Have you ever wondered what the shape of your face is? To understand it, you just need a little preparation and the evaluation of some features. Knowing your face shape will help you choose the hairstyle that suits you best, the best makeup and neckline type, and even the perfect eyewear model.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Determine Face Size
Step 1. Pull your hair back
To be able to see the shape of the face correctly, you will need to gather your hair in a ponytail or bun. Also pull back bangs or tuft. A clean and uncovered face will allow you to evaluate all the characteristics that determine its shape.
It is advisable to wear a shirt that does not cover the neck and chin, for example, a low-cut or V-necked shirt, or remain bare-chested
Step 2. Prepare what you need
You will need a mirror and a writing utensil, such as an eyebrow, lip or eye pencil, or a highlighter. Make sure the mirror is large enough for you to see your entire face clearly and that it is hanging on the wall, or leaning against a table so that you can use both hands. Make sure the room is bright and your face is fully illuminated. You will need to be able to see every corner of the face and you certainly don't want to miss the shape because of the shadows.
Step 3. Trace the outline of the face
Stand in front of the mirror with your face in the center. Mark the contours of the face. If you want, outline the entire face now or draw dots around the face, marking the top and the contours of the forehead; the contours of the cheekbones, jaw and lower chin area. After marking the dots, connect them together by creating a facsimile of your face shape.
- If you want, use the bathroom mirror after a shower. Just trace the outline of the face on the mirror with the steam. Make sure you take note of the shape before the condensation disappears.
- If you don't have a mirror, take a picture of your face with a relaxed expression and draw the contours. The result will be the same.
Step 4. Determine the size of the face
After tracing the contours of the face, it's time to evaluate its size. Observe the width of the forehead, cheekbones, chin profile and the length between the forehead and chin. Compare each side and evaluate the most pronounced area, the smallest area and the relationship between them. Answer the following questions: How wide is the forehead relative to the chin profile? How big are the cheekbones compared to the forehead and chin? How long is the face? The relationship between these points determines the shape of the face. Move on to the next section to determine the shape of your face and to understand the characteristics of each shape.
- If you are undecided between two shapes, try a more specific method to understand which areas of the face are larger than others. In front of the mirror, measure the length between the lateral edges of the forehead, between the cheekbones or temples, between the edges of the jaw and the area from the chin to the hairline. Use these exact measurements to determine which are the largest and smallest areas of the face.
- If you are still in doubt, ask a friend to help you. Sometimes it is easier for an outsider to evaluate the shape of your face because they are used to seeing you more often.
Part 2 of 2: Understanding the Shape of Your Face
Step 1. Understand the round face
You have a round face if the face is the same wide and long; if the sides of the face are rounded and not clean and if the profile of the chin is round and full. People with round faces often claim to have chubby cheeks, however, it is the cheeks that give them a youthful look.
People with a round face should avoid haircuts that go all the way to the chin line as they accentuate the round and short features of the face. It is better to opt for hairstyles below the chin that give the illusion of elongating the face
Step 2. Recognize the heart-shaped face
You have a heart-shaped face if your forehead and cheekbones are wider than the lower part of the face; if the profile of the chin is angular and if the chin is pronounced and angular. In addition, the forehead is often broad and may feature the widow's peak from which the name derives. This shape is often described as an inverted triangle, due to the protrusion of the chin, the width of the forehead and the cheekbones.
To heart-shaped faces they give long, wavy hair with thick bangs, which hides the broad forehead and proportions the face. Or, chin-height cuts, which balance the jaw protrusion. Avoid haircuts above the chin as they make the face less proportionate
Step 3. Interpret the oval face
You have an oval face if cheekbones and chin profile are approximately the same width; if the forehead is slightly wider; if the face is only slightly longer than its width and if the chin is slightly more rounded and smaller than the width of the forehead.
Since the oval face is very proportionate, there are few hairstyles that do not suit it. Bangs or no bangs, long or short hair, this face shape gives any cut. It is also often regarded as the ideal face due to its proportions and because it fits any style
Step 4. Recognize the square face
You have a square face if the face is nearly as wide as it is long; if cheekbones and chin profile are approximately the same size; if the hairline is flat and if the chin profile is characterized by minimal curves. The forehead is often broad and is as broad as the cheekbones.
If you have a square face, opt for long cuts, which elongate the face and help to slim the wide and pronounced jaw. The hair can also be worn curly around the face to soften the corners of the jaw, or with the side parting to draw attention to one side of the face, lengthening it. It is advisable to avoid fringes or smooth bob cuts that would highlight the severe angles of the face
Step 5. Recognize the oblong face
You have an oblong face if your forehead, cheekbones and chin profile are roughly the same width; if the face and forehead are long and if the chin is slightly pointed. In addition, the face will be considerably longer than it is wide (at least 60% more), a characteristic that distinguishes the oblong face from the oval one. This shape is also known as rectangular.
To oblong faces they give hairstyles that make it wider, such as long and voluminous curls. The more voluminous the hair around the cheekbones, the wider the face will look. Alternatively, you can make your face look shorter with a nice fringe or side parting
Step 6. Understand the diamond shaped face
You have a diamond-shaped face if your chin is narrow and pointed; if the cheekbones are high and pronounced and if the forehead is smaller than the cheekbones. The face is slightly longer than it is wide and the chin profile may taper towards the pointed chin.
