Hair expert shares 3 styles over 50s should avoid if they want to 'stay looking youthful'

Choosing the right hairstyle can make you look much younger (Image: Getty)

Ageing is a real privilege, but for many people, actually looking older isn't always ideal. 

This is where beauty treatments can really come in handy, and there's nothing like a flattering haircut to really take the years off and make you look youthful once more. 

So if you've been looking for ways to give your appearance a bit of a revamp, it could be time to book in for a cut and colour at your nearest hairdresser. 

And while it's true that there are certain styles that do create a younger appearance, there are others that have the opposite effect. 

Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, shared the haircuts you should avoid, or risk adding years to your appearance if you are over 50.

Certain haircuts should be avoided if you want to look younger (Image: Getty)

1. Ultra-length 

Your hair naturally thins out as you get older, so opting for a short, layered cut instead can take years off your appearance.  Ghanima said long hair “can age you because your once full locks are now less so, and it shows”. 

A lob, or long bob, is the perfect option if you still want a bit of length but don't want to go overboard. Ask the stylist to add a little layering so that it doesn't fall flat. 

However, anyone with texture hair should avoid short haircuts that are “the same length all around”.

Ghanima says “three-inch afros are a thing of the past" and aren't as youthful-looking as other styles could be. Instead, grow textured hair at least five inches and to have it faded around the sides and back.

A long bob is the perfect option if you still want some length in your hair (Image: Getty)

2. Layer-less bobs

Layers create movement and volume and feathering around the face highlights features whilst adding the look of more hair if it’s thinning and ageing.

If you want to look younger, it's worth avoiding hair that is “the same length all over and barrel-curled close to the scalp”.

Similarly, pixie cuts with hair of different lengths to allow some swirling to over thinning looks “fantastic at any age”.

Layers can help to create a more youthful appearance (Image: Getty)

3. Super-short or blunt bangs

Bangs, or a fringe, are timeless. But for the best anti-ageing effect, avoid baby or mini bangs.

Ghanima explained: “Wherever your bangs fall, that is the feature they will emphasize the most.

“You don't want short bangs that fall right in the middle of your forehead where you might have a few lines,” instead, bring the bangs down to the eyebrows to “emphasise your eyes”.

In order to keep your hair looking as healthy as possible, it's also hugely important that you book in for regular trims, according to the experts at No Time for Style. 

They said: "As hair becomes more prone to breakage and split ends with age, regular trims become increasingly important. Skipping the trims can leave your hair looking frizzy and unkempt, which can add years to your appearance.

"Even if you’re growing out your hair, regular trims are crucial for keeping your style’s shape and ensuring your hair remains healthy."