10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (2024)

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  • Hair

From pixie cuts to long, angled layers.

By

Victoria Moorhouse

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (1)

Victoria Moorhouse

Victoria Moorhouse is a writer, editor, and consultant based in Brooklyn, New York who focuses on beauty, fitness, and health. Victoria was previously the Senior Beauty Editor at InStyle.com and a Senior Editor at POPSUGAR. Her work can also be found in notable publications such as Shape.com, The Zoe Report, Forbes.com, and Well+Good. She graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Professional Writing.

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Updated on March 6, 2024 @ 04:04PM

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (2)

Finding the perfect, most flattering haircut is a challenge for all ages. You want a style that is going to make you feel your most confident, flatter your features, and help you look your best. "When we age, we want to have a more glowing effect with our skin and our hair," says expert Natascha Hemple. "When I have clients that want to change their look to appear more youthful, I ask them what they dislike about their look now. Then, I focus on their face shape and the areas that seem to make them look older." But going back to the cut you had when you felt your youngest probably isn't the best route to go. So instead, test out the ageless styles that Hemple and fellow expert Brian Zinno recommend.

Meet the expert

01of 10

Long Pixie Cut

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (3)

Hemple recommends trying a shortcut with some volume, like Halle Berry's long pixie here. Her pro tip? Keep the strands tousled and soft, rather than spikey.

02of 10

Stacked Bob

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (4)

Try a stacked bob that is shorter in the back and longer in the front like Cameron Diaz's cut here. Hemple says that the asymmetric cut will complement practically any face shape. Plus you can wear it straight, curly, or tousled.

03of 10

Pixie Cut

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (5)

"A lived-in pixie that has a little length around the face is a flattering style for short hair. It's particularly youthful because it's a no-fuss hairstyle," says Zinno. He adds it works on many face shapes, and is particularly low-maintenance, which means you don't have to stress about styling it every single day. When looking for a celeb picture to bring to the salon, we think Kris Jenner is a no-fail option.

04of 10

Tousled Bob Cut

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (6)

If you're most comfortable with bob-length hair, go for a chin-grazing style that incorporates layers. "It's youthful because while it's a bob length, the layers around the face keep it soft and flowing without the usual angular lines of a bob, and the layers in the crown or around the perimeter give lift and movement." We love Viola Davis's soft, layered, and tousled bob, while Zinno says that Helen Mirren is another example of this gorgeous look.

05of 10

Shoulder-Length Cut With Layers

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"Jennifer Aniston has had this length, and what makes it look youthful is when the ends are shattered to keep it from looking blunt and heavy around the perimeter," says Zinno.

He suggests longer angles around the face and below the jawline to keep the look flowing and soft.

06of 10

Medium-Length Cut with Long Layers

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Eva Longoria has also demonstrated soft, shattered angles in the past, which she seamlessly wore between sleek and straight styles and in effortless, loose waves. Hemple says long layers always give off a youthful appearance. She adds that off-center or side parts that "fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance."

07of 10

Medium-Length Cut with Side Fringe

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"A favorite timeless hairstyle for long hair is cascading layers flowing from a shorter length around the face — a long fringe or side bang — to longer to the back," says Zinno. "This creates movement in the style and opens up the face." He suggests this cut styled in soft waves just like Julia Roberts.

08of 10

Long Cut with Waves

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (10)

As far as how long is too long? Zinno suggests keeping your length around the breastbone area. Hemple adds that waves or bouncy style, like Christie Brinkley's here, "open all facial features to compliment a bright open look that makes you look rested."

09of 10

Low Messy Bun

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (11)

Zinno says that youthful-looking updos should be kept slightly undone and casual and never too tight or polished. We love this low coif seen on Keri Russell.

10of 10

High Ponytail

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (12)

Jennifer Lopez's high, snatched ponytail has a lifting and tightening effect on the face. Curl the ends to give the style a soft, effortless vibe.

Updated by

Tessa Petak

10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (13)

Tessa Petak

Tessa Petak is a Brooklyn-based writer who helps to cultivate InStyle's illustrious news coverage across a wide range of topics including celebrity, fashion, and entertainment. She also produces and composes celebrity profiles and features for the site and InStyle's digital issues.

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10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (2024)

FAQs

What kind of hairstyle makes you look younger? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

What haircut makes you look the oldest? ›

12 Hairstyles That Make You Look Older, According to Stylists
  • Thin and short bangs.
  • Flat hair.
  • Teased hair.
  • Wispy layers.
  • Air-dried hair.
  • Overly dark hair.
  • Extremely light hair.
  • Damaged hair.
Jan 2, 2024

Does shorter hair make you look younger? ›

Short hair does not need to age you, though, as the style and texture of shorter hairstyles can add a youthful appearance. The more texture, movement, and body your hair has, the younger you will appear, regardless of length.

