As winter sets in, many of us find ourselves reassessing our hair care and styling routines. The colder months can be particularly harsh on your hair, making it more prone to dryness and damage. But beyond the weather’s impact, your hairstyle itself might be adding years to your appearance.
While you can’t stop the clock, you can certainly make some changes to how you style your hair that will help you look and feel more youthful. With just a few styling tweaks, you can rejuvenate your look and bring a fresh, vibrant energy to your appearance. Here are ten winter styling tips that promise to instantly lift your look.
1. Switch to a Softer, Face-Framing Cut Instead of Harsh Lines
A blunt cut might seem chic and modern, but it can also be quite unforgiving. As you age, softer, more face-framing layers can help soften your features, creating a more youthful and approachable appearance. Consider asking your stylist to incorporate layers that gently curve around your face, starting from the cheekbones down. This can add dimension and movement to your hair, reducing the starkness of harsh lines.
2. Add Strategic Layers to Restore Movement and Bounce
As hair ages, it often loses some of its natural volume and movement. Strategic layering can help counteract this by restoring bounce and body. Aim to keep layers long, around two to three inches apart, to avoid a choppy or feathered look. The goal is to create a subtle cascade effect, which can also make your hair appear fuller and more vibrant.
3. Warm Up Your Color by One or Two Shades
Winter often washes out our complexion, and hair that’s too dark can exacerbate this effect. Warming up your color by just one or two shades can have a profound impact, adding a touch of vibrancy that lights up your face. Opt for rich, warm tones like chestnut, caramel, or honey, which can add depth and dimension without a drastic change.
4. Blend Grays With Low-Maintenance Glosses and Glazes
Instead of a full dye job, consider using glosses and glazes to blend grays. These treatments not only help to subtly camouflage gray hairs but also add a healthy-looking shine. They are less damaging than permanent dyes and require less maintenance, making them a great option for a busy lifestyle.
5. Soften Your Part: Try a Gentle Side Part or Zigzag Line
A severe middle part can highlight asymmetries and make fine lines more noticeable. By softening your part with a gentle side part or a playful zigzag, you can create a more relaxed, youthful look. This simple change can help diffuse the focus from signs of aging and add a little more volume to your roots.
6. Boost Volume at the Crown With Root-Lifting Tricks
Flat hair can make you look older by accentuating the roundness of your face. To add some height and fullness, try using a root-lifting spray or mousse at the crown before blow-drying. Use a round brush to lift the hair as you dry, directing the airflow upwards to lock in volume.
7. Tame Frizz With Shine-Enhancing Serums, Not Heavy Oils
Frizz can make hair look dry and aged. Instead of heavy oils that can weigh hair down, opt for lightweight, shine-enhancing serums. These products help smooth out the hair cuticle and reflect light, making your hair look healthier and more vibrant without feeling greasy.
8. Master the Modern Blowout With a Round Brush or Hot Air Styler
A sleek blowout can create a polished and youthful look. Use a round brush or a hot air styler to shape your hair, focusing on creating smooth, voluminous ends. The key is to maintain movement at the roots and a slight curve at the ends, avoiding a pin-straight finish.
9. Update Your Ponytail and Bun With Subtle Lifts and Angles
A flat ponytail or bun can drag your features down. Instead, try positioning your ponytail higher on your head or at a slight angle. This subtle lift can create a more dynamic and youthful silhouette. If you prefer buns, try a loose, textured style that adds volume at the crown.
10. Use Face-Lifting Accessories: Clips, Headbands, and Bows Done Right
Accessories can be both functional and stylish. Choose clips, headbands, and bows that complement your look without overwhelming it. Opt for understated designs in neutral colors or metallic finishes that add a touch of elegance and focus attention upwards, subtly lifting your facial features.
11. Embrace Air-Dry Hacks for Healthier, Younger-Looking Texture
Overstyling with hot tools can damage hair and make it look lackluster. Embrace air-drying techniques by using products designed to enhance your natural texture. Try applying a curl-enhancing mousse or a texturizing spray to damp hair, then let it dry naturally for a fresh, carefree look.
12. Finish Every Style With a Youthful, Light-Reflecting Shine Mist
A final touch of shine can make all the difference. Use a light-reflecting shine mist as the last step in your styling routine. This will add a healthy, glossy finish to your hair, making it look vibrant and full of life. Be sure to apply sparingly to avoid a greasy finish, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths.
