We all use different beauty products like creams and serums to make our faces appear more youthful and fresh. But what about our hair? A specific hairstyle or grooming technique could potentially add on the years without us even noticing. If you wish to appear younger, or at least not to age yourself, here are some hair do’s and don’ts stylists gathered by stylists to help maintain a more youthful look, or at least avoid unnecessary aging!

The Sleek and Elegant Ponytail

Many people love the look of a slick and sleek ponytail pulled up tight on the top of the head, without a single hair dangling out of place. While this might look elegant for some, it may add a few years to others (oftentimes unknowingly). It is difficult to hide the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines behind a sleek ponytail. A little bit of volume or letting down wisps of hair can make a huge difference.

notkaesix/Instagram
There is no exact age when this hairstyle stops being flattering and should be avoided. It is very much a case-by-case basis based on your personal desires and what parts of your head you wish to accentuate.

Dark Roots

Now there is a difference between simply not maintaining your hair coloring job and intentionally making it so that you have dark roots and lighter hair. There was a time (thanks mainly to Shakira) that dark roots were all the rage, and everyone was rushing to grow out their freshly dyed hair to expose the darker roots. But if you’re trying to look younger, this style might not be the ideal choice.

antoniocortezatelie/Instagram
Depending on your personal style and preferences, this look might just end up feeling like you don’t maintain your hair rather than the casual, edgy look you hoped for. But we guess the only way to know is to try it out, so if you’re curious, go for it and see how you feel!

Even Out Your Grey Hairs

This might be counter-intuitive, but evening out your grey hairs can actually give you a more youthful look. Just think about it this way: a full head of grey hair can look powerful and like you’re embracing and loving your age and the way your body is changing. However, an ill-maintained dye job with grey roots sticking out can look messy. And that’s why for some, going completely grey can be the best choice.

Jack Martin via Allure
If you are transitioning to full gray, then we have no doubt you’ll love it. But if you’re trying to keep the appearance of colored hair, maintain your roots for a more youthful feel.

The Overly-Cropped Bob

Bob hairstyles, as has been established, can look quite flattering for some women and can keep them looking young and fashionable. However, depending on the length, you are in for some risky business. If you are considering a very short, edgy look to your bob and want to crop it a lot, especially in the back, be aware that it can potentially make you appear older than you may have desired.

therighthairstyles.com
Remember this one question: do you want to accentuate your neck? If the answer is yes, then the overly-cropped bob is for you. If the answer is no, you might want to avoid this one.

Spiking Short Hair

Short haircuts can be quite flattering for women as we age. Since our hair tends to get thinner, keeping styles short helps it look more voluminous while longer hair can contribute to the lack of volume. But the one thing that can take the volume away from shorter hair is spiking it. So, if you’re concerned about having a thick-hair look, then spiking might not be the way to go.

Flickr/Tina Dupree
If you are looking for an edgy and trendy look, then by all means, go for it! However, think about whether you feel okay losing some volume.

A Very Short Pixie

The Pixie haircut is one of the most versatile and flattering hairstyles for women of all different ages and looks. However, if you are trying to appear younger, be mindful of the length that you cut your pixie. For some of us, the shorter we go, the more youthful we get. But for others of us, it can be the opposite. So it’s good to play around and find your ideal pixie cut length.

ketohappimess/Instagram
Does the shorter look accentuate all the right places or make you feel older? It’s all about personal style and preferences, and sometimes, the only way to find out is by trial and error (or speaking with your trusted hairstylist).

Bringing Out the Bouffant

Although it may be tempting to give the bouffant hairstyle a chance, if you are trying to appear young, it may not be the best choice for you. In certain circumstances, it can look very glamorous and beautiful. However, it is generally associated with the 1960s. So unless you want to be associated with being from the 1960s (which some of us certainly do), this may not be the best hairstyle choice for you.

thecherrydollface/Instagram
The bouffant is also very damaging to the hair. In order to create this look, you need to do a lot of teasing to the hair and apply lots of hairspray. So if you do love this look, we recommend using it in moderation to keep your hair healthy.

Wave Away From Your Face

Did you know that the direction in which you create your waves with a curling iron can affect how old you appear? Probably not, since it is not the most commonly known fact. However, now that you are in on the secret, be sure to put it into practice! If you want to appear younger, stylists recommend styling your waves away from your face and not towards it.

hairbykatieprzybilla/Instagram
Making sure the waves are away from your face helps to soften your overall look and make you appear younger. Give it a try next time you pull out the curling iron and see what you think.

Keep the Braids Loose

Tight braids look very good on women and are a large part of certain hairstyles in many different cultures. However, if you are trying to appear younger than you are, there are a few things to keep in mind when braiding your hair. Braids that are braided tightly to the head tend to pull back the skin and really accentuate your face. So if that’s not something you want, then this might not be the ideal hairstyle.

braidsby_gorjus/Instagram
But that doesn’t mean you have to ditch the braids altogether. Just find a braiding style that feels good to you!