6 Hair mistakes that are making you look older

Your bathroom may be overflowing with creams and serums that help to keep lines and wrinkles at bay, but did you know the condition of your hair can make you look way older than you actually are? From pesky greys to harsh hairdos, these are the mistakes that could be ageing you. Thankfully, there are a ton of products to turn the clock backwards…

HAIR AGEING MISTAKE #1
DARK, ONE DIMENSIONAL COLOUR

Solid black, deep reds and dark brown hair tones can be harsh on lighter complexions. They have a tendency to highlight shadows on the face and draw attention to fine lines, wrinkles and undereye bags – aka the telltale signs of ageing. If you’re fair-skinned, it’s best to steer clear of these hues: dark hair colours will only accentuate the contrast between your hair and scalp, drawing attention to any thinning. Opt for face-framing highlights and warm tones to add softness and give your hair a more natural-looking finish.

bh loves:Goldwell Professional Colorance Soft Color, Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre

HAIR AGEING MISTAKE #2
GOING TOO LIGHT

On the other hand, overbleached locks not only wash out your complexion, but also cause serious dryness and strip the hair of that shine we all know and love. Dull lifeless hair? There’s nothing more ageing than that!

bh loves: Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Dramatic Repair, NatureColour Almond Blonde 8N , fabuloso platinum blonde

HAIR AGEING MISTAKE #3
ALL ONE LENGTH AND SUPER STRAIGHT

One of the most common ageing mistakes is the all one length, straight-up-and-down ‘do. Big no-no. Lank hair will make your face look long and drawn, plus if you have wavy or curly hair, the hot tool required to achieve said straightness will leave your hair dry and dull – and nobody wants that. If you have naturally fine, straight hair, ask your stylist to add some layers based on your face shape. And for future styling, experiment with beachy, effortless waves.

bh loves: VS Sassoon Big Hair Soft Curls Styler, ghd curve classic wave wand, Moroccanoil Heat Styling Protection

RELATED: How-to: Easy, beachy waves

HAIR AGEING MISTAKE #4
UNCONTROLLABLE FRIZZ

Frightening, unkempt texture can give you the frazzled appearance of someone twice your age (and who hasn’t showered in months). If you have naturally curly strands, be sure to give them some TLC to stay in tip-top condition. That comes down to using specially formulated products. And just a little FYI: a quick once-over with the hairbrush wouldn’t go astray!

bh loves: Aveda Be Curly Shampoo, Lush Curly Wurly, Goldwell Dualsenses Curly Twist 60 Sec Treatment

HAIR AGEING MISTAKE #5
DAMAGE AND SPLIT ENDS

What’s dry, dull and frayed all over? Damaged hair. As you get older, your hair loses pigment as well as its ability to retain moisture. o keep your locks looking youthful, smooth and glossy, apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week and don’t skimp on those regular trims!

bh loves:Molton Brown Mer-rouge Deep Conditioning Mask, TRESemmé Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

HAIR AGEING MISTAKE #6
UNMANAGEABLE GREYS

Grey hair doesn’t have to add 10 years, so long as you keep the colour vibrant. Prevent silver strands from dulling your features with products that contain shine enhancers and UV filters. On hair that’s more than 50 per cent grey, use a shampoo with blue or violet undertones to neutralise any yellow. Sporadic grey hairs peeking through are a completely different issue, and instantly age (and embarrass) us! Keep these runaways in check with a root concealer between salon visits to avoid being caught out.

bh loves: Clairol Nice’n Easy Root Touch Up, Charles Worthington Instant Root Concealer, 1000 Hour Hair Color Sticks

What are your tips for keeping your hair healthy and youthful?

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