How to Choose the Best Hairstyle

Plan out your look before going to the stylist.

Your hairstyle can make a statement about you and your commitment to personal style. Although you may want to be creative and try a number of different cuts and colors, follow some simple guidelines as to what is most flattering for the shape of your face and skin tone. You still have room to experiment; the rules for what works best will simply determine whether you can pull it off. Once you've chosen what will look good, ask yourself if it fits into your lifestyle.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Lipstick

Instructions

1. Determine your face shape. This will in large part determine which style is most flattering on you. "Marie Claire" recommends pulling your hair off your forehead and tracing your face's reflection on a mirror with lipstick. You should see a rough approximation of a square, oval or round shape.

2. Choose a style that best flatters your face shape. "Cosmopolitan" recommends a cut for a square jawline that falls at or just above the shoulders. "Marie Claire" says square-faced folks should use layers and short pieces to tone down the squareness. Oval-shaped faces are versatile, but choose bangs if your face is also long. Accent a round face with short layers or long cuts that make the face appear more oval. If your face is narrow, a mid-length cut with layers will provide volume to make your face appear fuller.

3. Choose the best color for your skin tone. According to the "Early Show" on CBS, a quick way to determine whether you have a cool or warm skin tone is to look at the veins in your arm. Bluish veins indicate cool skin tone and greenish veins indicate warm. Stylist David Evangelista told the "Early Show" that warm skin tones match well with base colors such as dark golden brown, chestnut and mahogany, accented with red, cinnamon or copper highlights. Cool skin tones go best with an intense brown, red or blonde base and wheat or honey streaks.

4. Choose a style that fits your life. Although a longer cut may be more flattering, if you work in a profession such as landscaping that requires spending many hours in the sun, you might find short hair more comfortable. An angled cut that accents your face shape might require regular salon visits to maintain, which might be a strain on your pocketbook. The same can be said of hair color; if you are not thrilled about the prospect of upkeep, go natural.

References

• "Marie Claire"; Find the Best Haircut for Your Face Shape; January 2008
• "Cosmopolitan": Snag These Snip Tips
• CBS News; The Early Show -- The Right Hair Color Can Do Wonders; Polly Leider; February 2009