How to Try Different Hairstyles with Virtual Websites

Try out new styles before you hit the salon.

It can be scary to try a new haircut or style. You don't know what the hairstyle will look like until your hair is cut and it is too late to change it. To solve this problem, there are many virtual hairstyle websites that let you try different cuts and styles before you take the plunge.

Instructions

1. Choose a virtual hairstyle websites. There are many out there. Some of them are free and some charge a one time or a membership fee. Start with a free site and see if it enough for your needs. Several magazines -- including "Cosmopolitan," "InStyle" and "Good Housekeeping" -- offer free virtual makeover tools on their websites that allow you to try out new hairstyles.

2. Take a good picture of yourself to upload to the site you've chose. You should be looking straight ahead and not making any awkward faces. Avoid wearing any flashy accessories, big earrings or heavy makeup that will distract from the hairstyles you are trying. Check the website you are planning to use to see if they have any special image requirements.

3. Upload your photo, and follow the instructions carefully. Once the image is uploaded, check to see if you are satisfied with the results or if you need to take another picture.

4. Follow the instructions on the website to try out different hairstyles. Most sites will give you suggestions based on the shape of your face and your type of hair. Use those suggestions if they are available, but remember they are suggestions only. View all the options of hairstyles to choose from. Once you choose a hairstyle, you can usually change the color, add highlights, change the angle of the hair, enlarge the hair and more. (Exact functionality varies from site to site.) Remember to take into account that the hairstyles are not 100-percent accurate. They just give you a general idea of how you would look, so use your imagination as you view your choices.

5. When you come across a hairstyle that you like, print out the image right away (or save the image if that is an option). Don't wait, thinking you'll go back to the hairstyle later, because usually there are so many styles to choose from that you might never find the exact style again.

6. Once you have a stack of hairstyles printed out or saved, choose the ones you like best. Narrow it down to just a few.

7. Visit a professional hairstylist, and show him your images. Get the stylist's opinion of which hairstyles look best on you and which ones will work with your hair type.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to not trust the hairstyles or haircuts you try online blindly. You should go to a professional hairstylist to make sure the hairstyle will work for you.

References

• Cosmopolitan: Virtual Makeovers & Hairstyles
• InStyle: Hollywood Makeover
• Good Housekeeping: Virtual Haircut & Makeover