Once you pass the half-century mark, you tend to view your hair differently: it can get thinner, harder to style, or lose its body. That leads many of us to splurge on treatments, hunt for a flattering cut, and ask our stylist for guidance. Still, Sam McKnight — who has styled the likes of Princess Diana and Kate Moss — warns that you can have healthy-looking hair and still make choices that age you.

Styling products beside a mirror for thinning hairPin
Use styling products sparingly but actively to add body and control.

McKnight isn’t speaking from nowhere. Since the 1980s he’s worked with top models from Linda Evangelista to Cindy Crawford and created some of the most iconic looks of the era. He played a big role in making Princess Diana’s short haircut famous. Speaking with The Handbook, the stylist shared several practical tips to flatter the face without spending ages in front of the mirror.

His most notable caution targets a habit many women fall into as they age: sticking with the exact same hairstyle for too long. “Don’t lock yourself into a single hairstyle. There’s so much you can do with your hair — change it up regularly!” he advises. He believes people who enjoy experimenting with their hair tend to look younger. Conversely, “being stuck in one look makes you age faster,” he cautions. In other words, a style that suited you perfectly at 35 might not be the most flattering choice at 55.

That doesn’t mean you need a dramatic makeover at every salon visit. Small tweaks can make a big difference: trim a few face-framing strands, adjust the length of your bob, try a fringe, or switch up your usual styling routine. McKnight also encourages actually using your styling products instead of letting them gather dust — with one caveat: use them sparingly.

Stylist trimming face-framing strands on a bobPin
Small tweaks—trim, adjust length or try a fringe—can refresh your look.

Finally, McKnight says he tends to favor a more understated hairstyle when makeup is bold. It’s all about balance — and personal taste. The most important thing is feeling comfortable and authentic in your look, rather than copying a trend that doesn’t suit you. To get started, why not ask your stylist at your next appointment what they would change about your current look? After all, you’re not obligated to keep the same photo that’s on your driver’s license forever.