Staying Young Secret of the Week

Mess Up Your Hair!

Looking too perfect may be adding years to your image. 

Many of us grew up going to beauty shops where poodle perms, shellac hairsprays and a good teasing comb were the basic tools.  Men had even fewer choices at the barber shop, where clippers and a little dab would do ya.  It's not uncommon for both women and men to get stuck in a time warp when it comes to their hair — usually with a style they had in their 20s.

It's time for an update if:

Women

• You use hairspray.  Trade it in for a shine spray that adds gloss, but isn't sticky.
• Your hair is blunt cut — all one length.  Layers create movement and softer lines.
• Your hair is long, below your breasts.  Unless you're Jane Seymour, tresses this long usually look thin and unhealthy and can actually age your appearance.
• You have your hair washed, rolled, teased, styled and sprayed once a week.  It's time to get a modern cut and style that's less high-maintenance.
  

Men

• If you wear a hard, straight part.  Let it fall naturally for a younger look.
• If you have a comb-over.  You're probably not fooling anyone but yourself.
• If you're balding, but you have a ponytail.  Shorter actually looks thicker and gives the appearance of more hair.
• You always wear a baseball cap.  Even Ashton Kutcher has cleaned up his act.  It's time to get a real style and stop hiding.
  

Throw away your comb

Today’s hairstyles are all about loose, texturized cuts that are less defined.  Hair should move and it and shouldn't show sharp comb marks or be too styled and overly done.  A touseled, piecy, and chunky hairdo can give you a much younger look.  Softness around the face helps soften lines and the appearance of mature skin.  No one is suggesting you go for a faux-hawk or try to wear your hair like a teenager, but a professional can help you find the right cut and style and show you how to use newer products that can take years off and make caring for your hair easier. And remember, as we age, hair tends toward courseness and dryness, so make sure your hair is well conditioned, because soft, shiny hair reflects youth!