Hairstyles by Age

Don't believe everything you hear out there. Just because you're 65, you don't have to immediately sign up for a helmet hairstyle. In fact, a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face. And just because you're 21, you don't have to have long hair. You can do just about anything. Find out what you can really get away with at age 20, 30, 40 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 Angelina Jolie's here) can be pretty and romantic.

Tip #1: Consider your career goals. In your 20s you're looking to establish yourself in a career, so 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 super-short looks.

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 coloris 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. For some ideas, check out these photo galleries of short cuts.

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 medium-length cut that can go in a ponytail during the day but with rollers 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 the long, sexy 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. We have to admit, we keep our hair long because we know some day we'll have to go short. But we're missing out on some cute styles and you may be too. After all, you can always grow out your 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. In these years, your personality might drive your hairstyle. If you ooze sexuality, go for a long, sexy waves. 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 in her mid-40s, has a haircut that totally fits her funky personality: It's short and a bit spiky. And if you met her, you'd think she's no older than 35.

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

Tip #2: Layers are 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.

Your 50s Shoulder-length hair is a great option for you. Medium-length hair is very versatile -- it can be worn up or down. You can 'sex it up' with waves or go sleek with a straight-iron. You'll also find it's more flattering than long, flowing hair.

Tip #1: Try layers. Piecey layers around the face are very flattering. Or go one-length with underlayers. 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.



Your 60s and older 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.