Love them or not, it’s hard to deny that Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez almost always look impeccably put together. Their hair and makeup are consistently polished, modern, and camera-ready, which is no small feat when they live their lives constantly scrutinized. Of course, part of that style magic comes from employing the best experts in the field who understand exactly how to craft looks that enhance their features and keep them looking fresh.
One of those experts is celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, whose client list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Known for creating some of the most iconic red-carpet hairstyles in recent years, Appleton has also been generous about sharing his tips with the rest of us.
In a video posted to Instagram, he broke down several haircut and styling choices that can add years to your look. If you’re hoping to update your hair for spring and summer, here are four cuts he says to avoid if you want to keep things youthful and modern.

1. Over-Stacked Bob
A stacked bob can be flattering, but when the back is cut with too many short, dramatic layers, the shape can start to look overly structured and more like a helmet. That exaggerated buildup at the crown can feel a bit outdated and may emphasize the back of the head more than the overall shape of your cut. A softer, more blended version of the stacked bob usually looks fresher and more modern.

2. Overcurled Hair
While soft curls and waves can add beautiful movement, hair that’s tightly curled or overly styled with a curling iron can sometimes look dated. When curls are too uniform and perfect, the style may feel stiff and less natural, which can look less youthful. Looser, more relaxed waves tend to look more modern and effortless, and they still provide body and volume.

3. Too-Short Fringe
Bangs can be a great way to frame the face, but cutting them too short can sometimes feel harsh or severe. Very short fringe tends to draw strong attention to the forehead and can make facial features appear more rigid rather than soft and balanced. Slightly longer, softer bangs usually blend better with the rest of the haircut.

4. Overly-Layered Hair
Layers can add tons of movement, but too many of them (especially in fine or thinning hair) can leave the ends looking wispy and lacking fullness. When the bottom of the hair appears too thin, it can make the overall style look less healthy and more fragile. Keeping layers subtle and strategic often helps maintain a fuller, more polished appearance.

