The shape of you
Ready to find your perfect hairstyle? Here’s how to choose cuts that flatter your face shape.
PHOTO Salina Galvan
Before heading to the salon for your favourite celebrity’s haircut, take a moment to consider which style will suit you best. Understanding your face shape can make a world of difference to which hairstyle works for you – and help you avoid that dreaded post-fringe regret. If you’re unsure about your face shape, grab an eyebrow pencil – or similar – that wipes off easily, trace the outline of your face in the bathroom mirror, step back, and voilà!
Square = Minimal cheekbones, wide chin, square jawline.
Round = Curved edges, round chin, full cheekbones.
Heart = more length than width, wide forehead, narrow jawline.
Oval = pronounced cheekbones, soft curved chin, narrow jawline.
Square Shape
Square
Nice and soft chin-to-collarbone layers will soften a strong jaw. A side parting with side-swept bangs will minimise a wide forehead. If your hair is wavy or curly, a middle parting with a few short layers that fall over your forehead and softly around your face work well. Any length that ends at the jawline is going to emphasise the width of your face.
Round Shape
Round
A blunt straight across fringe will enhance your cheekbones while a deep side parting will emphasise your bone structure. A shoulder-dusting length for straight hair is most flattering, or wavy hair can be slightly longer to mid-back. Consider long layers as these elongate your face shape.
Heart Shape
Heart
Thinking of going short? Heart-shaped faces are perfect for the pixie cut. Curly wavy hair? To balance the forehead width, encourage fullness around the shoulders with layers.
Oval Shape
Oval
Heavy shaping around the face with layers, starting just below the eyes will make your face look fuller. If hair is long, avoid all one length.