I'm a hairstylist and there are three looks you should avoid if you're over 40 (2024)

CHANGING your hairstyle is a big deal no matter your age.

But what's trendy might not always be the best choice, especially as you get older.

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For women over 40 it can be tempting to chop off your locks and sport a shorter style.

But even though these cuts can look stylish there are some that can make you look way older than you really are, according to one hair expert.

Thick fringe

Nothing makes a statement quite like a fringe, but as you age a blunt, thick fringe can be less than flattering.

Speaking to She Finds Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist fromThe Right Hairstyle, revealed that this particular style can highlight fine lines and wrinkles.

Not only that, but the blunt edge of the fringe doesn't "frame the face well" and can add years onto your look.

Instead, opt for wispy curtain bangs for a more flattering style that's timeless and can give a more youthful appearance.

Spiky pixie cut

It common for hair to thin as you age, so it can be tempting to go for a short style, like a pixie cut, to try and make it appear fuller.

But according to Ghanima this style can actually make hair appear even thinner, especially if it's a more spikey cut.

The spiky style is also bad news if you dye your hair, since it will show of your scalp and new growth more than other shorter cuts.

The hair pro recommends adding a side-swept fringe to pixie styles to draw attention to the cheekbones and away from the scalp.

And rather than spiking the hair up, angle it in large sections to help hide any thinning.

Long, blunt bob

A long bob is a great option if you're not ready to commit to a more dramatic, shorter hairstyle.

The only problem is if your long bob is all one length it can look dull and lifeless, even if it's been your go-to hairstyle for years.

To update the look, try adding in some layers and making the bob asymmetrical for a much more youthful take.

"As you get older and your hair gets thinner, long hair isn't what it once was," the pro explained, so adding layers will create the dimension it needs to look fuller.

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I'm a hairstylist and there are three looks you should avoid if you're over 40 (2024)

FAQs

What are three hair trends to avoid over 40? ›

I'm a hairstylist and there are three looks you should avoid if you're over 40 – blunt fringes make you look way older
  • Thick fringe. Nothing makes a statement quite like a fringe, but as you age a blunt, thick fringe can be less than flattering. ...
  • Spiky pixie cut. ...
  • Long, blunt bob.
Jan 3, 2023

Should I have a fringe over 40? ›

As you get older, you might be less inclined to adopt a new hairstyle, but there is one hairstyle element that suits every woman - of every age - a stylist has revealed. No matter your hair colour, texture or face shape, women, and those over 50 especially, should have a fringe if they want to look youthful.

What should a 40 year old woman wear? ›

Invest in high-quality basics like well-fitting jeans, crisp white t-shirts, and classic blazers. Experiment with bold prints, bright colors, and trendy accessories to add interest to your outfits. Try mixing and matching different textures and fabrics to create unique and personalized looks.

What outfit makes you look older? ›

All-black outfits, pastel colors, and colors that don't compliment your skin tone can make you look older. Instead, wear clothing with bright and contrasting colors to give you a youthful appearance.

What hairstyles look older? ›

10 Hairstyles That Make You Look Older
  • The Mistake: Super Stiff Hair. Media Platforms Design Team. ...
  • The Mistake: French Twist. ...
  • The Mistake: Straight Strands. ...
  • The Mistake: A Severe Center Part. ...
  • The Mistake: Ballerina Bun. ...
  • The Mistake: Tight Ringlets. ...
  • The Mistake: Half-Up Ponytail. ...
  • The Mistake: Overly Teased Hair.
Jan 9, 2015

What hair color makes you look younger in your 40s? ›

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).

How to look glamorous at 40? ›

GOOD TAILORING IS TIMELESS

You'll get wear out of it for years to come. Style Notes: Basing an outfit on one colour palette gives the polished look of a full suit without being matchy-matchy. Style Notes: Make a blazer evening-ready by swapping trousers for a slip dress and flats for strappy sandals.

How do you look at age 40? ›

6 Things To Adopt In Your 40s To Look Younger
  1. Eat A Balanced Diet. If your hair, skin, and nails have started to look dull, it may be due to a lack of protein intake. ...
  2. Regular Massages. ...
  3. Change Your Hairstyle. ...
  4. Replace Your Eyeglasses With Contact Lenses. ...
  5. Go For Fitted Clothing. ...
  6. Have a Positive Attitude.

What should I wear going out in my 40s? ›

Our top 5 investment-worthy styles for women over 40
  • A chic jacket. Whether it's a black leather jacket, a neutral trench or a blazer with a bold print, get the most from your final layer by opting for a statement-making style. ...
  • A white sneaker. ...
  • A crossbody bag. ...
  • A slip dress. ...
  • The perfect jeans.

What are the four haircut mistakes that instantly make you look older? ›

Jack Miles and Rosie Myers have decades of experience cutting and styling hair. Between them, they have said four types of layers can age someone. These are layers that are too short, layers that are too long, layers that are too uniform, and having too many layers.

What pants make you look older? ›

Obviously skinny jeans are a no-go, and those ultra-baggy skater pants that Hedi Slimane has been pushing are probably a little too trend-led for anyone over the age of 40. Shapeless bootcut jeans that sag in all the wrong places and make you look frumpy should also be avoided like the plague.

How not to look frumpy after 40? ›

Here's how to not look frumpy…

Instead, choose clothes that fit well, flatter your body type, and unique features, without being too snug. Also wearing the wrong colors can make your skin look dull and washed out, which will make you look older, sicker, and more tired than you actually are.

What hair length makes you look younger? ›

Shoulder-length hair (or longer) with layers

Forget what you thought about long hair past the age of 40—thick hair actually looks more youthful and polished when it falls shoulder-length or longer. Shorter hair has a tendency to expand at the ends, leaving you with an unflattering triangle effect.

What hairstyle never goes out of style? ›

Answer: Timeless hairstyles for women include the classic bob, elegant chignon, and sophisticated ponytail. These versatile styles have remained popular for decades due to their timeless appeal and ability to complement various hair textures and face shapes.

What changes in hair after 40? ›

As you age, your hair texture will most likely change. It may appear more gray and less voluminous, and your hair density may also decrease. It can take getting used to, but don't be disheartened. There are steps you can take to start embracing your changing hair texture throughout your life.

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