The secret to having a good haircut is twofold. You must first take into consideration your face’s shape and secondly, you must choose a style that is compatible with the texture of your hair.
While it’s exciting to experiment and try something new but there’s something to be appreciated in a classic and elegant cut. Consider it your base, the lady hair style that you’ll go back to over and over again.
Do you need a bit more information? What are the best ways to determine the shape of your face? What’s your texture? We asked the top hair stylists 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 cut you want to have.
The Six Major Face Shapes
The main factors to consider will be your cheekbones, your forehead and jaw.
Oval: Usually, the width of the face will be 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, with 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 roughly equal. The soft and rounded face features with a flatter cheekbone and cheeks that stand out as the broadest area on the face. A similar shape to the square shape of the face, but with more rounded angles.
The Heart Pointed Chin With a bigger forehead and thinner chin. Usually, it is with the form that of an inverted triangular
Oblong/Rectangle is when the size of the cheeks, forehead and jawline are almost the same, or when the distance between the forehead and chin is slightly more than the distance from ear to the ear.
Diamonds are usually identified by high cheekbones and a chin that is pointed, and a more narrow forehead
Your Ideal Cut based on the Shape of Your Face
In terms of cutting the two 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 suggests, “move the eye away from the rest of your face.”
But, it’s okay to violate the rules. It’s not like you’re taking an oath here. It’s about equilibrium she states.
Oval faces can be worn with nearly any look however, according to Papanikolas the most flattering ones tend to be longer layers and shoulder length waves complete fringes, layers of bob , or an angled pizzelle. Pollack is a favorite for the strength of a square bob, which highlights your sleek jawline.
Faces with square shapes can consider smoothing out the edges of the forehead and jawlines that are strong and wavy shags that have delicate fringe, side-swept bangs that are soft or long layers with fringe are ideal. If you’re looking for something shorter then an uneven fringe make softer angles, Papanikolas suggests.
The round face shape works best when paired with long hair Pollack claims, which draws the eyes for a more visually enlarging face. Papanikolas echoes this that round face shapes work very well with cuts that lengthen the face. For example, the long, straight, and voluminous curls, shaggy shaggy hairstyles and swoopy bobs with cut sides.
Heart-shaped shapes look great with long, blunt bangs, waves or a chin-length hairstyle with bangs. The soft angles at the front that start lower than the skin help to balance the larger foreheads, Pollack says. The trick here according to Papanikolas is to keep your bangs short so that you make it appear as if you have smaller width on the top.
Oblong and Rectangle faces take the same approach as square faces. Soften jawlines and soft edges by adding layers, volume and fringes that are side-swept or feathered. The long layers as well as the angles give an extra dimension and movement to the hair.
Diamond shapes highlight their cheekbones’ high points by slicing their hair short, or keep it long by using facial-framing layers. The added bangs that accentuate the cheekbone can also highlight this form.
Take images of what you would like your hair to appear like. This will ensure that the look you envision on your face is similar to the hairstyle of your stylist’s 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 factor in determining your perfect hairstyle, Pollack says. It’s crucial to know the things your hair can be capable of naturally and what you’re willing to do to keep the desired appearance according to her.
Volume and texture are essential to be considered and can help add length and width to your hair. However, Papanikolas cautions that you could be your “worst adversary” when you’re trying to lengthen your face.
If, for instance, you have a face that is round and a texture that is medium it is best to stay away from the round shapes that can emphasize your face, Pollack says. Look for styles that stay the jawline from being accentuated and instead shift your focus on the collar bone and neck. If you’re opting for a more streamlined appearance, make sure the sides are shorter so that they don’t increase the roundness of the forehead and cheeks she says. “Adding more height and volume to the top of the head, which will help raise your eyes upwards.”
Take Hair Type into Account
Fine: Hair that is fine will have the least amount of layers. So keep it straight and short. “My preference is an unruly bob with only a little 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 the movement of the piece and to reduce weight.
Thick: Hairstyles may vary according to the texture or the type of hair. You can do layers of hair, since long layers aid in the removal of weight, reduce the density of hair, and aid in daily hairstyles.
