Choosing the right hairstyle as you age can be a challenge, as certain styles can emphasize the wrong features and make you look older. In this article, we will discuss three hair trends to avoid if you’re over 40, based on expert recommendations from George Papanikolas, a Matrix Brand Ambassador, and Ghanima Abdullah, a hair expert and cosmetologist. It’s important to remember that personal style and individual preferences play a significant role, so take these trends as general guidelines rather than strict rules.
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid frizzy, air-dried finished hair looks as they can make you appear unkempt and older.
- Having too much length without layers can drag down your face and add years to your appearance. Consider adding face-framing layers for a more youthful look.
- Thin bangs can draw attention to wrinkles and age you. Opt for face-framing or thicker bangs to add volume and flatter your features.
Hairstyle to Avoid: Frizzy & Air Dried
One hairstyle to avoid over 40 is the frizzy, air-dried finished look. While it may have been trendy in the past, this style can make you appear unkempt and add years to your appearance. Instead, consider opting for a polished bob cut or using hair serums like Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Bega Varnish to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair.
Frizzy air-dried hair lacks the sleekness and polish that can help create a more youthful and put-together look. To avoid this style, invest in a good haircut, such as a polished bob cut. This classic hairstyle is timeless and can give you a neat and polished appearance. Additionally, using products like Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Bega Varnish can help reduce frizz and add shine for a more polished look.
“Opting for a polished bob cut or using hair serums can help you avoid the frizzy, air-dried hairstyle that can make you look unkempt and older.”
Achieving a polished appearance for your hair can make a significant difference in your overall look. Instead of leaving your hair to air-dry and become frizzy, take the extra step to style it with products that reduce frizz and add shine. By making this simple change, you can avoid a hairstyle that may age you and instead opt for a more polished and put-together look.
Polished Bob Cut
The polished bob cut is a hairstyle that has stood the test of time. It is a shorter haircut that is both elegant and low-maintenance. The bob cut can help create a more youthful appearance as it frames the face and adds structure to the hair. To maintain a polished look, regular trims and the use of styling products can help keep the bob looking sleek and refined.
| Polished Bob Cut | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Shorter length | Creates a more youthful appearance |
| Frame the face | Adds structure to the hair |
| Low-maintenance | Elegant and classic |
When considering a new hairstyle, the polished bob cut is a great option to consider. Its shorter length and face-framing qualities can help create a more youthful and sophisticated look. Whether you choose to wear it straight or add some waves, the polished bob cut is a timeless hairstyle that can suit various face shapes and hair textures.
Too Much Length
Having long hair can be a timeless and beautiful choice, but when you’re over 40, too much length without any layers can actually age you. The weight of long hair can drag down your face, making it appear more tired and less lifted. To add a touch of youthfulness to your long hair, consider incorporating face-framing layers. These layers create movement and volume, giving your hair a more vibrant and lively appearance. Not only do face-framing layers add visual interest, but they also help to soften your features and enhance your natural beauty.
By adding face-framing layers to your long hair, you can achieve a more youthful and dynamic look. These layers can be customized to suit your individual preferences and hair type. Whether you opt for subtle layers that blend seamlessly into your hair or more dramatic layers for added volume and texture, the key is to create dimension and movement. By doing so, you’ll enhance the overall youthfulness and vitality of your hairstyle.
When considering face-framing layers for your long hair, it’s important to consult with a professional hairstylist who can guide you in choosing the right length and placement. They can take into account your face shape, hair texture, and personal style to create a look that flatters your features and enhances your natural beauty. Remember, embracing face-framing layers is a wonderful way to freshen up your long hair and bring a youthful energy to your overall appearance.
The Benefits of Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers offer numerous benefits for women over 40. Here are a few reasons why they can be an excellent choice:
- Enhanced Youthfulness: Face-framing layers create movement and volume, which can make your hair look more youthful and vibrant.
- Softened Features: By framing your face, these layers can help to soften your facial features, making them appear more gentle and youthful.
