These Youthful Celebrity Hairstyles Flatter Every Face Shape (2024)

Carrie Butterworth, a freelance hairstylist in New York City, suggests that women with long, thick hair get layers along the bottom, instead of around the face. “This will release a lot of the visual and literal weight of the hair. When thick hair has no layers, it almost resembles a blanket and has no style of movement,” she says.

Butterworth advises getting bangs only if you have a high forehead, otherwise, they can draw more attention to facial imperfections. “If you're worried about forehead lines, a very long bang that can be swept to the side is a good option,” Butterworth says. “It’s like a nice little bit of window dressing for the face.” We like how Rashida Jones’s bangs emphasize her cheekbones. And because they’re a different length, they don’t hide her eyes.

Forget what you thought about long hair past the age of 40—thick hair actually looks more youthful and polished when it falls shoulder-length or longer. Shorter hair has a tendency to expand at the ends, leaving you with an unflattering triangle effect. When hair falls past the shoulders, however, the extra hair will weigh it down and prevent that from happening, says hairstylist Edgar Parra. So, ask for minimal, face-framing layers. In terms of length, Parra says it should be no shorter than your shoulders, but the maximum length depends on your face shape—ask your stylist what she’d recommend.

There’s a reason many older women choose to have chin-length hair, instead of longer tresses: “Long hair drags the eyes down, emphasizing drooping facial features,” Butterworth says. “A shorter cut is a non-surgical facelift that draws the eye away from facial imperfections.” We love how Jane Fonda’s small curls frame her face and perk up her features, adding to the “lifting” effect.

Butterworth recommends layers for curly hair—but not too short. “Layers will release the weight of the hair and show off the beautiful natural texture of the curl,” Butterworth says. Beyonce’s short and long layers add dimension to her cut, while also flattering her oval-shaped face. Butterworth likes to apply Oribe’s Curl Control Silkening Creme to curls. Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to get some definition. But don’t touch your hair while it’s wet—this can make it frizz, Butterworth warns. Instead, “squeeze your hair gently once it’s dry to break up the product and to have a softer look.”

Helen Reavey, a renowned hairstylist and founder of Act+Acre, a vegan-friendly, natural hair care line, says that shorter, bolder hairstyles, like Tilda Swinton’s, are great for older women because they frame your face with tight sides and a voluminous top. If you have thin hair, you can ask your stylist to cut at the ends to create more volume and movement.

A chin-length cut gives off the illusion of fullness, and the shape of the cut will make your hair feel fuller, says Jay Vosper, master stylist at Dop Dop Salon in New York City. But keep it modern with an edgy bob like Charlize Theron, says Dominick Pucciarello, celebrity stylist and hairstylist at Mizu Salon in New York City, to avoid a matronly look. Ask your stylist to cut into the ends of the hair to create more volume and give it an uneven edge that will come off as fresher and more flattering than a blunt bob, says Pucciarello.

Oily roots quickly look drab and lifeless, even dirty, especially if you have fine hair. Vosper suggests going for an asymmetrical cut like Helen Mirren’s. “The asymmetry and deep side part provide the hair with lift and fullness, whereas a middle part would draw more attention to oiliness,” she explains. Bonus: The cut will also enhance a strong bone structure, like your cheekbones, which tend to pop more with age thanks to decreasing fat in your cheeks. Just be sure to mention that you don’t want too sharp of a cut. Precise chops can make you look more severe and dated.

Grey hair tends to be coarse in texture and stringy, therefore, you don’t need to add more texture to it. Butterworth suggests getting some choppy layers, like Diane Keaton, to lighten up and modernize your look. We also love that Keaton's straight and sleek hair makes her look sophisticated. “I would suggest getting either a keratin treatment or using a flatiron. To limit damage, use a mask weekly and don't turn the iron too high. Plus, get regular trims every eight weeks,” Butterworth says.

Loose waves are much more younger-looking than tight curls, and they add texture and volume without weighing you down. We like Julia Louis Dreyfus' shoulder-length cut because it emphasizes fullness at the bottom. You can also ask your stylist to add layers to help shape your hair.

Playing with highlights comes with some experience, but working with your stylist will help you find the best hues that work your angles. Laura Dern's face-framing tresses come in a variety of golden shades to create more dimension in her look. We love that richness in her hair color makes her locks truly pop.

Kerry Washington is a hair chameleon, sporting everything from big curly ringlets to sleek bobs, but this shoulder-length cut is a classic. Paired with a side part and subtle highlights, this modern look minimizes your forehead and gives length to your chin and neck.

Sarah Jessica Parker's effortless waves not only give dimension to her face, but they highlight her cheekbones and add texture to limp, and otherwise, flat hair.

Katie Couric's feathered layers are proof that bobs don't only work with razor-sharp edges. This haircut is particularly great for women with thinning hair because it creates the illusion of volume and gives your locks more movement.

Go big or go home! Christie Brinkley's voluminous layers and shiny and sleek locks accentuate her age-defying glow. Taking a curling wand to the middle and ends of your tresses will create some loose waves.

Sometimes, you don't need a big hairstyle to make all the difference. A cut just below the shoulders with a soft curl at the ends feels modern and natural for women with straighter hair.