10 Hairstyles That Really Age You & 10 That Make You Look More Youthful
Hair Can Really Change Your Look!
From what you wear to how you style your hair, there are plenty of fashion choices you can make that will make you appear younger or older. You might often overlook what hairstyle you choose, but here's your sign not to. Here are 10 that can really age you with their outdated nature, and 10 that are foolproof in making you look youthful.
Angie Linder from Detroit, USA on Wikimedia
1. Mullet
While this hairstyle is known for its "business in the front and party in the back" philosophy, there's nothing about it that screams modern in today's day and age. The mullet was once an iconic hairstyle but unfortunately, it's past its prime. Seeing it now just has an outdated feel that doesn't mesh well with current fashion trends. Sorry!
2. Tight Curls with Excessive Volume
Seeing big curls like this makes it feel as if they have a personality of their own! Though it does bring back the nostalgia from the big hair era of the '80s, these tight and highly voluminous curls make you look a lot older than you actually are. It's too excessive and doesn't match the more simple and natural preferences going on today.
Iolaire McKinnon from Glasgow, Scotland on Wikimedia
3. Bowl Cut
Oh dear, the classic bowl cut. Creating a strangely circular feel to the face, this hairstyle consists of evenly cut hair around the head as if a bowl was placed on top as a guide. While it does gives off a "child-like" look that you might assume makes you look younger, we argue the opposite. The bowl cut doesn't really look flattering for most face shapes and just feels incredibly old-school and outdated. It just doesn't belong in this era!
4. Overly Teased Hair
While hairspray is a useful tool, using too much can make your hair look worse, not better. Teased hair was a popular look back in the '80s, but the overly voluminous style makes it look like it's stuck in the past. That's not to say volume isn't stylish because it is! We're just saying, well, a little moderation definitely helps.
Jeanne Boleyn (talk) on Wikimedia
5. The Classic Comb Over
The classic comb over: a hairstyle most people might associate with their dads or grandpas. Unfortunately, this is one look that is generally associated with older men and aging because it's typically done to cover thinning areas. However, we'd argue it draws more attention to those spots instead of hiding them!
6. Tight, Sleek Ponytails
While ponytails are generally associated with creating a more youthful appearance, we believe really tight and sleek ones tend to do the opposite. Pulling back all the hair from your face, it gives off a strict appearance that can also highlight any fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention, the whole look just gives off a conservative and orderly vibe that can certainly tack on a couple of years to your age.
7. Rat Tail
The rat tail is one hairstyle we admittedly don't really understand how it became a thing. It's essentially one small section of hair near the back of the neck that's left to grow long while the rest of the hair is kept short (maybe even bald). We don't really know what to say other than this hairstyle just makes you look like you stepped out from a different time in history.
8. The Sleek Bob with Blunt Bangs
With everything looking so straight and sleek, you can't help but feel that the bob with bangs hairstyle is such a prim and proper look. There's something very formal about it that makes you look older because of the mature vibe it gives. It just seems a bit too uptight and rigid if you're trying to go for something that'll make you look younger.
9. Crimped Hair
With its unique zigzag-looking pattern, crimped hair was once a staple look in the '80s and '90s. Notice how we used the words was once. That's because today, people tend to favor more chic and natural looks, making this hectic and crazy hairstyle one that will certainly stand out in a crowd (maybe for the wrong reasons). It just looks a little too dated to fit in!
10. The Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut is something straight out of the history books; it's a style characterized by its rounded cut that perfectly frames the face. One look and you can tell it's a hairstyle from the past!
National Repertory Theatre, New York City. on Wikimedia
1. Beachy Waves
Giving off that carefree, youthful vibe that's already all in the name, beachy waves are the perfect cut to get if you're trying to look younger. It's all thanks to how effortless and laid-back it looks, creating a calm and gentle look to your hair that only helps to cut back your age.
2. Undercut for Boys
An undercut is a hairstyle for boys where the sides and back are cut short, but the hair on top is left long. It looks very clean and sharp, but also has a nice modern feel to it that matches the current generation's style preferences. What's even better is it's a very versatile look that can be shaped to best fit the wearer.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle
Pulling some hair away from your face to highlight your features while still letting some flow freely around you is one easy way to achieve a youthful look. It works for plenty of age ranges too! It shows that you put a little effort into your hair, but still has that laid-back, carefree vibe that so many people love and go for.
4. Soft Curls with Bangs
A simple yet beautiful style, soft curls are every girl's dream look. There's just something so romantic and effortless about it, and it helps that it frames and softens your face too. Pair the curls with some breezy bangs to look even younger! This hairstyle is the best way to achieve nice movement in your hair, as the curls will bounce and flow freely with your every movement.
5. Long Layered Hair
Layers are another simple and easy trick to give your hair some more volume and texture. When done correctly, it can also frame your face in a beautiful way too, giving you a more youthful appearance. It works for both straight and curly hair types, meaning it's something everyone can do. It's all about following the shape and movement of your hair's natural state.
6. The High Top Fade for Boys
The high top fade is one hairstyle where if you can rock it, you're going to look amazing. Known for its distinctive height on top and its gradually shortening sides, it draws all the attention to the front, elongating your face while giving off this young, retro-inspired vibe. For the more adventurous boys who want something dynamic and fun, this is a great twist on the classic fade that you should consider.
7. Bob with Soft Fringes
Compared to the very sleek and proper bob, having soft fringes can make a world of difference. The bob hairstyle itself doesn't make you look older, it's how you style it. Pairing it with soft fringes is one way you can enjoy this short cut while still having your facial features softened and nicely complemented.
8. Side-Swept Bangs
While side-swept bangs might've been a popular cut when you were young, we're here to say it looks good as you get older too! It works magic on your overall appearance by covering your forehead and drawing attention to the eyes. The best part is, it's a simple style that can be added to various hair lengths and types, meaning everyone can achieve this softer, more youthful appearance if they wanted to.
9. The Modern Quiff for Boys
Giving off plenty of style and flair, the modern quiff is a popular hairstyle many boys love and choose to get. Featuring hair that's longer on top and styled upwards and back for some nice volume, there's just so much energy and personality exuding from this look. This is one hairstyle we'd say looks very "fresh."
Jason Persse from Brooklyn, USA on Wikimedia
10. Soft, Shoulder-Length Cut
For the people who want to keep things nice and simple and don't want to overcomplicate things, getting a shoulder-length cut with soft layers is a reliable and easy route to go. When hair sits on your shoulders, there's a youthful bounce to it that provides a lot of nice movement. It's also a hairstyle that looks flattering on a variety of face shapes, making this a great option for many.
