Kiss the old hairstyle rules goodbye. Transform your hair and take years off with these smart anti-ageing hair tips including how to nail an edgy cut, master a new sharp fringe or a centre parting. Phone your stylist and do it!
An edgy new cut
A stylish cut, such as a very short bob or pixie cut, is a beautiful look. Timeless and chic, it can make you look years younger.
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Suits you?
This style will work with short extensions or relaxed hair. A layered bob or shorter pixie style gives great versatility as it makes you look taller, younger and more elegant.
Style tip
Add volume with mousse, and dry over a round brush with a metal core. Try John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse, R115.95 for 200ml. For a sleek look, iron hair straight and finish with a shine spray.
Who looks good?
Iconic actress, Jamie-Lee Curtis, who recently turned 60, pulled off this look perfectly at the recent 2019 Golden Globe Awards. Wear it neat and sleek or ruffled for a casual bed-head look. The style also works beautifully with a pair of statement earrings and nude make-up as Jamie-Lee shows.
A centre parting
A centre parting is the big on-trend look for 2019, so we say, “Go for it!”
Suits you?
This look is very chic” says stylist George Northwood. “But bear in mind that short cuts can drag the face down. A grown-out fringe will soften the effect.”
Style tip
Use a tail comb to create a perfect parting then add shine to make hair more groomed. Try Lee Stafford Argan Oil Miracle Shine Spray, R159.95 for 200ml.
Who gets it right?
Courteney Cox-Arquette, 54, makes a parting look luxe. Taking it slightly off-centre gives it height and softness. Smart!
A full fringe
It’s the hottest snip you can give your hair right now, and a great option if you want to give your style a new spin without totally changing it. “A fringe can bring out the eyes, disguise a high forehead and is better than any filler I know when it comes to diverting attention from frown lines,” reckons Lee Stafford.
Suits you?
Perfect if you have an oval face, but a round face should avoid a full fringe – it can make your face look shorter and rounder. Try sweeping it to the side instead.
ALSO SEE: Why fringes are an anti-ageing weapon!
Style tip
Angle heat down on to the fringe with a dryer on medium heat to keep it in shape. A good blast of hairspray will hold the look. Try L’Oréal Elnett Hair Spray Extra Strength, R94,99 for 200ml.
Who does it best?
New Girl’s Zoey Deschanel looks like she’s in her 20s, even though she’s 39.
Brilliant colour
Extreme colours tend to wash out the skin tone, and since skin naturally pales as hair greys, this makes it even more noticeable. Hot reds, bleach blonde or black make any face look more severe, so opt for slightly softer colours for a more flattering effect.
Suits you?
Ask your stylist for cool colours if you suit silver jewellery, have fair skin or blue eyes; warmer colours if you look better with gold, have brown eyes and more olive skin. Some people can be both and you might have no clue as to what’s best. Your stylist will reveal what your ideal tone is.
Style tip
Depending on what kind of colour you put on your hair, the chemicals tend to strip out all of the natural goodness, so choose an after-care range to put back the softness and hold on to colour for longer. Blondes will love the brightening effect of Wella Professionals Color Recharge Cool Blonde Shampoo 200ml, R253 for 250ml.
Who understands colour?
Helen Mirren, 73. The soft blonde shades she chooses always look good and, regardless of style, they light up her skin tone.
ALSO SEE: Our best DIY hair colour tips
A stylish bob
A short crop tends to work best on those with sweet, oval face shapes, regardless of age, but this type of cut is quite unforgiving and you have to be aware of the shape of your head and your softening jawline.
Suits you?
The best way to tell if a crop will suit you is to tie your hair into a fairly tight ponytail, then check your head shape in a couple of carefully placed mirrors. Looks good from all angles? Go for it!
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Style tip
Use a putty for styling, as it’s easier to use than a wax to give short hair thickness at the roots and create messy or sleek styles – however you like to wear it. Our favourite is Redken Rough Clay, R397 for 50ml. It’s pricey but it contains additional UV filters and a safe-colour formula to ensure your colour lasts longer.
Who does it best?
Sharon Stone, 58, is the queen of the crop and we love Emilia Clarke’s stylish cut.
