With the right cut, colour and products, your hair can be your best age-defying asset. Here’s how to keep your locks looking forever young.

Get clever with colour

While the cut is crucial, colour will make or break your look. Personal stylist Stacey Beatson says the golden rule of going lighter as we got older doesn’t always apply. “The key as we age is to keep the colour believeable. If you’ve always had dark hair, going light may not suit you.” It’s also important to avoid extremes, i.e. too dark or too blond. “When hair is too light, it won’t create any kind of frame for the face,” Beatson says.

Gently does it

Avoid using gels and mousses that make hair stiff and hard, regardless of the length. Choose products that allow your locks to move once dry. Opt for styling creams that offer light to medium hold.

Keep that styling fresh

Take full advantage of your hairdresser’s knowledge. Even if you are having your regular cut, don’t be afraid to ask for tips on styling hair differently. “It may be something very simple, like how to wear a modern-looking pony tail,” Beatson says. If you’re considering a big change, Beatson says it’s important your hairdresser understands the complete picture – “your figure, fashion style and lifestyle, not just what they are looking at from the neck up” – so they can advise a cut you’ll love long after you leave the salon. Fringes can add an element of youth to any style, too. Ask your hairdresser to round your fringe off at the temple, rather than cutting it blunt straight across, which draws attention to the eyes.

Bob’s your uncle!

Almost any hair texture or face shape can pull off a bob. To keep a bob looking youhtful, add soft layers around the face or a fringe. Chin-length cuts are ideal for petite and angular faces. Those with a round face should go fo a longer bob; just sitting above the shoulder is ideal, so the cut has a good swing. Finish the look by spritzing shine spray onto dry hair.

Long and luscious

That old rule about not having long hair past a certain age is outdated – the only must these days is that long hair needs to be in good condition. Use a weekly mask; the longer your hair is, the older those ends are.