Hairstyles

Hair Dos and Don'ts for Your 30s

You're not old, but your daring 20s are behind you. Here's how to wear your hair during this style-transition time

July 5, 2011 | by Sarah Carrillo | 70 COMMENTS

Do: Try a longer cut Ultimately your haircut is dependent on your face shape, so women with longer faces will want to keep their hair shorter. But the rest of us should feel free to wear longer hairstyles (while we still can). Fowler says to aim for a longer, versatile cut in your 30s, one you can wear curly, straight, up, down, whatever (long layers like Sarah Michelle Gellar's and Kate Hudson's are a great option). This gives a more youthful vibe and still lets you play with your hair without drastic measures like a Mohawk or neon-pink hair color. Speaking of which ...

SEE NEXT PAGE: Don't: Go crazy with your hair color

3 of 11

products mentioned

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray

7.9

Kiehl's Heat-Protective Silk-Straightening Cream

9.3

Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze

8.8

leave a comment

View old comments

I personally find that the red colour makes Christina Hendricks face look very pale. Her face is only saved by her blush.

by Zeaundra Friday, May 3, 2013 at 03:15PM Report as inappropriate

I liked it. Completely random but Drew Barrymore reminded me of the Mona Lisa in the one pic

by lpn4lyfe13 Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 08:41PM Report as inappropriate

As a full-time stay at home mom I find this article lacking focus. Moms' can have long hair, and often may choose to do so. Why all the negative attention on moms? I feel like I can still do sexy even though I'm not "supposed to" for some reason?

by chenoa_f_mace Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 05:41PM Report as inappropriate

I will never get a 'Mom" cut! I cut my hair short one time when I was 17 and never again will I do it again! My hair has always been long and even if I am 60 it will stay that way! It all depends on how you style it.

by brenda_lea Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 08:55AM Report as inappropriate

Yikes Fergie!

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 08:44PM Report as inappropriate

Im pretty sure when i et in my 30s these will change. It will probably be the total opposite.

by nicky22 Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 02:59PM Report as inappropriate

No "mom" cut for me yet!

by EricaF123 Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 01:47PM Report as inappropriate

Why do you have to cut your hair shorter as you get older? I really think that's outdated! Your hair should be a reflection of you and how you feel, not a number.

by unfamiliargirl Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate

lmao, rude

by aishak55 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 02:54PM Report as inappropriate

Ok, big problem Christina Hendricks hair is NOT a natural shade of red at all. I am a hairdresser, for 19yrs, never have I seen a natural redhead that shade. NEVER. Also what if in your 30s you look young and want a wild hair color?? Please YOURSELF, you only have one life.

by angie_xoxoxo Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 07:55PM Report as inappropriate

I was thinking of chopping my hair, not any more

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 11:32AM Report as inappropriate

those male comments were CRUEL though!

by christi_duckworth Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 10:10PM Report as inappropriate

I can't say I agree with all of these. It depends a lot on your personal style and the look you're going for. Obviously the last one about fried hair applies no matter your age!

by tallredamanda Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

All depends on you. Entering my 40's now.. GULP.. and I have long hair that I'm not cutting yet.

by Nicole1021 Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 01:41AM Report as inappropriate

Haha i do love the dont do braids part... braids dont look good on anyone in my opinion except a child. after you turn 16 you should forget braids. And older women truthfully look alot prettier and more elegant with long hair. I dont think extremely short hair looks good on anyone but men.

by mizzporter91 Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 09:27AM Report as inappropriate

I liked this! I have long hair and I always struggle with the feeling of "I'm too old for this hair"...good to know that I can still rock it and not look like I'm trying to hard to be 20 again.

by valeria_burton Monday, April 30, 2012 at 02:49PM Report as inappropriate

I have to agree! ;)

by powerwoman033 Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 12:15PM Report as inappropriate

Fun article

by Kary43 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 08:15PM Report as inappropriate

