The secret to a perfect haircut is in two ways. You must first think about your face’s shape, and secondly, you must choose a hairstyle for ladies that is compatible with the texture of your hair.
While it’s exciting to experiment and experiment with the unusual but there’s something to be in a classic, attractive cut. Consider it your base, the style that you’ll go back to over and over again.
Do you need a bit more information? What is the shape of your face? What is your skin texture? We asked our top hairstylists George Papanikolas of Andy LeCompte Salon and Lorna Pollack of Kinloch Salon all our burning questions. Follow the links for more information on how to select the perfect cut.
The Six Major Face Shapes
The most important factors are likely to be your cheekbones, forehead and jaw.
Oval: Usually, the size of your face usually is greater than its width of your forehead, which is the largest part of your face. Papanikolas states that this face shape is generally considered to be the most desirable facial shape.
Square: The ratio of length to width is almost one to one, which is equal lengths both vertically and horizontally with a strong jaw angle and a minimal curve on the chin.
round: the length to width ratio is approximately equal. The soft and rounded face features with a flatter cheekbone and cheeks that stand out as the largest area on the face. Like the square shape of the face, but with more rounded angles.
Heart Pointed Chin With a bigger forehead and slimmer chin, typically with the form that of an inverted triangular
Oblong/Rectangle is when the length of the cheeks, forehead and jawline are almost the same, or when the distance from the forehead to the chin is more than the distance from ear to the ear.
Diamonds are usually is defined by a high cheekbone with a pointed chin and a more narrow forehead
Your Ideal Cut based on the Shape of Your Face
In terms of the cut and style, both experts agree that there’s not always a single best way to go however there are some attractive and common ways to emphasize features and according to Pollack states, “move the eye away from the rest of your face.”
However, you’re free to violate the rules. There’s no oath to take here. It’s about finding equilibrium she states.
Oval faces can be worn with nearly any look according to Papanikolas the most flattering ones tend to be lengthy layers of hair, shoulders-length curls complete fringes, layers of bob , or an angled pizzelle. Pollack is a favorite for the strong square bob that highlights your sleek jawline.
Faces with square shapes can consider smoothing out the edges of the jawline and forehead. Strong jawlines which is why wavy shags with loose fringe, side-swept bangs that are soft or long layers that have fringe are ideal. If you’re looking for something shorter that an unsymmetrical fringe make softer angles, says Papanikolas.
Face shapes that are round work well using a long, pixie Pollack states, drawing eyes downwards for a more visually enlarging face. Papanikolas echoes this that round face shapes work very well with cuts that lengthen the face. This includes lengthy straight locks,, voluminous hair, shaggy and voluminous bobs and swoopy bobs with side-burns that are cropped.
Heart shapes look the best when paired with straight bangs and long wavy layers, or a chin-length hairstyle with bangs. The soft angles at the front that begin below the skin help to balance the wider foreheads, Pollack says. The trick here according to Papanikolas is to keep the hair slim so you make it appear as if you have less width in the top.
Oblong and Rectangle faces take the same form as square faces. Soften the edges and jawlines by adding layers, volume and fringes with feathers or side-swept edges. The long layers as well as the angles give some movement and texture to your hair.
Diamond shapes showcase their high cheekbones with short-cropped or wavy hair. You can also keep it long by using facial-framing layers. The added bangs that accentuate the cheekbones can enhance the shape.
Take images of what you would like your hairstyle to be. This ensures that the look you envision that you see in your head is the same as one that your stylist has and you will be able to alter the appearance to create a look that is compatible with your face.
Working with Texture
The texture of your hair and the hair type play an important part in determining your ideal hairstyle, Pollack says. It’s essential to determine the things your hair can be capable of naturally and what you’re willing to do to keep your desired style Pollack says.
Both volume and texture are essential to consider and are a great way to add the width and height of your hair. However, Papanikolas warns that they could be your “worst adversary” in the event that you’re looking to lengthen your face.
For instance, if you have a face that is round with a medium texture You should stay clear of round designs that emphasize your face, Pollack says. Look for styles that stay the jawline from being accentuated and instead shift your focus towards the collar bone and neck. If you’re looking for a slimmer style, keep the sides shorter so that they don’t make your face appear rounder. the forehead and cheeks she says. “Adding more height and volume to the top of the head, which will help raise the eyes up.”
Take Hair Type into Account
Fine: Hair that is thin will have the least amount of layers. So keep it short and blunt. “My preferred style is blunt hair with minimal layers and texture to keep the strength of your length,” Pollack says.
Medium: A variety of lengths is possible, Pollack says. The addition of layers or textures is ideal for moving and removing weight.
Thick: Hairstyles may vary according to the texture or the type of hair. It is possible to get away with lots of layers, since long layers aid in the removal of weight, reduce the density of hair, and aid in daily hairstyles.
