AGELESS HAIR - KEEPING YOUR HAIR SHINING

Age-defying Hair Styling Tips
The right hairstyle can take years off you - or put years on. Top hairdressers Steven Goldsworthy and Paul Matthews help you get it right.

Steven Goldsworthy

• You do not wear the same clothes you did 20 years ago, so why the same hair? Keeping the style of your youth can be very ageing. (Think Liza Minnelli and Donatella Versace).
• After a certain age, wearing your hair forward is a bad idea, as nature has already started to drag down your features without your hair helping it along. Much better is to wear hair back, which will take your face with it.
• Avoid a bob that stops at your chin, as this will emphasize any developing jowls. Instead, choose a cut that finishes either above or below your jawline.
• Unless you have elfin features that look swamped with too much hair, leave hair longer at the back to soften your jaw.
• A soft, layered style that frames your face is very flattering. Keep hair flatter around your ears and ensure you have width at your temples to accentuate cheekbones (and counteract that 'maturing' jaw).
• When you notice your jaw looking heavier it's time for a shorter style, as long hair will drag your face down. And never, ever hair that reaches past your elbows.
• Talk (and listen) to your stylist, who can take into account everything from your dress sense to the amount of time you spend on your hair.
• Grey hair is coarser, so invest in a serum, which works by coating the outer layer to make your hair look smoother. It also works like a rain hat, protecting your hair from frizziness in damp weather. And look out for shampoos and conditioners formulated for coarse hair, or labelled 'deep conditioning' or 'moisturizing'.
• Cutting techniques like texturizing and point-cutting can help control coarser hair. Ask your hairdresser for advice.

Paul Matthews

• Whatever age you are, it is till about what suits your face shape. Following high-fashion trends looks like trying too hard. Most older fashion icons have well-groomed hair in a classic style rather than the latest look. Great examples of this are Madonna, Lulu and Sharon Osbourne.
• Take pictures of favorite styles to show your hairdresser (it can be part of hairstyle, such as the fringe, rather than the whole look). Be aware that pictures in magazines are heavily styled and the cut may actually be very simple. The less styled your chosen picture, the better chance you will have of achieving the same look at home.
• Some people dress up to visit a salon, but wearing your usual clothes allows a stylist to get a true picture of you.
• The most unflattering style for an older woman is long hair with a middle parting. If you like long hair, part it on the side and make sure you have softness around your face.
• Wearing your hair back gives the impression of lifting your face, but anything too tight looks harsh and also puts pressure on your front hairline.
• Visit your hairdresser regularly. Tired, undressed hair may look good in your 20s, but not so good in your 40s.
• Do not over-style your hair with too much hairspray, 'stuck' hair is very ageing. Better choices are gel or mousse, which give more texture and shine. Avoid trying to make your hair look too perfect or done - a big age giveaway.