Choosing the right hairstyle after 40 can be challenging, with numerous options available that may or may not complement your age, face shape, and hair texture. Here’s a guide to avoiding outdated styles and opting for more flattering alternatives, based on expert advice from leading hairstylists.
1. Avoid Chin-Length Bobs with Blunt Bangs
Why It’s Outdated: Chin-length bobs paired with blunt bangs can inadvertently age your appearance. According to Ghanima Abdullah, this style can accentuate wrinkles and make you look older, as the blunt fringe draws attention to the eye area, emphasizing lines and lack of definition.
Chic Alternative: Try a Bob or Lob with Curtain Bangs Curtain bangs offer a softer look that frames the face beautifully, drawing attention away from signs of aging. They work well with various hair lengths and types, providing a more youthful and flattering appearance. This style, as seen on celebrities like Alexa Chung, adds a touch of elegance and modernity.
2. Skip Blunt Bobs with Center Parts
Why It’s Outdated: Middle parts can make hair look flat and draw attention to forehead wrinkles or thinning areas. Abdullah points out that this style can exacerbate the appearance of thinning hair at the crown, making it less ideal as we age.
Chic Alternative: Try a Layered Bob with a Deep Side Part A side part can add volume and movement to your hair, creating a fuller look and drawing attention away from thinning areas. This style, as demonstrated by Salma Hayek, offers a youthful, dynamic appearance and can be adjusted to suit your preference for a center or side part.
3. Avoid Choppy Shags
Why It’s Outdated: While shag cuts are trendy, too many layers can lead to a mullet-like effect and make fine hair look even thinner. Abdullah advises that excessive layering can result in a limp, lifeless appearance, detracting from the hairstyle’s intended volume and flow.
Chic Alternative: Try a Wispy Shag with Delicate Layers A wispy shag with lighter, more delicate layers can provide volume and movement without overwhelming fine hair. This approach, as seen on January Jones, ensures a youthful look by highlighting your best features without adding unnecessary bulk.
4. Skip Pin-Straight Long Hair
Why It’s Outdated: Long, straight hair can pull down features and make them appear more drawn, especially if the hair is fine or thinning. Janine Jarman and Gina Rivera suggest that long, blunt hair may not be the most flattering as it can accentuate signs of aging and damage.
Chic Alternative: Try Face-Framing Layers Face-framing layers, like those worn by Jennifer Aniston, add movement and texture to your hair, creating a more youthful and lively appearance. Longer side bangs and strategically placed layers can enhance your facial features, offering a fresher and more dynamic look.
By opting for these updated styles, you can embrace a more youthful and vibrant appearance, while avoiding the pitfalls of outdated hairstyles. Whether you’re visiting the salon for a new look or just considering a change, these expert tips can help guide you toward a flattering and modern hairstyle.