When it comes to aging gracefully, I am a  woman never too proud to turn down a little help. Just like how we religiously apply our daily sunscreen and nightly retinol serum, we’re keeping our hair cut and styled to perfection. As it turns out, however, all of those hairstyles for older women and curling irons aren’t worth a penny if our shade of choice isn’t forgiving. Just as we religiously apply our daily sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays and our nightly retinol serum to keep those fine lines at bay, we also pay meticulous attention to our hair. Keeping our hair cut and styled to perfection not only boosts our confidence but also reflects our vibrant personalities. However, it’s important to remember that all those trendy hairstyles for older women and advanced curling irons won’t really make a difference if we don’t choose a flattering hair color.

The shade of our hair plays a crucial role in complementing our natural beauty as we age. A forgiving hair color can enhance our features, brighten our complexion, and even take years off our appearance. So, while investing in the best haircuts and styling tools is great, let’s not overlook the power of the right hair color. Whether it’s blending grays seamlessly or opting for a youthful hue that harmonizes with our skin tone, the right shade can make us feel radiant and rejuvenated.

Looking years younger comes painlessly by choosing the most flattering hair color. First, it’s time to leave monotone color at the salon door and embrace warm highlights. Because no matter your hair color—blonde, brown, red, or gray—you’re going to look older if it lacks dimension. The goal is to bring out a youthful glow in your face by infusing that same warmth and softness into your locks. That’s why cool tones aren’t generally the ticket to eternal youth. Caramel, honey, gold, copper, and strawberry give a healthy brightness that makes us look and feel younger. (Framing your face with lighter shades draws the eye away from any complexion concerns, as well.) If you want to take a dip into the fountain of youth, choose one of these hair colors that’ll make you look years younger in an instant.