From what you wear to how you style your hair, there are plenty of choices you can make that will make you look older or younger. Today, we're focusing on hairstyles - here are 10 that really age you because they feel harsh or outdated, and 10 that are foolproof at making you look younger.

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 Seeing it now just has an outdated feel that doesn't mesh well with current fashion trends.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!

Txikillana on Wikimedia Commons

2. Tight Curls with Excessive Volume

Seeing big curls like this makes it feel as if they have a personality of their own! Bringing back the nostalgia from the big hair era of the 80s, these tight and highly voluminous curls tend to make you look a lot older than you are. The excessiveness of the look just doesn't match with the more simple and natural preferences going on today.

Hair Spies from US on Wikimedia Commons

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 The bowl cut doesn't really look flattering for most face shapes and just feels incredibly old-school and outdated.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!

Francesco Pierantoni on Wikimedia Commons

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, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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!

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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.

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7. Rat Tail

Okay, the rat tail is one hairstyle we don't really understand how it ever 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.

Kolumbusjogger on Wikimedia Commons

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.

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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!

1000heads on Wikimedia Commons

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 Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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. Because just think about this - beachy waves is the look you get after spending a relaxing day at the beach with your hair lightly tousled and loosely flowing. There's just this very calm and gentle feeling that cuts back your age a couple of years.

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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. It's a very versatile look that can be shaped to best fit the wearer!

Okras on Wikimedia Commons

3. Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle

Pulling some hair away from your face to highlight your features while still letting some hair 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.

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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.

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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.

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

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.

Tim Evanson from Washington, D.C., United States of America on Wikimedia Commons

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. 

Jamie on Wikimedia Commons

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.

リバプール公式YouTubeチャンネル on Wikimedia Commons

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 Commons

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.

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