Part a little to the left, to the left.
BY ANJ BATHAN
I remember that one time I got tired of my long hair. I was putting it in a bun then I was like, “I think I wanna cut my hair… oh my, I need it NOW!” And I did get it immediately, no BS. That same afternoon I went to the salon and chopped 10 inches off my long locks.
Frankly, I looked more mature. I think I aged a little with my new hair — I liked it — but that was because I badly needed change (not to mention I had unhealthy hair). I wanted to start over and be taken more seriously. I mean, I still get to use student discounts (hehe) with this face, but I wanted to look more like my age. 21 isn’t the new 12. To me, at least.
If you’re like me — needing a good makeover, wanting to start over, and dreaming to look a tad bit older —you’d probably want to commit these mistakes (plus chop a really huge chunk off it!).
But if wanting change means looking younger (and you have (IMO) gorgeous healthy hair that shouldn’t be cut), read on and drill these five tips into that beautiful head of yours.
1) The One With Just One Length
Layer!
Don’t you think Hailey Baldwin looks the same age as Lucy Hale or Rose Byrne above? Well, to me she does. And that’s because of her hair.
If your hair’s cut in one length with no layers at all, you may look older than you really are. Layers, in general, add movement and give your a softer touch. On the other hand, long layers remove weight from the bottom half of your hair, making it more bouncy.
2) The One With The Wrong Part
To the left, to the left.
Don’t part your hair in the center if you wanna look younger. It could work for some, sure, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Instead, part it a little to the left. If you want, you can grab a whole inch to whichever side you think flatters you the most, adding more volume!
If your hair doesn’t want to cooperate, use bobby pins to hold them together.
Shop bobby pins on ZALORA.
3) The One Where It’s Too Dark
Match your hair color with your skin tone.
Going too dark can make you look older. If you have fair skin, don’t go with jet black hair. Try complimenting your hair color with your skin tone to make it look more natural. Your hair is supposed to flatter your complexion, not go against it.
If you’re going to dye your hair with a darker shade, make sure to not keep it one-dimensional by adding highlights. And go to a professional!
Looking chic and smart, aren’t we?
4) The One That Falls Flat On Your Face
Turn the volume up a little.
Not having enough volume is not good for your hair.
Most people unconsciously age themselves by allowing their hair to fall flat on their faces — which works if you have pointed nose and chin, but if you’re not too crazy about these features, then flat hair is not for you.
To counter flat hair, you can:
Layer your hair
Cutting a few layers can add body and movement to your hair. But ask your stylist if you should go with…
Bangs
Bangs can add body and fullness to your hair. Consider getting side-swept bangs or fringe.
Invest in good products
Use volumizing shampoo and conditioner, add mousse, and wear dry shampoo.
Don’t know where to get these products? They’re all available on ZALORA!
Blow dry your hair
And do it upside down!
Almost all volumizers need heat to work. Make sure your hair’s not too wet, add the products, get a good brush, and then turn the heat up!
Get salon-quality blow dry with a good hair dryer and the right products!
Use Velcro rollers
No heat needed.
Every hairstylist’s best friend!
Just as your hair is drying, roll about 2 inches of your hair large velcro rollers. Leave them on for about 20 minutes, or until your hair is fully dry.
Get a good hair brush
Blow dry with a paddle brush and end with a rounded brush.
5) The One With Too Much Volume
Because too much of anything is bad.
This heading speaks volumes (bad pun intended).
Okay, okay. Maybe you’re going for a retro look like those three kweens above. But if you aren’t, and you just want bouncier hair, try adding layers OR drying your hair upside down (yup!). It’s the best way to get to the roots and give your hair that extra lift. For extra oooomph, add mousse to your damp hair!
Well, that’s it! Those are five hairstyle mistakes that can make you look older. Remember these tips and style your beautiful looks in a way that can make you look fresher!
P.S. Always go to a professional.