How to Determine Face Shapes to Suit Hairstyles

This woman has a square face.

Your hairstyle can make or break your look. Your hair should complement your face, not over power it. A good haircut accentuates your best features and downplays any imperfections of your face's shape. Just as you wouldn't try to add height to a long face, a full face doesn't need more width. Before picking out your hairstyle, consider the shape of your face, and have your hair cut and styled to make the most of your best features.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Headband or scarf
• Old lipstick or dry marker

Instructions

1. Stand in front of a mirror and pull your hair back from your face with a headband or scarf.

2. Draw the outline of your face in the mirror using an old lipstick that you won't use any more, or a dry-erase marker.

3. Compare the shape on the mirror to the shapes on the UK Hairdressers.com website. Determine which shape your face looks like the most, then consider the texture of your hair. Use this to decide if you want it long or short, and what style of cut you'd like.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull long hair into a pony tail in the back to get all the hair off your face.

References

• UK Hairdressers: Virtual Makeover

Resources

• Look Fabulous: Find Hairstyles for Your Face Shape
• City of Hair: Face Shapes
• Good Housekeeping: Find the Best Hair Cut for Your Face