Hair shapes

Tie your hair back, if necessary and examine your face shape in front of a mirror.

Decide if your face is oval, long, square, round or heart-shaped.

To find out more on how to ascertain your face shape, click here to view our guide on How To Determine Your Face Shape.

OVAL FACE SHAPE Your face shape is slightly narrow at the jaw line and you have a rounded hairline (forehead is wider than the chin). You also have prominant cheekbones.  Because your face is well proportioned and balanced, you have the ideal face structure and can wear just about any hairstyle. This is the model face structure. Wispy bands and one length hair looks best on you. Avoid high volume hair because it can make your face appear long.

RETANGULAR/LONG FACE SHAPE you have a long and slender face shape with similar widths at your forehead as well as below your cheekbones. Often, you may have a high forehead and a narrow chin. Try a short to medium length haircut with some fullness at the side of your face to add some roundness to your shape. Fullness can be achieved by incorporating layers into your style. Add soft wispy bands to reduce the appearance of the length. Part your hair on the side. Avoid lengthy cuts. This will only elongate your face! This also applies to adding too much height to your crown. In general, keep your hair above the shoulders, unless you have the time to keep your volume maintained. The key here is medium length. Also, avoid short cuts (jaw-length bobs) and short bangs. These styles will enhance your face length.

SQUARE FACE SHAPE You have a strong, square jaw line, which is your most obvious feature. More than likely, you'll have an equally square hairline. Your forehead, cheekbones and jawline are the same width. Stick with a short to medium length haircut with wispy bangs. Add height to your crown and off-center parts. Light layering will soften the square look and will add volume to your head and sides to give your face a rounder look. Square face individuals look best with wavy or curly hair which will compliment the straight features of your face shape. Avoid long straight hair styles, straight bangs, or center parts which will emphasize your square jawbone. Do not get a haircut that ends at the chin. This will only focus the viewer's attention to your jawline. Above all, avoid geometric lines.

ROUND FACE SHAPE You have a full-looking face with a round chin and hairline. Interestingly enough, this face shape is the rarest of the face shapes, although many women claim this to be their face. Often, it is your hairstyle that makes your face appear round. Try a style that adds fullness and height at the crown. This will create a slimming look. If you have long hair, try layers and an off center part. Keep the layers relatively close to your face to product a longer and narrower face. For shorter hair, try to keep hair longer than chin length. Do not keep your hair length above your chin. You hair should not mirror your face's circular shape. Parting you hair at the center or having short chopped bangs will enhance the roundness of your face and add weight to your face shape. Avoid getting a fullness look at the sides of your ears. This will emphasize the width of your face. Also, avoid hairstyles that are spiky and short topside.

HEART/INVERTED FACE SHAPE Your face is wide at the temple and hairline while your chin is narrow. Often, you will have prominent cheekbones. Try a chin to long length haircut with side parts. Gentle, swept bangs will better shape the wider top half of your face. Consider a chin length bob. This cut will give the lower part of your face fullness where it is lacking. Avoid short bobs that emphasize the upper half of your face or add height to the crown. Too much height on your crown will make your chin longer and narrower. Also, avoid slicked back looks. In general, avoid top heavy cuts.

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