Hairstyles by Age

There aren't always rules to proper haircare. Just because you're 65, you don't have to get a helmet hairstyle with your Social Security check. In fact, a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face (see the picture of Bianca Spender, right). And just because you're 21, you don't have to have long hair. You can do just about anything, lucky you. Find out what you can really get away with at age 20, 30, 40, 50 and older.

Your 20s

This is the best time of your life to try out all types of haircuts and styles. Short hairstyles, done right, can make you look more mature (or like a kid) while long looks (like these gorgeous styles here) can be pretty and romantic.

Tip 1: Consider your career goals. In your 20s, you're looking to establish yourself in a career. Depending on what that career is, you might opt for a more professional look. If you're in a more artsy profession, you can get away with a funky look. Trying to make your way in a man's world? Chop off that long hair and try a shorter cut. Check out this photo gallery of bob hairstyles.

Tip 2: Experiment with length and color. Now is the time to see how you look with super long hair, then cut it off and see if you take to short hair. At your age, your hair will grow faster and thicker than at any time in your life. So enjoy it while you have it. Hair color is the key to reinvention. If you had blonde hair as a kid, you'll look great blonde now. Blessed with black hair? Try a lighter brown or red.

Tip 3: Beware the wrong short cut. What you don't want to look like is a stock "mom" character. Choose a short look that fits your age and the latest trends. 

Your 30s

These are the years you may be starting a family or powering ahead in your career (or both). While you can get away with all sorts of styles at this age, you'll want to pick a style that fits your lifestyle. Single in the city? Go for long, sexy waves. At home with a toddler or two? Skip the all-one-length long hair and try for a shoulder-length cut that can go in a ponytail during the day but with a curling iron or flat-iron can look great while out with your husband.

Tip 1: Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you can't be sexy. If you want long locks, go for it. Just make sure you have the time to keep up your style.

Tip 2: Don't be afraid to go short. I kept my hair long for years knowing someday I would HAVE to go short. But then I decided I'd look better in short hair, so I cut it. I've never gotten more compliments on my hair in my life. After all, you can always grow out your hair if you don't like the short hair.

Tip 3: Gray hair popping up? Most women see a few strands of gray hair in the mid-to-late 30s. African-American women tend get gray later in their 40s. If you have just a few strands, ask your stylist to hand-paint the strands instead of applying a full head of color. But if more than a third of your hair is gray, go with full color and camouflage gray hair in between coloring with hair mascara.

Your 40s

Believe it or not, you don't have to go short in your 40s. Forty really is the new 30 (think about Courtney Cox). In these years, your personality might drive your hairstyle. If you ooze sexuality, go for sexy waves that hit just below the collarbone. Funky and athletic? Opt for a short, sleek look that is as befitting to a 20-year-old as you. My friend, Nia, who's about to turn 50 but looks 40, has a haircut that totally fits her funky personality: It's short and edgy.

Tip 1: Take care of your hair. As we age, our hair gets brittle. Treat your locks to a hot-oil treatment once a week and get your hair trimmed every 6 weeks.

Tip 2: Layered hair is very flattering, flat hair isn't. Give your hair body with layers, no matter your hair length.

Tip 3: Go for color. If you're blonde, try highlights. If you have dark hair, go for caramel highlights or go a shade or 2 lighter all over. Get the scoop on finding the perfect hair color for you.

Your 50s

At 50, you are not doomed to a short haircut. A super flattering cut on all women is shoulder-length. Or consider a bob like Nancy Pelosi. No matter your politics, you have to admit that woman has great hair.

If you're looking for a job or hoping to move up the ladder at this age, you might be competing with younger women. Shave years off your look by coloring your hair and getting a chic hairstyle that flatters your face shape.


Tip 1: Try layers. Piece-y layers around the face are flattering. Or go one-length with under layers. This will give hair body and looks great dried under.

Tip 2: Hair that is too styled can make you look dated. Even if hair is short, don't go for a spiky look, instead ask for longer layers. Cut out pictures and bring them to the stylist with you.

Tip 3: A lighter color can take years off your face. Ask your stylist what color works best for your skin tone.

Tip 4: Yes, you can have longer hair. Just don't let hair grow more than a couple inches below your shoulders. Pull your hair back into a sophisticated chignon and show off your beautiful features.

Your 60s & Beyond

Short hairstyles, whether you opt for sweet or spiky, are a great bet for you. They frame your face, showing off and highlighting your best features. You'll be glad to know they are also low-maintenance.

Tip 1: Silver hair can be very sexy. However, not all women embrace their natural hair color. Many women become blondes as they get older, a natural move considering gray is a softer, lighter color than a natural brown. But blonde hair doesn't complement all skin tones. A better bet for naturally dark-haired women is to color your hair a dark base and get lighter highlights.

Tip 2: Skip the old-lady salons where they cut your hair short and give you curls tight to your scalp, spray it into a helmet and send you off on your way until next week. Go to your daughter's salon and ask for a new look. Better yet, take your daughter along and ask her advice.