NEW year, new you…it’s a phrase we hear all the time after Big Ben has gonged at midnight and, for some, it often means taking a big style leap and heading to your local salon for the chop.
But it’s important to know what you’re asking for as some styles can be instantly ageing.
Faye Riley, Lead Stylist at Doll Beauty HQ, has revealed the top haircuts and styles that can instantly age you.
She said: “Like with makeup and clothes, trends come and go. It can be hard to look bang on trend and fresh when still reaching for the hair mousse you’ve used since the ’80s.
“With our hair it can be empowering to make changes, try something new and let go of old styles.”
She explained that some people feel like they need to try a drastic change to look younger but while they should look for inspiration, it’s important they ask their stylist for advice.
Faye added: “Look for inspiration from the red carpet and trends but if you have never had a fringe and need something low maintenance then a blunt fridge would not be best for you.
“It’s always important to share inspiration pics you have seen and ask your stylist for advice at your consultation.
“A hair consolation is so important – it’s a time to be clear and discuss the desired style and colour. The client has come to you for your professional opinion so it’s important to be honest.
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say – try to switch the narrative to trends and style you think will be flattering on the client and list the benefits.”
She went on to reveal the hair styles that can be seen as ageing.
Expert stylist Faye explained that a feathered hairstyle could be ageing.
She described the soft brushed out flicks as the biggest hairstyle of it’s time back in the 70s and likened the style to Farrah Fawcett’s hairdo’.
She said: “Unfortunately, some people have not been able to let go of this hairstyle.
“When you continue with a style that is the definition of its time, way back when, then this can be seen as ageing you.”
Faye also pointed out that if customers over-colour their hair to cover the greys, it can be ageing. The expert explained it can have the opposite effect, especially with root regrowth.
She advised that when colouring hair, people should always opt for a maximum of two shades lighter or darker than your natural colour.
She said: “Caramel blonde hair can look youthful but ashy shades verging on the edge of grey and silver can make you look older.”
Hair stylist Faye explained that long hair with no layers can be ageing because when hair gets longer and longer, it becomes thinner at the ends.
She described that this paired with no face-framing, means the hair can look limp and less voluminous, which can instantly make you look aged.
The hair stylist also listed the short spiked hairstyle as one that could be ageing.
She said: “A pixie cut usually with short hair that sticks up and is spiked at the back, although maintenance wise it doesn’t require a lot of styling – it can age anyone when it’s culturally known as the ‘can I speak to the manager?’ cut.”
Blunt cuts and short blunt bobs are harsh and sharp lines don’t create a youthful appearance, revealed Faye.
She explained that these hairstyles draw attention to the jawline – a part of the face that can be affected by age.
Another way your hair can be instantly ageing is if you attempt bright dye jobs at home, explained expert Faye.
She said: “Stay clear of DIY dye and box colours in bright, unnatural shades. As women age, their hair can become more fragile and feel drier because of hormonal changes.
“When reaching for brighter or pastel shades, a lightner is placed on hair first and this can cause hair breakage.
“It’s always sensible to speak to our colourist to talk through your options first.”
Instead Faye revealed there’s a number of hairstyles people can ask for that suit most faces and can make them look younger – instead of older.
If clients want to look younger, Faye advised that soft, blended layers that frame the face are more flattering than severe chunky ones.
She explained that these work particularly well for women with thinning hair as it creates movement and the illusion of volume.
This haircut is universally flattering no matter how old you are, it’s easy to style and looks great, messy and wavy, revealed Faye.
She said: “Plus, it’s still long enough to pull back into a low bun.
“It’s also a great style to consider when you want to try something shorter, but don’t want to commit to anything too drastic straight away.”
Faye also explained that you don’t need to make a big change to see a huge difference and a tousled wave hairstyle will always feel modern and natural.
You can simply section the hair into one-inch sections and using a curling wand or iron, begin to wrap the hair around at least two inches down from your roots to give hair a slight bend.
Faye added: “Sleek and pin-straight hair is modern and sophisticated.
“Always remember to use heat protection spray when straightening and apply a small amount of hair oil to nourish dry hair.”
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