The Best Haircuts for Your Face Shape

Although the perfect face shape is considered to be oval, there are cuts that look best for every face shape. Consider this: the object of every haircut is to create the illusion of an oval face shape. So before you go in with a photo in hand, consider and consult with you stylist both your face shape as well as the shape of your head. Here is a quick guide of what to look for and things to avoid for the 5 most common face shapes. OVAL: Considered the most versatile face shape. Fortunately for you, just about any look is great for you. Whatever length you decide to go with, you will look best with layers nearest your cheekbones, lips or chin. If any of these features are ones you want to highlight, go with a layer here. Avoid: anything that will add height to the top of your head. You don’t want to elongate your head. (i.e. short layers at the crown) Famous celebrities with oval face shapes: Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Jada Pinkett Smith OBLONG: Your objective if you have an oblong or elongated face shape is to create balance with width. Long, side-swept bangs are currently very modern and chic. If you like to wear your hair a moderate length, try a chin-length bob. Waves, curls and layers will also add width, but do avoid short layers. Short layers will add more length and volume on top of your head. Avoid: extremely long or extremely short haircuts. Both will elongate your face. If you do have long hair (past your shoulders) make sure to cut in some layers to create interest and width. Famous celebrities with long or oblong face shapes: Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Giselle Bundchen. ROUND: The best style if you have a round face shape is one that falls right below your chin or a style that can add a bit of volume to the top of your head. Your objective with a round face shape is to use styles that will add length to your face. You can use soft, graduated layers – they will remove some of the weight from the sides and visually make your face appear longer. Bangs are also and option, but make sure to keep them long, side-swept or wispy. Avoid: Blunt cuts or all one length hairstyles. These will only accentuate your roundness. Famous celebrities with round face shapes: Kate Bosworth, Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones. SQUARE: You strong angular lines will need to be softened if you have a square face shape. Get some texture with curls or choppy ends. Long, sleek styles with layers that begin at the jaw line and keep moving down as well as short, spiky cuts will work for you. Notice the two extremes you are able to wear. Avoid: One-length haircuts and anything that is ‘squared off’. (Chin-length bobs/blunt cut bangs) They will only serve to make your face more square. Famous celebrities with square face shapes: Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Mandy More, Rosario Dawson. HEART: With your pointed chin you will want to draw attention up to your eyes and cheekbones. Try some wavy layers that graze your cheekbones, and if you have short hair, keep the layers soft and long. Keep bangs soft and fringe like at your brow. (Drawing attention to your eyes) Your hair should fall either at or below your jaw line to keep attention away from chin. Avoid: Blunt-cut bangs and hard, choppy layers-keep everything soft. Famous celebrities with heart face shapes: Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon, Ziyi Zhang.