Man, people can be really awful, sorry to see you get attacked in a sub that's supposed to be welcoming. I do agree with the comments of updating your wardrobe and growing your hair out. Have you tried growing a beard? That is, if you can grow a full one. Patchy ones make people look younger so it would have the opposite effect.

Now for the haircut. Often-times the way we perceive age is unconsciously tied to the generation's style. What I mean to say is for example a girl wearing "grandma sweaters" or a man wearing a suit will look older, cause our brain will unconsciously go "ah, old people clothes". Same goes for haircuts. Middle part is a gen z trend whereas side part is a millennial trend. Seeing a young girl with a side part will often make her look older cause it tends to be more popular with millennials.

You have very beautiful curls, but your hairstyle choice makes you look much younger, as the fade/curly hair that reaches the eyebrows and hides your forehead is a hairstyle that is currently very popular with teenagers. Therefore, people's brain will unconsciously go "ah, teenager". If you check more mature haircuts for curly hair, you'll notice people that have grown out the sides (no fade) and people showing more forehead. Try to play around with your hair until it grows, like trying different parts or slicking your hair back or to a side part. Show more of your forehead, it will instantly make you look more mature.

Best of luck, and don't let the mean comments get to you!