Ladies' Hairstyle Ideas

While some women prefer to pick a signature hairstyle and stick with it, others like to mix it up by trying out a variety of styles. From super-short punky cuts to long romantic layers, or straight to wild curls and everything in between, there are lots of ladies' hairstyles to choose from.

Choosing a Style

Certain hairstyles suit different face shapes. Oval faces can pull off most looks, though heavy bangs may look weighty. Short hair or chin-length bobs work well on those with heart-shaped faces. People with square faces look best with wavy hair and wispy bangs; they should avoid straight, flat hairstyles. Wedges, shags, and layered cuts compliment triangular faces, and those with round faces look good with very short or longer hair, but should avoid chin-length cuts. Age is also a factor when choosing a hairstyle. Both long and short styles may work well with youthful faces, however older women may find long hair unflattering. Generally, long hair tends to look too severe with older faces, while shorter cuts give older women a more youthful appearance.

Short Hair

The pixie cut has long been one of the most popular ladies' short hairstyles. This cut is messy and choppy, cut in short layers that frame the face. This classic look was sported by the 60's fashion icon Twiggy, and Mia Farrow wore a pixie-style cut in the movie "Rosemary's Baby." The pixie cut is a low-maintenance look that requires little styling, though this super-short style may not work for everyone, especially those who like versatile hairstyles. Other options for shorter hair include short bobs and bowl cuts, which can give your look a retro feel. For a more modern and edgy look, try a short shag or razor-cut hairstyle.

Longer Hair

Layered looks are popular for ladies with longer hair. Adding layers gives hair volume and bounce and stops longer hair from looking too flat and weighed down. For medium-length hair, layers should start around the bottom of the ears. If you want longer layers, start them just below the chin. Adding bangs to longer hairstyles will frame your face. Bangs may be blunt cut and straight across or wispy or shaggy. Longer, wispier bangs give a more romantic and soft look and work well with longer wavy hairstyles. Shaggy bangs compliment medium-length cuts with tousled or spiky layers, and straight, blunt bangs are often worn with straight bobs. Another popular look often worn by models and actresses is the classic long cut with a simple middle part. For this look, hair may be ironed straight and shiny or softly curled to frame the face.

Curling and Straightening

Curling irons and hot rollers can be used to create a curly hairstyle. Styling products such as hair spray, curling cream, and any other products designed to help hair hold curls can also be used. For loose, messy waves, use a curl-enhancing styling cream and scrunch it in your wet hair. Twist sections of hair around your fingers as your hair dries. To create a straight and sleek look, use a ceramic hair iron along with hair-smoothing cream.

Temporary Styles

Temporary hairstyles include up-dos, such as buns and braids. These styles don't require any commitment, allowing you to experiment with different looks. Braids can be worn as pigtails on either side or as one single braid in the back. Pigtail braids can also be pulled up and pinned together, creating a braided "headband." A french twist is also a classic choice, as are simple ponytails. A ponytail may be curled with a curling iron or worn sleek and straight. Hair accessories, such as barrettes and decorative hair clips, can also be used to create different looks.

References

• What hair suits my face shape?
• Women's Hairstyles

Resources

• Women's Hairstyles