What hairstyles will make me look younger?

Another consideration for hair during the aging process is its length. It’s not uncommon to see women over the age of 50 with shoulder length hair here in Los Angeles. The primary reason for this is the fact that so many women are now choosing some form of cosmetic surgery. Longer hair actually serves the purpose of covering up the scars in front of the ears from a face lift. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find many actresses over the age of 50 who haven’t had something done.

Unfortunately, this is affecting the casting process because casting directors are having difficulties in casting women who actually look their age. It’s my opinion that this creates a distortion in how women are viewing themselves as they age, because they’re not seeing themselves reflected on television or at the movies.

A hairdressing mentor of mine always used to say, “Youth, is a movement.” If you create movement and softness in the hair, you’ll create a more youthful looking woman. This is why I feel Jenn Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ cut was so popular.

It was a style that looked great on so many different women. The long layers on the crown created volume in the upper third of the head which helped to bring out the eyes and cheek bones. The long bangs to the side also created softness around the eyes, while avoiding the severity of short bangs. The longer length created softness around the neck, yet the style was flexible enough to pull back for a workout at the gym, or a jaunt to the grocery store. Jane Fonda’s sophisticated short shag, which signified her return to Hollywood after leaving Ted Turner, worked incredibly well for her because it was soft, hip look with lots of movement, for a sophisticated persona.

If you’re one of the lucky women in this world who’s able to afford plastic surgery, a good colorist, and the best hairdresser money can afford, it’s all worthless if you can’t look in the mirror at the end of the day and absolutely LOVE who you are. That kind of self-acceptance, and confidence garnered from life’s lessons, is the X factor that will make you absolutely radiant and the kind of woman that young girls will want to grow up and emulate.

It’s all about having the right attitude towards your image and not getting stuck in a rut. What suited you 20 years ago may not suit you now.

For shorter cuts, I believe that feathering onto the face is extremely flattering. Also, avoid any harsh haircuts with strong lines. For example, a bob should be layered.

It’s amazing how much younger someone looks when they have a cut that gives them confidence.

A modern hairstyle with movement and texture is an absolute must for fabulous fems over 40. Old hair is the first sign of…well…being old! We all get stuck in a time when we looked and felt the most loved and celebrated, and we want to visually recreate that time and those feelings in the mirror every day.  It makes sense, but modernizing is invigorating, and we have to find the confidence to move ahead.

• Consciously look for hairstyles that you like on people you come across in your everyday life, and ask them who cuts their hair. You will probably notice a pattern of salons that do a great job in your area, and then call and explain that you are looking for a hairdresser that will listen and help you create a new look. When you go to the salon, take photos of what you think you want, regarding style, color, and shape…but be open to suggestion.

• Do not head to the shampoo bowl before everything has been confirmed and agreed upon. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Let the hairdresser know that you want to build a relationship of trust because what is on your head affects what is in your head!

• Once you have a sassy new 'do, take the time to learn HOW to work with tools and products that will give your hair life, body, and movement. Easy = what you know, so learning the new tricks of your coiffe will become second nature once you know how.

• Remember: there is NOTHING more “comfortable” than looking fabulous, so get comfy with the process of looking your best every day…from your hair to your hose!