Yesterday, I had my hair cut, into my trusty short-layered ‘do. It never fails me & I’ve had variations of the same style for the last 5 or so visits to the salon. I’ve tried growing my hair out, but it’s just not me. I like my hair to be manageable & versatile, & this cut does exactly that– I can wear it in a sleek & sophisticated bob, or go completely mad with backcombing & teasing.

But what if you haven’t found something you love yet? How do you choose a style that’s completely you & gives you that confidence boost? Well, ultimately it’s down to how you feel, but a lot of it’s based on your face-shape too:

Oval– your chin & forehead are in even proportion

DO go for long OR short styles. Because your face is well-balanced, you’ll look amazing either way! Your face type is highly desired & envied.
DON’T cover up your perfect face shape with a heavy fringe/bangs or wearing your hair on your face, as it could add weight & you can detract from your face shape.
CELEB REFERENCE: Jessica Alba, Beyonce, Charlize Theron.

Round– as wide as it is long, with rounded edges

DO keep height at your crown to give the illusion of a narrow face. Try a cut with layers, keeping the sides close to your face, to make it appear longer. Layers from the lips down, remove bulk from your cheeks. A fringe/bangs are flattering, but keep them long or swept to the side.
DON’T go for short hair, middle partings, volume at the sides, or blunt one-length cuts, as they’ll widen the face.
CELEB REFERENCE: Cameron Diaz, Michelle Williams, Kate Bosworth.

Square– as wide as it is long, with a strong jaw

DO go for something to soften those angles! Short to medium length cuts, with a soft, wispy fringe & wave or curl will compliment & balance out your shape. Side partings & height at the crown can add length to your square face shape.
DON’T go for one-length cuts or a blunt fringe, as this will only highlight your jaw.
CELEB REFERENCE: Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Heart– wide in the eye/cheekbone area & narrower at the chin

DO not be afraid to go for a chin-length bob, as the fullness will widen your pointy chin. A sideswept fringe, hair that falls below your chin & layers that graze your cheekbones, will also work well too.
DON’T go for too much height at the crown, as you’ll look top-heavy.
CELEB REFERENCE: Reese Witherspoon, Scarlet Johannson, Brittany Murphy.

Rectangular– long & narrow

DO go for a fringe to balance out the length & keep volume at the sides (perhaps with waves & curls) to add width.
DON’T go for really long, straight hair or height at the crown as this will only lengthen your face even more.
CELEB REFERENCE: Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Liv Tyler.

There are of course a million & one different face shapes, (& to be honest, I’m still not sure which mine is– I dither between oval & long, I think) & it can be hard to tell which one is you– & many stylists don’t even believe in the classic face shape styling. The main thing is how the style makes you feel, so do whatever makes you happy, & straighten it, dye it, curl it, tease it, backcomb it & HAVE FUN! It’s hair & it grows back. (Normally.)

Related posts:

 Be A (Brave) Bare-Faced Beauty + I’m a bit of a girly-girl who enjoys...
 Photoshop Is Not A Dirty Word Some people see Photoshop as cheating & a crutch...
 Perfecting Your Daily Skincare Regime We’ve all done it— you come stumbling in late one...
 Three Fabulous Looks for the Party Season I don’t do things by half, especially when it comes...
 Advice: A Friend Dilemma A few days ago, I received this email: Dear Aimee...