Friday, November 9, 2007

Hair that Flatters

No matter your face shape, there will be cuts that look best on you. (Except for this style which looks great on almost everyone). Here's a quick guide of what to look for and what to avoid for five different face shapes.

Oval Face Shapes
The oval face is the most versatile face. You can pull off almost any look -- short, long, straight or wavy. No matter the length of your cut, you'll look best with layers near your cheekbones, lips or chin -- basically whatever feature you want to highlight.

Styles that are flattering and stylish: Chin-skimming bobs, blunt bangs, long beachy waves (think California surfer girl).

Avoid: Short layers that add height on top of your head. This will make your face appear long. If your hair is thick or curly, avoid a blunt cut. You'll look like a pyramid.

Celebs who share your face shape: Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Jada Pinkett Smith

Tools you can't live without: A great curling iron and flatiron to create waves and straighten your sleek locks.

Long or "Oblong" Face Shapes
Ahhh, the long face shape. The perfect haircut is one that doesn't drag down the face, yet adds width.

Styles that are flattering: Side-swept bangs (I plan to never go without them again). Chin-length bobs are also ideal for this face shape because they create the illusion of width. You will look great curly or wavy (these also add width).

Avoid: Stay away from extremely long or short cuts. These elongate your face. Long hair looks best with a few layers cut in, especially around the face. You might also consider a v-shaped style, where the length is mainly in the back, while the sides and front of your hair appear shorter. Super hot styles now: Long layers.

Celebs who share your face shape: Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Giselle Bundchen

Styling tools you can't live without: A great volumizer. My favorite is Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray, I also love the hairspray Big Sexy Hair Flip it Over Full and Wild.

Round Face Shapes
Your goal is to create less volume around the face. You also want to minimize the appearance of roundness.

Styles that are flattering and stylish: Try cuts that fall just below the chin. Soft, graduated layers are a great bet because they make your face appear slimmer and tend to remove bulk and weight from the sides. Consider wispy and tapered ends. These de-emphasize the roundness of your face. Bangs are flattering, but keep them long or sideswept.

Avoid: One-length, blunt cuts if you have short hair. Curly, short hair is also a no-no. These only emphasize your roundness.

Celebs who share your face shape: Fergie, Kate Bosworth, Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Tools you need: A great Boar's Hair brush to keep hair tame.

Square Face Shapes
If you have a square face, you'll want to play down your strong, angular jaw. Texture, in the form of curls or choppy ends, do this brilliantly. You can also get away with short, spiky cuts and long, sleek styles with layers that start at the jawline and continue downward.

Avoid: One-length bobs (especially chin-length) and blunt-cut bangs. These will make your face look even more square.

Celebs who share your face shape: Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie, Isabella Rosellini and Rosario Dawson

Heart Face Shapes
Your pointy chin tends to be the focal point of your face. Draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones instead with sideswept bangs (like Reese Witherspoon pictured here), brow-grazing fringe, a strong part and hair that falls at or below your jawline. Have short hair? Keep top layers soft and long. Long hair? Go for long layers that graze your cheekbones.

Avoid: Short, blunt-cut bangs and harsh, choppy layers.

Celebs who share your face shape: Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon, Ziyi Zhang


2 comments:

mamie said...

I struggle with hair cuts all the time. I should take a copy of this the next time Nancy does my hair! Maybe we can come up with a terrific style that's easy to work with and quick on work days!

Rachael said...

I'm still trying to figure out my own face shape?? I propose we discuss this next thursday over some turkey :) by he way your food dishes are looking scrumptious!!I haven't shown then to Steve yet, he might get jealous....