Is YOUR hair ageing you? Stylist to the stars reveals common mistakes that are making you look older – including the fringe that enhances a slackened jawline

The hairstylist for stars like Kate Hudson and Gal Gadot can make you feel like you’re worth a million dollars if you wear your hair a certain way; But she warned that if you style your curls the wrong way, you could look much older.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, London-based Gustav Fouché shared his guide to styling your hair every decade and common mistakes that make people look older.

She recommended always making sure you complement your face shape in your 40s. She urged women of this age to stop relying heavily on extensions or turning to very bright colours.

Meanwhile, those in their 60s should avoid opting for overly dark, solid colors like Courteney Cox’s because, according to the celebrity hairstylist, it can be quite harsh on older skin.

‘In this decade, your hair needs to feel expensive, well-groomed and full of personality. “It should never be frizzy, dull or overly stiff,” Gustav explained.

Are you worried that your hair will make you look older? Read the ultimate hairdresser’s guide below…

in your 20s

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

‘One person who captured this perfectly is 27-year-old Elle Fanning. Her hair usually shows its natural tone from the roots, making the color soft and believable.

‘She avoids anything too harsh or overly processed, which keeps her looking fresh and youthful.

‘Whether she wears her hair long and effortlessly or tries a softer bob, it always feels age-appropriate and cheerful.

‘There’s nothing to hide in your 20s; Your hair should look honest, cheerful and like something you really enjoy wearing.’

Celebrity gets it right: Elle Fanning

in your 30s

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

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

‘By your 30s, many women begin to develop their identity and personal style. Hair often becomes more in need of care, but it is still important not to lose its softness,’ said the stylist.

‘Jennifer Lawrence, 35, is a great example of balance. It suits both light and dark tones, but avoids extremes, making the color look soft and flattering on your skin.

‘When you wear the tassel, it’s gentle and sits around the brow, never too blunt or harsh. This kind of refinement enhances features rather than overpowering them.

‘More experimental looks, such as very short or wavy fringes or extremely hot blondes, can sometimes look harsher at this stage.

‘For example, Kristen Stewart, 35, often leans into a punk-inspired aesthetic; This may seem striking, but softer tones or slightly brighter finishes can be more universally pleasing and timeless.

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

Celebrity gets it wrong: Kristen Stewart

Celebrity gets it right: Jennifer Lawrence

in your 40s

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

Gustav said: ‘Understanding your face shape and skin tone is crucial in your 40s. One person who definitely gets this right is Reese Witherspoon.

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

‘So when we see her on the red carpet she always looks effortlessly gorgeous and her color always looks perfect.

‘You will notice that very rarely it is completely blonde. This is something many women in their 40s do; lighter and lighter blondes to camouflage white hair, but it’s crucial to understand what your skin tone can really handle.

‘Reese does this very well. Although it is a natural blonde, it ensures that the blonde is brighter around the face but never goes all the way to the root.

‘There is always a light shade at the root that blends seamlessly with her brows and skin tone. The result is natural, flattering and incredibly balanced, and she does it exceptionally well.’

Celebrity gets it right: Reese Witherspoon

in your 50s

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

‘By your 50s, self-confidence is high and personal style is well established. “Hair should look well-groomed but never harsh or overworked,” the hair stylist said.

‘A striking example of doing this right is Jennifer Aniston. She has a medium brunette base with soft honey highlights around her face, which brightens her complexion without pushing it too blonde.

‘Her style always feels relaxed and natural, flamboyant but never overly stylish. In your 50s, hair should move well, fall naturally and feel youthful without too much hassle.’

But the expert also warned: ‘A blocky fringe can visually shorten the face and emphasize the softening of the jawline after the age of 50.’

Celebrity gets 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 attended 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 freely enjoying your style. Hair should feel modern, shiny and full of life.

‘Length becomes particularly important here. Hair that is too long can sometimes drag the face down or create weight.

‘For example, Brooke Shields’ hair is beautiful, but if worn too long it can look flat at the top and heavy at the ends.

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

‘A perfect example of vibrant, age-positive hair is Julianne Moore. She adopts the natural copper tone that beautifies her skin.

‘Her hair always looks shiny, healthy and modern; Proof that shine and condition are the most important signs of youthful hair at any age.

‘One thing to watch out for is overly dark, solid color. Courteney Cox often wears a very deep brunette, which, although bright, can look quite strong against mature skin.

‘Adding a slight change or warmth can soften the overall look and make it more flattering.

Courteney Cox photographed in Malibu, California in September 2024

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

‘No matter your age, the youngest hairstyle is the one that makes you feel original, soft and well-groomed. Trends come and go, but healthy hair, dazzling color and self-confidence never go out of style.’

Celebrity gets it wrong: Brooke Shields

Celebrity gets it right: Julianne Moore