How to Choose a Flattering Hairstyle

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

Rate: (33 Ratings)

Picking the right hairstyle depends on a number of factors including your face shape and the look you wish to achieve. If you are a woman who knows what she wants, you will make the job of the hairstylist easier. Use these guidelines to help the stylist create the look that's best for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Hair Accessories
  • Mirrors
  • Blow Dryers
  • Curling Irons
  • Hair Care Products
  • Hair-coloring Products
  • Hairbrush
  • Hot Rollers
  • Hairstyling Software

Step1
Tie your hair back, if necessary, and examine your face shape in front of a mirror. Decide if your face is oval, long, square, round or heart-shaped.
Step2
Show off an oval face'egg-shaped and balanced on top and bottom, and widely considered ideal. Since any type of hairstyle flatters this face, explore a variety of looks.
Step3
Make a long face look shorter with hair that sits above the shoulders. Long layers work well, as do bangs. Since midline parts elongate the face, use a side part instead.
Step4
Choose curvy hairstyles to soften your face if it's square, with a wide forehead, wide cheeks and an angular chin. Wearing layers around your jawline frames your face and can mask a strong, angled chin. Avoid sharp, straight lines.
Step5
Elongate a round face'full, with a small chin, wide cheeks and small cheekbones'with longer hair that extends below your chin. Layers on top add volume and height; layers around the cheeks narrow your face. Avoid bangs and chin-length styles.
Step6
A heart-shaped face has a wide forehead that angles down to a small chin. Try shoulder-length hair, adding layers from the chin down. Curl or flip out these layers to create a fuller bottom that balances your small chin. A chin-length bob also works well. Avoid any look that adds fullness to the top and tapers down to wisps on the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

  • In addition to face shape, consider your hair texture when deciding on a hairstyle. A long hairstyle can render fine hair flat and difficult to manage. A shorter cut adds more body. Wavy hair looks nice in chunky layers, and thick hair is suited to soft, textured layers.
  • Experiment with lots of hairstyles without the risk of embarrassment by trying a virtual hairstyle kit.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 9/24/2006 I got a sample of a leave-in hair condition. It is John Frieda's Shine Shock. I love it! Also, for a good, natural shampoo and conditioner, I use Yves Rocher's Phytum Express Shine. It is made with botanical vitamins. I use a straightening iron, so I need good hair care products.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 9/24/2006 I recently got my long, fine, and limp hair cut and my stylist told me that even after washing it at the salon it seemed dirty. She told me that there was too much buildup of hair products. She recommended Pantene ProV's Clarifying Shampoo. It comes in a long clear bottle, usually 13.5 fl oz, priced around $4. It can be found in most drugstores.

It works wonders for my hair and smells great, too. Just be sure to use it only once a week or it may dry out your hair.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/13/2006 For fine, full, wavy hair that is always frizzy: wash hair only once a week. Rinse with water at every shower and use conditioner every time. Only finger comb to prevent breakage. While hair is still wet use a dime-quarter size amount of Biosilk (this product yields best results for frizz reduction and shine) warmed by rubbing between hands first. Start at the roots and apply evenly, working it in until you don't feel product on hands. Let hair air dry, again to prevent breakage. If hair is still frizzy when dry apply two or three drops of extra-virgin olive oil (high-quality).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/19/2006 It really helps to get a sideswept bang if you have a circular face. It doesn't put all the definition on your face shape, but it's also very trendy!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/16/2006 Don't be afraid to do something drastic! If you've had the same style for a while, it's probably time for a change. The stylist most likely knows what will look good on you!

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eHow Article:  How to Choose a Flattering Hairstyle

eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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