Having trouble deciding which hairstyle is right for you?
Many of us will see a gorgeous haircut on a celebrity or a friend, but when we try to copy it on ourselves it looks nothing short of goofy. Or hideous.
So here's the 411 on how to choose a hairstyle.
First up find out which face shape you have. Stand in front of a mirror, pull all your hair off your face and look at the width of your cheekbones, the length of your face from the highest point to your chin, and the width from temple to temple, jaw to jaw.
Typically you will fall into one of the following categories:
Diamond Shape
Slightly more pointy chin, narrow forehead and wider cheekbones
Look for styles that are narrow at the cheekbones and wider at the forehead. Add a little more fullness at the crown if required.
Actress Kim Raver has a Diamond face shape
Heart Shape:
This face shape has a more narrow chin and a broad forehead. The cheekbones are very visible. This great shape lets you choose from shorter cuts, like the pixie, a short layered cut, or a short ear length bob.
Beautiful Victoria Beckham has a heart shaped face
Naomi Campbell's perfect face is a heart shape
A shoulder length layered cut, with the bangs swept to the side flatters the heart shaped face and fills out the chin. Other fabulous styles include a layered bob with extra volume and outward flicks at chin level and asymmetric cuts are also flattering heart-shaped faces.
Just avoid blunt bangs, or too much hair pulled back off the face.
Oval Shape:
You'll see a high forehead and narrow, slightly rounded chin.
Julia Roberts oval face shape
This is the most balanced face shape and almost perfect for any type of hair style. Basically no matter what you do you will look gorgeous.
Rectangle Shape:
Normally you will see an almost equal width across the temples, the cheekbones and the jaw, as well as a slightly longer face.
Gwyneth Paltrow rectangular face shape
Kate Bosworth rectangular face shape
The most flattering styles are like chin or shoulder-length cuts with a fringe that hides the long forehead. Long straight hair accentuates the length of the face, so you need some movement to break it up, ideally bringing in a little softness and roundness.
Round Shape:
You'll see a wide, short forehead, full jaw and chin, and an overall roundness.
Note the difference in Kate Winslet's round face shape when the hairstyle is softened and gets some movement
The round shape normally makes the cheeks appear wider. Try to keep the length below the chin and add some fullness on top. A soft cut with sophisticated, face framing that curve to the sides is very slimming. Soft curls will also flatter the frame of a round face. Side swept bangs are very flattering, and break up the roundness.
Avoid bobs and chin or jaw length cuts, as they can accentuate the round look and make your head look like a ball.
Square Shape:
You will see a wide, short forehead and square jaw. The main difference from the rectangular face shape is the shorter length of the face.
Go for graduated layers with some volume at crown, soft curls, side swept bangs. Avoid cuts that end at chin or jaw length, and look for a style that has some movement.
Triangular Shape:
This face shape is the opposite of a heart shaped face. Picture a heart upside down. This face shape has a wider jawline and your face gets gradually narrower as you go up. You can wear a shorter hair style to balance this out.
Try styles with more fullness
at the forehead
that get gradually narrower at the chin.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Kathy Ireland has a triangular face shape
Most short hair cuts work for this type of face. Avoid styles with too much volume at the top.
Look for distinctive features like your nose, cheekbones, or jaw line. You can then decide to downplay or highlight these features with the style you choose. Try to pick hairstyles that
enhance your best features while camouflaging any flaws.
Adding color can really enhance your cut. Highlights and lowlights can direct the eye along the shape of your new hairdo and really bring out the best in your features, as well as totally compliment and light up your skin.
