About Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes

How many of us cringe at our image in the mirror after getting a new haircut? Unfortunately, your new hairstyle may look completely different than the one that you adored in a haircuts magazine. One major factor that can affect the way that your new hairstyle looks is the shape of your face. The right hairstyle accentuates your positive features while drawing attention away from those that you don't consider positive. Determine your face shape by pulling your hair off your forehead with your hand. Then trace an outline of your face on the mirror with a marker. As you think of your new hairstyle, consider the texture, age and your lifestyle requirements. Here are the most common face shapes and tips to select the best style for you.

Round Face

A round chin is common on a round face. The hairline is often wide and the cheeks tend to be full. Long hairstyles flatter a round face by elongating it. Keep volume to a minimum around the cheeks, which are the fullest part of your face.
Volume should be focused on the top of your head and at the crown. Choose layered bangs to give the illusion of length. Curls work well as long as they are kept away from the cheeks. Curls should start a little below the chin to avoid adding extra width to the sides of your face. Keep long hairstyles sleek and narrow until you get past your chin. Wispy, tapered ends can soften the roundness of this shape. Avoid center parts. Stay away from super short hairstyles. Hair length must be kept below the chin to elongate your face.

Long Face

This is the longest face shape. You need a hairstyle that won't drag down your face but that gives it width. Shoulder-length or chin-length bobs can also create the illusion of width. Side swept bangs that skim the eyebrows are ideal because they shorten the face and they cover a large forehead. A long and straight hairstyle should be avoided because it can elongate the face. Avoid short layers that add volume on the top. If you love long hair, choose a V-shaped hairstyle with shorter layers at the sides and front. Try long layers that are cut at your nose, chin and collarbone to widen this shape. Curls and waves are strongly recommended to add extra width to your face. A long face shape should avoid any extreme hairstyle such as super short hair cuts and those that are longer than the collarbone.

Square Face

This face shape has a strong square jaw line and hairline. You need a hairstyle that softens these strong features. Soften your strong features by adding lots of texture. Waves, curls and choppy ends flatter this face shape because they soften the harsh angles. Bangs soften the hairline. Layers along the sides of the face can soften the jawline. Choose a hairstyle that is short to medium in length that has waves around the face. Select a hairstyle that has an off center part to break up the squareness of your face. Height should be added at the crown to elongate the face. Long hairstyles that fall past the shoulders and that are wavy or curly look beautiful on this face shape. Long and sleek hairstyles should have layers that begin at the jaw line and continue downward. Short hairstyles should be layered. Avoid one length hairstyles or those that have a part at the center. You can wear short, spiky hairstyles. Stay away from one-length bobs that fall at the chin or bangs that are blunt-cut because they make your face look even more square.

Oval Face

The oval face is considered to be the most versatile face. People that have an oval face shape can wear any style and any length. The proportions of the oval face are well balanced and look attractive in any hairstyle. Consider the condition of your hair and the texture. Try a cute bob, spiky hair, slicked-back styles, long hairstyles or shags. Experiment and have fun with a variety of looks, because this face shape can pull it all off.

Heart Shape

A small and pointy chin characterizes this face shape. The face is widest at the temples and becomes narrow at the jaw line. You need a hairstyle that draws focus to your eyes and cheekbones. Choose a hairstyle that has width at the sides. Your hairstyle should be chin length or longer with a part at the side. Layers should be around the upper part of the face with gentle wispy bangs. Soft waves and layers can create more balance to a heart-shaped face. Side swept bangs that graze the eyebrows and a strong part are ideal. Chin length bobs look amazing on a heart-shaped face because they create fullness where you need it. Avoid short hairstyles that add height at the crown, or slicked back looks.