10 Common Hair Mistakes That Make Women Look Older (And How to Fix Them Like a Total Baddie!)

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Okay, can we talk? Because I just saw myself in a store window yesterday and literally thought “WHO IS THAT WOMAN?” My hair was doing absolutely nothing for me. Like, nothing. And it got me thinking about all the ways we accidentally age ourselves with our hair choices.

I’ve been there – we ALL have. Sticking to the same boring routine because it’s “safe,” then wondering why we look tired all the time. Well, I’m done with that nonsense, and you should be too.

After way too much trial and error (and some questionable hair decisions I’m still recovering from), I figured out what actually works. So grab your coffee and let’s fix this together.

1. Your Hair Color is Stuck in 2010

Listen, I loved my all-over chocolate brown hair too. For like… eight years. Way too long. Going super dark or keeping the exact same color forever? Yeah, that’s aging you. I didn’t realize how washed out I looked until my sister finally staged an intervention.

The thing is, as we get older, our skin tone changes. What looked amazing at 25 might be making you look exhausted at 35.

What actually works: Add some damn dimension! I’m not saying go platinum blonde overnight, but some highlights or even subtle balayage makes such a difference. If you’re scared of commitment (totally get it), try one of these at-home highlighting kits first. Or get wild with some temporary hair chalk – worst case, it washes out.

2. Those Roots Are Telling Your Age

Look, we’ve all been there. It’s been three months since your last color appointment, and your roots are basically announcing to the world when you last had your life together.

I used to think “oh, it’s not that bad” until I saw a photo of myself. Spoiler alert: it was that bad.

Fix this situation: Get yourself a root touch-up spray. Seriously, this stuff is magic. I keep one in my purse now because you never know when you’ll need to look like you have your act together. The powder versions work great too and give you more control.

3. Your Hair Has Zero Personality

Oh god, I see this everywhere. Hair that’s just… there. One length, no movement, nothing interesting happening. It’s like wearing beige every day – technically fine, but why would you choose boring?

I had this problem for YEARS. My hair looked fine in theory, but it made me look so much older than I felt.

Time to change this: Layers, babe. Face-framing layers that actually do something for you. Yes, you need to go to someone who knows what they’re doing, but it’s worth it. If you’re maintaining between cuts, please invest in decent hair cutting scissors – kitchen scissors are NOT the same thing.

4. You’re Straightening the Life Out of Your Hair

I was SO guilty of this. Every. Single. Day. with the flat iron, making my hair flatter than a pancake. Then I wondered why I looked so harsh and tired all the time.

Turns out, over-straightening doesn’t just damage your hair – it can actually make your face look harder. Not the vibe we’re going for.

Here’s what changed everything: I started working WITH my natural texture instead of fighting it. Game changer. Always use heat protectant when you do heat style (non-negotiable), and try some curl enhancing cream or texturizing spray for actual texture that doesn’t look crunchy.

5. Your Hair Looks Like It Needs Water

Dry, damaged hair ages you faster than anything else. I learned this the hard way after years of abuse with hot tools and cheap products. When your hair looks thirsty, you look tired.

This is fixable: Deep conditioning became my religion. I use a good hair mask every week now – sometimes twice if my hair is really acting up. And hair oils? Don’t sleep on them. A tiny bit on the ends makes everything look healthier.

6. Your Part is Wrong (And You Don’t Even Know It)

This sounds so stupid, but hear me out. I parted my hair the same way for FIFTEEN YEARS. Same exact spot. Then one day I accidentally parted it differently and was like “who is this person and why does she look so much better?”

Your part can literally change your whole face shape. Wild, right?

Try this: Switch it up! Move your part around and see what happens. Most people look best with a slightly off-center part, but you might be different. Get a rat tail comb for clean parts, and add some volumizing mousse at your roots for lift.

7. Your Length is All Wrong

Too short and severe? You might look harsh. Too long and all one length? You might look like you’re trying too hard to hold onto your youth. I know, I know – you can’t win.

Actually, you can. There’s a sweet spot for everyone.

Find your zone: For most of us, somewhere between the shoulders and collarbones is magic. It’s flattering, manageable, and doesn’t overwhelm your face. Keep it healthy with regular trims using sharp cutting shears.

8. Your Hair is Flatter Than Your Mood on Monday Morning

Volume is everything. Flat hair makes your face look wider and older. I used to have hair that was so flat against my head, I looked like I was perpetually wet.

Volume is your friend: Start with volumizing products that actually work. Root lift spray is amazing, and don’t laugh – velcro rollers are having a moment for good reason. They actually work.

9. You’re Styling Like It’s Still 2005

Crimped hair, anyone? Super tight curls that don’t move? Yeah, we need to talk about this. I see women still doing styles that were cool when flip phones were a thing.

Get with the times: Modern styling is about movement and texture that looks effortless (even when it’s not). Invest in a good ceramic flat iron and a curling wand set with different barrel sizes. YouTube is your friend here.

10. You’re Ignoring Your Scalp

This one’s gross but important. Your scalp is skin, and if you’re not taking care of it, your hair suffers. Buildup, dead skin, all that lovely stuff ages your hair before it even has a chance.

Scalp care is real: Use a scalp scrub weekly – it’s like a facial for your head. Get one of those scalp massagers too; they feel amazing and help with blood flow. Some scalp serums can help with thinning too.

Look, Here’s the Thing…

Your hair doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to follow every trend or cost a fortune. But it should make YOU feel good. And if you’re making these mistakes, you’re probably not feeling as confident as you could.

I’m not saying change everything at once – that’s overwhelming and expensive. Pick one thing that resonated with you and start there. Maybe it’s finally getting those highlights you’ve been thinking about for two years, or trying that hair care routine you bookmarked months ago.

The point is to start somewhere. Your future self will thank you, and honestly? Life’s too short for bad hair days.

Now stop reading and go do something nice for your hair. You deserve it.