Hair Changes That Make You Look Younger
Your Hairstyle Could Actually Be Aging You — Here Are 11 Ways to Avoid That
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We worry a lot about keeping our skin youthful, but have you ever considered how your hairstyle might be another culprit that's aging you? See: wispy bangs, limp locks, or chopping all your hair off once you've hit a certain age just because you think it's your social obligation to do so. The truth is, you can make simple hair changes that instantly leave you looking fresh-faced and, more importantly, give you a confidence boost. Ahead, we show you exactly how with the help of celeb hairstylists like Etienne Ortega, Franck Izquierdo, and more.
1 Go For Full-On Fringe
"Fringe brings out a youthful look if they are on the fuller side rather than thin and wispy, which can age you," said Etienne Ortega, a celebrity stylist who has worked with everyone from Solange Knowles to the Kardashians. He added, "Bangs can be worn by anyone and are an easy way to make a dramatic hair change. David Mallett's Volume Powder ($40) is perfect for styling your fringe and giving it a bit of bounce and playfulness while also providing structure and hold."
Jin Bang, a celebrity hairstylist for NuMe, agreed that bangs are a great way to achieve a more youthful, softer look. "The key is to cut your hair at an angle and never straight across. You want the outer edges to gradually get longer to help frame your face and blend in with the rest of your hair," Bang said. "Not ready for bangs? Pick a side and try the side-swept fringe."
2 Add Some Va-Va-Volume
"Naturally straight and limp hair gets more pronounced with age, and the longer it gets, the less volume there will be at the root," explained Ortega. He said that now is the time to reach for volumizing products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling agents. Some favorites include Got 2b Fat-Tastic Thickening Plumping Mousse ($7) and L'Oréal Paris Volume Filler Densifying Gelée ($7), which are both applied to damp hair before blow-drying. You can also try Chi Magnified Volume Finishing Spray ($16) to dry hair for max volume and extra shine.
Another tip Ortega suggested is to keep your hair at about shoulder length to prevent it from falling flat.
3 Shine On
Dull hair can drag you down, but a head full of shiny hair "can take years off," said Franck Izquierdo, a celebrity stylist and the cofounder of IGK Hair Care. "Hair that is vibrant and shiny looks healthier and more youthful. Replace your conditioner with Expensive Amla Oil Hi-Shine Topcoat ($29) to protect hair, lock in moisture, add intense shine, and enhance color," Izquierdo said.
He also advised misting Speechless Hair and Body Dry Oil Finishing Spray ($29) onto damp or dry hair for extra glow and softness.
4 Consider Length and Layers
"It's a common misconception that the older you get, the shorter your hair should be," said Ortega. "Thick hair looks the most youthful at shoulder length or longer. The only downside to longer hair is the weight. To avoid weighing your hair down and achieving a younger look, add in subtle layers to give hair movement and volume."
Ortega added that subtle layers paired with a sea salt spray, such as David Mallett Australian Salt Spray ($40) or Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Texturizing Spray ($5), creates "a no-fuss morning routine and effortless style."
5 Boost Your Texture
"Change your hairstyle by adding texture to your hair. Hair that looks effortless and undone looks more youthful," said Izquierdo. He said to work a texturizing product, such as IGK Beach Club Texture Spray ($29), onto damp hair for beachy waves or on dry hair for piecey fullness. You can also try applying a product like Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray ($11) to dry hair for a lived-in textured look.
6 . . . Or Embrace Your Own Texture
While we're on the topic of texture, let's discuss natural texture. If ever there was a time to stop fighting your natural texture, it's now. "The less effort, the better," said Carmen Serna, a hairstylist at California's Baxter Finley Barber & Shop. "Ask your barber or stylist for honest suggestions that work best with your hair type and trust their opinions. Any haircut can be versatile, especially through something as simple a product change."
For longer hair, Serna recommended applying Baxter of California's Clay Effect Style Spray ($27) to towel-dried hair and then giving it a messy blow dry with focus at the roots. Respritz from a distance and shake out your hair before heading out the door.
"Use grooming lotion to calm wild texture in towel-dried hair or day-old hair to reduce puffiness," Serna added. "Smooth with hands and go! For coarse hair, you can use Baxter of California's cream pomade instead."
7 Shampoo Strategically
Another way to maximize shine and keep hair healthy is to not wash your hair every day and to shampoo strategically, said Bang. "Overwashing strips your hair of its natural oils, resulting in brittle hair and unwanted split ends," explained Bang. "When shampooing, it's important to apply shampoo only at the roots, as it is the oiliest area. Condition only the middle shaft of the hair down to the ends, rinsing with cold water to rehydrate and seal the cuticle. In between washes, dry shampoo is your best friend!"
Also try using a shampoo that's formulated specifically for aging hair. For example, Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner ($34 each) hydrate and protect hair from future damage and make hair noticeably softer, shinier, textured, and more manageable.
8 Add Warmth
One of the quickest ways to create a more youthful look is to get warm-toned highlights. If you're a brunette or darker, opt for caramel, and if you're on the lighter side, try a honey. Not only does this soften the face, but it also creates dimension and avoids a one-toned look, which can age you. For a low-maintenance approach to this, try dip-dyed tips or subtle balayage highlights.
9 Get Glossed
"The older we get, the more our hair is put through with color, styling, and limited time. Hair strands become smaller because of pigment loss and become fine and thin," explained Shelley Gregory, a colorist at Atelier by Square Salon and an ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel. "Keeping that healthy, young hair glow is easy with an in-salon quick glossing service — I like using L'Oréal Professionnel DIA Light ($18) — followed by a professional haircare treatment to protect and preserve the color, like L'Oréal Professionnel Color Powermix. This can take years off and give your hair back its shimmer."
She recommended having your hair glossed twice a month, or you can try an at-home product, such as L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color AOX Masque ($33).
10 Accessorize!
We often associate hair accessories with girls, which is exactly the point of this hair trick! The idea isn't to opt for the plastic barrettes or glittery clip-ins, but to instead reach for adult accessories that nod to those girlish accessories. For example, a modern bun cuff to spruce up your topknot or ponytail or a minimalist-inspired hair brooch for your half-up 'do. See: Chloe + Isabel's Covertible Bun Cuff ($45). Serna added, "Try boho-hippy-chic gear with a center part and a natural, air-dried finish — frizz is OK. Pair with a daisy in the hair and some cute round specs."
11 Leave It In Your Stylist's Hands
Think back to the last time you made a hair change or tried a new product. If it was more than a couple years ago, we challenge you to mix things up a bit. The truth is that styles are always evolving and hair products are always improving their formulations. Heading into the salon and giving your stylist the freedom to update your look will make you feel like a million bucks.
