Your haircut can do more than shape your face — it can shape how others perceive your age.
Some styles can add unnecessary years, making you look tired, outdated, or overly conservative. The good news? With a few changes, you can instantly look fresher, more modern, and even younger.
Let’s break down five haircuts that tend to age men — plus three youthful alternatives that can bring your style back to life.
Haircuts That Make You Look Older
1. The Combover
Why it ages you: The classic combover is often used to disguise thinning hair, but it rarely works. Instead, it calls attention to bald spots and looks like you’re trying too hard to hide something. It’s a dated style that signals insecurity rather than confidence.
How it makes you look older: The stiff, side-swept look adds formality and removes all texture and natural flow, which makes the face appear more severe and mature.
What to do instead: Embrace hair loss with confidence — go for a buzz cut or short textured crop that works with what you have, not against it.
2. Slicked-Back Gel Styles
Why it ages you: Using heavy gel to slick back your hair might seem polished, but it actually makes your hair look thinner and your face more rigid. It flattens volume and gives off a Wall Street, 1980s vibe that feels outdated.
Emotional effect: Instead of youthful charisma, this style can come off as overly serious and tired.
What to do instead: Choose a textured side part with a matte product. It adds movement, keeps things soft, and works on nearly every face shape.
3. Flat Long Hair (with No Volume)
Why it ages you: Long, lifeless hair without layers can make your face look longer, older, and even more tired. If it’s not thick or styled well, it easily becomes stringy and unkempt.
Where it fails: It draws attention downward and exaggerates facial sagging or thinning.
What to do instead: If you like long hair, add layers and body. Consider keeping the length around jaw level and style with a wave or slight curl for volume.
4. Uniform One-Length Haircuts
Why it ages you: Hair that’s all the same length, with no fade or taper, can look like a helmet. This blocky shape emphasizes age-related features like receding hairlines or soft jawlines.
What it says about you: A lack of structure or fade can make your style seem low-effort and old-school.
What to try instead: A modern low fade or taper adds contrast and sharpens your appearance.
5. Long Hair on the Sides Only (“Grandpa Fringe”)
Why it ages you: This is a common style among older men who’ve lost most of the hair on top but continue growing it long on the sides. It creates an outdated, unbalanced look that unintentionally emphasizes baldness.
How it makes you look older: It visually drags the face down and gives off a neglected, old-fashioned vibe.
What to do instead: Keep the sides neatly trimmed or shaved. A clean buzz cut or close crop all around looks sharper and more intentional. Add a short beard or stubble to balance the look and draw attention to your facial features.
Haircuts That Make You Look Younger
1. The Textured Crop
Why it works: This youthful style adds volume and movement while reducing the appearance of thinning. It brings energy to your face and is very low maintenance.
Best for: Thinning hair, receding hairlines, or oval faces. Looks great with a fade or taper on the sides.
Bonus: Pairs perfectly with light stubble or a short beard to add structure.
2. Modern Fade with Short Quiff
Why it works: The fade keeps things clean and modern, while the quiff adds volume and draws the eye upward. This combo frames the face well and works on most hair types.
Best for: Square, round, or diamond face shapes. It lifts your look and makes you appear alert and youthful.
Styling tip: Use a matte pomade or clay to add hold without shine.
3. Medium-Length Layered Cut
Why it works: If you’re not into short styles, this is a great alternative. The layers prevent hair from looking flat, while the extra length adds personality.
Best for: Thick or wavy hair. You can sweep it back casually or wear it with a natural part.
Key to success: Keep it groomed — regular trims and lightweight styling products will keep it from aging you.
4. No hair on Top? Go Bald
Final Thoughts
Looking younger isn’t just about chasing trends — it’s about choosing a hairstyle that enhances your features, reflects confidence, and shows that you care about grooming.
The wrong haircut can add years to your look. But the right one? It can make you feel more vibrant, energized, and sharp. Let your hair work for you, not against you.
Want to try a new look? Bring this article to your barber and talk through what might work best for your hair type and lifestyle.
Because looking your best isn’t about hiding your age — it’s about owning it, with style.
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.