Hairstyles That Make You Look Younger

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The Side Part

Though a center part can help slim a wider face, Maggiore says it can look "severe" and "plain" on a mature woman, and draw unwanted attention to asymmetry. A side part is more playful, and carves an unexpected hairline around the face, which helps to distract from—and even conceal—imperfections, says Philip Pelusi of Tela Beauty Organics by Philip Pelusi

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A Full-Bodied Style

A voluminous style lifts the face by drawing the observer’s eyes upward and outward, says Maggiore, while movement gives life to tired tresses. "Limp hair screams, 'I’ve given up!'" he adds. Volume can also create the illusion of fullness and health, which helps conceal one of the big issues with aging hair: thinnin

Face-Framing Highlights

When styled to frame the face, highlights help attract light, which creates a youthful "glow" around your features and brightens your complexion, explains Rodney Cutler, a Redken brand ambassador and owner of Cutler/Redken salons. To keep from looking washed-out, Maggiore suggests a base color that’s no more than two shades from your natural hu

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The Bob

"A bob works with, not against, bone structure," says Cutler, which is why it is both timeless and, for the most part, ageless. It can be styled in different ways (chin- or shoulder-length, spiky layers), but Cutler says the best way to look young, edgy and confident is to angle the hair in an A-line style—shorter in back and longer in front.

Layers

"You can actually accent someone’s best facial features with layers," says Pelusi. Depending on where the length of the layer falls, Pelusi says the pieces will "point" to youthful attributes, like high cheekbones, a beautiful jawline or a nice eyebrow arch. Long, layerless hair can drag your face downward, adds Maggiore, creating the appearance of sagginess.

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The Braid

Braids are often worn by young women, but if done right, anyone can pull them off. Try a partial braid that frames a side of the face, a loose side-swept braid, or a long braided ponytail that’s wrapped up into a messy bun. The look exudes the simplistic innocence of youth, while its fun texture adds playfulness to a hairdo, says hairstylist Hannah Burdy of Cutler/Redken salons.

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Natural Updo

"An updo looks most youthful on maturing clients when the volume is kept down," says Pelusi. A loose bun—sans hairspray—is the perfect example. Cutler recommends opting for height at the crown, which helps draw the eye upward. However, he adds, "Make sure that the hair is a little disheveled-looking around the edges to lend softness.”

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Anything On-Trend

Sporting a stylish ’do—such as the current look of soft waves—suggests a fresh, fashion-forward take on beauty, which naturally conveys a youthful perception. "But the trend has to be lifestyle, age and face-shape appropriate," advises Cutler. De Berardinis recommends that you "take cues from celebrities in your age bracket.”

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The Ponytail

When styled well, a ponytail is both sophisticated and girlish, explains hairstylist Eugene Smith from the Ted Gibson Salon. Plus, when tied back snugly, it can act as a mini-facelift, notes Suave Professionals Stylist Jenny Cho, as it helps smooth the skin around the eyes and forehead and accentuate the cheekbones. "Wrap a piece of hair around the tie for extra polish," adds stylist Riccardo Maggiore of the Riccardo Maggiore Salon.