Can TikTok's 'hair theory' help you look decades younger?

There may be some truth to the phrase “New hair, new you.” Search TikTok for “hair theory” and you will find hundreds of videos from users transform their entire atmosphere by simply changing the way they style their hair:

One minute they are a business professional with a tightly pulled back bun. Next time, they're an easy flower child with loose, bouncy curls, and then a fun, bold rocker chick with a hint of hair. Even subtle changes, such as the positioning of one's role, can be complete transform how they are perceived.

But the way you style your hair can also dramatically change how people perceive something else about you: your age.

Instantly a refreshed hairstyle transforms the Golden Girls from America's favorite retirees to contenders for a 'Sex and the City' reboot. Likewise, short, stiff styles can make actors fun Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts It looks like they are ready to embark on their fifth Viking River Cruise.

Often people trying to shave a few years off their appearance focus on staying on top of the latest makeup and clothing trends. But changing your hairstyle could be the missing piece of the puzzle to looking decades younger.

“It's always the hair!” said Nicky Clarkea hairstylist who was honored with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2008 for his contributions to the British hairdressing industry.

'You can change your clothes, change your make-up… but it's always about the hair. You can instantly make someone look younger or older [with their hair]said Clarke.

Jalia Pettisa Phoenix-based hairstylist, has also seen firsthand the transformative nature of hairstyles.

“A haircut can change your entire atmosphere. I've seen it happen countless times as a session stylist working on set,” Pettis said.

If you're ready to undergo your hairstyle transformation (and perhaps turn back the clock on your appearance a few years), these are the key areas for our experts to focus on.

Unsurprisingly, gray hair is one of the most obvious signs of aging, and many women visit their local salon for regular color touch-ups.

However, our experts emphasize that the key to looking younger isn't just about hiding gray tones. It is essential to keep the right colour.

“If a hair color is too flat or doesn't complement your skin tone, fine lines or dullness can become more noticeable, which can unintentionally age you,” says Pettis.

Instead of a solid color, try adding highlights or lowlights to keep your style looking youthful and fresh, advises Joseph Mainefamous hairstylist and co-founder of Trademark beauty.

“Adding warm tones to your hair can really brighten your complexion and add a more youthful glow to aging skin by giving it that extra bit of warmth and color,” said Maine.

According to Clarke, creating softness is the key to looking more youthful. Clarke recommends a slightly softer color around the face to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.

“If you're blonde, having those slightly lighter bits in your honey tones makes things pop. If you're a brunette, you can have those slightly dark honey tones around your face,” Clarke said.

But once you're done with the constant upkeep of color-treated hair, you can still rock your silver locks while keeping your look fresh. According to Clarke, a salt-and-pepper mixture makes people age, but pure colors are often flattering.

“We can see women who have that beautiful Silver Fox thing going on,” Clarke said. “And that works because it is almost not gray; it is a pure color, whether it is silver gray or white.”

When you look at photos of yourself in your 20s, you might notice something different about your hair that you can't quite put your finger on. The cut and color are the same, so why does your hair look so different now?

“As we age, the texture and density of our hair changes,” says Pettis. “But there are things you can do to keep it healthy and looking youthful. It's all about moisture, protection and retention.”

To keep your hair in tip-top shape, Pettis recommends investing in deep conditioning products and products that strengthen your hair.

Ingredients like keratin, collagen and moisturizing oils can also help maintain your hair's youthful shine and elasticity, Maine said.

Our expert stylists also emphasize that as you get older, protecting your delicate locks becomes even more important, especially when styling your hair. Opt for low heat styling options or use heat protectant products to protect your strands and prevent breakage.

Since trends are constantly changing and evolving, the most popular hairstyles from the past can now instantly reveal your age. Even millennials have had to face the music as their beloved supporting characters were declared “old” by Gen Z.

If you can't seem to embrace the middle section of Gen Z, don't worry. When choosing a new, fresh look, our stylists encourage choosing styles that flatter your unique features, rather than chasing what's currently trendy.

“It's about keeping things soft and tactile, avoiding anything that feels too rigid or stuck in time,” Maine said. “Personally, I think it is important to pay more attention to your features, texture and lifestyle when choosing a suitable style than to your age.”

Because it is easier to maintain, many older women tend to adopt shorter hair, leading some people to associate shorter locks with adulthood. But according to our experts, that doesn't mean a shorter haircut necessarily makes you look older.

“There are times when shorter hair works much better than longer hair because you can create short hair with a sporty touch,” said Clarke.

“A short pixie cut can lift the face and emphasize the cheekbones,” said Maine. “Long hair can sometimes pull the face down.”

If you're going for the big version, our experts recommend avoiding overly structured styles (like the infamous ones). “Karen” hairstyle) and stick to softer, looser styles.

“I always say that to create a younger look, the goal is to get hair that has movement,” said Clarke.

Although longer hair is often associated with youth, Maine warns that as your hair ages and its color and texture changes, longer hair can potentially make you look older.

“A lot of times, long hair can pull you down if it's not cut and styled properly,” Clarke said.

That said, it doesn't mean that long hair in your golden years is completely out of the question.

“If someone has a silky hair texture or can give a voluminous blowout to balance their proportions, longer hair can absolutely work!” Maine said. “That's why it's so important to consider all the factors, rather than just saying 'older women should avoid short hair if they want to look youthful.'”

For longer styles, Maine recommends soft layers around the face to create shape and make your hair look tactile.

Even if you feel like it's time for a change, it's not uncommon to struggle with letting go of your old hairstyle. When changing your style, our experts recommend that you find the look you absolutely love at your own pace.

“My advice to anyone looking to step outside their comfort zone is to trust their gut,” Pettis said. “The moment you start to doubt and let the opinions of others influence you, you enter dangerous territory.”

Fortunately, with a smartphone and a selfie you can see whether a new style works for you, without ever entering a salon.

“Using technology is a fantastic way to try out a new hairstyle before fully committing,” said Maine. “There are tons of apps that let you see different cuts and colors on your face, making it easy to quickly determine if a style suits you.”

And once you get your hair cut, keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust to your new look—and that's okay.

“Regardless of your age, it can be difficult to see yourself differently, especially if you've looked the same for a while,” Maine said. “Hair frames your face and is closely linked to your identity, so it's completely normal to need an adjustment period when making a big change.”