Finding the right hairstyle that works for you starts with your face shape.
To determine your face shape, pull all the hair back off your face and stand in front of a mirror. Use a washable marker or bar of soap and trace the outline of your face on the mirror. Then stand back and see what shape you have drawn.
There are 5 basic face shapes. Most people will have face shapes that are a combination of several shapes. For example you could have a slightly round face that is almost an oval shape.
Your hair texture and thickness is also very important to the way a particular haircut will work. Styles that are designed for thick hair will not necessarily work for thinner hair.
Believe it or not, the reason your hair style may not look all
that great is because it is not the right cut for your face shape.
Not all hair styles are created equally. What works for your
favorite celebrity may not work for you at all.
A great idea is to grab photos of several different hair styles that
you like and take them to your stylist the next time you go for a
cut and style. Tell your stylist exactly what it is that you
like about each hair style. Maybe you like the way the ends
flip out on one hair style, then on the other style you like the
side swept bangs.
With this information, maybe your stylist can combine the features
of several different hair styles that you like. Below is some
great tips on how to determine your face shape and what hair styles
might look good on you.
When changing to a fabulous new look, believe it or not, it's the
shape of your face, along with your hair type and texture, that is
the most important factor to consider. Here at
TheHairStyler.com, we've come up with an easy to follow
guide that will help you determine your face shape and
advise you on the best cuts for a fantastic new look.
Face Shape
To determine your face shape, take a tape measure or ruler and
record the following:
1. The measurement of your face across the top of your
cheekbones. 2. The measurement across your jawline from the widest
point to the widest point. 3. The measurement across your forehead at the widest point
(generally somewhere halfway between your eyebrows and your
hairline). 4. The measurement from the tip of your hairline to the
bottom of your chin.
You are now ready to see which one of the seven classic face
shapes belongs to you!
Oval
Egg Shaped With A Forehead And Jaw
That Are The Same Width
The ideal face shape, because it is proportionally balanced.
Styles to try: an oval face will suit any hairstyle be
it straight, wavy, curly, short, medium or long.
Styles to avoid: try to avoid wearing your hairstyle on
your face as you'll lose the shape behind the hair and may
also add the appearance of weight to your face.
Oval faced celebrity: Jennifer Aniston
Round
Circular Shaped
The best way to flatter a round face is to create an oval
appearance which will lift your facial features.
Styles to try: a below the chin haircut that keeps the
sides close to your face and promotes height at the crown is a
great style. Hairstyles that are longer than chin length will
also suit, and by layering the top to achieve fullness, and
keeping the cut relatively close to the face, your face shape
will appear longer and narrower. Styles that include short
fringes will also add length to your face.
Styles to avoid: curly styles emphasize roundness and
should be avoided as well as very long styles and ones that
pull back tight off your face.
Round faced celebrity: Drew Barrymore
Oblong
The Face Is Longer Than It Is Wide
Oblong faces have high foreheads and long chins and require
haircuts that add width and volume.
Styles to try: haircuts that will mostly suit are
anything that is short to medium length, such as the "Wedge"
style.
Styles to avoid: too much hair length will make an
oblong face look even longer. We suggest that you keep your
hair above shoulder length and if possible, avoid styles with
no fringe.
Oblong faced celebrity: Janet Jackson
Heart
Wide At The Forehead, Narrowing To A
Point At The Jawline
The objective is to create width around your narrow chin.
Styles to try: soft and curly chin-length hairstyles
would suit best. A chin length bob is a great style that
creates a balanced look by giving fullness and balance where
you need it.
Styles to avoid: try to avoid short, full hairstyles
like slicked back looks that emphasize your upper face.
Heart faced celebrity: Naomi Campbell
Square
A Strong Forehead And Jawline
The square face is angular with a broad, square forehead. The
objective is to create an oval appearance and lift your facial
features.
Styles to try: short to medium length hairstyles,
especially with wave or roundness around the face, will suit
you best. Soften the edges of your face with layers and wear
long hair at, or past your shoulders. Your hair would look
best parted down one side with a swept away fringe to create a
different angle. If your hair is straight, you may want to
consider a body wave to achieve a nice balance to the straight
features of this face shape.
Styles to avoid: a square geometric cut, long bobs with
heavy fringes, and all styles that part down the middle.
Square shaped celebrity: Sandra Bullock
Diamond
The Forehead And Jawline Is Narrow
With Wide Cheekbones
The key is to find a hairstyle that will balance the narrow
chin.
Styles to try: most hairstyles suit a diamond shape
with the best being a full, rounded style such as a graduated
bob which falls to the chin.
Styles to avoid: avoid all hairstyles that leave your
forehead completely exposed and styles where there is no hair
on your neck.
Diamond shaped celebrity: Sophia Loren
Triangular
The Forehead And Cheekbones Are
Narrow With A Wide Jawline
The objective is to narrow your chin and widen your forehead.
Styles to try: shorter hairstyles that balance the
prominent jawline would suit, with lots of layers added to
achieve fullness and to balance the upper part of your face.
Hairstyles that are full at the temples like the "Wedge" style
will look great.
Styles to avoid: long, full hairstyles that draw
attention to the jawline and styles that add width, such as
haircuts that kick out at the bottom.
Triangular faced celebrity: Stevie Wonder
Need some help?
If you couldn't find the right face shape, register online
at
TheHairStyler.com, and our
photo editor will help find the right shape for you.
