some hairstyle choices and color shades can unintentionally age us, making us look older than we really are.
Whether it’s outdated styles or harsh color tones, avoiding these common hair mistakes can make a world of difference.
Here are 17 hairstyles and hair colors that may be adding years to your look—and what you can do to look fresher and younger.
1. Flat, Lifeless Hair
Limp, flat hair can make you look older by dragging down your face. Without volume, your hair lacks movement and vitality, which can age your overall appearance.
Consider adding layers or using volumizing products to give your hair some lift, making it look fuller and more youthful.
2. Super Long, One-Length Hair
While long hair can be beautiful, extremely long, one-length hair can pull your features down, adding years to your look. Opting for soft layers or a mid-length cut can help add movement and prevent your hair from looking heavy.
Layers can frame your face, lifting your overall appearance and giving a fresher, more youthful vibe.
3. Harsh, Jet Black Hair
Jet black hair can be too harsh on many skin tones, especially as we age, as it can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, consider opting for a softer shade, like a rich brown or adding subtle highlights to lighten up the look.
This will create a more natural, flattering contrast to your complexion.
4. Too Much Hair Spray
Over-styled, stiff hair that’s held in place by too much hair spray can look outdated and make you appear older. Soft, touchable hair with natural movement tends to look more youthful and relaxed.
Try using lighter products that offer flexible hold without making your hair look stiff or crunchy.
5. Grayish Blonde Shades
If you love blonde hair, be careful with grayish or ashy tones, as they can blend with gray hairs and make your hair appear dull.
Warmer blonde shades like honey or golden blonde can add warmth and dimension, brightening your complexion and making you look more youthful. The right blonde tone can instantly give you a glow-up.
6. Blunt Bangs
Blunt, heavy bangs can have a hardening effect on your facial features, making you look older than you are. Opt for softer, wispy bangs or side-swept bangs that frame your face gently, offering a more flattering and youthful look.
These bangs create a softness that draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
7. Extreme Layers
While layers can add volume and movement, too many short, choppy layers can create an outdated, unflattering look. Over-layering can make your hair look thin and disorganized, which can age you.
Opt for longer, blended layers to create a more polished, youthful effect with just the right amount of texture.
8. Too-Light Platinum Blonde
Platinum blonde, while trendy, can wash out your complexion, especially if you have fair skin. This extreme blonde shade can highlight imperfections and create a harsh contrast.
Instead, try going for a slightly warmer blonde or adding lowlights to soften the overall color and brighten your skin tone.
9. Tightly Pulled-Back Styles
While sleek ponytails and buns can look polished, tightly pulling your hair back too often can emphasize fine lines and sagging around the face. Opt for softer, looser updos or ponytails with face-framing strands to keep the look relaxed and more youthful.
This allows your features to shine without harshly pulling on the skin.
10. Overly Bleached Hair
Over-bleached hair can look damaged, brittle, and dry, which instantly makes you appear older. If you prefer lighter hair, ensure your locks stay healthy by maintaining regular trims and conditioning treatments.
Opt for softer, natural highlights instead of full-on bleach to keep your hair looking vibrant and youthful.
11. Middle Part with No Volume
A middle part with flat, lifeless hair can make your face look longer and more mature. Instead, add volume at the crown or switch to a deep side part to create the illusion of fuller, lifted hair. This will instantly give your face a more balanced and youthful appearance.
12. Super Straight Hair
Pin-straight hair can look lifeless and dated, especially if it’s worn the same way every day. Adding some waves or soft curls can create texture and movement, making your hair look fuller and more vibrant.
A little bit of bounce goes a long way in giving you a fresher, more youthful look.
13. Unkempt Gray Roots
While embracing gray hair is a beautiful trend, unkempt or unblended gray roots can age you. If you’re transitioning to gray, consider blending your natural color with highlights or lowlights to keep the look intentional.
This approach maintains a polished, sophisticated look while allowing you to embrace the change.
14. One-Dimensional Color
Flat, one-dimensional hair color can look dull and lifeless, adding years to your appearance. Instead, opt for multi-dimensional color techniques like balayage, lowlights, or highlights to add depth and dimension to your hair.
This creates a richer, more vibrant look that enhances your overall glow.
15. Overly Short Haircuts
While short haircuts can be chic, going too short or sticking with a super cropped style for years can make you look older. Try a slightly longer bob or a pixie cut with softer, layered edges to keep the look fresh and modern.
The right short haircut can add playfulness to your appearance rather than making it look severe.
16. Box Dye Disaster Shades
Box dyes can often create flat, unnatural shades that don’t complement your skin tone or hair texture. If you’re coloring your hair at home, avoid going too dark or too light, as this can age you.
Instead, consider going to a professional who can personalize the color to suit your complexion and hair type.
17. Unkempt Hair
Neglecting regular trims and hair care can lead to split ends, frizz, and overall dullness. Even if you’re growing your hair out, regular trims are essential to keep it looking healthy and fresh.
Healthy, well-maintained hair always looks younger, so keep up with your hair care routine.
