If you’re afraid your short hair is making you look older than you really are, you might be right. But odds are it’s not your cut that’s to blame. It has more to do with your morning routine — also known as styling.

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Some short haircuts — like the pixie and the bob — are timeless and ageless, says Mario Russo, Boston hairstylist and owner of Mario Russo salon. But in order for these cuts to be flattering, they have to be styled correctly. “Stiff looking ‘helmet hair’ can immediately age you, no matter how old you are,” says Russo. For softer, livelier looking hair, he suggests avoiding heavy products and embracing your natural texture.

Other styling tricks include side parts, creating waves with a curling iron, and adding as much volume as possible. And even though these small changes barely take any time at all, they often determine whether your haircut is adding or subtracting years from your face. Check out these haircuts for women over 60 that will be sure to help you look younger.

1. The textured bob

If you have a short length bob, you’re definitely on the right track.

“A short bob haircut is perfect for older women,” says Russo. “This look is ideal for fine, thinning hair that is in need of a lift.” 

To disguise thinning even more, add texture to your bob. 

After blow-drying, coat your hair with a light texture cream like L’Oreal Paris EverStyle Texture Series Tousle Creme. Then, use a curling iron (1-inch or smaller is best for short cuts) to create tousled waves throughout your hair. Twist sections of hair in random directions for the most natural result.

2. The layered bob

When you have a chin-length cut with all-over, long layers, you’re automatically going to have a lot of bounce and movement. 

You might also ask your stylist for side-swept bangs, which helps with face framing. For the most flattering result when you style the bangs, brush them down and across your forehead — not up and away from your face. 

“Fringe is natural Botox,” says Russo. “If you are self-conscious about forehead lines, this will do the trick in covering them.”

3. The blunt bob

If you prefer wearing your bob haircut straight and blunt, you’ll want to amp it up with as much volume as possible to make it look youthful. 

Apply a volumizing mousse like Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Mousse all over damp hair starting at the roots. Then, blow dry with a round brush to create lift.

4. The sleek crop

When your hair is super short, you don’t have a ton of styling leeway, but you still want to take the time to make it look polished. For maximum texture, allow your hair to air dry. Then, use pomade like Got2b Playful Texturizing Creme Pomade to give your strands lots of definition. The more lift and movement you can create, the better.

5. The long pixie

A cut like this is great because it works on all hair textures from thick to thin, says Russo. When it comes time to style your long pixie, create a deep side part. It is flattering on most face shapes, and it encourages some pieces of hair to fall across your face in a youthful way. Then, after drying your hair, use a dry texturizing spray like Garnier Fructis Style De-Constructed Texture Tease Dry Touch Finish Spray to create movement.

6. The piece-y pixie

For short pixie cuts, you want to do everything you can to avoid the “helmet hair” pitfall — piece-y is the ultimate goal. Combing your hair into a perfect coif is much more aging than if you style it with movement and texture.  To get the look, rub some styling cream like Suave Professionals Anti-Frizz Cream between your fingers, grab small sections of hair, and twist is varying directions. Some pieces should frame your face while others fly away from your head to give the illusion of volume.

7. The short cut with soft bangs

If you’re looking for an edgier cut or simply a way to freshen up your typical do, adding soft bangs to the equation will add an effortless amount of dimension and lightness.

This cut will accentuate your eyes and dust your cheekbones, drawing attention to these features in a classy and polished way.

8. The pixie with side-swept bangs

Choppy, side-swept bangs add an air of modern cool mixed with elegant Hollywood-glamour that few trims can compare to.

If you want to add some volume and geometry to your typical pixie cut, this style is for you.

9. Mussy layers

For women with natural waves or curls, mussy layers are a wonderfully effortless look that will require little maintenance.

Just wash-and-go, letting your hair air dry in order to let your organic ringlets roam free.

•October 3, 2019