Hairstyles to complement your face shape

The shape of your face is a key factor in determining the hairstyles that best frame and complement your good-looking face. Just as certain colours suit particular skin tones, haircuts and styles also work best for certain face shapes. Whether you have a round, square or long face-shape, there are cuts and styles that will enhance your gorgeousness, and likewise, some that will not be so flattering.

The fundamental idea with a hairstyle is to bring geometric balance by highlighting your best features, and minimising your not-so-favourite ones. We’ve put together a basic summary of the main face shapes so that you can define what you should be looking for in a haircut. If you’re not sure, our team are happy to advise you on the styles that will suit you best!

[caption id="attachment_774" align="aligncenter" width="204" caption="Image courtesy of Zimbio"][/caption]	Oval Characteristics: Curved and evenly proportioned shape, the length of your face is equal to approximately one and a half times the width; your forehead and jaw are about the same width. Styles that work best: As the most versatile face shape, an oval face can pull off just about any style - from a pixie cut to long layers and everything in between. Opt for a cut that highlights your best feature – a cute fringe will draw attention to your eyes, an angled bob will show off your jawline. Styles to avoid: Be wary of cuts that elongate your face too much – layers that are too short will add height to the top of your head, layers that are too long will drag the face down.
[caption id="attachment_775" align="aligncenter" width="203" caption="Image courtesy of Zimbio"][/caption]	Round Characteristics: Soft, rounded rather than angular features, and a similar width between your forehead, cheekbones and jaw. Styles that work best: Add length to your face by opting for soft, gradual and long layers. Create height at the crown of your head and minimise width-wise volume, with an edgy crop that’s short on the sides, with feathered layers on top. A side-swept fringe or a deep side parting can be super slimming! Styles to avoid: Cuts that add volume to the sides of your face such as short, blunt bobs and layers. Also, stay away from thick, blunt fringes as they shorten and widen your face.
[caption id="attachment_778" align="aligncenter" width="204" caption="Image courtesy of Allure"][/caption]	Square Characteristics: A similar width between your forehead, cheekbones and jaw (like the round face shape) with strong, angular features. Square faces are apparently the best face shape to photograph and tend to age well! Styles that work best: The aim is to soften the angles. Any length will work, but be sure to add texture and layers that frame the face and soften the jawline. A textured, choppy bob is a great option. Styles to avoid: Blunt bobs and heavy fringes will only emphasise the strong, broad angles of a square face, as will slicked back hairstyles – stick to soft, face-framing styles.
[caption id="attachment_776" align="aligncenter" width="203" caption="Image courtesy of Zimbio"][/caption]	Heart Characteristics: Wider at the forehead and narrow at the jawline, with defined cheekbones. Styles that work best: Create volume around the jawline and draw attention to your cheekbones with chin-length layers or a simple bob. Highlight your eyes with a brow-grazing or side-swept fringe. Styles to avoid: Stay clear of styles that emphasise your forehead or add width to the upper face, such as short choppy layers or an exposed forehead - you want to stick to styles that are soft and sleek on top, with minimal volume on the sides.
[caption id="attachment_777" align="aligncenter" width="204" caption="Image courtesy of Zimbio"][/caption]	Long Characteristics: High forehead, narrow jawline and your face in longer than it is wide. Styles that work best: Look for styles that add width to your face. Full fringes and bob cuts are great options. If you’d prefer longer locks, be sure to add graduated layers to add volume to the sides. Styles to avoid: Long, straight styles will tend to elongate your face, so ideally opt for short to medium length cuts. Likewise, avoid super-short “top heavy” pixie cuts for the same reason.