When it comes to anti-ageing, our first thoughts always go straight to our skincare routine. But what if we told you that a few simple tweaks to your hair could knock years off your look?
Because, while we're all for growing old gracefully here at Prima.co.uk, we definitely don't fancy falling into any ageing beauty traps by mistake – and it turns out there are plenty of hair no-nos to avoid.
So, from choosing the wrong colour to forgetting the most flattering cuts, we asked the UK's leading hairstylists to run through the major hair mistakes that might be ageing you…
1. Your hair is too long
It's a cliché for good reason, apparently – longer hair can be ageing as we get older. This is especially true if you're starting to see some grey strands, Neil Moodie, session stylish and Viviscal ambassador, tells us. It might be worth considering a cut, if this is you. 'Shorter hair is a bit perkier and tends to lift the face,' he says. 'As opposed having really long hair, which can draw the face down.'
But, luckily for those of us who prefer longer locks, there is an exception to this rule, says celebrity hairstylist Jamie Stevens, who has worked with everyone from Kylie to Elle Macpherson. 'If it's done right, in top condition and coloured in the right tone, long hair can actually give you a youthful flair – think Goldie Hawn.'
2. Your hair colour doesn't suit you anymore
The second biggest mistake you can make? Sticking to the same colour that you've always had. 'A lot of women choose a colour they love when they're young and stick to it for years,' says Neil Moodie. But what suited you then won't necessarily work now...
'The pigment in both your skin and hair lightens as you get older, so what suited you in your 20s can actually wash you out in your 40s and beyond,' explains Jamie Stevens.
While it's hard to let go of your go-to look, it might be worth asking your colourist for their opinion. 'Always ask for professional advice from your hairdresser to get the correct shade and tone to suit you now,' says Mathew Soobroy, Principle Stylist at Charles Worthington Salons.
3. Your colour is too harsh
This one is especially true if you're a brunette who's always opted for block colour with no highlights. 'In my view, this is the number one mistake,' says Mathew Soobroy. 'Colour that is too dark or too heavy, especially around your face, will age you and accentuate the negatives.'
The easiest way to brighten up your face for an anti-ageing glow is with a few well-positioned highlights. 'Colour techniques, such as strobing (which highlights where light would naturally hit), will subtly frame your face,' says Jamie Stevens.
If you don't want a highlighted look, then try a semi-permanent colour instead. 'This will cover 50% of greys and create a softer regrowth with no harsh lines, as well as minimum commitment,' he adds.
4. Your cut doesn't suit your face shape
While it can be tempting to ask for hair of all one length in the hope that it will make your locks look thicker, this kind of 'flat, limp cut is incredibly ageing,' says Mathew Soobroy. Instead, tell your hairdresser to work with the shape of your face. 'Always ask them about your face shape to determine what suits you,' he adds.
'Hair that's the wrong shape for your face is one of the worst culprits,' agrees Neil Moodie. 'Having just a small style update can really help you look younger.'
5. You haven't tried a fringe
Countless celebrities have embraced the anti-ageing power of a fringe – and you should, too. 'A grown-out fringe can instantly make you feel younger and sexier,' says Jamie Stevens.
Neil Moodie agrees, calling fringes 'the best way to freshen up your look'. Not only will a fringe bring out your eyes and highlight your cheekbones, he argues, but it will also 'cover all those unwanted forehead lines to make you look younger'. Sounds good to us.
6. You need more volume
The quickest way to brighten up your face is with a bit of volume – it's like 'creating a face lift in a hair cut', says Mathew Soobroy.
Unfortunately, our hair tends to get limper as we age. 'The thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin and fine, while many hair follicles actually stop producing strands,' explains Neil Moodie, who recommends taking a hair growth supplement, such as Viviscal's, if this is you.
Another quicker fix for more volume involves mixing up your parting. 'You'd be amazed by how much a small tweak can update your look and give your hair a youthful bounce,' says Jamie Stevens. 'Try an angled parting coming from the side of your head towards the crown for extra volume.'
7. Your hair's in bad condition
Hair tends to get frizzier and drier as we age, explains Mathew Soobroy. To avoid that fluffy feel, which he calls 'incredibly ageing', you have to invest in the right products.
'Make sure you are using good-quality serums and heat protectants when styling your hair,' Soobroy says. The smoother your hair, the shinier it will look, as it will reflect more light. 'This is the secret to getting that youthful glow,' he adds.
You should also consider having regular in-salon treatments, adds Jamie Stevens. 'I'd recommend a deeply moisturising treatment for anyone with brittle hair,' he tells us. 'If your hair is feeling particularly dry and fluffy, then ask your stylist about keratin treatments.'
Have you made any of these ageing hair mistakes? Let us know on Facebook...
