I’m a big advocate for skincare for the sake of both a better appearance and for overall health. However, when it comes to looking your best, an area that may need some attention is north of your face. Yes, the shape, style, and color of your hair can make a huge difference when it comes to looking polished and presentable. I’ve had a short hairstyle for a number of years, but here recently, I’ve started growing out my hair and paying more attention to how it contributes, or deters, from my overall appearance. This got me thinking about how hairstyles work as you age. Let’s face it, I’m no spring chicken, but I’m far from being “put out to pasture,” so here’s a rundown of some hairstyle do’s and don’ts for every age.

Like most things in life, you tend to get away with a lot when it comes to your 20s, including some zany hairdos. For the most part, especially in warmer weather, letting your hair dry naturally will enhance your youthful appearance. If you prefer to style it, add a touch of product for texture, but try to avoid too much volume, as this can age you. As for your cut, really anything goes. If you feel like you need a bold change, go short, or use this decade to experiment with bangs to see if that’s a style that’ll work for you. Same with color — now is the time to have fun and experiment with every shade in the hair color rainbow.

As you hit your 30s, you’ll want to lean toward a more polished look, but one that’s relatively low-maintenance, as life gets busier. If you’ve been rocking long tresses, it may be time for a shoulder-to-chin length bob. No matter the length, you want to find a cut that doesn’t require a lot of styling or a full-on blowout. A good rule of thumb for volume is a little at the crown and through the ends, which is fairly flattering no matter your face shape. When it comes to color, by your 30s hair starts to get a bit drab, so light highlights, or a whole new dye job, can brighten things up.

Your 40s is a great time to really invest in the health of your hair, like a pre-emptive strike against the drying and thinning that older age can bring to your follicles. So, be sure to condition regularly and add weekly hair masks to your beauty routine if you haven’t already been using them. You may also want to consider/rethink bangs, but not the heavy choppy bangs of your 20s. Instead, experiment with softer, face-framing fringe for a signature look that will follow you through to the next decade. No matter the cut, less volume around the face and height in the crown are very flattering, as are highlights, which can warm up your complexion.

Many women go shorter in their 50s, which can be for functional reasons, or they may just be done with the hassle of long hair. Whatever works for you, I say go with it! However, super-short hair at this age runs the risk of being a bit unflattering. Longer hair covers and frames certain imperfections and can be quite chic on a mature woman. A whisper bang is also great for framing the face and can look really modern, yet classic. FYI, modern-yet-classic is an excellent style goal for ladies in their 50s.

For women in their 60s and 70s, it may be time to let the color go, especially if you’ve been dyeing your hair for a long time. After decades of color, the health of your hair comes into question, and it’s better to have a full, shiny, gray mane than a stiff, dry, and colored do’. This is the time to embrace your silver fox — let it run free! The best part is that just about any haircut can look super chic with silver hair. You can go with a wavy bob with bangs, a choppy pixie, or a shaggy lob.

No matter your age, if you are unsure which direction to go in with for your hair, look to actresses and celebrities in your age range whose style you admire. Get some pics from the internet and share them with your hairdresser. Try to think about a famous/stylish lady who shares your face shape for the best results. Lastly, be kind to your hair. Try not to overly tease, frizz, or blow it out, as this can prematurely age you and your do’.