aren’t exclusive to age groups, but many women choose to sport a shorter length or simpler style beyond their 40s.

Shoulder-length, bob, and pixie-cut tresses are often preferred due to hormonal imbalances that affect hair texture, colour, and growth.

However, a hair expert has warned that those aiming to should avoid certain variations of these styles.

Blunt bangs, spiky pixie cuts, and medium-length, layer-less lobs can age mature complexions, says Ghanima Abdullah, a hair expert and cosmetologist from The Right Hairstyles.

Ghanima has been in the hair and beauty industry for a few decades and knows something about . Her number one rule is to avoid harsh cuts, namely “thick, blunt bangs.”

Three hairstyles that can make you look older

Blunt bangs

While a fringe is known for its face-framing benefits, Ghanima explained that it can age your face by drawing attention to wrinkles. This is rather than framing your face or highlighting your cheekbones.

She explains that a thick, blunt fringe, particularly when paired with an equally blunt hairstyle, can “emphasise every sign of age in the face”.

If you’re keen on having a fringe, consider curtain bangs instead. They flatter almost any face at any age and neatly frame it while diverting attention from noticeable signs of ageing.

Celebrities like Goldie Hawk, Alexa Chung, and Jennifer Lopez advocate the style, which, according to Ghanima, is the secret to a “smaller and slimmer” face, especially when it ends at cheek level.

Spiky pixie cut

Very short hair, often known as a pixie cut, is popular among mature women. But there’s one kind that should be avoided. A spiky pixie cut can accentuate hair thinning or draw attention to the scalp.

Ghanima warned: “This is a great way to show everyone just how much you’re missing up top.”

The expert also pointed out that short spikes can “create equal areas of empty scalp”, which is not ideal for women who dye their grey hair and try to add depth to hide thinning. Instead, pair a lightly layered pixie with a side-swept fringe to highlight “eyes and cheekbones” without ageing you.

Medium-length blunt bob

A bob haircut can help achieve a more youthful complexion by giving the illusion of a rounder face.

However, the opposite effect will be had if the bob you opt for is medium-length and layerless. The hair expert says it can look “flat and dull” and may age you if it’s one length. As hair thins with age, a long style loses its impact.

Ghanima recommends shorter haircuts, like bobs that fall in the neck area or above the shoulders, to soften age-related facial angles.

She said mature women should opt for an asymmetrical lob with layers. The long bob offers an ideal middle ground for those sporting long locks but hesitant to go short.