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6 Short Hairstyles That Won't Make You Look Older

6 Short Hairstyles That Won't Make You Look Older
Dawn Wilder
Sharon Stone arrives at the 2014 amfAR Inspiration Gala at Milk Studios on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Sharon Stone arrives at the 2014 amfAR Inspiration Gala at Milk Studios on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

SPECIAL FROM Grandparents.com

If you're afraid your short hair is making you look older than you really are, you might be right. But odds are it's not your cut that's to blame. It has more to do with your morning routine — also known as styling.

Some short haircuts — like the pixie and the bob — are timeless and ageless, says Mario Russo, Boston hairstylist and owner of Mario Russo salon. But in order for these cuts to be flattering, they have to be styled correctly. "Stiff looking 'helmet hair' can immediately age you, no matter how old you are," says Russo. For softer, livelier looking hair, he suggests avoiding heavy products and embracing your natural texture.

Other youthful styling tricks include side parts, creating waves with a curling iron, and adding as much volume as possible. And even though these small changes barely take any time at all, they often determine whether your haircut is adding or subtracting years from your face.

1
The textured bob
Andreas Kuehn via Getty Images
If you have a short bob, you're definitely on the right track. "A short bob haircut is perfect for older women," says Russo. "This look is deal for thinning, fine hair that is in need of a lift." To disguise thinning even more, add texture to your bob. After blow-drying, spritz your hair with a light texture spray. Then, use a curling iron (1-inch or smaller is best for short cuts) to create tousled waves throughout your hair. Twist sections of hair in random directions for the most natural result.
2
The layered bob
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When you have a chin-length cut with all-over layers, you're automatically going to have a lot of bounce and movement. "It's very complimentary on older women," says Russo. He also suggests asking your stylist for side-swept bangs, which help frame the face. For the most flattering result when you style the bangs, brush them down and across your forehead — not up and away from your face. "Fringe is natural Botox," says Russo. "If you are self-conscious about forehead lines, this will do the trick in covering them."
3
The blunt bob
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If you prefer wearing your bob haircut straight and blunt, you'll want to amp it up with as much volume as possible to make it look youthful. Apply a volumizing mousse all over damp hair starting at the roots. Then, blowdry with a round brush to create lift.
4
The long pixie
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
A cut like this is great because it works on all hair textures from thick to thin, says Russo. When it comes time to style your long pixie, create a deep side part. It is flattering on most face shapes, and it encourages some pieces of hair to fall across your face in a youthful way. Then, after drying your hair, use a dry texturizing spray to create movement.
5
The piece-y pixie
Jon Furniss/Invision/AP
For short pixie cuts, you want to do everything you can to avoid the "helmet hair" pitfall — piece-y is the ultimate goal. Combing your hair into a perfect coif is much more aging than if you style it with movement and texture. To get the look, rub some styling cream between your fingers, grab small sections of hair, and twist is varying directions. Some pieces should frame your face while others fly away from your head to give the illusion of volume.
6
The sleek crop
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When your hair is super short, you don't have a ton of styling leeway, but you still want to take the time to make it look polished. For maximum texture, allow your hair to air dry. Then, use pomade to give your strands lots of definition. The more lift and movement you can create, the better.

Read more from Grandparents.com:7 tips to get maximum benefits from your moisturizerThe 8 best hair removal methods, explained7 home beauty treatments you can do with tea

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