- Added Volume: Face-framing layers can add volume and body to your hair, which can make it look fuller and more lively.
- Versatile Styling Options: With face-framing layers, you have more styling options available to you. From loose waves to updos, these layers provide versatility and flexibility in your hairstyle.
So, if you’re longing for a fresh and youthful update to your long hair, consider incorporating face-framing layers. By consulting with a professional hairstylist and discussing your desired look, you can achieve a hairstyle that not only enhances your natural beauty but also brings out your inner radiance.
Bangs to Camouflage Wrinkles: A Fashion Faux Pas
When it comes to hairstyles for women over 40, bangs are often chosen to help camouflage forehead wrinkles. However, it’s important to avoid thin bangs that are see-through, as they can draw attention to wrinkles rather than flattering your facial features. Instead, consider opting for face-framing bangs or thicker bangs that add volume and thickness to your hair.
Face-framing bangs are a great option because they soften your overall look and add a youthful touch. These bangs are typically cut to frame your face and highlight your best features. They can help draw attention away from wrinkles and create a more balanced and flattering appearance. Thicker bangs, on the other hand, add volume and density to your hair, giving it a fuller and more youthful look.
When deciding on the right style of bangs for you, it’s important to consider your face shape and hair texture. Consulting with a hairstylist can help you determine the best bangs for your specific features and hair type. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise and knowledge of current hair trends. Remember, the goal is to find a hairstyle that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your self-confidence, so choose your bangs wisely.
| Pros of Face-Framing Bangs | Cons of Thin Bangs |
|---|---|
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Overdone Highlights
Highlights are a popular way to add dimension and youthfulness to your hair. However, using highlights to hide existing grays can result in dry and over-processed hair. It’s important to find the right balance between covering gray hair and maintaining the health and appearance of your locks. Instead of relying solely on highlights, consider incorporating a monthly single process color to cover gray hair. This can provide more consistent coverage and reduce the risk of damage caused by frequent highlight applications.
When getting highlights, aim for a schedule of every three months to maintain the depth and dimension in your hair. This allows for proper growth and touch-ups without excessive processing. It’s also crucial to prioritize hair hydration and nourishment. Products like the Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask can provide essential moisture and help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and less prone to damage.
Remember, achieving a stunning hair color is a delicate process, and it’s essential to consult with a professional colorist who can assess your hair’s needs and guide you towards the best options for your desired look. By taking a holistic approach to hair coloring and maintenance, you can enjoy both youthful-looking hair and optimal hair health.
| Highlighting Technique | Frequency | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Overdone Highlights | Every 4-6 weeks | Can lead to dry and over-processed hair |
| Monthly Single Process Color | Once a month | Provides more consistent coverage for gray hair |
| Highlights every three months | Every 3 months | Allows for proper hair growth and touch-ups |
Five Common Hairstyling Mistakes That Age You Faster
When it comes to hairstyling, there are certain mistakes that can inadvertently make you look older than you actually are. To help you avoid these pitfalls, I spoke with hairstyling expert, Justin Hickox, who shared five common hairstyling mistakes that can age you faster. By understanding and rectifying these mistakes, you can achieve a more youthful and vibrant look.
Mistake #1: Layers that are too long or too short in the front
One of the key mistakes many women make is having layers that are either too long or too short in the front. According to Justin Hickox, it’s crucial to have unified layers that frame your face and add dimension. The right length and placement of layers can instantly lift and rejuvenate your overall appearance, adding a touch of youthfulness to your style.
Mistake #2: Flat hair styled toward the face
Another mistake that can age you faster is styling your hair flat toward the face. This can create a severe and drab look, emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, Justin Hickox suggests adding volume at the roots and styling your hair away from your face. By doing so, you can create the illusion of fuller hair and a more vibrant, youthful allure.
