As a hairstylist with 20+ years of transforming locks, I’ve seen firsthand how the right cut can subtract years while the wrong one adds them. Many women over 60 unknowingly choose styles that emphasize their age rather than their beauty. Let’s untangle those aging hairstyles and styling blunders that might be adding candles to your birthday cake!
1. The Helmet Bob
Oh honey, that stiff, unmovable bob sitting like a helmet on your head? It’s screaming ‘I’m stuck in 1985!’
The rigidity ages you faster than forgetting your reading glasses. Instead, try a softer, layered bob that moves and breathes with you.
2. Too-Short Pixie
While pixies can be fabulous, cutting too short reveals every facial contour. Yikes!
Those ultra-cropped cuts that worked in your 40s now emphasize jowls and neck issues. Consider a pixie with longer top layers for softness around your beautiful face.
3. The Poodle Perm
Remember those tight, curly perms from decades ago? Well, they haven’t improved with age!
Tight curls create a dated, matronly look that screams ‘grandmother stereotype.’ Looser waves or soft curls bring movement without the time-capsule effect.
4. The Blunt, One-Length Cut
Straight across, no layers, no movement? Hello, aging effect!
Those severe, one-length cuts create a heavy look that drags your features downward. Layers aren’t just trendy—they’re your secret weapon for creating lift and youthful bounce.
5. The Beehive Updo
Darling, unless you’re attending a costume party as a 1960s secretary, that towering beehive is adding decades!
Height is good, but that structured, lacquered look belongs in a museum. Try softer updos with gentle volume that don’t scream ‘vintage.’
6. The Wispy Thin Bang
Those sparse, separated bangs aren’t doing you any favors, sweetie.
Wispy, stringy bangs emphasize fine hair and draw attention to forehead lines. Fuller, softer fringe or side-swept bangs create a more flattering frame for mature faces.
7. The Triangle Cut
Heavens! When your hair is wider at the bottom than the top, you’re sporting what I call ‘the dreaded triangle.’
This bottom-heavy shape drags your face downward. Instead, add layers throughout for movement and volume where you need it—at the crown!
8. The Severe Center Part
Though trendy for youngsters, that stark center part isn’t your best friend after 60.
It creates symmetry that emphasizes facial asymmetries that come with age. A soft side part or even slightly off-center part instantly lifts your look.
9. The Super Long Straight Style
Length isn’t the enemy, but waist-length, flat, straight hair after 60? That’s a youth-stealer!
Excessively long, unstructured hair drags features down and looks unintentionally aging. Consider a fresh cut to somewhere between shoulders and collarbone.
10. The Tight Bun
That ballet-teacher bun pulled so tight it gives you an instant facelift? It’s actually aging you!
Severe pulled-back styles emphasize every facial line and can look harsh. Soften things up with looser updos that allow some face-framing pieces.
11. The Dated Feathered Look
Farrah Fawcett called—she wants her feathered layers back!
Those heavily feathered, outward-flipped layers scream ‘I haven’t updated my look since the 70s.’ Modern, subtle layers create movement without the time-capsule effect.
12. The Curled-Under Bob
Every curl meticulously turned under in perfect formation? That’s not precision—it’s dated!
Those perfectly uniform, curled-under bobs scream ‘I got this look in 1992 and never changed it.’ Try varied styling with some pieces curled away from the face.
13. The Teased Crown
Honey, that mountain of teased hair at your crown isn’t fooling anyone!
Excessive teasing creates an unnatural, dated look reminiscent of 80s excess. A little volume is lovely, but that ratted-up beehive effect adds years, not height.
14. MISTAKE: Neglecting Conditioner
The biggest crime I see in my salon? Skipping conditioner because ‘it weighs hair down.’
Dry, brittle hair instantly ages you! As we mature, our strands produce less natural oil. Deep conditioning treatments aren’t optional—they’re your ticket to youthful, vibrant locks.
15. MISTAKE: Over-Processing Color
That harsh, brassy blonde or blue-black box dye? It’s adding years, not compliments!
Over-processed color damages hair structure and creates unnatural tones that contrast harshly with mature skin. Gentle, dimensional color that’s 1-2 shades from your natural base looks infinitely more youthful.
16. MISTAKE: Using the Wrong Products
Using your granddaughter’s volumizing mousse? That’s a recipe for disaster!
Mature hair needs specific formulations. Heavy products designed for younger hair types create buildup and flatness. Invest in lightweight, moisturizing products specifically designed for aging hair.