As we gracefully age, our hair can either enhance our beauty or detract from it. While many hairstyles can be chic and flattering, some trends may not suit us as we reach our fifties. This guide explores 31 hair trends that might not be doing us any favors, ensuring we look our best at any age.
1. Excessive Layering
Layering can add volume, but too many can lead to a thinning effect. Our hair naturally loses density as we age, so excessive layers may make it look sparse. Instead, opt for subtle layering that enhances volume without sacrificing fullness. A balanced approach keeps the hair looking healthy and vibrant.
2. Bleached Blonde
Going fully blonde can be harsh, especially if not maintained. Bleached hair often reveals roots quickly, requiring constant upkeep. The harsh chemicals can also cause damage, leading to brittle strands. Opt for softer, natural shades with highlights. This reduces damage and provides a more flattering, low-maintenance look.
3. Super Long Locks
While long hair can be beautiful, overly long hair can drag down the features and look unkempt. As hair thins with age, maintaining such length can be challenging. Consider a medium length that frames the face and highlights the best features. This way, hair remains manageable and elegant.
4. Heavy Bangs
Thick bangs can overwhelm the face, especially if they’re not styled effectively. They may cast shadows, making the face appear older and the eyes sunken. Opt for softer, wispy bangs. They offer a youthful touch without overpowering the facial features, providing a balanced and flattering look.
5. Jet Black Hair
While striking, jet black hair can be too harsh against mature skin tones. It highlights every line and wrinkle. Softer shades like dark brown or rich chocolate can be more forgiving. They offer depth and richness without overwhelming the complexion, giving a more youthful appearance.
6. Overuse of Hair Gel
Excessive hair gel can leave hair looking stiff and unnatural. It often creates a greasy appearance and lacks movement. For a softer, more natural style, try mousses or creams that provide hold without stiffness. This ensures a polished look with natural movement, enhancing the overall appearance.
7. Tight Ponytails
Tight ponytails can cause tension, leading to breakage and hair loss over time. They also highlight thinning areas. Instead, opt for looser styles that avoid stress on the hairline. This protects the hair and offers a softer, more elegant look, avoiding unnecessary strain on the scalp.
8. Teased Bouffant
Bouffants can seem outdated and add unnecessary volume, making the head look disproportioned. The teasing process can also damage hair, leading to breakage. For a contemporary update, choose styles that add volume at the crown without excessive teasing. This maintains fullness without appearing overdone.
9. Rainbow Colors
Bold, vivid colors can be fun, but rainbow hues might clash with mature skin tones and seem out of place. These shades require significant upkeep and can damage hair. Opt for highlights or lowlights that add dimension and interest. This approach maintains hair health while providing vibrant, age-appropriate color.
10. Box Braids
While box braids are stylish, they can be heavy, pulling on the scalp and causing tension. This can lead to breakage, especially with finer hair. Choose lighter braid styles or twists that provide the same flair without the weight. This ensures a chic look while preserving the hair’s health.
11. Permed Curls
Permed curls can sometimes look too rigid and artificial. The chemicals involved in perming can also make hair brittle. Opt for natural waves or curls achieved through less damaging methods. This provides a softer, more natural appearance that is easier to maintain and kinder to aging hair.
12. Stiff Updos
Overly stiff updos can age a person, looking too formal and rigid. They often lack the softness that complements mature features. Instead, consider soft, loose updos with tendrils framing the face. These styles add elegance without the severity, maintaining a graceful and youthful look.
13. Pixie Cut
Pixie cuts can be daring but aren’t for everyone. They can highlight angular features or thinning areas. Consider a slightly longer cut with layers that lend softness and versatility. This offers the ease of a short style while adding a touch of femininity, suitable for various face shapes.
14. Flat Ironed Locks
Excessive flat ironing can leave hair looking lifeless and dry. The heat causes damage, removing natural volume and texture. Incorporate styling products that protect against heat and add shine. Embrace natural texture or waves to revitalize your look, reducing damage and maintaining a healthy, lively appearance.
15. Super Short Fringe
Ultra-short fringes can seem severe and unflattering. They harshly divide the face and draw attention to aging features. Opt for a slightly longer fringe that softens the face and is versatile to style. This maintains a youthful appearance and can be adapted to suit different occasions.
