When deciding which cut would suit you best, take your face shape into consideration. A good haircut highlights your features and brings out the best. Read this guide to learn how to determine the shape of your face, find the right cut for you and complete the mission to the hairdresser.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Discover the Shape of Your Face
Step 1. Take a self portrait
Hold the camera up to your face and take a picture with the self-timer. Have someone do it if your camera doesn't have this option.
- Resist the urge to smile in the photo. You need to understand what shape your face is in its natural position, and if you smile it may be more difficult to tell.
- If you don't have a camera, stand in front of the mirror and use an old lipstick or washable marker to trace the contours of the face. You have to go around the chin, behind the ears and along the hairline.
Step 2. Determine which of the most common shapes your face approaches
Examine the photo you took, or the sketch you drew. Which form does it come closest to? Is it round, square, heart-shaped or oval? Each of us has a different face, and you may find yours doesn't look like any of the more common shapes. Answer these questions to find out which one you are closest to:
- Is your face as wide as it is long? you probably have a round face.
- Do you have a face longer than it is wide? You have an oval face.
- Do you have an angular and square chin? Square-faced people generally have angular chins.
- Do you have a pronounced chin? You may have a heart-shaped face, especially if you have a V-shaped hairline.
Method 2 of 3: Finding the Right Cut for Your Face
Step 1. Create corners to frame a round face
Bring the best out of your soft, rounded features by making them contrast at some angle. Choose straight lines and tapered ends, and avoid too bulky and heavy cuts.
- Consider a medium to long runway length that frames the face. Choose styles that let the shorter locks fall behind the ears. Longer locks should reach a few inches below the chin.
- Longer cuts look great with round faces because they tend to lengthen the features. Consider a wavy runway to counteract the roundness.
- Asymmetrical cuts can be a bold move for those with a round face. A long, frayed fringe can create sharp angles that compensate for round features. An off-the-shoulder helmet is another ideal choice.
- Consider a pixie cut to enhance your cheeks and make your eyes look bigger.
Step 2. Play with the angles of a square face
Square faces look great with cuts that draw attention to the pronounced jaw. Alternatively, the edges can be softened by cuts that enhance the eyes and mouth, instead of the contour of the face.
- A disheveled bob at the height of the chin is an ideal setting for a square jaw, it enhances its angular beauty.
- Long curls and waves can balance an edgy face.
- Long straight hair contrasts interestingly with a square face.
- Avoid very short cuts, which draw attention to the lower part of the face, making it appear wider.
Step 3. Balance an oval face with a wispy cut
Oval faces look good with lots of cuts. Parades, fringes, curls or waves help to compensate for a long face. Keep it medium length rather than a very long or very short cut, in order to make the face appear less long.
- A straight fringe is perfect for an oval face. It highlights the eyes and contrasts with a pronounced chin.
- Long, soft waves are a classic look for those with oval faces.
- The helmets at the shoulders draw attention to the jaw, bringing out the best of an oval face.
- If you want a short cut, try a sleek cut with longer locks instead of a pixie.
Step 4. Enhance a heart-shaped face with the right length
Medium-long or long hair is a good choice for those with a heart-shaped face; balance the face by filling the area around the chin.
- Accentuate the cheekbones of a heart-shaped face with fringe or strands that end at the cheekbones.
- A side fringe highlights the eyes minimizes the forehead of a heart-shaped face.
- A pixie cut with bangs is a perfect choice for those with a heart-shaped face, because it highlights the elegant chin and makes the eyes look bigger.
Method 3 of 3: Make Sure You Get the Right Cut
Step 1. Look at photos of celebrities who have similar faces to yours
Browse the thousands of resources available online to observe the face shapes and cuts they choose. When it's time to go to the hairdresser, print some photos of your favorite cuts so the hairdresser knows what you have in mind.
- Kirsten Dunst and Ginnifer Goodwin have round faces.
- Salma Hayek and Lucy Liu have square faces.
- Jada Pinkett and Megan Fox have oval faces.
- Reese Witherspoon and Christina Ricci have heart-shaped faces
Step 2. Ask your hairdresser for advice
Your hairdresser knows very well which cuts enhance face shapes, so it's an important resource. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, but don't be persuaded to make a cut you don't like or don't want.
Step 3. Don't let the shape of your face stop you from getting the cut you want
If you love the super short pixie cut and just want to try it even if you have a square face, go for a pixie cut. If you wear it confidently and stylishly, you'll be fine - and if not, wait for your hair to grow back to try something different.