What hairstyle makes you look thinner? ›

An asymmetrical long bob, or lob, is the absolute best hairstyle if you want to make your face look thinner. Opt for a lob at least three inches below the chin in the front, and angled shorter in the back.

What are the four haircut mistakes that instantly make you look older? ›

Jack Miles and Rosie Myers have decades of experience cutting and styling hair. Between them, they have said four types of layers can age someone. These are layers that are too short, layers that are too long, layers that are too uniform, and having too many layers.

What hair color makes you look younger? ›

What Color Hair Makes You Look Younger? Brighten up! Ten out of ten colorists agree, shades that are warm-toned read more youthful than cool-toned hair colors. Spicy copper reds, rich caramel brunettes, and soft honey blondes will warm up your complexion for younger-looking skin (hold the retinol).

What length hair ages you? ›

Mitch Stone, stylist to the stars, warns, "once hair has passes your ribs, it is officially making you look older." Trimming a few inches off your locks is an easy fix for this common hairstyle mistake, taking years off your appearance and revitalizing your look.

Should a 70 year old woman wear bangs? ›

A well-cut fringe can make all the difference when it comes to revamping your hairstyle — and women over 70 are no exception! Baby bangs. These super short bangs, also known as micro bangs, are super chic and perfectly flatter your facial features.

Do bangs make you look younger or older? ›

The idea that bangs make you look like a child or too old is a common hair myth. The reality is that there are so many ways to style bangs. Each and every one of these styles brings a youthful energy to your look in a different way. Bangs can be chic, sweet, sultry — it's all in how you style them.

Does a long bob make you look older or younger? ›

How Can a Bob Age You? This isn't unique to just bobs, but Joseph warns if a bob doesn't work with your face shape, it can make you look older. “Also, a shorter cut draws the eye up, where as a longer style draws the eye down, taking the focus directly off the face.

What makes a face look younger? ›

Protecting your face from the sun is the single best way of keeping it youthful. You need to regularly use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB light, with an SPF of at least 30. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea.

What is the best haircut for sagging jowls? ›

The expert's favourite long-hair style for women with jowls is the long bob - or "lob". She explained: "Alternatively, the asymmetrical lob (long bob) is a versatile style that draws attention away from loose skin around the neck area and helps conceal other insecurities like a crooked nose.

What hairstyles make your hair thinner? ›

Cut your hair in long layers.

Talk to your stylist about cutting your hair into a long-layered style. Long layers frame your face and make thick hair more manageable. Try a long-layered look to make your thick hair appear thinner.

What hairstyle slims a chubby face? ›

10 Slimming Hairstyles for Round Faces
  • Textured Bob with Wispy Bangs. A short bob with see-through bangs adds a sweet appeal to a round face. ( ...
  • Butterfly Cut. ...
  • Pixie Cut. ...
  • Asymmetrical Lob. ...
  • Half Updo with Korean Side Bangs. ...
  • Long Loose Waves With Root Perm. ...
  • Medium Shaggy Hair with Curtain Bangs. ...
  • Messy Top Knots.
May 29, 2023

What length of hair is most slimming? ›

As far as hairstyles that make your face look thinner go, long hair is one of the easiest options. "Long hair instantly slims most face shapes. Think about getting semi-permanent hair extensions to speed up the process," says Lopez.

Do you look younger with your hair up or down? ›

By pulling your hair up into a ponytail high enough that it can be seen from the front, it opens up the face, tightens facial features, and emphasizes your eyes, eyebrows, and cheekbones. And as an added bonus, it also visually elongates your face and overall silhouette making you look a little taller.

Does cutting your hair make you look older or younger? ›

Does short hair make you look younger or older? The right short cut can take years off your look when it flatters your facial features, complements your face shape, and celebrates your hair texture. But dramatic cropped cuts can age you if they expose flaws, lack softness, or overpower petite features.

What is the fastest way to look younger? ›

II. How to Make Your Body Look 10 Years Younger
  1. Move More - Exercise is Necessary for a Healthy Body. ...
  2. Maintain a Healthy Diet - You Are What You Eat! ...
  3. Stay Hydrated - Our Bodies Are 70%+ Water. ...
  4. Get a Healthy Amount of Sunlight - But Watch Out for Burns. ...
  5. Sleep More - 7 to 8 Hours is the Standard.
Apr 24, 2024

Which way do you part your hair to look younger? ›

"The middle part is one of the most fashionable hair trends," Bergamy tells us. "It gives a more youthful look without looking childish." It tends to work best on faces that are more or less symmetrical, but can also help elongate shorter, wider face shapes. "A middle part gives a slimmer look," Bergamy adds.

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