Age-Defying Hairstyles

The Cut: Midlength

"On most women over 40, long hair that's all one length tends to drag the face down, partly because hair thins as we age," says Jennifer Lawrence, senior hairstylist at the Louis Licari Salon in New York City. "A midlength style with strategically cut layers softens and frames the face, and is more sophisticated and sexy.” Jet Rhys, stylist and owner of Jet Rhys Hair Salons in San Diego, says, "This is the perfect length for almost any face shape or hair texture."

What To Ask For

A midlength bob (no longer than the collarbone) with some longer layers hitting at the cheekbone or jawline.

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Style Tip

"Twist damp hair into a loose knot, let it dry, undo the knot and let hair fall into soft, natural waves," says Lawrence. "The movement of layers will distract people from things like crow's feet."

The Cut: Short

A short length—like a gamine pixie cut or a bob with longer layers on top, enough to tuck behind your ears— opens up the face and highlights your cheekbones. And a little height at the crown serves as an instant facelift, drawing attention upward.

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What To Ask Far

A cut with a little length on top gives hair softness and swing—both of which are key to making you look younger. (A too-short, too-cropped style can look dated—and put fine lines and sagging skin on display.) "Ask your stylist to point-cut—chip into the ends, rather than cut them straight across—the outer edges of your hair on the sides and at the nape," says Rhys. "This prevents sharp, barbered lines."

The Cut: Side-Swept Bangs

"Bangs are better than Botox," jokes Rhys. "They add youthfulness to your face, hide fine lines on your forehead, play up your eyes, draw attention to your cheekbones and give any old hairstyle a new look." Even if you have curly hair, adds Lawrence, you can easily blow-dry a front section to make it look smooth.

What To Ask For

Have your stylist point-cut bangs just below your brow to create a chunkier texture; avoid a heavy Cleopatra bang that's cut straight across. "A longer fringe cut at a slight angle, swept over to one eye, gives a nice symmetry and softness to the face," says Rhys.

ON WOMAN'S DAY: Style your hair to soften your features

Style Tip

To avoid a '70s-era bubble bang, direct the dryer nozzle down as you brush back and forth like a windshield wiper with a flat brush, says Rhys.