How to look younger and sophisticated with four anti-ageing hairstyles according to expert

As women get older their hair can change in texture, thickness and colour dramatically. To restore their sense of youthfulness, there are some hairstyles that are favoured more than others by professionals.

According to Alice Dawkins, hair expert at Milk + Blush, an “unsuitable or dated” haircut can “age your appearance”. So, what styles should you opt for to maintain a youthful look? Alice has shared four different looks women over the age of 40 should go for if they want a “more youthful” style.

1. Modern pixie cut

Pixie cuts are a bold choice, but they are fabulously chic and can help to accentuate facial features, remove weightiness from thick hair and add texture and fullness to fine or thinning hair.

While some shorter styles are often seen as dull and unfashionable, asking for this updated version of the pixie cut with additional trendy features can create a “sophisticated yet youthful look”.

Alice said: “For example, adding well-blended highlights can remove a monotonal style, adding dimension and texture. Additionally, bangs can make a big difference, as they help maintain some femininity in an otherwise more masculine haircut by softening the more structured style.

“Plus, layers are a perfect addition that adds volume and texture for a much easier styling process as they give you the option to leave hair un-styled and create a ‘messy’ look – a big trend for 2023.”

When visiting the salon, a hair stylist should advise what cut will look best based on your face shape. For those with oval and heart-shaped faces, a pixie style with longer layers and short bangs will help “add length and dimension” to the face shape, whereas square faces will “look better” with longer, wispier bangs and light layers to soften angular features.

Diamond-shaped faces look fabulous with longer pixies and bangs that sit flatter to the head, as this balances out the length of the face. Finally, round faces are more suited to pixies with plenty of volume at the crown of the head, as this helps to narrow and elongate it.

2. Layered and choppy bob

Bobs are all the rage this year, and their popularity amongst younger women makes this style “great for women looking to inject some youthfulness into their everyday look”.

Asymmetrical and effortless tousled bobs are just two cuts that “emit a youthful glow” as they correct the shape of the face and smooth out any harsh angles or lines that can “make you look older”.

When styled right, bobs can be wonderfully low maintenance, especially for wavy hair types, and add plenty of volume and movement.

Alice recommended: “Get your stylist to add some strategic highlights at to frame the face and around the crown of the head. This will create a lifting effect, brightening the complexion and creating a more youthful look.

“And while not for everyone, adding bangs to this style can also be a great way to hide any physical signs of ageing and can divert attention from any thinning areas of hair.”

However, don’t fall into the trap of getting layers too short, especially if you have short hair, as these can “look quite dated, making you appear older”.

3. Relaxed lob

If you’re reluctant to commit to the big chop – a lob is the “perfect middle ground”. The lob, a long bob cut, sits at the shoulders or just below them and can be customised to suit every face shape and hair texture.

More rounded shapes suit straight lobs with length around the front of the face to elongate it, whilst angular faces suit a textured lob to soften sharp features. Alice explained that ladies with thinning hair should opt for the textured lob, to “create more volume, giving the illusion of fullness”.

4. Long and feathery waves

According to the expert, long hair isn’t just for younger people, as displayed by celebrities such as JLo, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston. She said: “If you’ve got it, flaunt it – but it’s what you do with it which will make you appear younger.”

Don’t fall into the trap of letting long hair hang down limp and lifeless. Instead, enhance it with a curtain bang or choppy fringe, which looks good on almost every face shape and can help to “hide any signs of ageing” on the forehead. Plus, add layers to remove any bulkiness from thicker hair and add width and texture to finer hair.   

When styling it yourself, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. Long hair can be styled pin-straight, with soft waves, blown out, or with voluminous curls to add a “youthful look that will take years off the face”.

The hair pro added: “For ladies with shorter locks, achieve long tresses by adding hair extensions. Easy to apply to your hair and versatile, they are a perfect way to experiment with your look and try assorted styles.”