Razor-sharp bobs, tousled tresses or sweeping ponytails – no matter what shape your face is there is a hairstyle that looks best on you.
From Sienna Miller’s ‘pixie’ bob to Jennifer Aniston’s famous ‘Rachel-cut’, most of us have been caught at one time or another heading to the hair salon clutching a picture of our favourite celebrity hairstyle to copy. In the western world, haircuts, colours and styles are a badge of identity. But even though you might love the latest look of your favourite Hollywood star, it’s important to realise it might not be the right one for you. There are certain guidelines that can help you find and maintain your best, most wearable style.
Choosing a haircut to suit your face
Oval-shaped face
You’re lucky – this is the most versatile shape that lets you wear your hair just about any way you choose. Be as daring as you desire – your forehead and chin are in proportion to each other, making both long and short cuts look great on you.
Avoid covering up your face with a heavy fringe or wearing your hair over your face – you’ll lose your face’s shape and it can add weight to your finer features.
Celebrity matches: Beyonce, Kate Moss and Megan Fox
Square face
If your face is square-shaped, with a strong, square jaw line and often an equally square hairline, the right hairstyles for you are ones that soften the square look of your face.
Short – to medium-length haircuts with a wave or curl will compliment and balance your facial features. Fringes will focus attention on your eyes, so opt for longer, broken-up full fringes or wispy half-fringes. Side-parts and volume in the crown can also add length to your face.
Avoid straight styles such as long straight hair, a blunt fringe, straight bobs and centre parts as they will emphasise your jaw line.
Celebrity matches: Nicole Ritchie, Demi Moore and Olivia Wilde
Round face
A round face is full-cheeked and circular. Hairstyles with height and fullness in the crown can give the impression of a narrower face. Bardot-esque, 1960s-influenced styles with a bit of backcombing at the roots are ideal.
Round faces also tend to suit either short hairstyles swept back off your forehead, or hairstyles that are longer than chin length. Wispy fringes and side parts can also work well.
You might like to try a cut with layers while keeping the sides close to your face to make your face appear longer. Keep curly hair all one length and (ideally) long to avoid bulk.
Avoid curved or geometric styles as they will accentuate roundness. Also, avoid chin-length hair, center parts and a straight ‘chopped’ fringe as these will all emphasise the round shape of your face.
Celebrity matches: Mila Kunis, Kate Upton and Emma Stone
Heart-shaped face
Heart-shaped faces are similar to oval-shaped faces, except that the width between the temples is wider and narrows below the cheekbones to a delicate, yet pointed chin. Curls and waves introduced around the cheekbones will widen the appearance of the chin and jawbone.
Avoid sleek, jaw-length bobs that hug the chin, as well as fullness in the crown, which will make you look top-heavy.
Celebrity matches: Reece Witherspoon, Selena Gomez and Kourtney Kardashian
Long face
Long faces characteristically include a high forehead, a thin face and a well-defined long chin. Hairstyles that balance the length of your face work best for you. These include short to medium lengths with fullness at the sides and a soft wispy fringe.
If your hair has a slight wave, use a diffuser with your hairdryer to emphasise the curls, as adding volume below the chin will help to balance things out.
Avoid parting your hair in the middle, as perfect symmetry will only make your face look even longer – a side part will be much more flattering. Also avoid too much height around the crown area as these will only accentuate the length of your face.
Celebrity matches: Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashlee Simpson
Angular/diamond-shaped face
These faces are a combination of square and diamond proportions. They tend to suit chin-length bobs and feathered, shoulder-length styles that emphasise the dramatic planes while rounding out the chin. Heavy fringes are often suitable, as are flicks or a mane of dishevelled curls.
Avoid any style that hides your dramatic features.
Celebrity matches: Cate Blanchett, Vanessa Hudgens and Kate Bosworth
Hot hair tips
– According to 43 percent of men, hair that just reaches your bra straps is the sexiest.
– If you want to go lighter, track down some pictures of you as a toddler – chances are that your hair was lighter then and your colourist can copy those tones to achieve a colour that is sure to flatter your complexion.
– Don’t wash your hair just before you colour it. Not only do roots show up better on unwashed hair, slightly dirty locks are easier to handle.
– By varying your hair’s routine you can revitalise the appearance of your hair. Research shows that staying loyal to one brand of shampoo can actually have a detrimental effect on hair as it becomes immune to the shampoo’s benefits.
– By including plenty of essential fatty acids in your diet you can give your hair back its strength and lustre. You can find these essential fatty acids in oily fish such as tuna, sardines and salmon, as well as in seeds, nuts and avocados.
