The Most Unflattering Hair Colors For Older Faces (Plus Better Options)

Aging shouldn't have to mean a complete revamp of your personal style. Getting older comes with invaluable wisdom and, hopefully, confidence, and there should be nothing stopping you from looking exactly as you want to. That said, beauty experts note that some looks — particularly when it comes to hair color — tend to become unflattering as the years go on. It's completely up to you whether you heed the tips or not since true beauty comes from within, but it's good to be aware of style advice regardless. 

To find out which hair colors may not work for folks as they age, Glam spoke to fashion expert and red-carpet hair and makeup artist Luna Viola. "Dark, flat shades that look artificial are never flattering as they create an unnatural contract with older skin," she tells us exclusively. While black hair might have looked beautiful for years, it does have a tendency to drain the color from the rest of your face since it doesn't reflect light. Dark hair also tends to highlight things like grays and thinning patches, which are just some of the ways our hair changes as we get older. The golden rule of coloring aging hair is not to veer too far from your natural shade in any case, but it certainly can lead to unwanted effects if you go darker.

At the same time, going lighter might not be the best idea if it's not done correctly. Viola notes that "brassy, bright blonds" are also not the most flattering. "Although some warmth is good, overly brassy, and orangey tones can make mature skin look dull and tired," she explains. Luckily, there are still several shades that suit older people particularly well. 

Don't worry: Aging is not the end of coloring your hair. Luna Viola confirms that you'll get the best results with your hair dye by following two key guidelines. To begin, you'll want to go for a color that complements your skin tone and undertone. Then, whatever general shade you choose, ensure that you're going for "a refined, subtle version of it," per Viola. So, if you're drawn to a red shade, it's safer to stick with cinnamon or auburn than fire-truck red or bright copper. If you don't know where to start, we've already done the work and listed the best red hair color for every skin undertone.

Speaking exclusively to Glam, Viola recommends a silvery "gray-blond instead of platinum or rich cherry brown instead of ashy brown." Don't feel like you have to hide your grays; there are plenty of celebrities who proudly show off their gray hair! Since the general theme is subtlety and refinement, one of the best ways to approach dyeing your hair as you age is avoiding all-over color. "They can incorporate highlights/lowlights and toners to add a multidimensional and natural effect," Viola explains. "The key is still having fun with hair colors while highlighting the skin and adding a youthful glow at the same time."

Need some inspiration? Check out our guide to the best hair colors for older women — some might even surprise you!