Take into consideration the upkeep
The right haircut that fits to your style is crucial. Pollack suggests 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 won’t recommend a frequent maintenance style.
Similar to a pixie or a blunt fringe. Experts say shorter haircuts are more demanding and need more attention than a cut that is layered. Hair with longer lengths and a feathered fringe are generally more flexible and are able to be stretched out according to Papanikolas.
Consider the things you’re willing do at home in order to keep the style and look you want. “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 and essential, particularly when you’re doing something that is not the natural texture of your skin Papanikolas explains.
Experts say the questions to ask yourself are:
How often do you want to go to the salon in order to keep your desired appearance?
What do you want to make at home? In terms of items? Style of heating? Do you wash and leave?
Are you prepared to blow-dry or flat-iron your hair when you’ve cut it into a hair bob, if you naturally curly hair?
Does the cut work with your natural texture for those days when you don’t want to style it?
Papanikolas states that unless intend to constantly cut the hair you have, this is vital aspects to consider.
Bangs Hair: Texture, Cut, and Forehead Length
The debate seems to go for ages, but bangs are still a major issue, right? The supporters support 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 every once in a while. For instance, say the fall season!) It’s essential to realize that certain looks perform better based on your facial shape.
Oval: Blunt
The Round Side Swept
Square A wispy fringe
Diamond: Side Swept fringe
Rectangle: Side-swept, with fringed feathers
Heart It is narrow and bluish.
Should you be sporting a larger forehead and would like to detract attention from it, bangs could be the best option because they conceal the large forehead. Pollack suggests that a stylish blunt bang can be enough to achieve the desired effect. (Though large foreheads are completely in. As the proud owner of one I’ve come to accept the extra space.)
Shorter foreheads look better with a soft side-swept hairstyle, which Papanikolas claims can create a longer appearance or illusion of. Pollack supports this assertion, “If your forehead is smaller, I suggest using a light and gentle style 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 right bang. Pollack states: If you think your hair is to be unruly and has large growth patterns on the front, you should be aware that bangs can be more maintenance in the daytime with regards to products or styling that heat. (Which I’m able to confirm. As a fervent cowlick owner the bangs turned out to be more troublesome rather than the chic breezy update I was hoping for.)
Papanikolas prefers to suggest blunt bangs to those who have straight hair, stating otherwise, they’ll are a lengthy task however side-swept bangs are more accommodating and flexible.
Another factor to consider is how often you’re willing take an elongation. Pollack recommends leaving it to experts. Plan a trip to the salon once every couple of weeks to maintain the desired length of the fringe she suggests.
The process of growing out your bangs is a lengthy process dependent on the speed at which your hair expands. If you’ve opted for fringe and regretted it, try being patient. Instead, you should look for hair growth supplements, hair products for growth or even a fun hair accessory (like the 90’s-style barrettes) to divert your attention.
Dos and Don’ts of Going Short
Do: Choose an appropriate hairstyle and cut that is compatible with your texture and facial shape.
Don’t: Cut an unstyled haircut believing it doesn’t need any style.
Do: Try playing with texture. It’s not necessary to be short. necessarily mean that you have to wear only one style at all time, says Papanikolas. Short hair can be a great opportunity to play around with waves and different textures with products. “I am a sucker for dry spray waxes like Biolage R.A.W. Texturizing Styling spray ($5) that provides an airy texture and an easy feeling,” he says.
Don’t: Wash and leave. It’s great for long hair however Papanikolas warns that this approach could appear like an hairy animal’ on hairstyles who have short hairstyles.
Do Enjoy yourself! Papanikolas claims that having short hair is the perfect time to let loose 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 suggests a bob that is easily adjusted to meet the needs of every face, from adding bangs to the added texture and length. Papanikolas recommends a shoulder length cut that is softly layered is suitable for all types of facial forms. “It’s an example of a cut you won’t be able to do wrong,” he says.
Try the long-layered style or a long layered haircut, which Pollack suggests is a great option to add some spice to your hair even if you’re not “ready to go for a massive chop.” Also, adding angles to the front, which vary in length, is suitable for any facial form.
© All Rights Reserved.