Knowing the shape of your face can help determine what hairstyle will be most complimentary to your features. While most know that the difference between a good and bad hair cut is about two weeks, it will take much longer to grow out an Emma Watson or Ellen if upon looking in the hair dresser's mirror you discover cropped is something your hair should never be. Here's how to determine your face shape:
- Start by measuring your cheek bones. Measure from the outside of one eye to the other crossing the bridge of your nose.
- Measure your jawline at its widest point from the back of one side of your jaw to the other.
- Your forehead is measured by placing the tape measure in the middle of one eye brow to the middle of the other.
- Measure the length of your face from the middle of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Round Face: You have a round face is your measures are the same or nearly the same width and length. Try a hairstyle that adds height to the top of your head for a narrowing effect. Keep long hair cuts close to the cheeks with little to no added width. DO NOT get bangs or a chin-length bob. Side parts and thick bangs should also be avoided.
Oblong: An oblong face is more long than wide. The best styles for an oblong face are short to medium in length with long layers such as a wedge or a bob. Chin to shoulder length cuts are best curled under or out to add width to the face. DO NOT choose a hairstyle that adds height to your head.
Heart Shaped: Someone with a heart-shaped face has a narrow jaw and wide cheek bones and forehead. Layers are your best friend, especially textured in the chin region. Side sweep your bangs. For a shoulder-length cut, make sure your layers are wispy, and turn them outward slightly. DO NOT emphasize your upper face with a slicked back look or cut your bangs straight across your forehead.
Square: A square face is one that is just as wide as it is long. Short to medium hair, especially a rounded style, will soften your jaw line. Sweep your bangs to one side to create movement but DO NOT cut your hair into a blunt bob or part your hair in the middle.
Diamond: Diamond shaped faces have wide cheekbones. The narrow forehead and jaw line are about the same width. Add width to the chin region with bob cuts or shoulder length styles that curl slightly outward. Show off your cheek bones by tucking your hair behind your ears. DO NOT add height to the top of your head or part your hair down the middle.
Be adventurous the next time you go to the stylist. Now that you've determined your face shape and styles to suit you, you can't go wrong!
Written by: Erika Fifelski was born and raised in West Michigan, and after a brief stint on the sunrise side, she's home and loving it. Erika enjoys cooking, sewing, vacuuming, and discovering new ways to live sustainably and support local businesses. Sources: The Hairstyler and Wikihow. Photo credit: mconnors
