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.
Find out what makes your hair look old -- now.
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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.)
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.
Photo 4/9
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.)
Photo 5/9
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.
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.
