You see the hottest celebs, and you'd die for a haircut just like theirs. Before you run out and change your look, compare their facial structure to yours to make sure the style will be as flattering on you. Ask your mom if she knows what type face shape she has. Don't be surprised if she doesn't. Since the face you're born with is the one you'll be looking at for decades to come, it pays to find out whether your face is round, oblong, oval, heart-shaped, or square. We thought we'd help by supplying a guide for figuring out what face shape you have and what hairstyles will enhance your natural beauty. Read on to learn how to find the best "haircuts for face shapes."
Haircuts for Face Shapes: Find Out the Shape of Your Face
While you can outline your face shape on a mirror with lipstick, or drape it with a towel and ask your friends to help guess the shape, there is actually a scientific way to determine your face shape once and for all. Since the knowledge will last a lifetime, it's worth the extra few minutes. Do it with a friend to make sure your measurements are accurate.
Use a tape measure to measure your face across the top of your cheekbones, extending from the edge of one cheekbone to the exact point on the other cheekbone. Write down that number. Then run the tape measure across your face to measure, horizontally, the widest part of your jawline. Write down that number. Then measure across the widest part of your forehead, above your brow line, and below your hairline. Write down that number. Finally, run the tape measure from the tip of your hairline to the bottom tip of your chin. Write down that number.
While most people's faces are not perfect examples of any shape, here are the general rules for finding the best haircuts for face shapes.
- If your face is longer than wide, you have an OBLONG face.
- If your face length is almost exactly 1½ times longer than the width of your face, you have an OVAL face.
- If your face is just about as wide as it is long, you have a ROUND face.
- If you have wide cheekbones and/or forehead, and a narrow jaw, you have a HEART-SHAPED face.
- If your forehead and jaw line widths are close to equal, you have a SQUARE face.
Flattering Haircuts for Face Shapes
If you have an oblong face, you want to add some width. Avoid long, straight hair with no tapering. Long, soft wispy bangs, short-to-medium length and face framing layers are great choices.
- If you have an oval face, your face is considered perfect. Mix up your looks with any length hair. Try the slicked back look. Forget heavy bangs, which are not flattering haircuts for face shapes that are oval.
- If you have a round face, an off-center part can help build height and volume. Avoid anything that poofs out to the sides that might give your face a full moon effect.
- If you have a heart-shaped face, a side part and chin length or longer haircuts are the most flattering ways to show off your great cheekbones.
- If you have a square face, soften your look with a little wave, wispy layers, and short to medium length. Stay away from center parts and straight bangs.
Now that you know best haircuts for face shapes, if you see a style that you like in a magazine, and it doesn't adhere to the rules, modify it slightly, and wear it anyway. The bottom line is to have fun when figuring out the best haircuts for face shapes. All that matters in the end is that you're happy. If you are, you'll look great, no matter what the experts say!
