Let’s be real—your hair can either make you look fresh and stylish or add a few extra years you don’t need.

And who wants that?

Some hairstyles just aren’t doing us any favors after 50. Whether it’s because they’re outdated, unflattering, or just plain boring, it’s time to ditch them for something way more attractive.

These are some of the hairstyles that could be aging you and what you can do instead to stay looking as young as you feel in West Virginia.

The Super Short, Tight Perm

Okay, tight perms had their moment—like, a few decades ago. But now? They can look way too stiff and give that “helmet hair” vibe.

Not to mention, the process can seriously dry out your hair, making it more brittle and prone to breakage.

If you still love curls, go for something softer and more natural-looking. Loose waves or beachy curls can give you volume without looking like you stepped out of the ‘80s.

A curling iron or hot rollers can do the trick, or you can try a modern perm with bigger, bouncier curls.

Long, Lifeless Hair

A lot of women think longer hair makes them look younger. But if it’s thin or lifeless, it can actually do the opposite.

As we age, our hair naturally gets finer and drier, and long, limp hair just makes that more obvious.

If you love length, try adding layers to bring some movement and volume back. Or, if you’re feeling bold, a shoulder-length cut or a sleek bob can be super flattering.

Plus, regular trims and deep conditioning treatments will keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.

Heavy, Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs can be really tough to pull off, especially as we get older. Instead of framing your face in a flattering way, they can feel heavy and draw attention to forehead lines rather than softening them.

A better bet?

Wispy or side-swept bangs. They add just the right amount of coverage without looking too harsh.

Curtain bangs are another great option—they frame your face in a really flattering way and are super trendy right now.

The Classic Bowl Cut

Unless you want to look like you time-traveled from the ‘70s, the bowl cut needs to go. The super-rounded shape doesn’t do anyone any favors regardless of their age—it just makes the hair look stiff and outdated.

And if you’re dealing with thinning hair, it can actually make that more obvious.

A softer, layered pixie cut or a chic bob is a much better option. It keeps things modern and flattering without looking too rigid.

Ask your stylist for layers to add movement and keep things fresh.

Overly Teased Hair

Big hair had its glory days. But overly teased styles just feel stuck in the past.

Plus, teasing can actually damage your hair over time, making it look frizzy and brittle. Not cute.

Instead, go for soft, natural volume. A little root-lifting spray, a good blow-dry with a round brush, or even some velcro rollers can give you the lift you want—without the stiff, crunchy look.

Effortless volume is the goal!

The Outdated Bob

The bob is a classic, but not all bobs are created equal. A chin-length, one-length bob can sometimes look too boxy and stiff, making your face look wider and emphasizing sagging.

Yikes. We don’t need that!

A modern bob should have some movement. Layers, an asymmetrical cut, or a slightly longer lob (long bob) can make a world of difference.

A soft, angled bob is also a great way to keep things stylish and youthful.

The Ultra-Short, Spiky Pixie

Pixie cuts can be super chic, but the ultra-short, spiky version? Not always the best choice.

It can come off a little too severe, which can actually highlight fine lines rather than soften them.

If you love short hair, try a textured pixie instead. A little length on top with soft layers and side-swept bangs can make it look way more flattering.

Volume on top can also help balance out your whole look.

The One-Length Cut

Flat, one-length hair can be a total buzzkill. Without layers or shape, hair can look heavy and lifeless—especially if it’s fine or straight.

Adding layers can make a world of difference. They add body, shape, and movement, making your hair look fuller and more modern.

Face-framing layers are especially great because they highlight your features in all the right ways.

Extreme Side Parts

A deep side part can sometimes look dramatic in a not-so-good way. It can emphasize thinning hair and make everything feel a little lopsided, which isn’t the most flattering look.

Instead, try a softer side part or even a slightly off-center part.

These little tweaks can make your hairstyle look way more balanced and fresh without a major change.

The Same Cut You’ve Had for Decades

We all get attached to our go-to hairstyles, but sticking with the same cut for decades? That can make you look older, not younger.

Hair trends change, and your face shape and hair texture change over time, too; what worked in your 30s might not be the best choice now.

You don’t have to do anything drastic, but even small updates can make a huge difference.

A few layers, a fresh new length, or a slight style tweak can bring your look up to date while still feeling like you.

If you think you’re a rule follower, get ready for your world to be shaken. Chances are, you’ve broken at least one of the laws on this list. 

There are a lot of local and national laws that regulate everyday things most South Carolinians—and Americans as a whole—give little thought to.

And, while you might not end up in prison for breaking them, you could end up paying a fine. 

Don’t feel too bad if you’ve broken a law or two on this list. However, we encourage you to think twice before doing it again. 

1: Using a Fake Name Online

You might think using a fake name online is a good idea to protect your personal identity.

But in many cases, doing so is illegal. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act includes a stipulation that you can’t use a site without “authorized access.” 

This means you must follow the website’s terms of use agreement. Though few people bother to read the terms of use before interacting with a website, many require you to use your real name. 

2: Using Public Wi-Fi Without Permission

Most public Wi-Fi has limitations. For example, your local coffee shop might offer Wi-Fi to patrons, but you’re not supposed to use it from your car in the parking lot. Doing so is known as piggybacking. 

According to the NOLO legal encyclopedia, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act’s stipulation that you need “authorized access” before using a computer applies to piggybacking.

However, the act was established long before Wi-Fi was prevalent. So, it’s unclear whether a federal court would prosecute this crime or not. 

Still, because federal law is vague on this subject, many states have enacted their own, much clearer laws.

California and Michigan both have legislation making the use of Wi-Fi without permission a crime. 

3: Forgetting Your eBay Habit When Filing Taxes

Selling your stuff online isn’t a crime; in many cases, you don’t need to report your sales to the IRS.

As Turbo Tax puts it, if your sales account to the amount you’d make in a typical yard sale, you’re safe. 

However, if you sell things regularly, you need to report the income. Even if you consider your eBay sales a hobby rather than a part-time job, the IRS requires you to file a 1040 form.

4: Streaming Movies

Many people stream pirated movies online, and few fear the consequences. However, downloading or torrenting a pirated film constitutes copyright infringement, which is against federal law. 

You probably won’t be thrown in prison for streaming an illegal copy of the latest Hollywood hit, but you could face charges. And according to legal experts, using a VPN won’t help.

Federal agencies can still use your IP address to track you down. 

5: Having a Few Too Many

Almost all of us have been there. You go to a bar, one drink turns into three, and suddenly, you’re stumbling home. In that scenario, walking is much smarter than driving a car, but it’s still illegal in many places. 

Many states have public intoxication laws. They often look similar to what you’ll find in Texas, where being intoxicated in public warrants a class-C misdemeanor and requires you to pay a fine. 

Some states only enforce laws like this if you’re being a public nuisance or prove to be a danger to yourself.

Still, according to the NOLO legal encyclopedia, police officers often can arrest you for intoxication, even if you’re simply walking home.  

6: Sharing Your Password

If you’ve never shared an account password for a service like Netflix, you’re in the minority.

According to a Reuters report, more than 100 million households shared their Netflix passwords with friends or family outside their homes. 

You might have heard that Netflix is coming down hard on password sharing, but you might not realize that doing so is actually illegal.

The U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act covers streaming services, and using a password that belongs to someone else’s account is against their terms of service agreement. That means it’s against the law. 

7: Poker Parties 

Playing poker with friends seems like harmless fun, and many people host seemingly innocent poker parties in their garages or basements.

However, technically speaking, parties or get-togethers that include significant gambling are against the law.

The Illegal Gambling Business Act makes any form of gambling that generates more than $2,000 in revenue illegal outside of licensed businesses. Of course, you’d have to be betting a lot to cross that threshold in a friendly game.

But at a poker party, you just might end up breaking the law.  

8: Turning Right on a Red Light

If you’ve ever driven a car, chances are you’ve turned right at a red light. This practice isn’t illegal everywhere, but a growing number of jurisdictions are outlawing it. 

In recent years, several cities have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists injured in automobile-involved accidents.

Often, these accidents stem from cars making right-hand turns on red lights. 

Washington, D.C., Ann Arbor, Michigan, and New York City are just a few of the cities that have outlawed the practice. Experts believe more cities will follow suit in years to come. 

9: Spitting

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when tuberculosis (TB) was a major concern, public health officials in New York started cracking down on spitting.

It was thought that spitting in public contributed to the spread of disease. 

Whether or not public expectoration actually spreads TB is questionable, but when New York passed a law against the practice, 150 other U.S. cities followed their lead. In many of these places, the legislation is still on the books. 

10: Sitting on a Sidewalk 

Whether you’re waiting for a bus or your Uber, sitting on the sidewalk can be tempting. However, it’s illegal in many places. 

According to the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, about 53% of American cities have laws that make sitting or lying down in public illegal.

So, next time you’re tempted to sit on the curb, look for a bench instead. 

11: Throwing Your Old Cell Phone Away

Before you throw out your old cell phone, you might want to research the laws in your state.

Many jurisdictions have legislation that prohibits improper disposal of e-waste, which would include your phone, laptop, and other tech products. 

In California, New York, and Illinois, tossing a phone in the trash is a crime. Instead, you need to seek out an e-waste recycling event. 

12: Downloading Music

Though streaming services like Spotify have made the practice less common, many Americans are guilty of downloading music from file-sharing websites.

Unfortunately, this practice is illegal. 

It violates copyright laws and could result in a serious fine. Alternatively, it could open you up to a lawsuit that could cost thousands.  

13: Driving Too Slow

Everyone knows going over the speed limit is a crime, but fewer realize that driving too slowly is also illegal.

Driving laws are up to states, but most states have impeding traffic laws that apply to super slow drivers. 

Typically, they look something like Washington state’s law, which reads, “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law.”

So, if you realize you’re driving too far under the speed limit, you might want to speed up.  

14: Not Getting a Dog License

Between food, vet bills, and grooming costs, being a dog owner can be expensive.

That might make it tempting to skip the licensing fee for your pet. However, not getting a dog license isn’t a good idea. 

According to the NOLO legal encyclopedia, most cities and counties have dog licensing requirements. If city officials realize you have an unlicensed pet, you may have to pay a fine.

