FACE SHAPES Choosing a hairstyle that flatters all your features is easy IF you know where to start.. STEP 1 DEFINE YOUR FACE SHAPE The right haircut should flatter your face and enhance your features & bone structure. Before you start thinking of styles, you need do determine whether your face is oval, heart-shaped, round or square. STEP 2 DEFINE YOUR HAIR TEXTURE Take a small strand of hair and try to break it. If it snaps easily, then its fine; if it breaks with some effort, its medium; and if it’s almost impossible to snap it’s thick. If you have medium hair you’re lucky – most styles will suit you. If you find it difficult to manage hair that’s very fine or very thick, follow these simple guidelines. The natural texture of your hair will also have a big impact on how well a cut will suit you. A heavy fringe may be ideal for your face shape, but if your locks are curly, you’re likely to spend half a day battling with straighteners and styling sprays. So, before you take the plunge, think about the styles that will enhance your natural hair type. Whether it’s fine, thick, frizzy, wavy or straight, there’s a look that will work for you.
Choosing a hairstyle that flatters all your features is easy IF you know where to start..
STEP 1
DEFINE YOUR FACE SHAPE
The right haircut should flatter your face and enhance your features & bone structure.
Before you start thinking of styles, you need do determine whether your face is oval, heart-shaped, round or square.
STEP 2
DEFINE YOUR HAIR TEXTURE
Take a small strand of hair and try to break it. If it snaps easily, then its fine; if it breaks with some effort, its medium; and if it’s almost impossible to snap it’s thick. If you have medium hair you’re lucky – most styles will suit you. If you find it difficult to manage hair that’s very fine or very thick, follow these simple guidelines.
The natural texture of your hair will also have a big impact on how well a cut will suit you. A heavy fringe may be ideal for your face shape, but if your locks are curly, you’re likely to spend half a day battling with straighteners and styling sprays. So, before you take the plunge, think about the styles that will enhance your natural hair type. Whether it’s fine, thick, frizzy, wavy or straight, there’s a look that will work for you.
OVAL YOUR FACE IS OVAL IF It forms a perfect almond shape – your forehead and jaw line are in proportion and the most width is at the cheekbones. Try – anything you fancy! The even proportions of an oval face give it the most versatility when it comes to choosing a haircut. Avoid – nothing – feel free to experiment, as almost every style suits this shape. HEART-SHAPED YOUR FACE IS HEART SHAPED IF Your forehead and cheeks are wider than your jaw line and you have a narrow chin. Try – styles that are fuller at the bottom or kick out at the ends – this will offset the width at the top half of your face. A low side part with a swept-across fringe will also help balance the look. Avoid a thick fringe or clumps of hair at the sides, as this can make you look ‘top-heavy’ and widen your face near the eyes. Up-dos and volume at the crown also draw attention to a wide forehead. ROUND YOUR FACE IS ROUND IF It’s the same width across the forehead and jawline as it is across the cheekbones. Try soft cuts that can make the face appear slimmer. Styles with height at the top will add length, while layers below the jawline will give definition. A low, sweeping side part will create an elongated look. Avoid any style with too much volume at the sides, such as chin-length bobs, as this will add width. SQUARE YOUR FACE IS SQUARE IF It’s as wide as it is long, with the greatest width across the cheeks. Try layers and lots of texture to blur the edges of your face. Side parts also help soften a harsh jawline. Avoid anything that rests at chin level, as this will accentuate a square-shaped jaw. Poker-straight, one length styles, geometric cuts, slicked-back looks and heavy fringes can also make an angular face look hard.
OVAL
YOUR FACE IS OVAL IF
It forms a perfect almond shape – your forehead and jaw line are in proportion and the most width is at the cheekbones.
Try – anything you fancy! The even proportions of an oval face give it the most versatility when it comes to choosing a haircut.
Avoid – nothing – feel free to experiment, as almost every style suits this shape.
HEART-SHAPED
YOUR FACE IS HEART SHAPED IF
Your forehead and cheeks are wider than your jaw line and you have a narrow chin.
Try – styles that are fuller at the bottom or kick out at the ends – this will offset the width at the top half of your face. A low side part with a swept-across fringe will also help balance the look.
Avoid a thick fringe or clumps of hair at the sides, as this can make you look ‘top-heavy’ and widen your face near the eyes. Up-dos and volume at the crown also draw attention to a wide forehead.
ROUND
YOUR FACE IS ROUND IF
It’s the same width across the forehead and jawline as it is across the cheekbones.
Try soft cuts that can make the face appear slimmer. Styles with height at the top will add length, while layers below the jawline will give definition. A low, sweeping side part will create an elongated look.
Avoid any style with too much volume at the sides, such as chin-length bobs, as this will add width.
SQUARE
YOUR FACE IS SQUARE IF
It’s as wide as it is long, with the greatest width across the cheeks.
Try layers and lots of texture to blur the edges of your face. Side parts also help soften a harsh jawline.
Avoid anything that rests at chin level, as this will accentuate a square-shaped jaw. Poker-straight, one length styles, geometric cuts, slicked-back looks and heavy fringes can also make an angular face look hard.
IF YOU HAVE FINE HAIR
Do go for shorter cuts above the shoulders that will add life and body to your locks.
Don’t choose anything too textured that can make your tresses look thin and wispy.
Do experiment with longer layers to inject some shape into your style.
Don’t choose an excessively long ‘do, as it will drag the hair down and leave it looking lacklustre and shapeless.
Do try a blunt style of cut to create the illusion of a fuller mane.
IF YOU HAVE THICK HAIR
Do opt for layers that add texture and movement and help to redistribute balance.
Don’t do for too much tapering at the sides or you will end up with a mushroom shape.
Do keep layers long if you have curly locks- this will work with the hairs natural shape.
Don’t get too many layers if you have curls, unless you’re a fan of the Shirley Temple look.
Do ask your stylist to undercut you hair, which will help to reduce volume.
Don’t wear your hair all one length, as this will create an unflattering triangle shape.
