How to: Find the Best Hair Style for your Face Shape

Fri, 1 February 2013 3:11PM

Choosing the right haircut to frame your face is the beauty equivalent of investing in a flattering little black dress. Get it right and you’ll always look sleek and stylish, no matter what is going on elsewhere.

There’s also a certain science to the art. It’s all about proportions. Just as a tight bodice and flowing skirt suits (and balances out) more buxom girls, long layered hair falling from a centre part best complements (and fills out) a heart-shaped face.

But unlike your LBD, you’re going to be donning your ‘do all day, every day. Talk about commitment, Primpers!

The most common face shapes are square, oval, circle and heart. Pinpointing exactly what your shape is can be difficult, especially if you’re prone to bias (I’d love to think I slot into the oval group, being able to carry off any style, but I’m actually a circle).

The ideal person to seek out expert advice from is your hairstylist, who has the eye, and years of experience, to know exactly what looks best for you.

So on that note, Primpers, Jaye Edwards from the Surry Hills hair salon Edwards and Co has offered up some key tips to guide us in decoding our most flattering haircut yet.

If you’re a Heart, think Reese Witherspoon …

“A middle part with soft long layers and shaping around the face works best as it softens her pointed chin,” says Jaye. Slightly curled hair is also a flattering style for this shape, as it helps to round out a more narrow face.

If you’re a Square, think Olivia Wilde …

“Go for a collarbone-length cut with a sweeping fringe and soft layers,” advises Jaye. “This helps to elongate the face as well as soften the jawbone.” Also try adding a few subtle highlights to add extra depth, and to draw the eyes up and away from a bottom-heavy face.

If you’re a Circle, think Kirsten Dunst …

“A slight fringe adds extra dimension as well as drawing attention away from a large forehead,” says Jaye, who adds that the most flattering cut for a circular-shaped face would be a pixie crop, as it would frame the face so well. But if you’re too scared to part with your long locks, try wearing them up in a high pony.

If you’re an Oval, think Megan Fox …

This is the most versatile of all the face shapes, being able to carry off most styles beautifully, but long hair looks particularly stunning, says Jaye. “You can get away with long lengths so you might as well enjoy them!” If you’re blessed with an oval-shaped face and after long, silky strands, make sure to invest in a good quality hair mask and treat your hair to some TLC to keep it looking healthy.

- Sarah Sayers

Posted by: Awesome Intern

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Tags: hair cut, kirsten dunst, long hair, megan fox, olivia wilde, reese witherspoon