10 Youthful Hairstyles That Are Truly Age-Defying (2024)

• Beauty
• Hair

Meet the expert

Long Pixie Cut

Hemple recommends trying a shortcut with some volume, like Halle Berry's long pixie here. Her pro tip? Keep the strands tousled and soft, rather than spikey.

Stacked Bob

Try a stacked bob that is shorter in the back and longer in the front like Cameron Diaz's cut here. Hemple says that the asymmetric cut will complement practically any face shape. Plus you can wear it straight, curly, or tousled.

Pixie Cut

"A lived-in pixie that has a little length around the face is a flattering style for short hair. It's particularly youthful because it's a no-fuss hairstyle," says Zinno. He adds it works on many face shapes, and is particularly low-maintenance, which means you don't have to stress about styling it every single day. When looking for a celeb picture to bring to the salon, we think Kris Jenner is a no-fail option.

Tousled Bob Cut

If you're most comfortable with bob-length hair, go for a chin-grazing style that incorporates layers. "It's youthful because while it's a bob length, the layers around the face keep it soft and flowing without the usual angular lines of a bob, and the layers in the crown or around the perimeter give lift and movement." We love Viola Davis's soft, layered, and tousled bob, while Zinno says that Helen Mirren is another example of this gorgeous look.

Shoulder-Length Cut With Layers

"Jennifer Aniston has had this length, and what makes it look youthful is when the ends are shattered to keep it from looking blunt and heavy around the perimeter," says Zinno.

Medium-Length Cut with Long Layers

Eva Longoria has also demonstrated soft, shattered angles in the past, which she seamlessly wore between sleek and straight styles and in effortless, loose waves. Hemple says long layers always give off a youthful appearance. She adds that off-center or side parts that "fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance."

Medium-Length Cut with Side Fringe

"A favorite timeless hairstyle for long hair is cascading layers flowing from a shorter length around the face — a long fringe or side bang — to longer to the back," says Zinno. "This creates movement in the style and opens up the face." He suggests this cut styled in soft waves just like Julia Roberts.

Long Cut with Waves

As far as how long is too long? Zinno suggests keeping your length around the breastbone area. Hemple adds that waves or bouncy style, like Christie Brinkley's here, "open all facial features to compliment a bright open look that makes you look rested."

Low Messy Bun

Zinno says that youthful-looking updos should be kept slightly undone and casual and never too tight or polished. We love this low coif seen on Keri Russell.

High Ponytail

Jennifer Lopez's high, snatched ponytail has a lifting and tightening effect on the face. Curl the ends to give the style a soft, effortless vibe.