Sure, we all know a beauty tip or two to look younger—but did you know that your hair could strike the greatest impact of all? Today’s hottest celebrity hair experts reveal the easy yet effective moves that make all the difference.
QUIZ: What’s Your Hair Age?
Bangs Are Like Botox
Bangs aren’t just for middle school. A fringe can conceal forehead wrinkles, draw attention to your eyes and lift your face. “You will look softer and younger when bangs hit just under the eyebrow, and taper out longer at the sides,” says celebrity stylist Danilo, who has most recently clipped Zooey Deschanel’s bangs.
MORE: Hair Tips for Face Symmetry
Dark Hair: See The Light
According to celebrity colorist Rita Hazan, Angelina Jolie’s subtly lightened locks could be a strategic move. “As we mature, we lose pigmentation in our skintone, so brunettes can avoid looking too pale by lightening up one to two shades,” advises Hazan.
MORE: The Best Hair Color for Your Skintone
Light Hair: Add Depth
Platinum blonde and fiery red hues that may appear youthful in the bottle could actually age you. “Lighter shades can look washed out as you age, so you need to add color to your hair to compensate,” explains Hazan. Either go for a deeper hue entirely, or intersperse lowlights to add depth to your color.
MORE: Winter Hair Color Myths & Tips
Hands Off The Hairspray
“The difference between a haircut that’s aging and one that’s age-defying comes down to having lots of shifting layers—which Jennifer Lopez does really well,” explains Juan Carlos Maciques, celebrity stylist at Rita Hazan Salon. “Without layers, hair doesn’t move—and nothing makes you seem older than stiff hair!” he adds.
MORE: Secrets of Women With Gorgeous Hair
Side Parts Sizzle
Cher may have pulled off an iconic center part, but for the rest of us, it’s not always flattering since the harsh splice can exaggerate areas of the face that are not symmetrical. “Parting to the side creates a softer profile and brings out the eyes,” says celebrity stylist Rodney Cutler. Bonus: side parts with a bit of volume cleverly conceal root grow-out (and grays!) longer, too.
MORE: The Best Cut for Your Face
Pump Up The Volume
Volume mimics the thicker and more plentiful hair of younger days, but don’t take it to mean big ol’ Texas hair all over the head. “Specifically, volume at the crown is what looks young,” explains Danilo. “When Gwen [Stefani] wants to show even more attitude, we’ll kick it up with a braid or bun on the crown,” says Danilo.
MORE: De-Frizz to De-Age
Invest In Quality Tools
If you style your hair, using the latest technology like ceramic, ionic and infrared heat can make strands look sleeker and sexier. “Good tools give you smoother results, which will always make any cut or style look younger,” says Danilo, who adds that Eva Longoria is an example of when sleek styling can subtract years.
MORE: Take 15 Years Off Your Hair
Snip Splits
Putting off your regular trim may save some bucks, but it risks adding years to your face. “Split ends contribute to a haggard and ragged feel—fresh tips always give a more youthful appearance,” says Cutler. Wet hair is most vulnerable to breakage. Prevent future splits by only using a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle wet hair, and never tie wet strands in elastics.
QUIZ: How Healthy Is Your Hair?
Put Up A Pony
A simple ponytail lifts the temples and eyes, adding a fresh feeling to your look—yet it’s important to strike the right age-appropriate spot on the head. “Reese Witherspoon does this style quite often, with a ponytail at the occipital [middle back] head bone, and with flip for chic attitude,” says Cutler.
GALLERY: What’s Your Pony Personality?
Shine Like A Star
“Shine is an iconic hair quality that we associate with youth for a reason—it tells us the hair is healthy, clean and cared for,” says Danilo. While shine serums and sprays abound, a clear glaze treatment once a month can inject topcoat-like gloss to strands for hair that captures and reflects light.
COLUMN: Hair Ingredients to Shine On
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