3 Unflattering Haircuts That Make Women Over 40 Look So Much Older

New year, new you, new ‘do! When heading to the salon for a fresh new haircut for the new year, it’s great to bring a reference photo to show your stylist. If your goal is to rock a youthful style that highlights your best features (and doesn’t inadvertently age you), it’s also important to know what best suits your face shape and hair texture. What looks good on someone with a heart-shaped face and curly hair, may not be flattering on a rectangular face with straight hair. It’s also important to get regular trims to ensure your haircut is looking its best. Without considering these factors, you may be left with a haircut that doesn’t suit you or, worse, ages you 10 years!

With that said, we reached out to celebrity hairstylist Gina Rivera to learn more about three unflattering hairstyles that might add years to your look, what to ask your stylist for instead, and styling tips for women over 40. Find out more below!

Common mistakes

Getting the right haircut that complements your features and hair texture can instantly elevate your look. However, if you head into the salon without knowing what to ask for, you run the risk of ending up with a hairstyle, like a mullet, a mega-short pixie, or a bowl-cut bob, which may do more harm than good. This is especially true for women over 40. One wrong haircut can age you 10 years. But what haircuts should women over 40 avoid?

"The most common mistake that women over 40 make is wearing [their] hair too long. This can elongate the face and draw the features downward," Rivera says. "Additionally, leaving the hair too long if the hair is thinning can make the hair look even thinner. Pulling the hair straight back off the face can make your features appear harsher." Yikes!

Flattering haircuts for women over 40

But don't be discouraged. There are still many ultra-flattering haircuts that beauties over 40 can use to emphasize their best features, rock a youthful glow, and use for a fresh change to ring in the new year. Rivera has some suggestions.

"Hair that is collarbone length and above is a good rule of thumb for women over 40. If the hair is worn longer, it’s best to add soft face-framing layers that can help to soften the features. It’s best to always consult with a professional stylist that can assist you with selecting the perfect cut and length for your features and hair type," she says. "When it comes to styles, bobs, pixies, and lobs can be great cuts for mature women. Longer shags can be becoming as well, especially if the layers for styling if the hair is thinner." Perfect!

And, to ensure your hair is at its strongest, make sure you take lots of supplements. Biotin, amino acids, B Vitamins, and collagen are great ways to strengthen and thicken your hair. All of these items contribute to healthy, strong hair which is important with aging. If you do suffer from thinning hair, there are beauty-expert-recommended hairstyles that hide gaps in the hairline and flatter your face.

Styling tips

As for styling, Rivera suggests using good professional products. She says, "I recommend using a root boost product or a volumizing mousse. These are both products that will not weigh the hair down but rather add volume.” You want your hair to look the best!"

Turning 40 is a big accomplishment. And what better way to celebrate it than with a new 'do! Just be careful that you don't fall for unflattering haircuts that won't compliment your face.