Your hairstyle can be a game-changer when it comes to how you feel and how others perceive you. Style your hair correctly, and you might just feel invincible. But make the wrong choice, and you could inadvertently add years to your appearance. This is a warning from a top hairstylist who counts stars like Kate Hudson and Gal Gadot among his clients.

In a recent conversation with the Daily Mail, Gustav Fouché, a London-based hairstylist, shared insightful tips on how to style your hair across different decades while highlighting common pitfalls that can make you look older than you are.

For those in their 40s, Fouché emphasized the importance of choosing hairstyles that complement your face shape. He advised against overusing hair extensions or opting for colors that are too bright, as these can age you prematurely.

As for individuals in their 60s, Fouché cautioned against choosing overly dark, solid hair colors. Drawing an example from Courteney Cox, he noted that such colors can be too harsh on mature skin.

“At this stage in life, your hair should exude a sense of luxury, appearing well-maintained and full of character,” Fouché explained. “It should never present as frizzy, dull, or overly styled.”

Concerned that your hairstyle might be adding years to your look? Explore the expert hairstylist’s comprehensive guide for more insights.

Elle Fanning at the Apple TV Press Day held on February 3, 2026 in Los Angeles

In your 20s 

Gustav said: ‘Your 20s are about freedom, experimentation and enjoying your natural beauty. At this age, hair should feel fun, relaxed and expressive, rather than overly polished.

‘Someone who captures this perfectly is Elle Fanning, 27. Her hair often allows her natural tone to show through at the root, keeping the colour soft and believable. 

‘She avoids anything too harsh or over-processed, which keeps her look fresh and youthful. 

‘Whether she is wearing her hair long and effortless or experimenting with a softer bob, it always feels age-appropriate and joyful.

‘In your 20s, there is nothing to disguise, hair should feel honest, light-hearted and something you genuinely enjoy wearing.’

Celebrity getting it right: Elle Fanning

In your 30s 

Kristen Stewart at the 2026 BAFTA Tea Party in Los Angeles on January 2026

Jennifer Lawrence poses for photographers at the photo call for the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture collection presented in Paris on January 2026

Gustav said: ‘By your 30s, many women start to refine their identity and personal style. Hair often becomes more considered, but it’s still important not to lose softness,’ said the stylist.

‘Jennifer Lawrence, 35, is a great example of balance. She suits both lighter and darker shades but avoids extremes, keeping the colour soft and flattering against her skin. 

‘When she wears a fringe, it’s gentle and sits around the brow, never too blunt or severe. This kind of subtlety enhances features rather than overpowering them.

‘Some more experimental looks, like very short or choppy fringes or overly warm blondes, can sometimes appear harsher at this stage. 

‘For example, Kristen Stewart, 35, often leans into a punk-inspired aesthetic, which can look striking, but softer tones or slightly more polished finishes can be more universally flattering and timeless.

‘The key in your 30s is knowing who you are, and letting your hair reflect that with confidence and ease.’

Celebrity getting it wrong: Kristen Stewart

Celebrity getting it right: Jennifer Lawrence

In your 40s 

Reese Witherspoon attends Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year 2025 awards at Claridge’s in central London

Gustav said: ‘In your 40s, it’s so important to understand your face shape and your skin tone. Someone who gets this absolutely right is Reese Witherspoon. 

‘She has a heart-shaped face and knows exactly which hairstyles work best to enhance her features while softening any imperfections. 

‘That’s why, when we see her on the red carpet, she always looks effortlessly gorgeous and her colouring is consistently spot on.

‘You’ll notice she very rarely goes fully blonde. This is something many women in their 40s do, lighter and lighter blonde to camouflage white hair, but understanding what your skin tone can truly handle is key. 

‘Reese manages this beautifully. Although she’s a natural blonde, she keeps the blonde brighter around the face while ensuring it never goes all the way to the root. 

‘There’s always a subtle shadow at the root, which connects seamlessly with her eyebrows and skin tone. The result is natural, flattering, and incredibly well balanced, and she does it exceptionally well.

Celebrity getting it right: Reese Witherspoon 

In your 50s

Jennifer Aniston pictured at ELLE’s 2025 Women in Hollywood Celebration

‘By your 50s, confidence is high and personal style is well established. Hair should feel groomed but never stiff or overworked,’ said the hairstylist.

‘A standout example of getting it just right is Jennifer Aniston. She maintains a medium brunette base with soft honey highlights around the face, which brightens her complexion without pushing her too blonde. 

‘Her styling always feels relaxed and natural, polished, but never over-styled. In your 50s, hair should move well, fall naturally, and feel youthful without trying too hard.’

But the expert also warned: ‘A block fringe can visually shorten the face and emphasise jawline softening after 50.’ 

Celebrity getting it right: Jennifer Aniston

In your 60s

Brooke Shields attends Netflix’s Frankenstein event at San Vicente West Village on January 14, 2026 in New York City

Julianne Moore attends the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Fashion Awards at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on November 3, 2025

Gustav said: ‘Your 60s are about embracing who you are and enjoying your style with freedom. Hair should feel modern, glossy and full of life.

‘Length becomes particularly important here. Hair that’s very long can sometimes drag the face down or create heaviness. 

For example, Brooke Shields has beautiful hair, but when worn very long it can appear flat at the crown and heavy at the ends. 

A slightly shorter length, for example around the collarbone, paired with a soft, sweeping fringe could add lift and freshness.

A brilliant example of vibrant, age-positive hair is Julianne Moore. She embraces her natural copper tone, which enhances her skin beautifully. 

‘Her hair always looks glossy, healthy and modern, proof that shine and condition are the ultimate markers of youthful hair at any age.

‘One thing to be mindful of is overly dark, solid colour. Courteney Cox often wears a very deep brunette that, while glossy, can appear quite strong against maturer skin. 

‘Introducing subtle variation or warmth can soften the overall look and be more flattering. 

Courteney Cox pictured in Malibu, California in September 2024

‘In your 60s, hair should feel expensive, well cared for and full of personality. It should never be frizzy, dull or overly set.

‘No matter your age, the most youthful hairstyle is one that feels authentic, soft and well looked after. Trends come and go, but healthy hair, flattering colour and confidence never go out of style.’

Celebrity getting it wrong: Brooke Shields

Celebrity getting it right: Julianne Moore