Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes

Face shape is very important factor of hairstyle suitability! Only particular types of hair styles will go well with specific facial shapes. The goal is to find what works with the structure of the face. Even a well executed hairstyle will look terrible on the wrong face shape.

For this reason, when choosing a new hairstyle, you should look carefully at the shape of your face. A well-suited haircut will promote and compliment positive facial attributes while minimizing non-pleasing ones. There are seven different face shapes: oval, round, long, square, heart, diamond and pear. Whichever one you fall into, there is a hairstyle that will work well for you.

Determining face shape is easy - pull your hair off your forehead with one hand, look into a mirror and trace the outline of your face on the glass with marker or lipstick. You can also do this with your photo. 

Hairstyles for oval face shapes: The oval face is considered to be the ideal shape. However, there aren’t many people who have a perfectly oval face. Even proportions make oval faces especially versatile. People with an oval face shape can wear most hair styles and lengths. Slicked-backed looks are very good for this shape. Avoid hair styles that cover up your face such as heavy bangs or too forward-directed styles. Also, stay away from short layers since they will make your face appear long. Do not try a blunt cut if your hair is thick or curly. A classic long style with a center or side part is a good choice.

Hairstyles for round face shapes: Round face shape is the rarest face shape. Round faces are characterized by a round chin. Your main goal is to minimize the appearance of roundness. You can do it by creating less volume around the face. You should avoid short hairstyles because they make your face look round. Exception is a short style with a swept-back direction. Long styles work well because they elongate the face. To elongate a round face, decrease the volume at the sides and around the ears. Increase length as well as the volume at the crown. Great styles are those that fall just below the chin. Wispy and tapered ends as well as soft, graduated layers are good bets.

Hair styles for long face shapes: Long face is also called rectangular or oblong. If you fall in long face shape category your face needs shortening and widening. A long, straight style will emphasize the length. Avoid no fringe styles, too short and volume on top. The one haircut you should avoid if you have a long face is a bob. A full fringe will give a better balance. Add volume at the sides. Try to keep your hair off your face. This will make your face appear fuller. Good styles include brow-skimming bangs, chin-length bobs or shoulder-length bobs.

Haircuts for square face shapes: Square face shape have a square jaw line and hairline at the forehead. Choose a style that softens these features. You can wear your hair short or long. For square shapes, you must soft the edges. Avoid sharp cuts, one length, heavy fringes and bobs. If you prefer short hair, go for a layered cut. Insist on layers, not single-length styles or center partings. Hair should be layered around the face. Elongate the face by going for height at the crown. If you have longer hair, consider curls, let it fall past the shoulders and allow some soft layers or a grown out fringe to fall around the temples.

Haircuts for heart shape face: Heart shape face is widest at the temples and narrowest at the jaw line. Usually the chin is small, and pointy. The objective is to achieve width around the chin to change the appearance of a heart shaped face to an oval shape. You need width at the sides. Try your hair at around shoulder length and go for fullness from the chin down. Try soft waves and layers. The fringe should be full enough to cover part of the forehead to reduce the length. Avoid strong, blunt fringes. If you have a heart face shape you can still wear your hair long, but it should be messy or curly.

Hairstyles for diamond shape face: Diamond face shape - widest at the cheekbones and narrow in the forehead and chin. To make the illusion of an oval face, create width at the forehead and minimize it at the cheekbones. To balance the narrow chin, go for width and fullness in this area. If you go for a fringe keep it wispy. Also, try to avoid too much hair in your face.

Hair Style for Pear Face Shape: Pear or triangular shaped faces have a narrow forehead and are widest at the jaw line, with a round chin. To make the illusion of an oval face, create width at the forehead and temples. Or create a full fringe to balance with the jaw. Consider layers as well as tucking your hair behind the ears to draw attention to them. Don't let your hair grow past the neckline. Long, full hair styles are not good because they will draw attention to jaw line.