The Youth Effect: What Hair Makes You Look Younger?

So, what hair actually makes you look younger? Movement and softness. Hairstyles with softness and movement in particular, styles with layers, especially around the face, retain our hair a little bit of volume and movement and help to keep the hair away from our faces, preventing it from being flat to our head and dragging downward on our features. Framing pieces, wispy bangs, and layers act as a filter to soften fine lines, make the cheekbones pop, and are youth-enhancing in every way possible. Even just switching to a cut that has a little more shape to it (like a long bob with layers or a new set of curtain bangs) can breathe new life into your look.

Color helps with movement and softness too. Hair colors with dimension and movement (like balayage, face-framing highlights, or soft low-lights) reflects light in flattering ways (while a flat single-tone dark hair color may seem bold it is often stark and harsh against a complexion). Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry get their youthful glow not only from their makeup but also from their hairstylists! They keep their hair warm and moving to enhance their natural features.

And most importantly, a style that reflects who you are – your lifestyle, your vibe, your moment – always gives off more youth than a style that only tries to reflect someone else’s notion of style.