Face Shape Knowledge = Perfect Hairstyle

In choosing the best hair style for you, you must know the shape of your face. This can tell you what hairstyles are perfect for you. Some people are outlining their face on the mirror by using lipstick. But here’s a scientific way to know the shape of your face:

You will need a tape measure or ruler in doing these steps.

1. Measure your face across the top of your cheekbones. Write down the measurement on a piece of paper.

2. Measure across your jaw line from the widest point to the widest point. Write down the measurement.

3. Measure across your forehead at the widest point. Generally the widest point will be somewhere about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline. Write down the measurement.

4. Measure from the tip of your headline to the bottom of your chin.

If you are still not sure of the results, ask a friend that you trust to help you determine your shape. Or ask your stylist. Don't forget that everyone will have their own opinion. If you get mixed opinions ask several people until you see a trend.

Another way to find your shape is to study the faces of celebrities to compare your own look. Many celebrities are almost as famous for their face shape as their hair color, length and style.

Face Dimensions

Here are some common shapes of face. If it will not fit your face, maybe the shape of yours is a combination of the shapes.

Oval Face - Length equal to one and a half times width. An oval face may change according to weight gain or loss and age. It is common for people who have a classic oval face to have small features.

Round Face - If you have a round face your face will be as wide as it is long. This may vary a little where your face is not quite as wide as it is long, but within 1/4 to 1/2 inches.

Long/Rectangular - Longer than it is wide.

Heart - Narrow at jaw line, wide at forehead and cheekbones.

Square - If you have a square shape your forehead, jaw line and cheekbones are almost equal in width.

Triangular - Wider forehead that narrows gradually to a slightly pointed or rounded chin.

Diamond - Wide cheeks, narrow forehead and jaw line. May have a pointed chin.

Pear - Wide chin with a narrow forehead.

Matching the Best Hairstyle

If your face is round, the best hairstyles generally include:

1. Layered bangs rather than straight or heavy bangs.

2. Short styles which give height.

3. Styles that add length.

4. Styles that keep the sides of your hair short or close to the face.

5. Curls around the crown -- but never near the cheeks -- to create height. Keep the sides of your hair short with a curly style.

6. Longer to very long styles, with bangs and graduated shag or layers so that the face and the neck are given a slenderizing shape.

Girls with oval face, why not try to have a classic long style with a center or side part and hair cascading to the shoulders.

Heart shape face people must focus on the styles that add width from the jaw line downwards to balance a pointy or prominent chin. Try the side-swept fridges or deep side parts that will visually break up the width.

People with square shape of face may soften the sharp edges and angles of the face with muted layers and rounded hairstyles. Try a side-swept fringe worn with long layered waves that play up cheekbones. Hair should either be long enough to cascade to the tops of the shoulders or if shorter, should end either just above or below the jaw line. Avoid harsh center partings, blunt cut bangs and all one length styles.

Rectangular face-shape may add body and volume along the sides. Avoid wearing tresses long and stick straight or it will add unwanted length to the face.

Diamond/Triangle shape of face can select styles that add softness and width at the cheekbones and fill out a pointed chin. Hairstyles that utilize sleek side panels to slim the wide cheekbone areas are flattering. Add fullness around the forehead and chin to form a more balanced oval appearance.

While girls with Pear/Inverted Heart shape of face have the widest at the jaw line with graduated narrowing upwards from the cheeks to the forehead. Add width to the top half of the face with carefully constructed texture from the cheeks upwards. Experiment with soft height added to the crown area.

Now are you ready to be at your best? :)