What hairstyles suit me?

Ever wondered what hairstyles suit your face shape? First of all you need to determine your face shape - using the descriptions below, an image consultant or your hairdresser. Then follow the guidelines for what you're trying to achieve with your hairstyle and what shapes suit you.

Oval

Face shape characteristics


The face length is noticeably longer than the width
The forehead is wider than the chin

Aim of hairstyle


To repeat the natural balance of the face

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Most hairstyles will suit this face
Avoid anything that covers too much of your face - it will drown your features


Oval face shape


Round

Face shape characteristics


Cheekbones are wider than the forehead and jawline
Outline is curved in a circular shape

Aim of hairstyle


To elongate the face

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Anything adding height to the top
Soft around face to reduce width (eg soft layers/feathery bits)
Soft/asymetric fringes
Nothing which adds width
Avoid centre parting
Avoid very short or full styles


Round face shape


Oblong

Face shape characteristics


The forehead, cheekbones and jawline are almost the same width
The length of the face is noticeably longer than the width

Aim of hairstyle


To soften and shorten the face

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Add some fullness at sides, with light feathering and layers
Fringes to shorten the face
Avoid long straight hair with a centre parting
Avoid height on top


Oblong face shape


Square

Face shape characteristics


The forehead, cheekbone and jawline are of a similar width
The length of the face is short in proportion to the width

Aim of hairstyle


To lengthen face

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Add height to the crown
Layered or asymmetrical cuts
Movement at temples and sides to soften
Avoid anything that adds width
Avoid straight bobs, heavy fringes and centre partings


Square face shape


Heart

Face shape characteristics


The forehead and cheekbones are wider than the jawline
There is a v shaped chin and a widow's peak

Aim of hairstyle


To balance the lower and upper proportion

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Fringes will soften a wide forehead
Avoid creating a top heavy look
Chin to shoulder length will enhance most


Heart face shape


Pear

Face shape characteristics


The jawline is wider than the forehead and cheekbones

Aim of hairstyle


To balance the lower and upper proportion

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Anything that adds width to the top part of the head Avoid styles that are full around the chin area


Pear face shape


Diamond

Face shape characteristics


Cheekbones are wider than the forehead and jawline
The jawline is angular and pointed

Aim of hairstyle


To balance the difference between the length and width

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


Fringes add fullness to forehead
Avoid exposing the hairline and ears
Add fullness to temple and jawline


Diamond face shape


Triangular

Face shape characteristics


The forehead and cheekbones are of a similar width
The jawline is pointed

Aim of hairstyle


To soften forehead and add volume to jawline

Hairstyles that will suit this face shape


A light feathered fringe
Movement at temples and sides to soften
A one length bob finishing around your earlobe
Avoid anything that adds volume to the temples
Avoid hair scraped back off face


Triangle face shape