Developing healthy habits is the most effective way to stay youthful long-term, so never underestimate the power of hydration, a nutritious diet, exercise, skin care, and sleep.
However, for a short-term solution, the right haircut, colour, and style can work wonders.
Ahead of your next trip to the salon, GB News spoke exclusively to celebrity hairstylist Jamielynn De Leon about the anti-ageing secrets that “really work”.
As a lead stylist at New York Fashion Week and founder of Rogue House Salon, she claims to have “transformed countless clients who walked out looking decades younger”.
According to the hair guru, knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to ask for if your goal is a youthful look.
“The biggest ageing mistake I see women make? Going darker and shorter as they get older. It instantly adds 10 years,” Ms Leon said.
Deep brown or black locks can look incredibly chic and dynamic in your 20s and 30s.
However, as the skin changes over time, often becoming paler and cooler, there’s a risk that darker shades can create a harsh contrast and wash you out.
‘The biggest ageing mistake I see women make? Going darker and shorter’
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GETTYAccording to the expert, going more than two shades darker than your natural shade is “ageing suicide”.
The idea that mature women should approach dark hair with caution is widely believed by industry experts.
Indeed, hair guru Dawna Jarvis previously told GB News that “sometimes it can give off a gothic look, and it can definitely make you look more pale”.
As for length, while short hair isn’t ageing by definition, there are a few considerations you must make before getting a big chop.
A bob that sits precisely below the jawline may highlight jowls, so it’s worth asking your stylist for a cut that detracts from sagging instead.
Meanwhile, short hairstyles that lack layers and volume can make the hair appear flatter and thinner than it is.
While this is never ideal, it’s particularly annoying for those grappling with age-related hair loss.
If you’re set on short, dark locks, make sure to ask your hairstylist for highlights and layers to create dimension and softness.
Adding highlights and layers to your one-colour blunt cut can make a big difference
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GETTY IMAGESMs Leon advised: “Highlights placed specifically around the hairline reflect light upward, creating the illusion of lifted features.”
Well-placed, warm highlights in caramel or honey tones make for a universally flattering and naturally sun-kissed look.
As for layers, these should always be “strategic”. The expert explained that shorter pieces starting at the cheekbones create an “instant lifting effect – like a non-surgical facelift through hair placement”.
For even more volume, a boost at the crown is “non-negotiable”, although it must look “effortless”.
According to the hairstylist, getting this right can make a huge difference. The perfect amount of va-va-voom “adds 10 years of youthful fullness”, Ms Leon concluded.