4 Hair Colors That Could Add Years to Your Look and Their Perfect Alternatives

Deep down, we all know it – that moment when you glance in the mirror and realize something’s off about your hair color. Maybe it’s not flattering your skin tone, or perhaps it’s drawing unwelcome attention to areas you’d rather not highlight. That signature color you’ve rocked since your younger days might just need a refresh to bring out your best features and shed a few years off your look.

Here’s the inside scoop on four hair color faux pas that could be aging you faster than fine wine, along with the perfect alternatives to keep you looking fresh and fabulous.

1. Jet-Black

While jet-black hair may have exuded mystery and sultriness in your twenties, it’s not always the wisest choice as the years roll by. Dark hues can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines, making them more pronounced than ever. Plus, if your hair is thinning, going too dark can emphasize any visible scalp, leaving your mane looking lackluster and lifeless.

@and.shepaintshair

What to Try Instead: Lighten things up with a warm and rich chocolate brown tone that adds a touch of luminosity to your skin. Consider subtle highlights to break up the darkness and add depth to your overall look.

@ricardoalonsobeauty

2. Ashy Tones

Say goodbye to ashy tones that leave your hair looking dull and lifeless. These cool hues can sap the warmth from your complexion, leaving you with a flat, washed-out appearance that screams “’tired” rather than “timeless elegance.”

@amyeunme.bang

What to Try Instead: Warm up your look with shades that bring out the best in your skin tone. Honey blonde, caramel brown, or brown sugar brunette can inject some much-needed warmth and vitality into your locks, giving you a youthful glow that’s anything but dull.

@live_love_dohair

3. Brassy Tones

Brassy tones are the enemy of youthful-looking hair, leaving your locks looking wiry, dull, and damaged. These reddish-orange undertones can also accentuate any redness in your skin, robbing you of that coveted youthful radiance.

@hairby.maryelizabeth

What to Try Instead: Fight back against brassiness with purple shampoo or a hair gloss to neutralize those unwanted tones and restore your hair’s luster. For a safer bet, opt for a strawberry blonde shade that adds warmth and brightness to your complexion while concealing any pesky gray hairs that may have made an appearance.

@kolor_by_kels

4. Over-Lightened Blondes

That heavily bleached blonde look might’ve been a hit in your youth, but now it’s time to bid adieu to the bleach. Over-lightened locks, especially when they extend right down to the roots, can scream “over-processed”’ and “past their prime.” Dry, damaged hair is a surefire way to add years to your appearance, not to mention the risk of looking more gray than glam. Remember, maintaining a healthy contrast between your hair color and skin tone is key to keeping your look vibrant.

@milkshakehairuk

What to Try Instead: Opt for a shade or two lighter than your natural color, coupled with subtle highlights for added dimension. Warm, rich tones like bronde or biscoff blonde can breathe new life into your locks and give your complexion that radiant glow.

@chhair_x

Remember, the key to rocking any hair color is confidence. Choose a shade that reflects your personality and lifestyle, and most importantly, makes you feel fabulous every time you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. After all, age is just a number – it’s how you wear it that counts!