Hairstyles That Are No Longer in Vogue for Older Women

A great hairstyle complements your best features and maximizes confidence. Long hair with long or no layers draws the eyes downward, giving skin a droopier appearance and exaggerating the occasional puffiness underneath the eyes. Long cuts can also look heavy and hide your face. Shorter cuts introduce more volume into your style, while face-framing layers can maintain your hair's length and refresh your look. Your cheekbones are the perfect place to start layering hair. Ask your stylist for long, side-swept bangs, or a short fringe around the face.

Experimenting with hair color and textures is exciting when your locks are still thick and resilient. As it thins over time, however, the constant processing and heat styling can leave your mane looking ravaged and give you a tired appearance. Keep your hair looking supple and healthy by giving it some TLC and scaling back on chemical treatments. Stick with colors that are closer to your natural hue, or invest in a quality wig for an instant hair makeover.

Faux hawks rose to popularity because of their bold look and edgy feel. While the striking hairdo can shake up an uninspiring look, it can also seem overly styled. A pixie haircut is more timeless and versatile. It works with almost all hair types and flatters most faces. Textured and spiked versions allow you to play with volume, while thinner hair types will look chic with long bangs or in a pompadour. Be prepared for regular trims to maintain its shape, however, especially if you have curly hair.

Every woman should feel fabulous in her own skin, and that includes her natural hair color. Fortunately, coloring incoming grays is one trend that's steadily losing steam. Frequent dyeing can be expensive, time-consuming, and damaging to your hair. Embrace your silver fox by proudly letting your tresses grow out dye-free, and brighten up gray tones by washing with purple shampoo and conditioner. Silvery hair also tends to be much coarser, so ask your stylist for recommendations on softening hair texture.

Even the darkest hair colors have natural highlights and lowlights. Boxed hair dyes lack these nuances, leaving your color flat and, possibly, too severe for your complexion. The look is known as "shoe polish hair." Consult with your stylist about colors that complement your skin tone and eye color. If you prefer to dye your hair at home, buy a second box of color two to three shades lighter. Use this dye around your face, where the thin hair tends to absorb color more quickly, for a more natural tone.

Helmet hairdos, which sit on the head like a structured dome, are a dead giveaway that your technique is out of date. The same is true of bouffants, which require ample hairspray and teasing. Fashionable mamas are reinventing the "Mom" hairdo to reflect a carefree spirit. Natural curls and flyaways take center stage, and feathered haircuts are making a comeback. The refreshed look is an updated version of Farrah Fawcett's iconic style, using less hairspray for a more natural, touchable texture.

Short hairstyles are flattering for all women, but certain silhouettes can work against you. The A-line bob, a bob that is short at the back and becomes longer toward the front, draws attention downward and away from your eyes. A cut that emphasizes your facial features — not itself — is ideal. The long bob, or lob, grazes the shoulders, making for a more versatile shape. If you're dead set on that shorter cut, try a modern French bob with layers.

While sleek hair can be very chic, the style can make older tresses appear flatter. Our hair thins as we age, and smooth, straightened styles can emphasize the lack of volume. A center part may also make hair look flat, something to keep in mind if your signature look is silky straight hair. Uplift your appearance with shorter layers, and use a straightener to create chunky waves. A side part may also do the trick, especially with a texture spray to do all the heavy lifting.

Perfectly-shaped curls and waves are becoming a fashion of the past. Not only can these sculpted looks seem forced, but they also make your whole style appear dated. Touchable waves with natural texture are back on-trend. Modernize your look by breaking up curls and brushing out beach waves. The goal is a natural, carefree aesthetic unconcerned with symmetry or flyaways. Celebrity stylists recommend using a flatiron to create chunky waves around the face, leaving the ends untouched.

Face framing layers are flattering, but bangs can be tough to get right, depending on your hair type and face shape. Angled side bangs with a deep part draw attention to your eyes and lips. Blunt bangs are not recommended for round faces unless you're willing to try blunt micro-bangs, and a wispy fringe can make fine hair seem even thinner. Select the shape that flatters your best features, or try side-swept bangs. The cut works for everyone, and they practically style themselves.