How to Choose a Hairstyle For the Shape of Your Face

Your hairstyle should depend on the shape of your face.

Keep two main things in mind when getting a hair cut: style and flattery. Don't get a hairstyle based on trends, but on how it will flatter your facial features and make you look brighter and lighter, and bring out your natural beauty. You can decide whether that trendy hairstyle will suite you based on your facial structure.

Instructions

1. Keep your features uncovered if you have an oval face shape. Your "perfectly" shaped features will allow you to wear a wider range of styles than any other face shape. This is why most models can wear every hairstyle out there. They are profiled by their facial structure. The only thing oval shapes should steer clear of is hairstyles that cover up their unique features. Heavy bangs and inward sleek styles that are too close to your eyes will draw away from your face. Some celebrities who have an oval face shape are Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz and Cindy Crawford.

2. Wear short or medium-length hair if you have a rectangular or oblong face. Thickness and fullness falling at the side of your face will soften the look of longer face shapes. Also, wispy thin bangs can take away length and add a touch of softness to your face. Avoid lengthy hair, as this will only draw down your face even more. Celebrities with rectangular face shapes include Niki Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kirstie Alley.

3. Part your hair at and angle or on the side if you have a round face. The best length for your hair is below the chin line. This will help elongate your facial features and take away from the roundness. Layering also is a nice trick to create volume and fullness at the crown of your head, making your face appear narrower. Avoid short-cropped bobs and hairstyles involving a part down the middle, which draw attention to the roundness. Avoid short, straight bangs, which draw attention to the widest parts of your face. If you want bangs, try a soft side-swept effect. Celebrities with round face shapes include Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore and Christina Ricci.

4. Favor shoulder-length hair if you have a heart-shaped face. It evens out all of your features. Side-swept bangs always soften and brighten the face, and layers also can enhance and give playful life to your face. Avoid anything too short above the chin line. Heart-shaped faces often have high cheekbones, so don't cover them, let them stand out. Celebrities with heart-shaped faces include Ashley Judd, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Reese Witherspoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Layers work well in just about every hairstyle and with every face shape. It's a great way to add volume and body to your hair.

• The trick is to highlight your best features and play down the others you like less.

• Talk to your hairstylist if your not sure what your face shape is.

References

• Visual Makeover: Face Shapes and Hair Styles
• 123-hairstyles-ideas.com: Different Face Shapes