Hairstyling Do’s and Don’ts for Your Face Shape

Have you ever perused through a magazine and stumbled across a hairstyle that looks absolutely stunning? And then decided that is THE cut for you? And then cried your eyes out after the stylist gave you the precise cut that you requested? Of course you have – we all have! Before you blame the stylist, (with the exception of a woman that we’ll refer to as Edwina Scissorhands), you need to understand that educating yourself is a good way to get the haircut and hairstyle that looks good on you. 

Consider this, you know your body type and take that into account when shopping. Why? Because you know that certain materials and styles aren’t flattering for your body type. The same rule goes for getting the most flattering cut for you. Your face shape plays a big role in choosing the best a hair cut! Here are tips for determining your face shape, and how to highlight your features accordingly.

Face Shape Analysis: Pull your hair away from your face into a ponytail. Then, standing in front of a mirror look at the width of your forehead, cheeks and jaw. Match your dimensions to the below.

Round: Forehead, cheeks and jaw are the same width, without a pronounced jaw line.

• Do - Elongate a round face with a lengthening cut and sharp angles.
• Do - Even out your proportions and slim cheeks with layers that start at least two inches below the jaw.
• Don’t - Cut blunt fringe (bangs) that mimics the roundness of the face.

Triangle: Forehead width is narrower than jaw width.

• Do - Soften this bold shape by cutting layers fuller through the top and taper towards the jaw.
• Do - Backcomb hair near the roots to achieve volume if you have fine hair.
• Don’t - Cut a blunt bob ending near the jaw line, it will accentuate jaw width.

Square: Four widest points on the face are the outer corners of the forehead and jaw. These points are parallel.

• Do - Tone down sharp angles by cutting layers or fringe that start near the eyes/cheekbone and cascade downward.
• Do - Work a trendy, short lob with a few layers to slim down the jaw.
• Don’t - Blunt layers at the jaw line or forehead, which widen and square off the face.

Diamond: Cheekbones are the most dominant feature, while forehead and jaw are narrower.

• Do - Create the illusion of more proportion by cutting layers that stop near the jaw, which adds width and dimension.
• Do - Add balance by cutting shorter bangs to bring the eye to the forehead.
• Don’t - Cut soft, cascading fringe that lands near the cheekbone, bringing the eye to that feature.