I’m a Stylist and This Is the One Haircut Men Should ‘Never’ Get After 40

Experimenting with different hairstyles is a rite of passage for both men and women, and it can help you discover which looks flatter you the most. Then again, you might find that it’s a bit more challenging to switch up your style as you get older since your hair tends to change over time.

Fret not, there are still ways to keep your hair looking fresh, regardless of your age, but it can take a bit more planning. With this in mind, Parade checked in with a hairstylist to learn more about the one haircut men should never get after 40.

Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist, colorist, educator and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa. Throughout her career, she’s worked with several celebrities and influencers, including Denise Bidot, Danielle Carolan, Elyse Meyers and more.

While working with clients, Korab has noticed that men over 40 tend to make a few of the same haircut mistakes. She’s also developed plenty of tricks for styling men’s hair as they get older. Below, she’s sharing everything you need to know about finding the right hairstyle to flatter your features and style your ever-evolving hair as you navigate your 40s and well beyond.

Related: What Women Should Never Do To Avoid Thinning Hair

The Haircut Men Should Never Get After 40, Stylist Warns

There’s no one-size-fits-all haircut for men over 40, but there is one style that’s best to avoid, according to Korab: super short, one-length buzz cuts.

This style might work in your 20s and 30s, but it’s often much less flattering once you hit your 40s.

“They tend to highlight thinning hair or receding hairlines instead of softening the look,” Korab tells Parade.

Related: Celebrity Stylist Says This Hair Styling Habit ‘Instantly’ Makes Women Look Older

Why This Haircut Can Be Unflattering on Older Men

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Theoretically, a shorter hairstyle sounds flattering, but a buzz cut isn’t necessarily the best option for men over 40 since hair can thin with age.

“A very short cut leaves no room for texture or shape, which usually helps the style feel more balanced,” Korab says.

Additionally, Korab says cutting your hair too short can “make hair look flat and draw attention to sparse areas.”

Related: The One Hair Style Celebs Over 50 Are Asking For

How Hair Changes With Age

As you age, your hair, skin and nails change, so it’s important to adapt your self-care routine over time.

When it comes to hair, men can encounter several differences as they get older.

“Hair can lose density, shine and even change texture,” Korab explains. “Gray hair is often coarser, so styles that worked in your 20s/30s may not sit the same way now.”

The Most Common Haircut Mistakes Men Over 40 Make

Throughout her career, Korab has encountered clients of all ages, and she’s noticed that men over 40 tend to make a few of the same mistakes. For instance, she says keeping the same haircut for decades is never a good idea.

“As we age, hair texture, density and face shape subtly change. Sticking with the same haircut can look outdated and fail to complement these changes. Updating your style helps refresh the hair and looks more youthful,” she says.

Two other common mistakes include ignoring your face shape when choosing a haircut and using heavy products that weigh the hair down, thereby making it appear thinner.

Related: The #1 Hair Mistake a Celebrity Stylist Says Can Make Thinning Look Worse

3 Haircuts a Stylist Recommends Instead for Men Over 40

Not sure what to ask for when you head to the salon? Korab says the following styles are flattering for men over 40.

1. Textured crops

“A textured crop is great because it adds movement and dimension, which helps cover thinning areas,” she explains.

2. Layered cuts

“Layered cuts help create the illusion of fullness and make hair appear thicker,” she says.

3. Classic side part

“A classic side-part helps direct the hair in a way that adds volume,” Korab tells Parade.

2 Grooming Tips To Make Men Look Younger

Your grooming habits can help make you look younger, according to Korab, who recommends the following tips.

1. Regular trims

The stylist says cutting your hair regularly helps “prevent hair from looking overgrown or uneven,” which can “age your overall appearance.”

2. Keeping facial hair clean

Keeping facial hair clean and well-groomed “frames the face better and creates a more put-together look,” per Korab.

Related: ‘I Stopped Fighting My Gray Hair—and It Changed How I Feel About Aging’

How To Style Thinning Hair After 40

If your hair isn’t as thick as it once was, Korab recommends the following styling tips for men over 40.

1. Keep the top longer

Korab notes that leaving some length on the top “helps create the appearance of fuller hair” if your mane is thinning.

2. Consider a side part

If you’re dealing with thinning hair, Korab says a side part can “help redirect the hair to cover sparse areas.”

3. Use lightweight products

Korab says lightweight products “add volume and prevent the hair from being weighed down.”

“A light styling product prevents the hair from sitting flat against the scalp,” she says.

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