Face Shape and Hairstyle Design

 

The shape of your face plays a very important role in how your hairstyle looks. For example, some face shapes look good with bangs or face-framing layers. Others look better with all one-length hair. Just like wearing different types of clothes can make you look better at times, your hairstyle can be tailored to fit your face and accentuate the features you want.

Below are the basic face shapes today. To find out what your shape is, pull all of your hair off your forehead and stand in front of a mirror. Take a removable marker or a bar of soap and trace the outline of your face on the mirror. Stand back and look at the shape you have drawn. What basic shape does it represent?

 

Once you know your face shape, you will be able to pick a hairstyle that is the most flattering for that shape. For example, women with round face shapes are best suited for hairstyles that fall below the chin area. Shorter lengths tend to accentuate the round face, making it appear more round and out of proportion than it really is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Cut For Your Face Shape

By Rachelle Salinger

 

This scene may be familiar: you notice a celebrity sporting a fabulous new haircut, which sends you straight to the salon to have your hair styled the same way. The stylist snips away happily and, voila - a little star factor has you looking like a million bucks. The next scene may be familiar also: you awake the next morning to the realization that you can't duplicate that fresh-from-the-salon look, and what's worse, the hairstyle doesn't flatter you after all!

 

We've all had a traumatizing haircut at some point in our lives. If it's of a shorter length, we have to endure a painstaking length of time before it grows back. We try to disguise the flaws by using trendy hair accessories. We wonder how a haircut could look so good on someone else and look so horrible on us. But a lot of the time, it boils down to one thing: the hairstyle just does not suit our face shape!

 

Most women know that a great haircut can make a big difference. It flatters our features and can give our confidence boost. But as you may have experienced, not all the hairstyles we fancy will work well for us. The key is in knowing your face shape, so you can decide which haircut is right for you.

 

To find out what your face shape is, pull your hair back with a big hair clip that has a snug hold, and take a good look. You should see one of the following: oval, square, rectangle, inverted triangle, or round. You might want to trace the outline of your face on the mirror with lipstick, so you can more clearly see the shape.

 

 

 

Square

 

If you have a square-shaped face, you most likely have a strong jaw line. It's all about softening those strong edges. Any length hairstyle will work as long as you add shorter pieces to frame the face. Ask your stylist for a cut with graduated layers, razored ends, or long piece-y bangs. Another way to add some softness is to accentuate the style with feminine hair accessories. Avoid "sharp" cuts, like angled bobs or blunt-cut bang. These only emphasize an already-broad forehead and chin.

 

Square Face Shape: Layered bobs, wisps around the face, and long layers are generally recommended for this face shape. Avoid very short or cropped hair or slicked-back styles. Demi Moore, see photo left, has a square face shape.

 

Oval
If you have an oval-shaped face, then thank your lucky stars, because it means you have even proportions. This shape is very versatile and does not need to rely on a hairstyle to add softness or balance. Your best cut? Virtually anything goes! However, if your face tends to be on the long side, try adding long bangs to visually shorten the distance from the forehead to the chin. Complete the look by putting on a sophisticated headband just over your bangs for a feminine look.

 

Oval Face Shape: The envy of us all--this shape can wear almost any type of hair. Layered, curly, short, long....anything

 

Round
If you have a round-shaped face, you probably have full cheeks. These can conceal your bone structure, making your face lack definition. Go for styles with face-framing layers and choppy bangs to create an illusion of cheekbones. Avoid very short cuts and cuts with a lot of volume on the sides, as these only emphasize fullness.

 

Round Face Shape: Usually a layered cut and/or feathered cut will accentuate your facial features. Avoid any width in the hair at the sides of your face as this will make your face seem rounder.

 

Rectangle
If your face is rectangle-shaped, it is likely that you have a long, narrow face with a strong forehead and jaw. The key is to shorten the length of your face and to soften the strong edges. Try adding some bangs or soft waves. Avoid extremely long or short haircuts as these only add length to your face.

 

Long Face Shape: Any hair cut that is below the chin is best for this face shape. Long Face Shapes should avoid short hair

 

Inverted Triangle /Heart Shape
This face shape has a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a narrow chin. Your best cut is a bob that is longer in front because it frames the jaw line, giving it a roundness that will soften the shape. You can also try a soft fringe that covers the forehead or loose waves. Avoid styles with height on the top and middle parts, as these can emphasize the forehead.

 

Heart Face Shape: Another envy of us all--this shape falls into the same category as the oval face where virtually any shape will look good. Reese Witherspoon, see photo right, has a heart shaped face.

 

 

Rachelle Salinger writes for No Slippy Hair Clippy, purveyor of the first and finest non-slip hair accessories in the market today. These award-winning [http://www.hairclippy.com]baby items are designed and manufactured in the United States using the top quality materials and offering fun and unique styles.

Article Source: The Perfect Cut For Your Face Shape

 

 

How much time are you willing to spend every day to upkeep and style your hair? Be honest with yourself. Many of the above celebrities have personal hair stylists that spend hours fixing their hair every day. Is that realistic for your situation? What is your lifestyle? Are you outside a lot? In an office? All of these factors can affect the way your hair will look all day.

 

Before you decide on your next haircut, check out our Best Hairstyles Section. It includes step by step details on how to find the right hairstyle.