19 Easy Ways to Stay Young

Forget the idea that a super-short chop is an age requirement. If you want to cut it short, make sure it’s slightly shaggy so it’s both modern and manageable. That being said, excessive length can drag your hair down, so consider a choppy bob that sits just below the collarbone, suggests Paul Labrecque of the eponymous New York City salons. “Asymmetrical or less-than-perfect shapes deflect attention away from wrinkles,” he adds.

Dark hair against a light scalp can make thinning even more visible. It also casts shadows on your skin so wrinkles look more pronounced, says Gary Howse, creative director of the Gary Manuel salons in Seattle. If you go two to three shades lighter with permanent color or highlights around your face, it’ll make all the difference, says colorist Sharon Dorram of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York City.

Say it with us: Gray is beautiful! More specifically, vibrant gray hair is beautiful. “Yellowing gray hair is as bad as yellowing teeth,” says Howse. Prevent your silver hair from dulling with products that contain shine enhancers and UV filters. If your hair is more than 50% gray, use a shampoo with blue or violet undertones to neutralize yellow. But if your hair is 100% white, dyeing it light blonde is your best bet.

Similar to overdoing your makeup, it’s best to avoid a severe haircut. “Look for photos of celebrities your age with great hair like Halle Berry or Susan Sarandon,” says Howse. “Then show your favorites to your stylist.”

Bangs are one way to experiment without going over-the-top. “They usually make people look younger,” says Howse. But do a road test before you commit: Put your hand over your forehead when you look in the mirror, then take your hand away — which look do you prefer? And make sure those bangs are full and reach the center of your brows, or that they’re longer and more side-swept.

You read that correctly. Some research suggests that having sex frequently could help you live longer. And as one 43-year-old woman named Emily shared with us, “Whenever people ask me how I look so young, I always answer ‘sex and yoga.’”

Vitamin C naturally boosts your body’s collagen, which helps keep your skin firm and youthful-looking, says Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. Stick with bell peppers and strawberries, among others, to give you that youthful glow.

“The fish’s high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which can affect how skin looks,” explains Tamara Melton, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. Nutrients like vitamin D and antioxidants can also reduce the risk of skin cancer and help with acne and rosacea, adds Lauren Ploch, M.D., M.Ed., FAAD, a New Orleans-based dermatologist.

London says these powerhouse veggies have the carotene compounds lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect and hydrate skin cells. You can throw them into smoothies, toss them in salads, or snack on these easy kale recipes to get those nutrients.

They are loaded with beta-carotene, says London, which helps your skin repair itself, stay smooth, and even delay the appearance of wrinkles. When it’s not their season, reach for winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, and apricots for the same effects.

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty: It means you’re already somewhat dehydrated, according to Baylor College of Medicine. And take it from 46-year-old Chris, who says, “When I drink the amount I’m supposed to — at least eight large glasses a day — I look years younger, feel better, and drop five pounds without trying.”