Did men forget or did someone forget to tell them. women dress to impress other women not them.. so this article should ask the LAdies. so how do I look??:)

by monebone Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 06:10AM Report as inappropriate

This article made me laugh. Pretty much cuts out any hairstyle other than long, straightened hair. As if all guys are that lame and conventional. Wear your hair however it suits you, and if you feel gorgeous, a guy will think you're gorgeous, too.

by excalibird Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 02:22PM Report as inappropriate

Ok, so I'm black and I don't have long, shiny hair nor do I want to pay hundreds of dollars to hide my true hair under a weave or put in dangerous chemicals. Any advice for me?

by afrodite Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 01:15PM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by cielona_boco Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 07:39AM Report as inappropriate

Most of it depends on your face shape. Some people look better with short and vice versa. But shiny healthy hair looks good for everyone. Drew's hair always looks bad to me.

by modinosaur Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 03:35PM Report as inappropriate

I think Cameron Diaz looks amazing all the time

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:53AM Report as inappropriate

Of all the stupid crap. This is 2011, not 1911. Why do so many women think they have to slavishly listen to what men thinks re: their looks? As for meeting men in a bar... Don't even get me started! You're not going to find quality men in the bar. At any rate, I say that if the man can't accept the woman AS SHE IS, he's not worth giving the time of day to.

by ladedah Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:33AM Report as inappropriate

i agree with liannaH

by mgibs96 Monday, December 12, 2011 at 01:01PM Report as inappropriate

Most of this, I think, is very good advice for everyone. Damaged hair doesn't look good on anyone and it is always beneficial to have shiny, healthy hair. I think a lot of women can pull of a short hair cut with out looking older. Some women look younger when they chop off their hair. It really depends on the person. On the other hand, I do agree about the crazy hair color. It is okay to have fun with your hairstyle in your 30's, but I think crazy colors are a little immature.

by SummerOrchid Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10:05AM Report as inappropriate

I've notice men are attracted to woman with long healthy hair..

by LiannaH Friday, December 9, 2011 at 08:38PM Report as inappropriate

Short hair does not necessarily make you look older, pixie cuts can be adorable & age appropriate on any age woman. I find sometimes that long hair that is on the very long side can even make someone in their 30's look hag-like....Bottom line to me is it depends on your face & hair type as what can look best.

by gina_emerson Friday, December 9, 2011 at 02:30PM Report as inappropriate

I think the blue looks awesome. Not every woman wants to look like an understudy host for the E! Channel.

by krycekov Friday, December 9, 2011 at 01:05PM Report as inappropriate

Fergie looks horrible

by kmb1129 Friday, December 9, 2011 at 12:49PM Report as inappropriate

Love the ideas! Will have to look into the shine treatment...

by bitemeinks Friday, December 9, 2011 at 11:41AM Report as inappropriate

It's articles like these that really pigeonhole women. What we're "supposed" to look like. Do whatever you like and what works for you. I get dozens of compliments from everyone for my peacock colored hair. As long as you're not hurting anyone. Relax, it's just hair. We should concern ourselves with more pressing matters, no?

by lisabronwyn Friday, December 9, 2011 at 11:15AM Report as inappropriate

Wearing your hair long and style it by framing your face with a few strands look best on every age, I think. Thanks for the tip though!

by grass Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 06:09PM Report as inappropriate

Wrong! Sarah Michelle Gellar's long hair just draws her face down and makes her look old.

by ShelbyPeart Monday, November 28, 2011 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

That blue hairstyle is awful!

by yumigoesrawr Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 06:32AM Report as inappropriate

i love braids and i love the braids eva had

by Nicole2814 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:57PM Report as inappropriate

Perfect advice for 30's & 40's!

by HeideC Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 12:36PM Report as inappropriate

Good choices. Would like to see something for women in their early 50's that don't look matronly. Something for people that still have some pizazz!

by neshomah Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 06:57PM Report as inappropriate

Ooh fergie..horrible pic.

