Yes, very dark hair, especially harsh, solid jet black, can make an older woman look older by creating a stark contrast that accentuates wrinkles, fine lines, and dark under-eye circles against mature skin, but softer, dimensional dark shades or adding warm highlights can be flattering and youthful, so it depends on skin tone and contrast. The key is avoiding a flat, one-dimensional look and choosing colors that complement your skin's natural tones and undertones.
I think that very dark hair doesn't look great on older women who don't wear much makeup, and that's because our skin tones get washed out as we age, and the dark colors can make us look even more washed out, and sometimes even make us look older. Makeup can help balance that out, though.
For women over 50, youthful hair colors focus on adding warmth, softness, and dimension, like caramel, honey, or golden blondes, and warm browns (chocolate, auburn) with balayage highlights to blend grays and brighten skin, while avoiding harsh, flat, or overly dark colors that can harden features. Lighter, multi-tonal shades create softness and reflection, making skin look more luminous, notes Southern Living, The Right Hairstyles, and Pure Spa Direct.
There's no single "ugliest" hair color, as beauty is subjective, but natural red hair is often cited as least popular in attractiveness studies due to rarity and stereotypes, while some find unnaturally dyed colors (like harsh yellow blonde from bleaching, flat coal black, or certain aggressive fashion shades) less appealing, or simply, a color that clashes with a person's skin tone.
Our skin gets more sallow with age and a few highlights a shade or two lighter around your face can refresh your complexion, but going too light can be just as aging as going too dark. It's important to maintain a contrast between your hair color and your skin tone.
Skin becomes loose and sagging, bones lose their mass, and muscles lose their strength as a result of time spent living life. Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's.
In general, darker skin tones are well-suited for dark hair colours, and lighter skin tones are best suited for lighter hair colours. We can't deny the appeal of going against the rules sometimes, in which case you should read along for some valuable knowledge on skin tones, undertones and overtones.
To look younger, choose warm, dimensional colors like caramel, honey blonde, or soft auburn to brighten your complexion, and add balayage or subtle highlights for a sun-kissed, fuller look, avoiding harsh, overly dark, or flat colors that can wash you out or create shadows. The goal is softness, dimension, and warmth that complements your skin tone, rather than creating stark contrast.
He advised that it is best to avoid hair colour products with more than 2% PPD. studies show that some parabens specifically mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen and therefore can interfere with estrogen production. may be linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Key Takeaways
One of the most versatile and universally flattering hair lengths for women over 50 is shoulder-length. This medium length allows you to experiment with different styles while still maintaining a youthful appearance.
Ash Blonde
If you're on the hunt for a pretty hair color idea that doesn't require a ton of maintenance, ash blonde may be a good pick. The light, cool-toned hue blends well with gray, so you won't have to worry about a harsh line of demarcation as your silvery roots grow in.
Dark, warm chocolate with a hint of natural red is highly recommended for round faces. Its deep color and texture create sharper facial contours, giving an elegant and not too contrasting look while imparting a slender impression to the cheeks.
For a youthful look at 60, opt for warm, soft, blended colors like honey blonde, caramel, warm auburn, or chocolate brown with caramel highlights, which add brightness and soften features, avoiding harsh, solid dark colors or platinum blonde. Adding subtle highlights or lowlights creates dimension, and embracing natural gray with a silver or platinum shade can also be very modern and flattering, especially with a soft, layered cut.
To look younger, opt for styles with movement, layers, and face-framing elements like the Butterfly Cut, Modern Shag, or a Layered Lob, which add volume and soften features, while Curtain or Wispy Bangs conceal forehead lines and highlight eyes, and a well-placed Pixie Cut can lift the face for an instant refresh. The key is to avoid heavy, one-length styles and embrace texture, fullness, and strategic highlights to create a fresh, vibrant look.
A recently published study found that 60% of men find brown hair most attractive. Having brown locks is also seen as reliable. Black hair, on the other hand, is more associated with impenetrability and mystique. In the Netherlands, brown is the most common hair color; about 45 percent of women have natural brown hair.
There's no single "ugliest" hair color, as beauty is subjective, but natural red hair is often cited as least popular in attractiveness studies due to rarity and stereotypes, while some find unnaturally dyed colors (like harsh yellow blonde from bleaching, flat coal black, or certain aggressive fashion shades) less appealing, or simply, a color that clashes with a person's skin tone.
The healthiest hair color is often your natural shade or choosing dyes with fewer harsh chemicals, like ammonia-free, PPD-free, or plant-based options (henna, chamomile, coffee) for subtle tints, as permanent dyes cause more damage; going lighter than your natural color or getting highlights can also minimize stress on your hair.
The Colors to Avoid with Gray Hair
Here are a few to steer clear of: Muddy Neutrals: Beige, taupe, and other muted tones can make your skin look washed out and ashy. Earthy Yellows and Oranges: These warm tones clash with the coolness of gray hair and can make your complexion look sallow.
“As we get older, adding a bit of lightness, especially around the face, tends to look the most youthful,” says Ruiz. “Soft brightness can lift your features, soften lines, and create dimension. Going too dark can appear harsh, while strategically placed lighter tones help create a more flattering, natural glow.”
A lighter hair colour
Darker colours often look harsher and accentuate the shadows in your face, which brings extra attention to wrinkles and lines in your face. Don't wanna go light right away? Try highlights around your face first, this has the same effect.
12 Ways to Get Younger Looking Hair
Studies conducted in the Western world have found that dark-haired women are generally considered more attractive than blonde women.
The most common mistakes when dyeing your hair are related to choosing the colour. It is often too dark, not taking into consideration your skin tone, and the fact that as you age, your hair becomes lighter than before. Another frequently mentioned mistake is dyeing your entire hair every time.
Some of our favorite low-maintenance looks: