If we told you there was a simple anti-ageing hair trick that’s used by A-listers everywhere and takes seconds to do yourself, you’d be all ears, right? Good – because ‘ear’ is the key word to this brilliant beauty hack, and once we’ve shared the secret, you won’t be able to unsee it.
Let us introduce you to ‘ear theory’, a simple trick that’s employed by stars at every glitzy red carpet event. Best of all, it works for every hair type, and on every age and face shape.
‘The ears are the ornaments of youth,’ explains Gustav Fouche, London hairdresser to the elite and founder of Fabulosity haircare. ‘It’s something that all celebrities know, and the reason why you’ll see so many A-listers displaying their ears on the red carpet. An elegant updo is one way, of course, but there’s a much quicker and easier trick. Simply tucking a piece of hair behind one ear instantly makes a woman look younger because it opens up the face and shows off the cheekbones by drawing the eye to that area.’
Michelle Yeoh keeps her hair look youthful AND ensures the world sees her jewellery
‘Showing off one ear elongates the neck and it instantly makes hair modern,’ Gustav adds. ‘I can do a big, glamorous blowdry but then I’ll tuck a piece behind an ear to finish the look. It’s a simple yet very effective hair trick to make you look younger.’
When you’re choosing which ear to display, think about which side will work best with your hairstyle. It only takes a second to do an experimental tuck to compare. Also, consider if you have a side of your face you think is more photogenic than the other (most of us have a ‘good side’ when we look at photos). Tucking hair on the ‘good’ side will help to draw attention to your favoured half by opening up that part of the face.
It’s a sleek faux bob and a lovely lone lobe for Sofia Carson
This tip is especially useful if you have medium or long hair worn in a centre parting, as the simple act of tucking a piece of hair back will immediately stop your style falling flat around your face and dragging it downwards – something that can be ageing in itself.
‘I do advise older women to go for layered hairstyles to infuse hair with vitality and movement, instantly granting a much more youthful look,’ says Gustav. ‘Choose a style that frames your face, highlighting your best features and creating a flattering silhouette.’ This will make the ‘ear theory’ trick even more effective.
If you want to see just how well this hack works in reality, this year’s SAG Awards delivered a red carpet masterclass. Forget the Golden Globes, this was the Golden Lobes…
Celebrities who love ‘ear theory’
Demi Moore
Is there anything Demi can’t ace right now? Not only is she having the career renaissance to end all career renaissances, her ear is a strong contender in any ‘best supporting role’ category.
Pamela Anderson
The makeup remained minimalist, but Pammy’s hair spoke of Monroe-esque classic Hollywood glamour, with a cheeky little tuck to add a modern edge.
Selena Gomez
We don’t know what’s shinier and lovelier: the red lipstick or the glossy, artfully nudged back bob.
Elle Fanning
Consider the difference a simple tuck makes, emphasising the bouncy, rounded shape of Elle’s bob but also allowing her hair to show off her cheekbones. Elle doesn’t even need earrings to pull this off.
Leighton Meester
A double hair win for Leighton: a new, on-trend coppery colour and a great example of ear placement.
Michelle Yeoh
Strong lobe work from Michelle with that statement earring peeking out from her bouncy blowdry.
Gillian Anderson
Ear theory can work even with an updo, as long as you’ve got a peekaboo strand like Gillian’s.
