Finding the Perfect Hairstyle

Deciding which hairstyle to try next is always a stressful task for any woman. Our hairstyle choice can mean the difference in looking five years older or five years younger. A woman’s hair is an essential part of the “complete package”, so finding the perfect one for your face shape is extremely important.

There are six basic face shapes – oval, round, square, triangle, oblong and heart shaped. To find which shape best describes your face pull your hair back and study your face in the mirror. I will list the characteristics of each face shape below, as it may be easier to understand:

Oval – evenly proportioned, egg shaped

Round – round at the hairline and chin line, wide face, baseball shaped

Square – straight hairline, angled jaw line, wide face

Triangle – wide chin with narrow forehead

Heart shaped – upside down triangle face, narrow jaw line and widest at eye line

Oblong – long and thin face with rounded chin and jaw line, chin will appear pointed, much like oval

If you are still having trouble deciding which face shape matches yours, try drawing the outline of your face onto the mirror with lipstick. Step away from the mirror and study the shape you have drawn on the mirror. Pick the one it most closely resembles. You will most likely be correct, but if you have questions go to a professional to have them determine your face shape.

Now that you have determined your face shape, let’s see what the best hairstyle will be for your shape! The oval faced shape has the most leeway with hairstyles. Almost any style will complement this face shape. For instance, an oval face shape could easily carry off a short pixie cut or a shoulder length layered bob.

A round face needs the illusion of length to thin the face out a bit, so a longer hairstyle is best for you. If you have a round face and you have short hair at the moment part your hair on the side. It will interrupt the roundness of the face, whereas a center part would not. Bangs should be avoided on a round face.

If you have a square face you want your hairstyle to soften the hard lines of the square, so short layers in longer hair are best. Bangs that are swept to the side also soften the sharp lines of the square face. This face shape can handle lots of wispy layers, so take advantage!
If you have a triangle face shape you want to find a hairstyle that narrows the chin line and widens the forehead. In other words, a hairstyle that has a lot of volume on the top of the head is best. Do not choose a hairstyle that has a lot of volume around the chin. This face shape looks best with a cut that is below the chin or longer.

A heart shaped face needs a little balancing around the chin area. You tend to be pointed in this area, so you want to add the illusion of fullness. For instance, a rounded bob would look great on this face shape. To add a little softness to the forehead a side swept bang would also look great for this face shape. Avoid any style that will cling to closely to the face, though.

A short hairstyle complements the oblong shaped face. You don’t want anything past your shoulders because it will only lengthen the face and you definitely don’t need that. This face shape can carry off bangs with perfection! Wearing a side part is also flattering to this face shape. Asymmetric hairstyles look great on this face shape!

Now, I hope I have helped you to find the perfect hairstyle for you! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at erinlove@panachebyerin.com. I will be happy to help you. Otherwise, it is time to make that much needed and anticipated hair appointment!