And if an unlicensed pet ends up impounded, it can be harder to get it back.  

15: Throwing Out the Last Tenant’s Mail 

It’s annoying to continue receiving the last tenant’s mail, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to throw it out. Doing so may be considered obstruction of correspondence, and it’s against federal law.

The law doesn’t apply to junk mail, as the correspondence must be “directed to them.” So, if it reads “to current resident,” like most junk mail does, it’s okay to throw it out.

Otherwise, write “return to sender” on the front and put it back in the mailbox.   

50 Weirdest Laws in Each State

Luckily, most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.

50 Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle

11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have

Americans believe in cleanliness, but we may not be as hygienic as we think. These eleven habits reveal where many Americans fail in the hygiene department.

11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have

Think You Belong in a Different Decade?

From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

New Mexico residents used to feel good about rounding up their bill by a few dollars, helping the person serving them. Now, these same people are viewed as stingy.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a New Mexican who doesn’t work in the service industry and who’s happy with the current tipping trend in the United States.

There’s so much frustration that dictionaries might soon have to carve out space to accommodate the new, unflattering terms around tipping.

We pulled terms from news headlines to put together this list of the newest and oh-so-true names and phrases about current U.S. tipping practices.

We don’t know about you, but we’d like to go back to when “tipping” and “gratuity” were the only words people used.

1: Tipflation

Inflation has caused a double whammy hit to the average American’s wallet when it comes to eating out.

Not only is the standard to tip higher ever since the pandemic, but the cost of dining out due to inflation spiked 5.1% between January 2023 and January 2024 alone.

That means hard-working Americans are paying a higher tip percentage on more expensive food for the same meal and service. The result has been dubbed “tipflation.”

“Tipflation” has become so common in mainstream news that we’re surprised Grammarly still sees it as a misspelled word.

2: Tipping Guilt

We often think of guilt in the context of feeling bad for something we did. But psychologists point out that it’s human nature for guilt to arise in us when we fail to do something we feel we should have done.

We’re not psychologists, but we’ll go out on a limb and hypothesize that people can also feel guilt for partially doing something.

Case in point?

Leaving a 10% tip instead of the 20% or more tip you believe to be socially acceptable.

You might choose to leave that relatively low tip because of poor service — something one shouldn’t objectively feel guilty about. And yet, so many of us feel guilty nonetheless.

Hence, the term “tipping guilt” has risen in popularity.

Unless you’ve always tipped 20% or more in every circumstance you’ve ever been prompted to, including when someone hands you a coffee that you ordered and waited for at the counter, you’ve likely felt tipping guilt.

3: Tip Creep

Most of us have heard of lifestyle creep, a self-sabotaging act of gradually purchasing higher-priced, unnecessary items as our income increases.

Tip creep follows a similar idea with one major difference: Society normalizes the gradual increase of tipping percentages.

One could argue that consumers can prevent tip creep by refusing to pay such high tips. After all, no one forces us to spend money outside our bill.

However, refusing to give in to the societal pressure of paying higher and higher tipping percentages leads to tipping guilt for many of us.

Guilt of any kind is far from what we want to feel after an otherwise pleasant meal out.

4: Tipping Fatigue

If you’re sick and tired of tipflation, which has caused tipping guilt because you can’t stand to give in to tip creep, then you’re probably feeling tipping fatigue.

According to a Bankrate survey, approximately two out of every three Americans hold negative views about tipping.

Such negativity can lead to tipping fatigue, the feeling of exhaustion around leaving a gratuity.

Tipping fatigue can come in several forms, such as being asked to tip in places where one never used to, being expected to tip in exorbitant amounts, and the emotional toll that comes with not leaving as much money as one feels they should.

Taking a Step Back

Despite many Americans feeling understandably frustrated around our culture’s current tipping practices, not tipping at all isn’t the answer — unless the government steps in and makes laws to protect service-based employees.

As it currently stands, the federal minimum wage for a tipped-based employee is $2.13 per hour. This number varies by state, with states like California and Washington having more friendly policies for tipped employees.

That said, the way the law currently stands, taking a stance against tipflation by not tipping at all financially harms service workers.

Furthermore, many experts warn that by reducing or eliminating tips for service-based employees, the cost of a meal or service will increase, as business owners need to recoup their money.

The bottom line?

There’s no easy solution to tipflation, but many Americans are ready for a change from how things currently operate.

9 Times in History When Gas Prices Spiked to Crazy High Levels

The frustration you feel when pulling up to the pump and seeing a higher price is nothing new. Gas prices have had peaks and valleys since World War II, and they’ve disrupted Americans’ lives many times. 

9 Times in History When Gas Prices Spiked to Crazy High Levels

34 Cities With Sky-High Rent Prices

Apartment finder platform Zumper ranked the top 35 cities with high rent prices for a one-bedroom apartment. If you’re curious how much money fellow Americans pay to rent a one-bedroom apartment, or if you’re thinking of moving soon, you need to see the results.

34 Cities With Sky-High Rent Prices for 1 Bedroom Apartments

Think You Belong in a Different Decade?

From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)