Determining your face shape is the first step to finding the most flattering hairstyles. Here’s a quick guide:
- Oval: Balanced, with a slightly narrower chin than forehead.
- Round: Wider, with a curved jawline and full cheeks.
- Square: Angular, with a strong jawline and a similar width at the forehead and jaw.
- Diamond: Narrowest at the chin and temples, with wider cheekbones.
- Heart: Narrower at the chin than the forehead, with a pointed chin.
- Oblong: Longer than it is wide, with a high forehead and long, narrow chin.
Oval faces are versatile and can pull off a wide range of hairstyles, including:
- Layers: Soft layers add volume and movement.
- Asymmetry: Off-center partings or side-swept bangs create interest.
- Long Bob (Lob): A shoulder-length cut can balance the face’s proportions.
- Blunt Cut: A sharp, clean cut emphasizes the face’s symmetry.
For round faces, aim for hairstyles that elongate and slim the face:
- Long Layers: Layering from the cheekbones down creates vertical lines.
- Pixie Cut: A short, textured pixie can add height and width to the forehead.
- Angular Bob: A bob with angled ends can sharpen the jawline.
- Side-Swept Bangs: Bangs that are swept to one side minimize the width of the face.
Square faces benefit from hairstyles that soften the angles:
- Rounded Layers: Layers with a soft, rounded shape create a more balanced look.
- Long Curls: Loose, flowing curls add volume to the top of the head, softening the square jawline.
- Side-Parted Bob: A bob with a side part can balance the symmetry of the face.
- Wispy Bangs: Soft, wispy bangs can frame the forehead and soften the jawline.
Diamond faces require hairstyles that add width to the temples and chin:
- Side-Swept Bangs: Bangs that are swept to the side widen the forehead and minimize the jaw.
- Long Bob with Graduated Layers: Layers that gradually increase in length from the top to the bottom add volume to the cheekbones and chin.
- Chin-Length Cut: A cut that ends just below the chin can balance the proportions of the face.
- Bixie Cut (Bob + Pixie): A combination of a bob and a pixie can add volume to the top and narrow the chin.
Heart faces need hairstyles that widen the chin and minimize the forehead:
- Layers with Volume at Chin: Layers that start at the cheekbones and extend to the chin add volume to the lower half of the face.
- Blunt Bangs: Blunt bangs across the forehead create a wider appearance.
- Chin-Length Layers: Layers that fall around the chin draw attention to the lower face.
- Side-Parted Lob: A lob with a side part can create a more symmetrical look.
Before choosing a hairstyle, consider your personal style and motivations:
- Do you want to accentuate or minimize certain facial features?
- Do you prefer low-maintenance or high-maintenance hairstyles?
- What kind of image do you want to project?
- How much time are you willing to spend on styling?
A well-chosen hairstyle can offer numerous benefits:
- Boosts confidence: A hairstyle that complements your face shape can make you feel more attractive and confident.
- Enhances facial features: The right hairstyle can highlight your best features and downplay any concerns.
- Improves overall appearance: A flattering hairstyle can balance your facial proportions and create a harmonious look.
- Frames your face: A well-styled hairstyle can act as a frame for your face, drawing attention to your eyes and highlighting your facial features.
- Consult with a stylist who specializes in face shape analysis.
- Experiment with different hairstyles using temporary hair color or extensions.
- Pay attention to your natural hair texture and the time you have available for styling.
- Remember that hairstyles can change as your face shape evolves with age.
Face Shape | Flattering Hairstyles |
---|---|
Oval | Layers, asymmetry, lob, blunt cut |
Round | Long layers, pixie cut, angular bob, side-swept bangs |
Square | Rounded layers, long curls, side-parted bob, wispy bangs |
Diamond | Side-swept bangs, long bob with graduated layers, chin-length cut, bixie cut |
Heart | Layers with volume at chin, blunt bangs, chin-length layers, side-parted lob |
Motivation | Benefit |
---|---|
Accentuate certain features | Boost confidence |
Minimize certain features | Enhance facial features |
Create a desired image | Improve overall appearance |
Save time and effort | Frames your face |
Face Shape | Hair Texture | Styling Time |
---|---|---|
Oval | All textures | Low to high |
Round | Fine to medium | Low to medium |
Square | Medium to coarse | Low to medium |
Diamond | Fine to medium | Medium to high |
Heart | Medium to fine | Medium to high |
Age | Face Shape Changes |
---|---|
Early 20s | Slight narrowing of the face |
Mid 20s to early 30s | Gradual widening of the jawline |
30s to 40s | Jowls may appear |
40s to 50s | Skin may become looser and saggier |
50s and beyond | Face may become longer and narrower |