FINDING THE PERFECT HAIRSTYLE FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE

One of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing a hairstyle is your face shape. In the fashion world, an oval-shaped face is usually considered ideal.

With an oval shape, the facial features are perfectly balanced: eyes and ears are evenly spaced from left to right, and the forehead and chin are close enough in size to give the face a top-to-bottom symmetry. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of us are blessed with such a “perfect” face shape. Whether your face is round, heart-shaped, or elongated, there are several hairstyles that you can choose from to help balance out your features and gain an overall sense of symmetry.

Here is a quick guide to help determine your own face shape, along with some hairstyle ideas that will work best for you.

THE OBLONG/RECTANGULAR FACE

Characteristics: Longer than it is wide
Think: Sarah Jessica Parker and Liv Tyler

Flattering hairstyles: The goal here is width. To balance out the length of your face, you want a hairstyle that can give you volume and fullness on the sides. Talk to your hairstylist about a chin-length bob with bangs that skim your brows, or a style that can incorporate curls or waves to add that desired fullness. Avoid styles that are too long and straight because that will only enhance the length of your face.

THE ROUND/SQUARE FACE

Characteristics: The length is equal to the width.
Think: Cameron Diaz and Kate Bosworth

Flattering hairstyles: Because you have width in your face, avoid styles that have volume on the sides. Look for something sleek and elongating that can minimize the appearance of roundness. Long, side swept bangs look lovely with a round face shape. Stick to styles that are longer than your chin with soft, wispy layers. This will help draw the eye down and give your face the appearance of length. Be careful if you have naturally curly hair- since curls add volume and width - make sure you have enough length on your hair to weigh down your curls and minimize fullness on the sides. Keep your styles fluid and soft-especially if you have a square jaw- so that you can give your face an elongated femininity.

THE HEART-SHAPED/TRIANGULAR FACE

Characteristics: Wide forehead, pointy chin
Think: Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Love Hewitt

Flattering hairstyles: Adding fullness around your neck and chin will help balance out the width of your forehead. If your hair is long, ask your stylist to give you layers that start just below your cheekbones. You can also go for shorter styles that fall just at your jawbone, and pair them with longer, side swept bangs to draw attention to your eyes. Stay away from bangs that are blunt or short, and make sure your layers are soft and well-blended, not harsh or choppy.

THE DIAMOND FACE

Characteristics: Narrow chin and forehead, wide cheekbones
Think: Amanda Peet and Sophia Loren

Flattering hairstyles: Those with a diamond-shaped face have been blessed with beautiful bone structure. Don’t hide those striking cheekbones! Ask your stylist to give you a cut that leaves weight in the nape area. A simple “lob” (longer version of a traditional bob) that falls just above your shoulders will help balance out your prominent cheekbones without taking the focus away from your dramatic bone structure.

THE OVAL FACE

Characteristics: The length is one and one half times the width
Think: Jessica Alba and Julia Roberts

Flattering hairstyles: Lucky you! You have the most versatile face shape. You can pull off almost any hairstyle. So why not try something new? Ask your stylist to give you something edgy, like an a-symmetrical bob or chunky layers. You have room to experiment, so let your creative side take over and have fun!