Hairstyles To Suit Your Face Shape

Knowledge gives you the power to look your best!

The shape of your face really should dictate how you wear your hair if you want to make the most of what you’ve got! Certain hair lengths flatter facial features and bring attention where you want it, while the opposite is true if you are wearing a hairstyle that is not suited for your face shape. To determine your face shape, pull your hair back, get a tube of lipstick or a bar of soap, and trace your face in the mirror. This will give you a clear picture of the shape you have to work with and make it easy to choose hairstyles that will bring out the best in you.

Round Face Common traits of a round face are wide across the cheekbone area and rounder in the chin area. Round faces look full, and hairstyles with layers on the sides can help to slim them. If you prefer shorter hair, razored ends create a look of lightness. If you’re a fan of longer length, chin length or longer styles can help make your face look more oval. Height at the crown will also help to balance your face, making it appear longer. Drew Barrymore has a true round face and has worn both long and shorter hairstyles with success.

Oval Face Many hairdressers suggest this is the easiest shape to work with as the oval face can wear many styles easily. Oval faces can tend to be long, so if you have a particularly large forehead, bangs are a great option. The long side swept bangs that have been popular the past few years are perfect as they can be worn to the side, parted in the middle or sprayed back for a completely different look. Jessica Alba has a lovely oval face shape and wears her bangs down and sometimes off her face. Word of warning: hair past a certain length really drags down an oval face and can make you look older.

Heart Shaped Face This face shape, with wideness at the temples and usually a pointed chin, needs volume in the right places to create the illusion of balance. Reese Witherspoon is a good example of a beautiful heart shaped face. Medium to short wispy bangs are good to soften your forehead. Chin-length bobs or a collarbone-length shag work well with a heart shaped face as they balance the chin. Avoid height in the crown area as this makes your face look longer.

Square Face Often a square face has a strong jaw line that needs softening. Go for layers, overall length is not as important as texture. Shorter pieces around the face are key, and wispy, razored or piecy bangs are ideal. Avoid blunt bangs or angled styles, which can draw attention to chin and forehead. A side part is preferable as it softens the squareness of the face. Katie Holmes is a classic beauty with a square face shape.

Speak to your hairdresser about how your face shape affects any hairstyle you might be considering. Hair professionals are trained to dissect many aspects of your looks and personality when helping you uncover your best look. While you can’t alter the face shape you were born with, determining a hairstyle that is right for you is totally do-able! Whether it involves a trim, to grow into your perfect style, or a makeover of vast proportions involving shedding many inches of hair, it pays to take the time to consider your face shape when finding your best look for 2007.

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Celebrity Photos: Splash News & DMI photo

Laura Miller writes on beauty, fashion, and health related topics from the glamorous Southern city of Atlanta, Ga. Her portfolio and her cosmetic collection grow daily.