by ladyboarder9669 Friday, October 28, 2011 at 12:37PM Report as inappropriate

I love these tips! It always seem like once a woman gets into her 30s she cuts her hair short. It's about time to see someone promoting longer hair styles!

by voyager24 Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11:47AM Report as inappropriate

Great article! I'm 51 and I love my long hair. I don't think I will ever cut it. Color it, yes, but not cut it!

by WiccanLady Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11:39AM Report as inappropriate

fergie looks old. blue hair is for Halloween

by shell1375 Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11:07AM Report as inappropriate

fergie furg needs to fire who ever did her make up and hair here... ouch

by breakitdwn2420 Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:44PM Report as inappropriate

Wow Fergie...

by Only1KimmieD Friday, October 14, 2011 at 11:13AM Report as inappropriate

oh fergie...

by gisellemarie Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 02:11PM Report as inappropriate

I love Fergie but lately she has been looking a mess. I think her recent choices have made her look so much older than she really is. I miss the old Fergie. I love katie holmes. I think she dresses and looks so appropriate for her age and for being a mother, while still looking fresh and youthful.

by stephgal Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 12:51PM Report as inappropriate

I think these are the most amazing tips ever!

by Softballgal5 Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 05:12PM Report as inappropriate

LIKE!

by louisamarie Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 04:24PM Report as inappropriate

Fergie's stylist needs to go somewhere.

by crazygirl21 Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 10:16AM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful, I just turned thirty and I've been afraid of trying some new things because I don't want to look like I'm trying to hard to stay young and I didn't want to age myself either.

by taryn.romero Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 06:40AM Report as inappropriate

I didn't even realize that was Fergie! It's amazing how much your hair can change your appearance!

by laura_schulz Monday, August 15, 2011 at 12:10PM Report as inappropriate

I'm going to have to try and remember these!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 02:49AM Report as inappropriate

katie holmes has gorgeous hair

by LittleBunny Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 02:20PM Report as inappropriate

I can't get over the Fergie pic! Good to remember some of this stuff tho, I'll be hitting thirty in a a few years!

by martha85 Friday, August 12, 2011 at 12:16PM Report as inappropriate

wow. Thanks for the tips.

by maribel_madera Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 04:36PM Report as inappropriate

Oh wow, some of those are...um...well...interesting. Good article.

by MissPurple Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 03:20PM Report as inappropriate

I love love love Zooey's hair. Always have, so I'm insanely jealous.

by volta Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 11:01AM Report as inappropriate

I guess my hairstyles will always age me, because there is no way I am wearing my thick, heavy hair any longer than my chin! Especially in this 100+ degree weather!

by kgbgi0 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 07:28PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips. I think I naturally started doing most of these once I started to near 30.

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:42AM Report as inappropriate

I think that these are good tips for any age -- which we can see since most of the women pictured are almost out of their 30's......I'm in my 50's and most of the tips seemed to hold true for me too!

by Qwendy Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

That is definitely not Fergie's best picture.

by stephgal Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 11:58PM Report as inappropriate

well fergie looks a lot older!!

by red.louboutin Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 04:36PM Report as inappropriate

Juliette Lewis should look at Jeannie Mai's hair. That is how you do blue in your hair. Ginnifer & Selma's can look old if they don't style it.

by attagirl Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

Fergie looks old!

by BarbieVampiresa Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 05:32AM Report as inappropriate

I actually agree with almost every tip(do and don't) and yes those two do have mom haircuts not because of the cut itself but because they don't look good wearing them,they would probably be more flattering on some other women

by selma Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 04:16AM Report as inappropriate

i guess I have a mom hair cut and i am in my 20's

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 11:02PM Report as inappropriate

Really, Selma Blair and Ginnifer Goodwin have "mom haircuts"? If so, they seem to be doing a great job of pulling them off! Kate Gosselin's "mom hair" was awful though.

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 10:08PM Report as inappropriate

Home » Beauty Tips » Hairstyles » Celebrity hairstyles » Hair Dos and Don'ts for Your 30s