While long hair is often associated with youthfulness, one common mistake could actually be causing you to age faster. Renowned hairstylist Justin Hickox, who has been in the industry for nearly 30 years, shares a simple yet impactful tip that could help mature women maintain a youthful appearance.
Hickox, who has been a licensed hairstylist since 1995 and has run his own salon since 2000, recently took to his YouTube channel to address a mistake he’s seen time and time again in his decades behind the chair: growing long hair without adding shape. According to him, this oversight can have the unintended effect of making you look older rather than enhancing your appearance.
The expert explained that the trend toward longer hair has been on the rise, particularly after the lockdown period when many people ended up with extra length simply because they couldn’t get to a salon. However, without a deliberate plan to shape that length, the result can often be less than flattering.
“The problem is that these situations weren’t born from a desire to grow your hair into a certain longer shape,” Hickox said. “It was just extra length. The issue here is that you end up with length but not necessarily a good shape.”
Hickox emphasizes that if you want to keep your hair long, it’s essential to introduce shaping—whether through layering at the back, front, or both, or by incorporating bangs. This shaping is crucial because it ensures the volume of the hair is strategically placed to accentuate your best facial features, helping you maintain a more youthful look.
Long, one-length hair can have the unintended effect of dragging the face down, Hickox warns. On the other hand, shaping around the face creates a lifting effect, which can make a significant difference in how youthful and vibrant you appear.
“One-length hair can be beautiful, but at the end of the day, it just doesn’t have the ability to accentuate the things about our face in the way that layers do,” Hickox noted.
Other hair experts agree. Luxy Hair Extensions describes layers as “magical,” adding that they give your hair life, bounce, and a spring in its step, whereas all-one-length hair can be heavy and lifeless, potentially making your face look longer and older than it really is.
For women over 50 seeking an anti-aging makeover, the right haircut can make them feel decades younger. Hickox also offers advice for women with grey hair, sharing tips on how to make silver strands work to your advantage and take years off your appearance.
In summary, if you’re sporting long locks, don’t neglect the importance of shape. With the right cut, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the length you love, with a youthful vibrancy that enhances your natural beauty.