Madison beauty - tips + tricks: celeb hair at all ages

Here are the best haircuts, colours and styles to age with - gracefully. By Lauren Powell.

20s: fun & flirty
Cut “You’re blossoming and your hair should reflect that,” says stylist and creative director Maria Ardino at Ardino Hair Face Body salon, who nominates super-long as the perfect 20-something look. For variety, try a fringe. “Now’s the time to do it as you’re learning what style suits your face shape,” says Ardino. Don’t forget regular trims – essential to combat the damage from heat-styling and colouring.
Colour Solid block colours, sweeps of balayage, highlights – the options are innumerable. “The 20s is the most experimental age group,” Ardino says. “Your flawless skin tone means you can get away with many shades.” Her trend picks? A subtle rose-blonde or jet-black glossiness.
Styling The loose, lightly tonged curl remains an elegant option. A rippled effect is also lovely and easily achieved with a triple-barrel iron. Interestingly, updos and accessories are making a comeback for this demographic, says Ardino. “Get playful with swingy ponytails, high buns, headbands and pretty clips.”

30s: signature styled
Cut “Women generally develop a signature style in their 30s,” notes session stylist, Dario Cotroneo, who recommends a shorter cut to “add volume and lift to the face”. His top pick: the lob – an extended, graduated bob. “It’s timeless and classic.” If you’re not ready for the chop, take your cue from Gwen Stefani, the queen of the polished updo.
Colour The 30s can be a time of stressful life juggling,
which can show on the face. “A dark, rich hair-colour base with a sun-kissed touch to the mid-lengths is very on trend and provides a healthy glow to the complexion,” says Cotroneo. And if greys are making their first appearance? “They can add 10-to-15 years to your look,” he warns, noting that dark shades keep greys in check, while highlights have a blurring effect.
Styling Polished elegance with a slight edge is an ideal style. For example: a classic blow-dry, pieced apart with wax to create an undone effect. How to make your blow-dry last longer throughout your busy week? Easy: dry shampoo.

40s: va-va-volume
Cut “Hair that is slightly past the shoulders or skimming over the collarbone is a beautiful length for this demographic,” says hairstylist Renya Xydis. Opt for long layers over one length. “It’s instant volume for your hair, which loses natural body over time,” she notes.
Colour “Extreme colour trends are for your 20s and 30s,” says Xydis, who recommends classically elegant, natural-looking shades such as auburn, chocolate and honey. In general, a lighter hair tone complements an ageing skin tone. That doesn’t mean you have to go for an all-over change – consider face-framing highlights. “Try to alternate foils and balayage each time to balance the colour,” suggests Xydis.
Styling The face can start to thin out in your 40s, so balance your features with voluminous hair. “Try to limit heat-styling tools,” says Xydis, who recommends using a hair dryer (with nozzle), a ceramic brush and velcro rollers. “Treat hair regularly,” she adds. “It also creates volume by putting moisture back into the hair.”

50s: shiny & chic
Cut Take your inspiration from Michelle Pfeiffer, Helen Mirren and Sharon Stone. “While they all have relatively short hair, none of them look harsh or severe,” says two-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Jayne Wilde. “They’re all extremely soft and flattering.” Ask for a soft-layered haircut and don’t be afraid to take a picture with you so your hairdresser can adapt a cut to suit you.
Colour Grey hair begs the eternal question: fight them or go with them? “It all depends on how the individual feels,” says Wilde. “It can depend on skin tone and the ability to upkeep the colour,” she adds. Generally, weaving silvery strands into a head of highlights is a flattering, multi-dimensional way to wear greys.
Styling Skin becomes dry with age and an ideal counterbalance is sleek, shiny hair. Because straight hair best reflects shine, invest in high-quality irons. But don’t be afraid to try different styles occasionally – simply add a hair shine for a glossy finishing touch.

LAUNCH GALLERY TO SEE YOUR STYLE INSPIRATIONS