Choosing A Hairstyle To Suit Your Face

Make the most of your looks by choosing a style that maximises your best features. The first feature you should consider is the shape of your face – is it round, oval, square or long? If you are not sure what shape your face is, the easiest way to find out is to scrape your hair away from your face so that you can see all your features clearly. Stand squarely in front of the mirror and use lipstick to trace around the outline of your face so that the shape is transformed into the mirror. When you stand back you should be able to see into which of the following categories your face shape falls.

The Square Face:
The square face is angular with a broad forehead and a square jawline. To make the best of this shape, choose a hairstyle with long layers, preferably one that features soft waves or curls. This will create a softness that detracts from the hard lines particularly around the jaw. The hair should be parted at the side of the head and any fringe (bangs) combed away from the face.
Styles To Avoid: Very severe geometric cuts – they will only have the effect of emphasizing the squareness of your face; long bobs with a heavy fringe; severe styles in which the hair is scraped off the face and with a parting down the centre.

The Round Face:
On the round face the distance between the forehead and the chin is about equal to the distance between the cheeks. Choose a style with a short fringe, which lengthens the face, and a short cut, which makes the face look thinner.
Styles To Avoid: Curly, because they will draw attention to the roundness; very full, long hair; styles that are pulled right back off the face.

The Oval Face:
The oval face has wide cheekbones that taper down into a small, often pointed chin and upto a fairly narrow forehead. This is regarded by many experts as the perfect face shape. If your face is oval in shape then you have the advantage of being able to wear any hairstyle you choose.

The Long Face:
A long face is characterized by a high forehead and long chin, and needs to be given the illusion of width. Soften the effect with short layers, or go for a bob with a fringe to create horizontal lines. Scrunch-dried or curly bobs balance a long face.
Styles To Avoid: Styles without a fringe, straight, blunt cuts.

The Complete You:
When choosing a new style you should also take into account your overall body shape. If you are a traditional pear-shape, don’t go for elfin styles; they will draw attention to the lower half of your body, making your hips look even wider. Petite women should avoid masses of very curly hair as this makes the head appear large and one of proportion with the body.