The most flattering hairstyle for every decade revealed from bob to beachy waves… and how to care for it

The Irish Sun

12-06-2025

SHOULD we all be sporting the 'lob' - that's a long bob - in our 20s, wearing a fringe in our 30s and cutting inches off the length in our 40s?
Celebrity hair stylist
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Celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas reveals how to make the most of your 'do at any age
Credit: David Cummings
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Anabel Kingsley, brand president for haircare brand Philip Kingsley
Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
'We need to do away with the old-fashioned idea that women should cut their
'That said, if you are struggling for ideas there are styles that can be really flattering at certain ages - and they should fit with your lifestyle too.'
Here Michael, 49, reveals the most flattering style for every age and trichologist and brand president for Philip Kingsley
20s: The Pixie
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Iris Law knows how to sport her Pixie cut
Credit: Splash
Michael says: 'In your 20s, you can really do whatever you like with your hair, though it is a good time to try a short pixie crop.
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"When you are older, short hair can be quite exposing but at this age it is striking and youthful.
"It's easy to maintain if you are building a career and have a busy social life. Colour wise, you can get away with virtually anything.
"Be brave. Don't focus too much on face shape, think more about your hair type and texture.'
Anabel says: 'Right now your hair is at its healthiest so it can withstand heat styling.
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"However, I'd still recommend using a heat protectant spray to protect your hair and a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to restore elasticity and bring frizzy, tangled strands back to life.'
30s: Shoulder length with fringe
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Keeping your hair long and adding a flattering fringe can be a life saver when hitting your thirties, just like Taylor Swift
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Michael says: 'Lots of women enter the kids zone in their 30s so keeping your hair long so you can tie it back can be a life saver.
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"A fringe is also a good idea. The concave shape, which is slightly shorter in the middle, is super flattering as it frames the face.
"Your
"Keep it long but all one length to give that thick hair a chance to catch up.'
Anabel says: 'Use heat less and focus on limiting damage. If you do put your hair up a lot, make sure to use a gentle hairbrush with rounded prongs and a vented, cushioned base, so it's not too harsh.
"Using elastic hair bands or tying them too tight can cause damage to your hair or breakage, so opt for a soft scrunchie or silk hairband instead.
40s: Choppy bob
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A messy bob like Keira Knightley will make you look younger
Credit: Getty
Michael says: '
"If you go to clean, it can expose your age. Styles with more movement and texture are less ageing.
'I would be wary of going too short. Sometimes it looks fab but I've seen a lot of people do this and then be surprised by how old they look as short hair reveals more of the face. If you want to try a shorter look do it gradually.'
Anabel says: 'Some women may start to go through perimenopause or menopause and could notice
"Aging hair has a weaker cuticle, lower levels of lipids as well as loss of elasticity, all of which would make strands more vulnerable to damage.
"Taking a gentle approach when styling, as well as protecting and strengthening your hair is more important than ever, so let hair dry naturally and simply style with a soft brush.'
50s: Beachy waves
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Long beachy waves in your fifties like Alison Hammond can look so youthful
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Michael says: 'A lot of women feel they should
"Plenty of women let their hair grow long and it can look as fab as it did in your 20s.
"Long, beachy waves can look really attractive and so youthful. That said, if you go completely grey, having a short crop can look really strong and modern.
"Either of these options shows who you really are: 'I'm 50, and I don't care'.
Anabel says: 'Keeping your hair long means you can do plenty of up dos in your 50s.
"This is a great option for more sensitive hair that has lost collagen with age or that might have been affected by hormonal changes and years of sun, pollution and heat styling. Up dos often require less heat.'
60-plus: Asymmetric or diamond shaped bob
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A graduated or diamond shaped bob is the best hairstyle for anyone in their sixties, Helen Mirren sure knows how to rock it
Credit: AFP
Michael says: 'Often people of this age don't want to spend ages doing their hair any more.
"A graduated or diamond shaped bob is one of my favourite looks for this age as it's easy to maintain.
"The diamond shape rises up to your ears and then goes up towards your parting - but an asymmetric bob is also really flattering.
"It can look super modern and ageless and is especially attractive if your hair is grey or curly. Adding a fringe can also be really sophisticated.'
Anabel says: 'Keeping your hair short enables you achieve more volume as you get older due to hair thinning and texture changes.'