Great Hair at Any Age! See the Best Hairstyles For Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and Beyond

FilmMagic; Getty Images (2); Everett Collection

Marianne Mychaskiw

Jul 16, 2013 @ 4:29 pm

While an edgy crop is flattering while you're in your 20s, the same style may not translate as well as you get older -- but that doesn't mean you should forgo hair trends altogether once you reach your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Looking to stars like Taylor Swift, Minka Kelly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Demi Moore for inspiration, we rounded up 12 of the most flattering looks for every age, along with maintenance tips for giving your strands an extra boost. So, whether you want to try out this season's must-have cut or combat 50 different shades of gray, we have you covered! Click the photo to see each look now, then bring your favorite to the salon so your stylist can recreate it.

MORE:
• Try on Taylor Swift's Many Hairstyles
• What Would You Look Like in Gwyneth's Hair?
• See Yourself in Demi Moore's Long Layers

1 of 12 Jag Gundu/Getty Images

Taylor Swift's Blunt Bangs

Give your hairstyle a major update by adding some heavy fringe like Taylor Swift. Hitting just slightly above her eyes, longer bangs like Taylor’s can be swept to the side, making this edgy cut an easy and versatile option.

Rihanna - Great Hairstyles at Every Age - 20s

2 of 12 Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

Rihanna's Edgy Look

Now is the best time to try out dramatic styles and cuts, like Rihanna's angled pixie. Hair sprouts more quickly than in other decades (about a half inch per month), so growing out mistakes is easy.

3 of 12 Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic (2)

Minka Kelly's Romantic Updo

Don’t hesitate to sweep the hair off your face and shoulders with a fun, braided updo. Create a perfect mix of elegant and flirty with a messy, chignon like Minka Kelly. A jeweled headpiece will add an instant touch of glam, while still being age appropriate.

Penelope Cruz - Great Hairstyles at Every Age - 30s

4 of 12 John Shearer/WireImage.com

Penelope Cruz's Sophisticated Bangs

Side-swept bangs look modern and sophisticated, and instantly update a casual pony or chignon. Penelope Cruz's pulled- back style disguises potentially damaged ends, while soft, shiny fringe draws attention to her eyes.

Elizabeth Banks - Great Hairstyles at Every Age - 20

5 of 12 Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com

Elizabeth Banks's Soft Waves

Opt for a versatile cut that always looks great, whether you're at the office or at the grocery store. The style "should be polished for day, but also work for fun evening looks," says Rhys. Take a cue from Elizabeth Banks and try soft, touchable waves that can maintain shape without a lot of moisture-stripping styling products.

6 of 12 Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sleek Strands

Smooth, straight strands never go out of style, which is why Gwyneth’s Paltrow’s signature ‘do makes perfect sense. Give the classic look a modern feel with a middle part and be sure to rub in some some shine serum to tame flyaways - and get Gwyneth’s glossy finish.

Salma Hayek - Great Hair Styles at Every Age - 40s

7 of 12 Jill Johnson/Jpistudios.com

Salma Hayek's High-Wattage Shine

An all-over glossing treatment is a simple way to get lots of shine, like Salma Hayek. Formulas such as Clairol Nice 'n Easy Colorseal Conditioning Gloss coat the hair shaft, making the cuticle lay smoother and adding volume to thinning strands.

Jennifer Aniston - Great Hair Styles at Every Age - 40s

8 of 12 Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage.com

Jennifer Aniston's Warm Color

Strategically placed highlights like Jennifer Aniston's combat flat, ashy tones and add depth and dimension. "A bit of brightness around the face can make you look fresh," says N.Y.C. hairstylist Charles Baker Strahan.

9 of 12 Dee Cercone/Everett Collection

Demi Moore's Long Locks

Getting older doesn't mean you can't have long hair. Take it from Demi Moore, who proves that long locks can look fabulous at any age. Because hair tends to thin over time, the trick is to create volume with layers around your face for a fresh, soft finish.

Julianne Moore - Great Hair Styles at Every Age - 50s

10 of 12 Casey Rodgers/WireImage.com

Julianne Moore's Face-Framing Layers

Face-framing layers like Julianne Moore's create the illusion of thicker hair, while softening features. Aim for a smooth blowout, which will leave strands shiny and younger-looking.

Madonna - Great Hair Styles at Every Age - 50s

11 of 12 Allan Tannenbaum/Polaris

Madonna's Skin-Flattering Hue

Go for a lighter shade that will conceal grays and "make wrinkles look less pronounced," says L.A. colorist Negin Zand. Just be sure to keep the color contrast between your skin and hair minimal like Madonna. "You're not trying to make a statement."

Iman - Great Hair Styles at Every Age - 50s

12 of 12 Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Iman's Chin-Length Bob

A loose, wavy, chin-length bob like Iman's boosts volume and makes chiseled features look less angular. Use thickening sprays on damp hair before styling to expand each strand's diameter.

Great Hair at Any Age! See the Best Hairstyles For Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and Beyond

Taylor Swift's Blunt Bangs

Rihanna's Edgy Look

Minka Kelly's Romantic Updo

Penelope Cruz's Sophisticated Bangs

Elizabeth Banks's Soft Waves

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sleek Strands

Salma Hayek's High-Wattage Shine

Jennifer Aniston's Warm Color

Demi Moore's Long Locks

Julianne Moore's Face-Framing Layers

Madonna's Skin-Flattering Hue

Iman's Chin-Length Bob

You May Like

Read More

Great Hair at Any Age! See the Best Hairstyles For Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and Beyond

Taylor Swift's Blunt Bangs

Rihanna's Edgy Look

Minka Kelly's Romantic Updo

Penelope Cruz's Sophisticated Bangs

Elizabeth Banks's Soft Waves

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sleek Strands

Salma Hayek's High-Wattage Shine

Jennifer Aniston's Warm Color

Demi Moore's Long Locks

Julianne Moore's Face-Framing Layers

Madonna's Skin-Flattering Hue

Iman's Chin-Length Bob

You May Like

Read More

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