Introduction
Choosing the right hairstyle can completely transform your look. Your face shape and hair type are the two most important factors to consider when selecting a flattering new haircut. This guide will walk you through how to determine your unique facial shape and hair characteristics and match them with recommended styles.
We will cover:
- Common face shapes: oval, round, square, heart, diamond, oblong
- Major hair types and textures: curly, straight, wavy, thick, thin, coarse, fine
- The best cuts and styles for each face and hair combo
- Styling tips and products for your new look
- How to work with a professional stylist to achieve your ideal cut
- Maintaining your new do
Properly identifying your face and hair will ensure you choose a hairstyle that enhances your natural features.
Here are some of the most popular hairstyles for common face shapes and hair types:
| Face Shape | Hair Type | Flattering Haircut/Style |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Straight | Layers, bangs |
| Round | Wavy | Side-swept styling |
| Square | Curly | Volume on top |
| Heart | Thick | Chin-length bob |
| Diamond | Thin | Face-framing layers |
This guide will help you discover your perfect cut and style match. Let’s get started!
II. Determining Your Face Shape
Identifying your unique face shape is crucial for choosing the most ideal hairstyle. There are 6 common face shape categories:
Oval
- Forehead and jawline are similar widths
- Face length is 1 1/2 times the width
- Slight curvature along jawline
- Most versatile face shape for haircuts
Round
- Circular shape, widest at cheeks
- Forehead and jawline similar in width
- No angles along hairline or jaw
Square
- Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline similar in width
- Straight hairline and angular jaw
- Very defined facial angles
Heart
- Wide forehead, cheekbones and small jawline
- Pointed chin
- Face length greater than width
Diamond
- Narrow jawline and forehead
- Widest at cheekbones
- Very defined facial angles
Oblong
- Much longer than wide
- Straight hairline and jawline
- Face length is at least 2x the width
To determine your shape:
- Look in the mirror or take a selfie straight on
- Outline face and measure dimensions
- Compare to above shape descriptions
Correctly identifying your face shape will allow you to choose the most flattering hairstyles, cuts and styling techniques moving forward.
III. Identifying Your Hair Type and Texture
In addition to your face shape, considering your unique hair type and texture is key for choosing a flattering style. Hair can be categorized into 4 main types:
Straight
- Hair grows straight down naturally
- Falls into a smooth, sleek style
- Reflects light directly
Wavy
- Natural gentle bend and wave
- Forms an S-shape pattern
- More volume than straight hair
Curly
- Hair forms tight corkscrew curls
- Coils and shrinks when dry
- Very voluminous when styled
Coily/Kinky
- Tightest curls of all hair types
- Shrinks significantly when dry
- Most volume and density
Hair texture refers to thickness, coarseness and density:
- Fine – Thin strands, easily damaged
- Medium – Average strand size, healthy
- Thick – Lots of strands, dense volume
- Coarse – Thick cuticle, tough strands
To determine your hair type:
- Wash and let air dry fully
- Note pattern when dry
- Pull a strand taut – observe curl pattern
Knowing your exact hair texture will inform needed hair care, styling products and techniques.
IV. Haircuts for Oval Faces
If you have an oval face shape, you’re in luck – this versatile shape can suit many flattering hairstyles. Here are some of the best haircut options:
Layers
- Long layers add movement and texture
- Short choppy layers create volume
- Work with any hair type
Bangs
- Side-swept bangs complement oval shape
- Blunt or curtain bangs also flattering
- Good for fine or thick hair
Volume
- Styles with height like a pompadour
- Teasing crown adds fullness
- Great for thick or wavy hair
Sleekness
- Sleek bob or lob is chic
- Straightened hair shows off shape
- Ideal for fine or straight hair
Asymmetry
-Angled styles like a lob or shag
- Side parts and swoops
- Fun for straight or curly hair
Oval faces can pull off anything from short to long styles. Focus on your hair texture and trends you love. Add volume at crown or incorporate bangs for a touch of drama. Embrace natural texture and enhance with products.
