The Modern Guide to Aging Gracefully

Bangs Can Work Magic

They not only cover forehead lines but also give you a playful (read: young) vibe, says Gibson. (Cases in point: Heidi Klum and Halle Berry.) Plus, “they bring angles to your face, which makes it appear more defined if your skin is starting to slacken,” says Gibson. Steer clear of blunt bangs, which are too grade school. Instead, opt for “wispy, sideswept pieces that end at your brows,” he says. Also, take into consideration the shape of your face. If it’s narrow, go with wider bangs that extend from temple to temple, says Gibson. If your face is wide or full, ask for bangs that are narrower, spanning from the outer tip of one brow to the other. Bangs need to be trimmed about every four weeks, so you may need to take a quick trip to your stylist between cuts (many won’t even charge you). Alternatively, you can ask her to show you how to trim them yourself. A few tips: “Cut them dry, since wet hair gets shorter as it dries,” says Gibson. “Hold the scissors vertically, pull the bangs slightly away from the forehead, and snip off the ends.” This way, you’ll avoid the cropped-straight-across bowl-cut effect.