Mistake #3: Hair color mismatch with your skin tone
Choosing the wrong hair color for your skin tone is a common mistake that can instantly add years to your appearance. Justin Hickox advises selecting hair colors that complement your skin tone, enhancing your features and creating a harmonious balance. Consulting with a professional colorist can help you find the perfect shade that will bring out your natural beauty and flatter your complexion.
Mistake #4: Hair color without dimension
Opting for a hair color without any dimension can also contribute to an aging effect. Flat, one-dimensional hair can lack depth and vitality. To avoid this mistake, consider incorporating highlights or lowlights into your hair color. These subtle variations will add texture, movement, and brightness to your hair, resulting in a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Mistake #5: Neglecting hair volume, texture, and growth
Lastly, neglecting hair volume, texture, and growth can be a major mistake that ages you faster. Thin, lifeless hair can make you look older and less vibrant. To counteract this, Justin Hickox recommends using volumizing products and styling techniques to create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. Additionally, embracing your hair’s natural texture and promoting healthy hair growth through proper care and maintenance can significantly contribute to a more youthful overall look.
| Mistake | Effect |
|---|---|
| Layers that are too long or too short in the front | Can create an unbalanced and aged appearance |
| Flat hair styled toward the face | Emphasizes fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more severe look |
| Hair color mismatch with your skin tone | Contrasts with your complexion, creating an unflattering and aging effect |
| Hair color without dimension | Creates a flat, one-dimensional look that lacks vibrancy and youthfulness |
| Neglecting hair volume, texture, and growth | Thin, lifeless hair can make you appear older and less vibrant |
Conclusion
After discussing the hair trends to avoid over 40 and the common hairstyling mistakes that can age you faster, it’s important to remember that these are just guidelines. The most crucial aspect of choosing a hairstyle is finding one that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
While age-appropriate hairstyles are worth considering, they are not the only factor to consider when deciding on a hairstyle. Your personal style and individual preferences should also play a significant role in your decision. Don’t be afraid to consult with a hairstylist who can provide expert advice tailored to your needs and help you find the perfect hairstyle for you.
Remember, your hair is a powerful tool for enhancing your natural beauty and boosting your self-confidence. Embrace what makes you feel your best and experiment with different styles and trends to find the one that makes you shine. In your 40s and beyond, your hair should reflect the confident and self-assured woman that you are.
FAQ
What are the hair trends to avoid over 40?
The hair trends to avoid over 40 are the frizzy, air-dried finished look, having too much length without any layers, thin bangs, and using overdone highlights to hide gray hair.
How can I avoid the frizzy, air-dried look?
To avoid the frizzy, air-dried look, opt for a polished bob cut or use hair serums like Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Bega Varnish to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair.
What should I do if I have long hair over 40?
If you have long hair over 40, consider incorporating face-framing layers into your hair to add a youthful touch. These layers will create movement and volume, giving your hair a more vibrant and youthful appearance.
Can I have bangs over 40?
Yes, you can have bangs over 40, but it’s important to avoid thin bangs that are see-through. Instead, go for face-framing bangs or thicker bangs that add volume and thickness to your hair.
How can I add dimension to my hair without overdoing highlights?
Instead of using highlights to hide existing grays, opt for a monthly single process color to cover gray hair and get highlights every three months for added depth. Remember to hydrate your hair with products like Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask to keep it moisturized and glossy.
What are some common hairstyling mistakes that age you faster?
Some common hairstyling mistakes that age you faster include having layers that are too long or too short in the front, flat hair styled toward the face, hair color mismatch with your skin tone, and hair color without dimension. To correct these mistakes, consider getting unified layers that frame your face, adding volume to your roots, choosing hair colors that complement your skin tone, and adding dimension to your hair with highlights or lowlights.
What should be my priority when choosing a hairstyle over 40?
When choosing a hairstyle over 40, prioritize what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Find a hairstyle that flatters your features, enhances your natural beauty, and boosts your self-confidence. Consulting with a professional hairstylist can help you find the perfect age-appropriate hairstyle that suits your personal style and complements your individuality.
