Different Face Shapes ... For Dummies!
Face shape is very important! Only particular kinds of hair styles will go well with specific facial shapes. The right way is to find what works with the structure of the face.
When choosing a new hairstyle you should look carefully at the shape of your face. There are seven different face shapes: oval, round, long, square, heart, diamond, pear.
Whichever one you fall into, there is a hairstyle that will work for you.
How to determine face shape
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. (Determining face shape can also be done this way.)
Hairstyles for oval face shapes
The oval face is considered to be the ideal shape. People with an oval face shape can wear most hair styles and lengths, but keep your hair mostly all one length.
However, there aren’t many people who have a perfectly oval face. Even proportions make oval faces especially versatile.
Hairstyles for round face shapes
Round faces are characterised by a round chin. You should avoid short hairstyles because they make your face look round. 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 on the top and the crown.
If you don't want long hair, part your hair on the side or add fullness on top.
Round face shape is the rarest face shape.
Hairstyles for long face shapes
If you fall in long face shape category your face needs shortening and widening. A long, straight style will emphasise 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.
Hairstyles 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 minimise 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.
Hair Style for Pear Face Shape
Pear 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.
