Thinking about shaking things up after 60 with a bold haircut or a flash of unusual color? Before you let your inner rebel run wild, listen up. According to experts, there’s one hairstyle trap that could instantly age you, and it’s more common (and tempting) than you might think.
How Age Changes Hair—and Why That Matters
Once you celebrate your sixtieth birthday, you might notice things shifting—not just in your calendar, but in the mirror too. Age changes much about our bodies, and yes, that very much includes our faces and hair. The oval shape of your face becomes less defined, wrinkles have started to stake their claim, and your hair? It’s slowing down. Hair grows at a more leisurely pace, loses thickness, and overall looks less voluminous. It’s sometimes enough to want to stage a hair intervention.
Many stylists recommend considering a new hairstyle at this stage of life. It’s not just about following fashion—it’s about flattering your features and cleverly concealing any loss of hair density. Short haircuts, once the go-to choice for mature women, are no longer the only worthy option after sixty. In fact, some styles might give you a look that screams “grandma”—and not in the chic, ironic way.
The Most Aging Hairstyle, According to the Pros
You’d think any change is a good thing, right? Not so fast. While certain bobs, like the trendy shag bob, are praised for their rejuvenating effect, others can unfortunately backfire—especially on women over sixty. The same warning applies to some long and mid-length cuts. But there’s one style in particular that stands out for instantly aging your face and entire appearance: eccentric haircuts.
Let’s get specific. Gianni Coppa, founder of the R Factory salon, names “having an eccentric haircut”—however you define it—as the single riskiest move after sixty. These haircuts might seem modern in theory, but in practice, they can add years rather than shave them off. As Coppa puts it, “eccentricity is not a sign of modernity.” Chasing uniqueness at any cost might actually have the opposite effect: making your overall look older.
- What counts as eccentric? Think of a bob at the front and long hair at the back, or a short cut with a sweeping, asymmetric fringe on the forehead. These are the kinds of asymmetrical cuts that, according to Coppa, do not flatter matured features and are not ideal for creating a youthful effect.
- Color counts too! Flashy hair colors—bright red, pink, or orange—also land firmly in the “avoid” category. Such unnatural shades, Coppa explains, don’t do aging faces any favors.
Why Consulting an Expert Is Key
It’s always best to get the advice of an expert before making a hair change—especially after sixty. Why? Picking a random style can easily result in a cut or color that heightens every wrinkle and downplays your best features, making you look older rather than fresher. This is exactly the outcome most want to avoid when sitting in the stylist’s chair for a post-sixty update.
Let’s be honest: none of us is keen to adopt a look that highlights “all the little wrinkles on the face,” as Coppa puts it. The goal, more often than not, is to freshen up rather than to add years with a single snip or dye job.
The Verdict on Standing Out—and Standing Back
Eager to stand out with an unusual cut or color? Don’t be too hasty. According to Gianni Coppa, bold does not always equal better—or younger. Having an eccentric cut or a flashy color won’t make you look more dynamic or youthful, no matter how tempting the makeover might seem. It’s not about blending into the background, but about choosing styles that actually highlight what you love about yourself, rather than what time has altered.
So, next time you’re in the salon chair and feeling adventurous, maybe pause before saying yes to that asymmetrical, two-tone, or neon-tipped look. Sometimes, timeless—dare we say, classic—really is your best ally.