Think about the upkeep
Find a haircut that is compatible with your lifestyle is essential. Pollack recommends having your hair cut at least every three to four months. If you’re someone who visits your stylist at least every six to eight months she’d not suggest a very frequent style.
As with a blunt or pixie fringe. Experts say shorter haircuts are higher maintenance and require more attention than a hairstyle that is layered. Hair with longer lengths and a feathered fringe are more flexible and may be stretched as Papanikolas suggests.
Also, think about what you’re willing to do at home in order to keep your desired appearance and style. “What are the products you’ll need to achieve the look you want and how often are you likely to visit salons to maintain your style,” Pollack says.
Other considerations:
Maintenance and styling are essential particularly if you’re doing something that is not the natural texture of your skin Papanikolas explains.
Experts say the questions you should be asking yourself include:
How often do you want to go to the salon to keep your desired appearance?
What can you make at home? In terms of equipment? Heating style? Go and wash?
Are you ready to blow dry as well as flat iron it when you’ve cut it into Bob if you are naturally curly hair?
Are you able to wear the cut with the natural texture you have on those days when you don’t want to style it?
Papanikolas states that unless are planning to continuously manage the hair you have, this is crucial factors to take into consideration.
Bangs Hair: Texture, Cut, and Forehead Length
The debate seems to go for ages, but bangs are still a major deal, right? The defenders of the fringe, while those who oppose recall childhood photos and the flimsy home-cooked chops. Although we do not recommend impulsive blows (Yes there are times when the addictive urge can be overwhelming once at a time. Like, for instance every fall!) It’s crucial to recognize that certain types of styles best based on the shape of your face.
Oval: Blunt
Around: Side Swept
Square A wispy fringe
Diamond: Side Swept fringe
Rectangle: Side-swept and trimmed with fringed feathers
Heart The heart is thin and blurry.
Should you be sporting a larger forehead and you want to keep it from the area, then bangs might be the perfect choice to hide an overly large forehead. Pollack recommends adding a chic blunt bang can be enough to achieve the desired effect. (Though big foreheads are definitely in. As the proud owner of one I’ve learned to appreciate the extra space.)
Short foreheads are best by having a soft, side-swept fringethat Papanikolas claims can create a longer effect or illusion of. Pollack supports this assertion, “If your forehead is smaller, I recommend making sure that your hair is light and soft to ensure that your bangs don’t completely dominate your face, thereby making your face appear smaller.”
Think about hair texture and patterns such as cowlicks prior to deciding to go with the best bang. Pollack advises: If you feel your hair is messy and with large growth patterns on the front, you should be aware that bangs can be more maintenance every day with regards to products or styling that heat. (Which I’m able to confirm. As a proud cowlick owner the bangs turned out to be more troublesome rather than the chic breezy update I had hoped for.)
Papanikolas is known to recommend blunt bangs to those who have straight hair, explaining otherwise, they’ll are a lengthy task while side-swept bangs may be more accommodating and flexible.
Another thing to think about is how often you’re willing take an elongation. Pollack recommends leaving it to experts. Make a plan to visit the salon each week to maintain the desired length of fringe Pollack says.
Hair growth is a lengthy process dependent on the speed at which your hair expands. If you’ve tried fringe and regretted it, be patient. Instead, you should look for hair growth supplements, hair products to grow your hair or even a fun hair accessory (like bartlets in the 90s) to keep you from getting distracted.
Dos and Don’ts of Going Short
Do: Choose an appropriate haircut and style that goes with your face texture and facial shape.
Don’t: Cut an unstyled haircut believing it won’t require any style.
Do: play with texture. The fact that it’s short does not necessarily mean that you have to wear only one style at all time, says Papanikolas. Short hair is a great option to play around with waves and different textures with products. “I like dry spray waxes like Biolage R.A.W. Texturizing Spray ($5) that gives the appearance of a soft texture, with an easy feeling,” he says.
Don’t: Wash and leave. It’s great for long hair however Papanikolas warns that this approach could look like an animals on the head’ in those who have shorter hairstyles.
Do Take your time and have fun! Papanikolas suggests that shorter hair is an excellent opportunity to experiment with bolder colors and try different colors.
An Universally Flattering Style
If there’s an universally flattering haircut available it’s one that includes soft layers, no matter what.
Pollock refers to a bob that is easily adjusted to suit everyone’s face from adding bangs to the added texture and length. Papanikolas recommends a shoulder length cut using soft layers is suitable for all types of facial types. “It’s the kind of cut can’t make a mistake with,” he says.
You can also try the long-layered style that Pollack suggests is a great option to add some spice to your hair even if you’re not “ready to make a huge chop.” Additionally, you can add angles in the front, that can be varying in length, easily is suitable for any facial form.