V. Flattering Styles for Round Faces
If you have a round face shape, you’ll want to add length and structure with your hairstyle. Here are some ideal options:
Layers
- Long layers slim the face
- Face-framing layers add angles
- Work well with thick or wavy hair
Volume
- Height on top with a pompadour
- Teasing the crown and roots
- Great for maximizing fullness
Bangs
- Side-swept bangs elongate
- Straight across bangs work too
- Best for dense, straight hair
Length
- Chin or shoulder-length cuts add length
- Lobs balance the face shape
- Longer styles like braids slim roundness
Updos
- Buns and ponytails draw eyes up
- Half-up styles add height
- Ideal for thick and curly hair
The key is to add structure and the illusion of length. Incorporate layers, upward styling, volume and elongated cuts. Don’t be afraid to maximize thick or curly textures.
VI. Hairstyles to Complement Square Faces
If you have a strong square face shape, you’ll want to soften the angles with the right hairstyle and cut. Great options include:
Layers
- Long layers add movement
- Face-framing layers soften angles
- Best for thick, straight hair
Volume
- Height from teasing, curls, waves
- Styles like a pompadour or afro
- Maximizes thick, textured hair
Bangs
- Soft side-swept bangs flatter
- Curtain bangs also complement
- Ideal for thick, straight hair
Texture
- Natural curls and waves soften
- Beach waves and messy style
- Enhance texture of thick hair
Length
- Chin or shoulder-length cuts add softness
- Bobs sleeken angles
- Long hair softens squareness
The goal is to minimize angles and add softness with layers, height, waves, and styling. Avoid severe parts or flat hair against the head.
VII. Cuts That Balance Heart-Shaped Faces
If you have a heart-shaped face, you’ll want to add volume at the jawline and minimize width on top. Great hairstyle options include:
Layers
- Short choppy layers at chin add width
- Longer face-framing layers slim forehead
- Ideal for thick or wavy hair
Bangs
- Blunt bangs balance proportions
- Side-swept styles minimize forehead
- Best for straight, fine hair
Volume
- Height at cheekbones and jawline
- Styles like pompadour or curls
- Perfect for maximizing thick hair
Length
- Long lengths like lob or mid-back
- Chin length cuts add fullness
- Great for straight, thick hair
Texture
- Natural curls and waves add body
- Beach wavesstyle towards bottom
- Enhances wavy or curly hair
The goal is to add volume around the jaw and minimize forehead width. Play up natural texture and maximize thickness around the bottom half of the face.
VIII. Finding the Right Style for Diamond Faces
If you have a diamond face shape, you’ll want to create width at the cheekbones and balance the narrow forehead and chin. Great options include:
Volume
- Maximum fullness at cheeks
- Height from teasing crown
- Styles like afro, pompadour
Bangs
- Swept bangs add texture
- Straight across bangs add width
- Ideal for thick hair
Layers
- Short choppy layers build fullness
- Long face-framing layers slimming
- Great for straight, medium hair
Length
- Chin length cuts add width
- Long lengths like lob balance facial dimensions
- Flattering for thick or wavy hair
Texture
- Natural curls and waves emphasize cheeks
- Beach waves add body
- Perfect for wavy or curly hair
The goal is to add volume at the cheeks and create the illusion of width across the forehead and jawline. Play up natural texture and thick hair.
IX. Choosing a Haircut for an Oblong Face
If you have an oblong, elongated face shape, your goal is to add width and balance. Great hairstyle options include:
Volume
- Maximum fullness at sides
- Height from curls, waves, teasing
- Styles like an afro or pompadour
Bangs
- Swept bangs widen forehead
- Straight across bangs add balance
- Best for thick hair
Layers
- Short, face-framing layers near chin
- Long layers through ends add movement
- Ideal for straight or wavy hair
Length
- Chin-length cuts balance face
- Lobs add proportion
- Great for thick and straight hair
Texture
- Natural curls and waves add width
- Beach waves style wider
- Perfect for curly or wavy hair
The goal is to create the illusion of width across the forehead, cheeks and chin. Add volume at the sides, play up texture, and keep shorter lengths.
