Your Face Shape

Knowing your face shape can help you determine which hair style is perfect for you. With this bit of information you will be ready to pick out the perfect hair style that compliments the shape of your face and therefore, brings out all of your best features.

If the shape of your face is oval like Elle MacPherson, than you can wear any hair style. But what if it's not? The wrong hair cut or hair style can accent features (or flaws) you'd rather not show off. Learn what shape your face is and you'll be ready to pick the perfect hair style for you.

To determine the shape of your face, pull back all your hair and take a good look in the mirror.

1- You can draw the outline of your face on the mirror with lipstick (will wipe off with a good window cleaner). Then stand back a take a good look.
2. Run a tape measure across you jawline from one end to the other at the widest point. Write this measurement down.

3. Run a tape measure across you cheekbones at the widest point. Write this measurement down.

4. Run a tape measure from the start of your hairline to the bottom of your face. Write this measurement down.

Now check your measurements to find out which shape your face is.

Square Face: Your measurements are very close in number and your face has a square look to it.

Square Face Shape: A square face has a broader jawline and forehead.Pick a hairstyle that is fuller on the top and sides.

A blunt hair cut, that falls below the chin, with lots of feathery bangs is ideal. Avoid a super short hair style.

Round Face: Your measurements are about the same for the length and the width. Your face has a definite circle look to it. 

Round Face Shape: A round face is very full without clearly defined cheekbones. The perfect hair style has face framing layers with bangs that curve to the side which will help to slim the face. Length (always below the chin) and fullness at the top with less fullness on the sides of your hair style will make your face appear slimmer and longer. Short bobs and blunt cuts should be avoided.

Heart Face: Your cheekbones or forehead measurements are wider than your jawline measurement.

Heart Face Shape: This face shape has a narrow chin that leads up to a broad forehead. The cheekbones are very visible. This great shape lets you choose from shorter cuts, like the pixie, a short layered cut, or a short ear length bob. A shoulder length layered cut, with the bangs swept to the side flatters the heart shaped face and fills out the chin.  

Avoid full straight bangs that spotlight your forehead. Also avoid a style that takes your hair completeiy off your face if you wish to have your face look less round.

Oval Face: The length of your face is longer than the width of your face, usually around one and half times.

Oval Face Shape: An oval face is perfectly proportioned with chiseled-looking cheekbones. This is the face shape by which all other face shapes are judged by. Because of the perfect proportions, this face shape lends itself to any hairstyle. You can experiment to see which one works best with your type of hair. 

 You can consider yourself lucky if this is the shape of your face in terms of hairstyle variety because just about every hairstyle flatters it!

 Triangular Face: Your jawline is your widest measurement, and your cheekbones and forehead get gradually smaller.

Triangle Faces: This face shape is the opposite of a heart shaped face. Picture a heart upside down. This face shape has a wider jawline and your face gets gradually narrower as you go up. You can wear a shorter hair style to balance this out. Try styles with more fullness at the forehead that get gradually narrower at the chin. 

Try centering your hair off to the side instead of right down the middle for a more slender looking face.

You can also get a wedge or shag haircut. Lots of layers will give you the fullness you need in the top half of your face to create balance.

A great trick to spotlight your eyes is to tuck your hair behind your ears.

 Diamond Face: Your forehead and jawline measurements are about the same and your cheekbones have the widest measurement.

Diamond Face Shape: This face shape has a small forehead and chin with very prominent cheekbones.
It lends itself to a variety of hairstyles. A shoulder length blunt cut with some wispy bangs will disguise the fact that your face is widest in the center. This hairstyle will even out the proportions of your face.

You can also wear a short curly layered cut and accomplish the same thing. Your cheekbones are your best asset, so be sure to give them a little blush.

Oblong or Long Face The length of your face is your largest measurement.

Oblong or Long Face Shape: This face shape is long and thin with a more pointed chin.
You should pick a hairstyle with width and length. Fluffy bangs with a short layered cut, with fullest at the temples, will make your face look wider.

You can also pick a hair style with a shoulder length layered cut that has lots of waves or curls to add softness and fullness to a long pointed face.
Try to avoid the long, flat, and straight hair style. It only serves to make your face look longer.