Choosing the right hairstyle for your face

Do you feel that your hairstyle makes your round face look chubby? Your square jaw more pronounced?
The key to finding the right hairstyle for your face shape lies in first deciding what your face shape is.

First, grab a tape measure and take the following measurements:
-From your hairline to your chin
-Across the widest part of your forehead
-Across the widest part of your cheekbones
-Across the widest part of your jaw line
If your length is 1.5 times the width of your face, you have an oval face.
Congratulations! This is the shape that allows you the most diversity in haircuts. Wear your hair short, long, or in between. Your hair can be pulled away from your face or layered to create interest. Why not try the squared off bangs that are in vogue at the moment? You have the in-proportion features that are made for experimentation, so live it up!

If your face length and the width across your cheekbones are closer to being equal, you have a round face. The benefit of this face type is its ability to age well- lending credence to the round "baby face" stereotype. A round face can tend to look too full, though. To combat this fullness, opt for a hairstyle that creates volume at the crown of the head rather than the sides. Hair length should be either short or longer than chin length. It is best to part the hair on the side, as a center part will only draw attention to the fullness of the face.

Does your jaw line measurement equal your forehead measurement? You probably have a square face. The goal with a haircut is to soften the lines of your strong jaw. Your hair can be any length as long as it includes face-framing layers. Ask for side swept bangs, long layers, and a side part. Curls or waves also soften a square face.

Is your face widest at the forehead and cheekbones but graduates to a delicate chin? You have a heart-shaped face. This shape looks best when hair is fullest at the jaw line. A chin length bob looks great, but going any shorter may draw too much attention to the width of your upper face. Avoid height and volume at the crown of your head, which will make your chin appear smaller than it is.

Is the length of your face more than 1.5 times the width? You have a long face. The best hairstyle for you creates volume on the sides of your head. Avoid long hair, as it tends to drag your long face down. Also avoid volume on the crown of your head, as it will lengthen your face. Bangs were made for your face type. They break up the length of your forehead creating a shorter look. They can be squared off or side swept. Layers around the face will also soften the length.

There are hairstyles that play up each person's best features. Talk with your stylist about the best way to work with your face shape and hair texture. You'll be amazed with the results!