Hair changes as we age, often becoming thinner and less cooperative than in our younger years. After 60, certain haircuts can actually make you look older by emphasizing flatness and lack of volume. But don’t worry! I’ve spent decades behind the salon chair, and I’m here to reveal which styles to avoid and which fabulous volume-boosting cuts will take years off your appearance.
1. The One-Length Bob Without Layers
Nothing screams “I’ve given up” like a straight-across bob with zero layers. Honey, this cut sits like a helmet on your head! Without internal texture, your fine hair just collapses, highlighting every facial line.
Trust me, I’ve seen clients age ten years with this blunt mistake.
2. Super Long Straight Hair
Gravity becomes your worst enemy with extra-long locks after 60! Those straight strands drag your features downward like sad curtains framing a beautiful window.
I’ve watched countless clients cling to length while their youthful glow disappeared beneath the weight of all that hair.
3. The Outdated Mushroom Cut
Where do I begin with this round-on-top, straight-on-bottom disaster? Though popular in the 70s, this shape creates a top-heavy silhouette that emphasizes jowls and neck issues.
I’ve nicknamed it “the instant ager” in my salon for good reason!
4. Severe Center Parts
Though Gen Z adores them, harsh middle parts after 60 create a symmetrical divide that highlights facial asymmetry we naturally develop with age.
I’ve seen clients transformed just by shifting that part even slightly! The center part is essentially holding up a magnifying glass to aging concerns.
5. The Ultra-Short Pixie Without Texture
Whacking it all off without adding texture? Big mistake! A super-short crop that lies flat against the scalp creates a harsh, institutional look rather than a chic statement.
I’ve rescued many clients from this prison-matron vibe with just a few strategic snips for movement.
6. The Straight-Across Heavy Fringe
Heavens, those thick, straight-across bangs that hit right at the eyebrows! They create a horizontal line that emphasizes forehead wrinkles while hiding your expressive eyes.
I’ve watched clients instantly age when these curtain-like fringes draw attention to every line above them.
7. The Blunt, Shoulder-Length Cut
Though seemingly safe, this one-note wonder lacks internal movement, leaving hair to hang limply around your face like sad drapery. Without layers, this medium length becomes a shapeless mass that drags features downward.
I’ve seen this style add a decade overnight!
8. The Super Sleek Ponytail
While slicked-back ponytails look edgy on youngsters, after 60 they create a facelift-gone-wrong effect! This severe style exposes every facial contour while emphasizing thinning hairlines.
I’ve nicknamed this the “instant aging tool” in my salon conversations.
9. The Triangle Cut
Horror of horrors! This bottom-heavy style—narrow at the crown and wide at the ends—emphasizes jowls while making the top appear flatter than Kansas.
I’ve rescued countless clients from this inverted disaster. The growing-out perm from the 80s should have stayed there!
10. The Uniform-Length Shag
Unlike its voluminous cousin, this imposter lacks proper layering throughout, creating a shapeless mess rather than rock-star texture. Without strategic cutting, it’s just unkempt rather than edgy.
I’ve seen this half-hearted approach age clients faster than sunshine!
11. Layered Bob with Feathered Ends
Hallelujah for the transformative power of a properly layered bob! This miracle worker creates internal lift while those feathered ends add gorgeous movement that dances around your face.
I’ve watched clients literally stand taller when they see how this cut frames their features perfectly.
12. Textured Pixie with Longer Crown
Magic happens when we keep length on top while going shorter at the sides! This brilliant strategy creates height exactly where you need it, while textured pieces add playful dimension.
I’ve had clients bring in photos of Jamie Lee Curtis after seeing the youthful lift this style creates.
13. Soft Shag with Face-Framing Layers
Whoever claimed you can’t rock a shag after 60 never saw this age-defying wonder! The deliberately disconnected layers create built-in volume while those face-framing pieces act like instant filters.
I’ve witnessed incredible transformations with this rock-star cut on my silver-haired clients.
14. Side-Swept Bangs with Layers
Those diagonal bangs work miracles by drawing eyes upward and outward, creating an instant lift effect! When paired with complementary layers throughout, this style builds volume while softening facial contours.
I’ve seen clients look ten years younger with this strategic framing technique.
15. Soft Blunt Lob with Invisible Layers
Here’s my secret weapon: the collarbone-grazing lob with hidden internal layers! From the outside, it appears sleek and sophisticated, but those invisible interior cuts create magnificent body without obvious layering.
I’ve had clients swear their hair doubled in thickness with this clever technique.
16. The Modern Curly Cut
Embracing natural texture becomes your secret fountain of youth! Strategic shaping that works with—not against—your natural curl pattern creates incredible volume without effort.
I’ve watched clients toss away their straighteners and reclaim hours of styling time with this liberating approach to their natural texture.