X. Considering Other Factors Like Lifestyle and Styling
In addition to your face shape and hair type, also think about:
Lifestyle
- Active lifestyles may need wash-and-go styles
- Professional settings may require tidy, pulled-back looks
- Nightlife may call for dramatic styling
Styling abilities
- Minimal styling skills benefit from simple cuts
- Heat styling pros can try layered looks
- Natural textures limit need for styling
Hair growth
- Fast-growing hair can handle shorter styles
- Sparse hair may need length for fullness
- Damaged hair may need trim to reduce splitting
Face-flattering features
- Play up or minimize certain features like forehead, cheeks, jawline
Personal style
- Incorporate on-trend cuts if you like fashion
- Go for an edgy, bold cut or soft and feminine style
Hair maintenance
- Frequent trims needed for precision cuts
- Lower maintenance with one-length cuts
- Time commitment for daily styling
Consider your unique needs, personal taste and lifestyle when choosing your ideal cut and style. The best options complement your face while suiting your daily life.
XI. Consulting With an Experienced Stylist
While knowing your face shape, hair type and needs is crucial, an experienced stylist can provide invaluable expertise.
Customized Guidance
- Take your unique considerations into account
- Recommend styles to suit your life
Technical Expertise
- Thoroughly assess your hair health, growth patterns, texture
- Advise on best products for your hair
- Master precise cutting techniques to achieve the look
Ideal Execution
- Can adapt and tweak the cut during the process
- Will style and teach you how to style for best results
Ongoing Maintenance
- Provide guidance on maintaining your new cut
- Trim and adjust hair as it grows out
Booking a consultation first allows the stylist to make recommendations based on your hair and face shape. Be sure to communicate:
- Your lifestyle, maintenance abilities, and styling skills
- Hair concerns like damage or conditions
- Desired length, shape and volume
With an expert stylist guiding the way, you can feel confident you’ll achieve a fabulous cut and style suited perfectly for you!
XII. Maintaining and Styling Your New Haircut
Once you get your fabulous new cut and style, follow these tips to keep your hair healthy and looking its best:
Regular trims
- Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain precision
- Prevent split ends and breakage
At-home care
- Use salon-recommended shampoos and conditioners
- Weekly masks boost moisture and repair damage
Heat and chemical caution
- Limit use of hot tools like blow dryers, irons
- Allow hair to air dry when possible
- Take breaks between color and chemical treatments
Protective styling
- Use hairspray when heat styling
- Try gentle updos like a ponytail or braid
- Wrap hair in a silk scarf at night
Styling techniques
- Prep hair with mousse or gel before heat styling
- Add volume with strategic backcombing
- Perfect sleek, straight looks with a flat iron
With the right at-home care and styling tips, you can maintain your cut’s shape and keep your hair looking fabulous! Don’t forget to schedule trims at the salon.
XIII. Conclusion
Choosing a flattering new hairstyle requires considering several factors like your unique face shape, hair type and texture, lifestyle and maintenance abilities.
This guide has covered:
- How to determine your facial shape and hair characteristics
- Matching complementary cuts and styles to different face and hair combos
- Other considerations like personal style and hair health
- Working with a professional stylist for expert guidance
- Caring for and styling your new look
With the right cut, you can enhance your natural features, flatter your face, and feel fabulous. Don’t be afraid to switch up your style – a new haircut and color can give your look a major refresh.
Remember to schedule regular trims at Daryl’s Barbershop, use salon-recommended products, and protect hair from heat damage. With proper at-home care and styling techniques, you’ll keep your locks healthy, bouncy and beautiful.
We hope these tips help you discover your ideal look that complements your unique beauty. Go rock your new do!
I particularly liked the section on face shape. Knowing whether you have an oval, round, square, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped or oblong face is essential to finding the hairstyle that will enhance your natural features. I took the test in front of the mirror, and I’m clearly an oval, which means I can opt for layers and bangs. Brilliant!