16. Copper Red Dye
Copper red is bold and can clash with natural skin undertones, making it appear less flattering. It requires constant maintenance as roots show quickly. Consider a softer red or auburn to achieve a vibrant yet harmonious look. This minimizes harsh contrasts and complements mature complexions beautifully.
17. Straight Across Bob
A blunt bob can be too severe, emphasizing jawlines and other features harshly. Opt for a graduated bob with soft layers that add dimension and movement. This style offers a more flattering silhouette that enhances natural beauty, providing versatility and an effortlessly chic look.
18. Tight Curls
Tight curls might look harsh and unnatural. They can accentuate aging features and require significant maintenance. Looser curls or waves offer a softer, more relaxed appearance. Embrace products that enhance natural curl patterns without over-defining them. This approach ensures a youthful, flattering style while reducing styling efforts.
19. Extreme Asymmetry
Asymmetrical styles can be chic but extreme versions might seem unbalanced and dated. Soft asymmetry provides interest without going overboard. It’s best to keep the balance subtle to add modernity and freshness. This offers an ideal blend of contemporary flair and timeless elegance, perfectly suited for mature women.
20. Overly Voluminous Styles
Excessive volume can seem outdated and unnatural. It often involves extensive teasing, leading to damage. Opt for volume-enhancing products that offer lift without excessive height. Styles with controlled volume create a polished, modern look, enhancing natural beauty and ensuring hair remains healthy and vibrant.
21. Wet Look
The wet look can be striking but may come off as greasy rather than chic. It can highlight thinning areas and lack movement. Consider a style that incorporates shine without the wet appearance. This ensures hair looks glossy and healthy, providing a sophisticated and age-appropriate style.
22. Razor Sharp Layers
Razor layers can create a harsh, edgy look that might not flatter mature features. They tend to thin out hair, making it look sparse. Opt for soft, graduated layers that add texture and fullness. This offers a more refined and graceful appearance, enhancing natural beauty without harsh lines.
23. Overly Textured Styles
Excessive texture can appear chaotic and unkempt. It might overwhelm the face and create an unfinished look. Choose styles with subtle texture that add movement and interest. This ensures a polished appearance that enhances features without detracting from them, striking a perfect balance between stylish and sophisticated.
24. Platinum Blonde
Platinum blonde is striking but requires intense maintenance and can damage hair. It often appears harsh against mature skin tones. Consider softer blonde tones or balayage for a more natural look. This reduces damage and maintenance while offering a youthful, glowing appearance, perfectly complementing mature features.
25. High Ponytails
High ponytails can pull the face upwards unnaturally and strain the scalp. They might highlight thinning areas and make the hairline recede. Consider low ponytails or soft buns. These styles reduce tension and offer a relaxed, elegant look, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
26. Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights can appear dated and too stark against natural hair colors. They often lack the subtlety required for a natural look. Opt for balayage or fine highlights that blend seamlessly. This method provides depth and dimension, enhancing the natural beauty without overpowering the features.
27. Undercuts
Undercuts can be bold but might come across as too edgy or youthful. They can clash with softer, mature features. Opt for subtle undercuts or shaved sections that add interest without overwhelming. This offers a chic yet sophisticated style, balancing modernity with elegance, suitable for various occasions.
28. Mohawks
Mohawks are daring and can seem too rebellious for mature features. They often require constant styling and maintenance. Consider styles with volume at the crown that mimic the Mohawk’s height without the full commitment. This provides a hint of edge while maintaining a refined and age-appropriate look.
29. Faux Locs
Faux locs are trendy but can be heavy and cause tension on the scalp. They require significant maintenance and might not suit everyone’s style. Opt for lighter protective styles that offer similar flair without the weight. This ensures comfort and style, preserving the health of the hair and scalp.
30. Crimped Styles
Crimped hair can look outdated, reminiscent of the 80s. It often adds unnecessary frizz and volume, detracting from a sleek appearance. Instead, embrace natural waves or curls for a more contemporary style. This offers a modern touch while reducing frizz, enhancing natural beauty and providing a polished look.
31. Slicked Back Styles
Slicked back styles can seem too severe and highlight every imperfection. They often lack the softness that complements mature features. Choose styles that keep hair away from the face while maintaining volume and softness. This ensures a balanced, elegant appearance that enhances, rather than detracts from, natural beauty.