How to choose the right haircut for your face shape

When looking to update our hairstyle, we often look to the most recent trends and of course, the most stylish celebrities. Often times this method sparks some personal inspiration and off to the salon we go. Although this can work in our favor, a lot of times we leave the salon disappointed from what was a spontaneous decision. Face shape plays such a key role in what hair cuts and styles work us individually and is often overlooked. Here are some modern cuts and styling ideas based on every face shape.

Photo courtesy of The Beauty Department

• Square: A long and sleek look will ease the hard angles on your face. A shag or layered wavy look will do the same in a more delicate way. Emphasize softness by using a curling wand to style with tousle. Avoid sleek and chin length bobs that accentuate your angular looks.
• Heart: Tousled bobs that hit just underneath the chin will add width to the narrowest part of your face. The softness of razor cuts will be most flattering. Deep side parts and side swept bangs will soften the forehead and provide balance with your chin.
• Oval: Oval faces are generally balanced so center parts always look great. Keep hair from looking overly severe with a long layer cut and slightly wave the hair away from the face to open up the features.
• Round: Asymmetrical bobs, crops, and bangs will be great for creating more angles on a face that has none. Waved bobs and layered styles that come close to the cheeks will provide visual narrowing. Avoid center partings as they will add width.
• Diamond: Widest at the cheekbones, waves below the chin and side swept bangs will provide softness and balance to your strong face shape. When wearing updos, emphasize your strong cheekbones by keeping all hair away from face.
• Oblong: Sometimes confused for oval, this face shape is narrower. Lots of layers and waves will add width all over which will make your features look more balanced. You can make the appearance of a smaller face with a chic blunt fringe. Of all the face shapes, this one wears heavy bangs the best.

By Kelly Rowe. (professional hair stylist in NYC)   Source: stylenoted