Hair tricks to take years off

Forget Botox, you can drop a decade by reaching for the telephone and booking an appointment with your hairdresser. If you've had the same hair-do for the last ten years then a fringe, layers or a new colour can instantly transform you.

Find your fringe

Most hairdressers would agree that cutting a fringe can give you back a few years as well as hide signs of ageing and flatter your face. Sounds great! But make sure you choose the right type of fringe.

1. Long fringe

A gradually sloping long fringe like Goldie Hawn's can disguise that furrowed brow and create a more youthful appearance. It can start just above the brow and taper down to cheek level. The look is soft with movement and shouldn't be too thick. It should start no more than one inch from your hairline.

Do - get a long fringe cut if you have longer lengths - anything from shoulder length down.

Don't - cut a long fringe if you have a small forehead or very round face or can't be bothered to blow-dry.

2. Side fringe

This sweeping style, seen on Helen Mirren, is the perfect fringe for beginners as it's low-maintenance and works well with different textures - even not-so-straight hair. It's usually cut on the side and the length it falls can be anywhere from your brows to the bridge of your nose.

Do - get side bangs if you have medium or short hair. This fringe will work on any length, texture or face shape, and can be styled straight and even wavy - very versatile and low maintenance.

Don't - pull too tight on straightening irons (if you are using them) as this will produce an unflattering, poker straight fringe. Instead, use a round brush and pull down and to the side, and the brush will add a natural bend.

Get a clever cut

Soft layers around the face are very flattering and give a healthy bounce to hair. Most hairdressers agree there are no more hair rules to match age and you don't need to chop off your tresses once you hit 40, as shown by Demi Moore. Remember that healthy hair always looks good whatever your age.

If hair is healthy, embrace it and get a cut that suits you, whether that's short, medium or long. Clever layers around the sides and ends create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. At home you can use products that can boost volume and oomph. For 10 great anti-ageing products to use at home, see our top recommendations here.

Do - use a round brush to add volume and then use straighteners to smooth down the surface and add flicks to the ends.

Don't - let long hair simply hang down the sides of the face - it's instantly ageing as it drags the face down. Add a few face-framing layers to lift life back into it.

Change your colour

The colour of your hair is very important as hair that is shiny and full of reflection is more youthful. Don't forget skin tone changes through the years so hair colour has to work with that too. Whatever hue you choose, ask your hairdresser for a few different tones to add depth and warmth to your look.

Red

If you like bold colours, then deep shades of auburn and copper are great but avoid anything too bright. A single blanket of colour can look too harsh and unnatural but, equally, Sharon Osborne stripes are a no-no too. Susan Sarandon, pictured above, is a much better role model!

Blonde

Keep blonde tones warm rather than cool as whiter tones are draining on the skin. Blonde hair is also not as shiny as dark hair - another reason to stick to warmer, honey-toned hues - the lighter hair is, the less vibrant it looks as it reflects less light.

Brunette

Brown locks love to shine making them perfect anti-agers, just give them the right tools and treatment, such as tons of daily conditioner, a weekly mask and shine sprays. The most flattering brown is one with cool, caramel tones running through it, which really lifts the hair.

Style inspiration

Find more celebrity inspiration. The best looks for women over 30 - modelled by the stars

Anti-ageing hair special

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