How to Choose the Right Haircut for Your Face Shape
Or why some people can pull off blunt bangs while others are better suited to wispy fringe, or none at all? Well, it has a lot to do with face shape. Certain haircuts and styles can accentuate or downplay strong facial features. We've done the research and found out which cuts are recommended (and which aren't) for oval, round, heart and square faces. Check out 3 gorgeous looks for each face shape:
For ROUND faces:
1. Asymmetrical Cuts
If you have wide cheeks without any sharp-angled features, an asymmetrical cut (a piecey cut with a mix of lengths) will add some angles and shape. A side-swept bang is especially flattering, adding definition to your face.
Avoid: Blunt bangs, one-length hair, chin-length bobs (one length), and any hairstyle that adds width to the side of your face.
2. Face-Framing Long Hair
If you prefer long hair (and especially if you prefer a center part), add some face-framing angles starting at the chin. It'll reduce bulk around your face and chop up the round shape.
3. Layered Pixie
Round-faced beauties like Michelle Williams and Ginnifer Goodwin prove that a pixie cut can be incredibly flattering. Add some longer layers with a little height up top to elongate your face.
Related:25 pretty hairstyles that take less than 10 minutes
For SQUARE faces:
1. Long and Straight
Some of the most famous square-faced beauties (like Demi Moore and Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years) wear their hair very long and sleek with a center part. A center part opens up the face, complimenting a strong jawline, and long hair softens an angular face.
For wavy hair, try smoothing the top and having waves from the chin down to help blend a sharp jawline.
Avoid: Any cut that creates a boxy look, like blunt bangs and bobs.
2. Messy, Layered Shag
For shoulder-length hair, go for the messy, tousled look with lots of piecey layers - especially if you want bangs, like Rachel McAdams. Layers and loose curls or waves add a softer look to a square face shape.
3. Tapered Bob
If you want to cut your hair short, square-faced women (like the gorgeous Keira Knightley) look good with a layered bob that starts at the chin and tapers up the back. It creates a rounded shape to soften your features.
Related: 10 beauty secrets every woman should know
For HEART-SHAPED faces:
1. Side-swept Bangs
Those with a heart-shaped face tend to have a wider forehead and prominent cheekbones that narrow into a pointy chin. Dramatically side-swept bangs look flattering for any length hair - long, short, and even pixies - because it balances out your heart-shaped face.
Avoid: Heavy, choppy cuts that add volume to the top of your head.
2. Bouncy Bob
Heart-shaped faces tend to come to a point, so chin-length hair with bouncy volume can help fill in the chin area, adding more of a round shape than a sharp triangle.
3. Long Layers
If you prefer longer hair, you can still fill in the triangular chin area with layers that start below the ears and/or more voluminous waves from the ears down. Keep the top of your hair sleek to balance out a heart-shaped face.
Related: The best glasses for your face shape
For OVAL faces:
1. Waves and Layers
If you have an oval face, you're one of the lucky ones. Pretty much any hairstyle will look good with your well-balanced facial features.
If your face is a little on the longer side, you'll want to find a haircut that fills out your face and adds some width. And if your oval face has sharper angles (like a diamond shape), you'll want to create soft lines with movement.
No matter what kind of oval face you have, waves help add some width and softness - especially for those with a center part, which tends to lengthen your face as is.
2. Straight Bangs
This is one of the few face shapes that look really good with blunt full bangs - making your face look wider and not quite as long.
Avoid: Volume on top of your head, which lengthens an already long face.
3. Edgy Side-Swept Pixie
Rihanna made this "notice me" style famous, and it's perfect for adding some angles to an oval face and emphasizing your cheekbones.
- By Michelle Horton
Follow Michelle on Babble
For more tips on the best hairstyle for your face shape, visit Babble!
MORE ON BABBLE
7 things you need in your makeup bag when traveling
16 makeup trends inspired by The Hunger Games
6 essential steps to a healthy complexion
25 eco-friendly beauty steals under $10
11 beauty products you already have in your kitchen
