Is your hair ageing you? 4 haircuts that'll make you look so much younger

In the past, we were told that as we got older, we needed to have our hair cut into an 'age-appropriate' style – whatever that means.

Now, some of our most glamorous celebrities are proving that age doesn't need to be a factor in how we style our hair. Take Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Aniston. All three of them are well over 50 and still wearing their hair exactly as they please; in their cases, long and flowing, ignoring the age-old belief that getting older means opting for short, sensible hair.

© Getty Images

The issue for us mere mortals is that without an A-list budget or celebrity hairstylists on speed dial, we need to look after our hair ourselves, and if you're finding that the style you've always worn your hair in is ageing you, it can be a troubling time.

We spoke to professional stylists for their advice on the hairstyles that can help you look 10 years younger (if you want to!).

Which hairstyles can make you look 10 years younger?

Health shows in your hair, according to Victoria Painting, lead educator at Paul Mitchell, who explains that as well as choosing an age-defying hairstyle, the health of your hair is as important as your cut.

"A big factor in looking younger is hair health," she confirms. "Ensuring hair is healthy will play a big role in looking younger."

Back to the hairstyles that can make you look younger, these are the cuts to ask your stylist for next time.

1. A bob for a naturally lifting effect

© Getty Images

Every year we hear about 'the return of the bob' – but in reality, it simply reinvents rather than returns, and for good reason.

"A bob can have a naturally lifting effect because of the strong, clean outline it creates around the face," explains hair stylist Melissa Timperley, who explains that where you have your bob cut to is crucial. "Where that line sits is really important. A bob cut to the right length for the individual can enhance the jawline, expose the neck and create the illusion of more lift through the face."

On the beauty of a bob, Melissa continues that a talented stylist can manipulate the shape and weight depending on the person and their hair. "We might keep a strong, weighted perimeter for structure, introduce subtle graduation to create lift, or add softness and movement depending on the hair texture and desired finish."

2. Face-framing layers to flatter the face

We refer once more to the queen of hair, Jennifer Aniston, who has rocked layers in varying degrees of drama the whole time she's been in the spotlight, proving that layers are a versatile choice for youthful-looking hair – and ideal if you want to switch up your look.

© FilmMagic via Getty Images

 Victoria adds: "A lot of people think that cutting your hair shorter is the only way to change up your look, but that's not always the case. You might just need some light layering around the front to soften your facial features."

Melissa adds that layers are brilliant for adding softness, movement and shape, but the placement of those layers is key. "Rather than simply adding layers throughout the hair, I look at where I want to create movement, where I want to retain weight and which features I want to accentuate.

© WireImage

"Face framing layers can be particularly flattering because they can open up the face, highlight the cheekbones and create softness around the jawline."

If you've found your hair has become finer as you've got older, Melissa advises not to over-layer. "Removing too much weight can actually make the hair appear thinner," she cautions. "It's about creating movement while still maintaining strength and density through the haircut."

You may also like

3. Long hair for a youthful look

As long as you're willing to look after your hair, there's no reason not to wear it long as you get older. "The key is making sure the length still has shape, movement and healthy-looking ends," says Melissa.

© Getty Images for DMMI Royal Char

"I often focus on creating shape around the face while preserving density through the perimeter. This gives movement and softness without unnecessarily thinning out the ends. Face framing can also be used to draw attention towards features such as the cheekbones and eyes."

She reiterates that it's all about health when it comes to lovely long hair, though. "Condition is just as important as the haircut when it comes to long hair. Healthy ends, shine and movement will always make hair feel fresher."

4. Fringes for the over-forties

Fringes, or bangs as they're known in the US, add an instant youth injection, but you don't have to go full Taylor Swift-style bangs to try the look.

Victoria suggests wispy soft bangs for a youthful style. "I suggest having [your bangs] cut long enough so that you can easily push them off to the side. Sweeping them to the side draws attention to the outsides of your cheekbones, which visually widens the face and creates the illusion of youthful fullness," she says.

© Variety via Getty Images

Melissa rates fringes, too. "A fringe can be incredibly rejuvenating because it can completely change the focal point and proportions of the face. A lot of my clients joke that they choose a fringe instead of Botox! A fuller or softer fringe can disguise the forehead and fine lines, but for me it's still about getting the shape right.

"I often think of a fringe as a way of contouring the face with hair. The length, width and placement can be used to open up and highlight the cheekbones, soften wider areas of the face or draw attention towards the eyes."

© WireImage

That said, Melissa notes she'd never choose a fringe purely because somebody wants to look younger. "I look at their face shape, forehead, hairline, growth patterns and natural texture first. A soft sweeping or curtain fringe can create movement and softness, while a fuller fringe creates a stronger statement. Even a subtle change to the length or width of a fringe can completely alter how we perceive the proportions of the face."

In summary, she says that the most flattering fringe is one that works with the individual and feels like part of the overall haircut rather than something that has simply been added on.

She concludes: "Youthful hair isn't about following a particular rule or reaching a certain age and cutting it off. It's about finding a shape that suits the individual, their hair texture and their lifestyle."