This past week, someone thought I was still in high school (sometimes known as secondary school), but I’m actually at least ten years older.

I don’t care what they think since they are still in high school themselves, but I’m sure other people have thought I was that young (but didn’t say it out loud).

Other than growing a beard, what else can I (and other men) do to make ourselves (at least facially) look older?

  • GreenKnight23@lemmy.world
    2·
    9 hours ago

    smoke cigarettes. like…a lot.

    meth while you’re at it.

    or, count your blessings.

    I knew a kid who had straight up male pattern balding at 16. by 18 he had a horseshoe. dude looked like he was in his fifties before he was out of his teens.

  • OrgunDonor@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    19 hours ago

    I think there is a few things you can do. I do think the best and healthiest thing is to just take it as a compliment, but keep your ID close if your are doing something that needs verifying.

    But, if you(or someone), doesnt like it, and it is causing you issues mentally(perfectly valid). Then you can not shave as close or as often, works better the thinker and more consistent your stubble is.

    Dress older, this is a lot more expensive, but can look at things like chinos and relaxed jeans with polo shirts or as we are approaching winter more knitwear, you would also be looking at boat shoes or loafers. You may also find that Hats make you look older as well.

    The final one is a bit more tricky, your hairstyle. Change that to be a bit longer and “scruffy”(think around the ears a bit more) or if you have a good head shape, go short or bald. This could also have the complete opposite effect as well, and further highlight the baby face though.

    Bonus bad idea, get so much sun on your face it starts to go all leathery. May have a slight side effect of cancer though.

  • insanemantis@lemmy.world
    6·
    1 day ago

    Life isn’t a race. Hold onto your youth and don’t peak early, stay whimsical and have fun

    Once you’re actually old, you’ll be glad that it’s at least a new experience

  • mHtt@lemmy.ca
    773·
    2 days ago

    start smoking and drinking, cut back on sleep and find an unfulfilling stressful and thankless job that also underpays. throw in some women/partner/spouse that treat you like shit to really speed this up.

  • pachrist@lemmy.worldEnglish
    17·
    2 days ago

    It’s all about what you wear.

    White New Balance 608s, jorts, and a graphic tee about sarcasm or puns. Make sure your 608s are stained a little green from mowing the lawn.

    Route every conversation back to your lawn, lawnmowers, or the Traeger/Blackstone you want to buy when your wife let’s you.

    Literally that easy.

    • ApollosArrow@lemmy.world
      1·
      9 hours ago

      I second this in terms of what you wear. If you walk around in t-shirts or sweaters, you will look younger. Dress older.

  • moondoggie@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    2 days ago

    Have kids. The people with kids who are ten years younger than me look twenty years older than me.

    • i_stole_ur_taco@lemmy.ca
      26·
      2 days ago

      I used to have 3 grey hairs on my beard. Now she’s 3 and it’s all fucking grey.

      “Well you’re probably just naturally greying anyway”

      No. I’m greying because every visit to the toilet is an hourlong negotiation that didn’t have to happen.

    • BigPotato@lemmy.world
      2·
      23 hours ago

      No, sandals with socks is the current high school meta. If he’s already got a baby face, he’s doomed if he starts doing that.

      • Fowlplay@lemmy.zip
        3·
        16 hours ago

        Okay…OP assuming you have neighbors and live in a suburb mow the law at 6:30 in the morning in a robe and sandals. After sit on the front porch and read a news paper.

  • kindnesskills@literature.cafe
    6·
    2 days ago

    Caring about how old people are or look is a young person’s game.

    When you go “What? Of course I know today is Tuesday… Oh yeah you’re right, it is my birthday. Nah, just an early night for me.”, no one will think you’re a high schooler.

    But style choices, posture, glasses and other accessories can make a difference as well.

    Or just take thinning shears to your temples and crown, and go for a balding look.

  • Maestro@fedia.io
    15·
    2 days ago

    Just enjoy it while it lasts. People have consistently estimated me 10 years younger than my real age for decades. Well, until now, since I’m getting some grey hairs.

  • antsu@discuss.tchncs.de
    7·
    2 days ago

    Spend long hours under the scorching sun with no protection. The irreversible damage caused by UV light will make your skin look significantly older. Bonus points for not using sunglasses, so your vision can deteriorate faster too.

    I don’t think I need to say this, but just in case: do not actually do that.

    Also, I too used to think “I can’t grow a beard” due to thin and not very dense facial hair, but if you say “screw it” and do it anyway, it eventually works out (unless your reason is different). It’ll look like absolute shit for a while, but once the slower growing areas catch up, it’s not that bad.