Hair colour can be one of the most powerful anti-ageing tools, with the right shade softening features, brightening skin and helping women feel more confident.
Whether embracing natural greys, opting for richer brunettes or adding blonde highlights, experts say adapting your hair colour and cut over time can make a dramatic difference.
Our faces change with age, meaning the hairstyles and shades that once suited us may no longer be the most flattering, founder and Image Consultant at The Distinctive Style Atelier, Lizzie Parsons, explained.
She told GB News: “My biggest advice is that your face has changed, and sticking to the same haircut or colour maybe isn't working anymore. Definitely speak to your hairdresser about exploring new options. Take in some examples so they can see your vision.
The right colouring techniques can make grey hair incredibly flattering
| GETTY“And if you think you need help in this area, book in with an image consultant that works with hair colours and haircuts.”
One of the biggest dilemmas many women face as they get older is whether to go grey gracefully. While silver shades can look elegant and striking, Parsons advises against simply letting colour grow out unevenly.
She said: “Grey hair is wonderful on women, but it can grow through slowly and feel patchy for a time. Keep grey hair in great condition by ensuring you are using products for grey hair and your specific hair type. Now might be the time to explore a new cut to go with the grey hair.”
Experts say softer, blended tones can appear more youthful than harsh blocks of colour. Going too dark can create shadows and emphasise fine lines, while shades that are too light or flat may leave the complexion looking washed out.
HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER
Parsons said: “When it comes to colour, what I often see is women going darker, assuming that the hair will look richer, but for some women it can actually make shadows more obvious. Then others go very light and flat, and it just drains them.
“Knowing whether your skin undertone is cool or warm is important, and whether you hold light or depth better. This is the work I do in my colour analysis and body analysis sessions.”
Doing this can help any woman find a flattering colour. Instead of dramatic colour changes, subtle techniques such as face-framing highlights, warmer brunettes and dimensional blondes can help create a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Ultimately, experts say the most flattering anti-ageing hairstyle is one that evolves alongside you — working with your changing face, rather than in contrast with it.
Hair that is too dark can risk creating shadows
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The expert shared advice for colouring hair
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The wrong haircut can highlight loose skin and jowls, so be aware of what suits your complexion when picking a hairstyle.
Parsons said: "I find that in my image consultancy practice that most women look in the mirror and feel off with their hair, but they don’t quite know why.
"Sometimes they have had well-meaning advice from others that is not working for them, but they don’t know where to start with making changes, and they don’t want to do the wrong thing.
"Hair is in communication with your facial structure. Hair that’s too heavy and one length can pull the face down if it’s not cut sharply enough."
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