A few months ago I received a serious wake-up call courtesy of a new hairstylist. I was sitting in his chair having a consultation when he mentioned (as nicely as possible) that I might want to consider a new style. When I asked why, he explained (again, as nicely as possible), "Your haircut seriously ages you." Ouch.
Truth be told, I was growing out a bob, and while the color was still good, the cut had become blah and shapeless -- and from what I now gathered, aging. In that moment, I wasn't sure whether I should thank him or storm out of the salon in a huff. But, in my heart of hearts I must've realized he was right. So I swallowed what was left of my pride and asked for a solution. Fortunately, it was simple: A cut that accentuates my features instead of dragging them down. Sold.
Later, as I strolled down the street with a lighter, more youthful bob, I wondered how many other women were blissfully unaware that their haircuts were adding years to their faces. Ladies, consider this your wake-up call.
To help you perform a quick "Aack, am I aging myself unnecessarily?" assessment, I asked celebrity hairstylist Marco Pelusi which common issues and mistakes make women look older. Here's what he had to say, along with some general words of caution.
It's too dark
Really dark, solid brown or black hair can look harsh or false, which ultimately makes you look older. Why? Because we tend to lose pigment, moisture and elasticity in the skin, hair, and eyes as we age, says Pelusi. To counteract that loss and restore the appearance of youth, it's best to warm up the hair with light to medium browns and highlights. Don't want to spend big bucks at a salon? Dye it at home using a no-muss/no-fuss kit. (Try Clairol Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam, $8, and click here for foolproof at-home dyeing tips.)
To keep your color going strong (and your dye job from going down the drain), use products specially formulated for colored hair. (Try Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, $7.99, or Marco Pelusi Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard, $35.25.)
It's too light
Similarly, if your hair falls on the other side (we're talking platinum blonde to white), you can look washed out. Consider natural-looking shades that are somewhere in the middle of the color spectrum, or adding deeper lowlights to your blonde, says Pelusi. Another tip: Avoid using too much bleach or lightener; it can give you an unnatural "frosted" effect, which also tacks on the years.
It's too high
Too much fullness on the top of your head can make you look older. In general, the smoother and sleeker your hair is, the healthier and younger you look, says Pelusi. So, take a cue from Demi Moore: Trade in the big hair for a straight blowout and shine-enhancing products. (Spritz Pantene Pro-V Medium to Thick Hair Solutions Heat Protection and Shine Spray, $5.99, all over damp hair before you blow dry and use Marco Color Smoothing Gloss, $25.25, post-styling.)
It's loud
Once you're past your 20s, extreme hair color can make it seem like you're trying too hard to look young. This is generally a time when you should be spotlighting what naturally-youthful features you still have -- not hiding under a coat of Atomic Turquoise Manic Panic. That said, I know a grandma with fiery red dreadlocks who looks younger than she is, but she pulls those off with major attitude. Most of us are relegated to safer, flattering tones on the color spectrum.
It hasn't changed shape since high school
Remember that blunt (all one length) cut with bangs you had when you were in high school? Still have it? If so, it's time for an update. Dated hairstyles definitely age you. So pick a new style that's modern and best fits your face shape, says Pelusi. Need a little help? Head to the salon or check out these celebrity hairstyles by face shape.
It's dragging you down
This was my problem -- and can be a common problem for people who are either growing out their hair or have very long hair to begin with. If your hair becomes too heavy for its cut, it can create the illusion that your features are sagging. Also, the older you get, the less shine your hair tends to have -- and very long hair just draws attention to that. To avoid this, have your stylist trim and reshape your cut so it better fits your face shape while it's growing. If you have very long hair, break it up with some modern-looking soft layers or side bangs, says Pelusi.
It looks like death
And by death, I mean ashy. My fifth grade English teacher's wife had this problem. I think she was attempting to color her graying hair brown, but because she was using a cool, ashy shade, it turned out kind of a grape-soda purple. Unless you have a lot of warmth in your hair -- meaning yellow, red, or orange undertones -- steer clear of cool, ashy shades, which have blue, green, or purple undertones. Ditto if your hair is already cool gray or white; you could end up with an undesirable pink, blue, or purple tint. Surprising tip: Smokers tend to have a lot of yellow in their hair, says Pelusi.
It's frazzled
Damaging your hair is a surefire way to look older. Too many chemicals, too much sun exposure, excessive heat styling, and even certain kinds of tap water can leave hair looking dull, dry, and frizzy. To combat damage, wash your hair less often and when you do, use shampoos and conditioners that contain protein, collagen, and/or dimethicone (try Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance Shampoo and Conditioner, $5.99 each).
It's also important to deep condition once a week, coat hair with a UV/heat protectant spray (try FEKKAI Coiff Defense Pre-Style Thermal UV Protectant, $24) before styling or spending time in the sun, and limit heat styling to only a few times a week.