These hairstyles will make your face older

I don’t know about you, but the past year has felt long. My hair has turned gray, I’ve gotten more wrinkles, and I’m tired despite going to bed earlier. Admittedly, I feel like I’m aging faster these days. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that (I have no problem with changing my hair color or a few wrinkles on my face), the speed at which it’s happening is a little disturbing. I want to get back to myself, and for me, that means getting a haircut.

In the past few months, I’ve lost track of how many people have said their hair needs to be cut, from my husband to my co-workers to my parents. The desire to chop it up has been strong. Personally, I wanted to cut my hair back to a bob so badly. I want to feel like the kind of new and improved version that always comes after the cut. I don’t think I would exaggerate to say that we all want the hairdresser to take us back to our old selves – we look the way we did before the big buzz with a cherry on top.

With that in mind, I talked to two stylists – Peter Burkill and Efi Davies (Toni&Guy’s international artistic director) – about hair, because going back to the salon felt more like the norm. Plus, they told me which cuts make us look and feel younger to combat all the accelerated aging we feel like we’re experiencing (although I’m sure that’s not the case).

First, it’s important to evaluate your hair before you make an appointment. “Unlike skincare, most people I talk to don’t spend that much time on their hair routine,” Burkill says. “Before you go to the salon, a leave-in conditioner and a weekly mask will make your hair look healthier.”

Burkill adds, “For hair to be fully effective, it must be in good condition. Whether you have fine, thick, curly or exploding hair, you need to use conditioning products and treat your hair properly.” Burkill recommends Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair for all hair types, “If hair is tightly curled, you can also try Aveda’s Nutriplenish leave-in conditioner to help set curls.” Ultimately, if your hair is in good condition, you’ll save a few inches, and you may also find yourself liking your hair more.

1. medium-length cuts

“I wanted to get rid of the myth that the older you get, the shorter your hair needs to be,” says Davis. “If you like to keep your hair long, then don’t cut it short. What really works for most people of any age and makes you feel great is a medium length haircut. Try it at or below the shoulders because it can help lengthen facial features and elongate the neck and look incredible.”

Davis also says it pays to experiment with the texture of lob, and adding volume to your hair will also make it look younger.

2. Stripes and soft layers around the eyes

To instantly enhance your look in a super-fast way, “try soft bangs from the ’70s,” says Burkill. “Bangs will draw the eye. You can also try shorter bangs around your eyes to accentuate your face.”

Davis also suggests playing around with fringe, although she says not too high, but opting for softer layers around the face to enhance your eyes.

3. short and thick back

If you’re really tempted to cut it short, Davis says keeping your hair thick in the back is the key to making it look younger: “If you’re a little concerned about the texture of your hair, you can get beautiful volume in the back by placing graduation.”