From moisturizers, eye creams, and serums designed to target just about every skin issue out there...to microneedling, laser treatments, and even drinking collagen—though it goes without saying that everyone’s routines and budgets are different, many of us spend a fair amount of time and money trying to turn back the clock on our skin. So...might your hairstyle be able to help with any of the heavy lifting? Turns out, most colorists and stylists think your hair really does influence whether you look older or younger.
7 Hair Tips To Help You Look Younger
We celebrate beauty at every age, and there is no right or wrong approach to personal care. But for anyone who’s curious about howyour cut and color might be secretly making you look older—or could sneakily be helping you look younger!—read on for 7 tips and tricks that might just take years off your hair.
1. Does Dark Hair Make You Look Older? Add Contrast!
If you’re trying to look younger, a monotone shade is a big no-no. Hair color that lacks dimension is automatically aging on virtually everyone—and, depending on your haircut, could even give you the dreaded helmet head. Opt for a shade that’s multi-tonal, which will give your color depth and make your hair look healthier and more natural.
See Also‘Old Money Blonde’ Is Set To Be This Season’s Most Wanted Hair ColourHow to choose the right hair color for your skin tone | Trademark SalonA Guide to Finding a Hair Colour to Match Your Skin Tone | Clairol US
2. What Color Hair Makes You Look Younger? Brighten up!
Ten out of ten colorists agree, shades that are warm-toned read more youthful than cool-toned hair colors. Spicy copper reds, rich caramel brunettes, and soft honey blondes will warm up your complexion for younger-looking skin (hold the retinol).
3. Find Your Most Flattering Cut
Don’t assume a shorter haircut is more “age-appropriate”—a b.s. term if we’ve ever heard one—or that you shouldn’t wear long hair past a certain age. Many stylists think longer layers can actually be far more flattering than a chop that is too short, straight-across, or severe. Real talk, though, your most flattering haircut is your favorite haircut—whether that’s super short, shoulder-length, or long enough to sit on. You do you.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
This one’s unanimous. The condition of your hair can be far more aging than any color or style. If your hair is too dry, your color looks overly processed, or your split ends are in dire need of a trim, please show your strands some TLC, ASAP.
5. Think Outside the Balayage To Make Yourself Younger
Listen, we love highlights too, but they aren’t going to help you with gray coverage. If you’ve been relying on your highlights to cover any newly-emerging grays, you’re only going to make your strands more dry and damaged (see: #4). Here’s what colorists recommend instead—a single shade of permanent hair color for gray coverage on your roots, followed by subtle highlights on your mid-lengths and ends to add depth and dimension. Try one of our Light Works® Balayage Highlighting Kit for sun-kissed, face-framing highlights.
6. Does Blonde Hair Age You? Consider Going Darker
If your hair is too light—think platinum blonde—it can look white or silver at first glance. When in doubt, go a shade or two darker to avoid looking washed out.
7. Bust Brass
Overly orangey or reddish undertones in your hair color can be aging and may make your color look damaged. Use a hair gloss like coolEspresso to neutralize brassy tonesand improve condition at the same time. Win-win.
Do you think the right hair color or cut can help you look younger? Or could you not care less? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
