How to Pick the Right Hairstyle for Your Face
Hair doesn’t make the woman (or man), but good hair definitely helps! We’re talking the kind of good hair that begs to be tossed a little and makes you feel invincible! But getting that oh so perfect hair is not so easy. There are so many things to think about. What color? Long or short? It’s important to pick the right hairstyle for the shape of your face too. The question is, how exactly do you do that? To help you make the right choice that will take your hair game to the next level, we’ve rounded up a how-to list for doing just that.
Determine Your Face Shape
The shape of your face shape is the foundation on which your hairstyle should be built. Knowing your face shape can help you highlight your best features while downplaying your flaws. So, before you head to the salon, let’s figure out what your face shape is.
There are six basic face shapes – round, square, oval, heart, diamond, and oblong. To tell which shape your face is, stand in front of a mirror and pull your hair back. Observe your face and measure the width and length of your face with a tape measure or ruler.
Round Face Shape:
A round face has soft curves with the length and width almost equal. If you have a round face, your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your chin is round and soft. Hairstyles that pair well with round faces include a side-swept pixie, long layer cut, or a textured shag. Avoid short, or curly layered cuts that may over enhance the roundness of your face.
Square Face Shape:
If your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are equally wide, then you have a square face shape. The angles of your jawline are sharp, and your forehead and jawline have the same width. The key with a square-shaped face is to soften the features. Opt for a side part or sideswept bangs to draw attention away from your jawline to your cheekbones. Layers and loose waves that fall to the shoulders are also ideal for square-shaped faces.
Oval Face Shape:
An oval face is longer than it is wide, with gently rounded jawline and forehead. If you have an oval face, your forehead is slightly wider than your jawline. A long bob cut looks amazing on an oval shape face, or you can take it retro and opt for a butterfly cut with long layered wings.
Heart Face Shape:
A heart face has a wider forehead and a narrower chin. Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your chin is pointed. Creating width at the bottom of the face is key. Sideswept bangs and shoulder length layers are a great combo for doing that. Or you can go for soft, shoulder-length waves. But one of the best options for heart-shaped faces is a lob cut with slightly flipped up edges.
Diamond Face Shape:
If your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your forehead and jawline are narrow, then you have a diamond face shape. This is another face shape that benefits from a softer style. A slicked back ponytail is a great way to accentuate your cheekbones and widen the look of your forehead (not to mention an easy style to manage). Medium or long wavy layers are flattering on diamond faces too.
Oblong Face Shape:
An oblong face is longer than it is wide with a long and narrow jawline. Your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are of similar width. Shorter is better for oblong shaped faces to avoid elongating your face even further. A blunt bob or lob cut is ideal but if you prefer length, go for some light layers or loose waves.
Knowing your face shape is essential in determining which hairstyle suits you best. The right hairstyle can make you look more balanced, confident, and beautiful, so choose wisely.
Factor in Your Daily Routine
Let’s face it, the shape of your face is not the only consideration when picking a hairstyle. After all, a hairstyle that looks great but takes too much time and effort to style each day may not be practical for your busy lifestyle. If you have a hectic schedule and limited time in the morning, a high maintenance hairstyle that requires a lot of blow-drying, styling, and maintenance may not be the best choice for you. Keep in mind that the more intricate the hairstyle, the longer it may take to create, so make sure you have enough time in your daily routine to pull off your look.
You should also consider your occupation or lifestyle. For example, if you work in a corporate setting, you may need to forego an edgy look and opt for a more conservative hairstyle. On the other hand, if you have a more creative job or lifestyle, you may be able to experiment with bolder, more unique styles. Ultimately, choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape is not just about how it looks, but also how it fits into your daily routine and lifestyle.
It’s safe to say starting every day with a great hairstyle adds a little extra confidence to your life. So, don’t be afraid to mix it up a little and experiment with a variety of hairstyles to find the one that screams – “oh yeah, this one is me!” And if creating signature styles is a passion of yours, maybe you should consider a future in the world of cosmetology! Imagine transforming someone’s day by creating a look that makes people look and feel great. Tap into your inner beauty artist and check out the Hairdressing and Cosmetology Program at Continental School of Beauty. Continental is making the world a more beautiful place by helping students get the hands-on training and skills they need to join the talented artists out there changing lives one hairstyle at a time. Contact us today to learn more.
