The Perfect Hairstyle

Did you know that any great look consists of three basic elements, the perfect haircut suitable for your facial shape, the proper styling products and the right makeup to go with the desired hairstyle. The style of your hair basically depends on the shape of your face. Therefore if you want to have the hairstyle that your favourite film star has then it is not necessary that the same hairstyle will suit you. Therefore before deciding on any hairstyle/haircut always determine the shape of your face. Here's how you will do it:

Pull your hair back with an elastic band or headband so all you see is your face. Stand close to a well-lit mirror and, with a dampened bar of soap, slowly trace your facial outline onto the mirror. The outline on the mirror will reflect your face shape, which will be one of the following.

Round
Description: A large, curved forehead with a rounded chin. The face looks full and has very few angles. Cheekbones are clearly wider than brow bone and jaw line. Widest point is at the cheeks and ears.

Most complimentary styles: Hairstyles with fullness and height at the crown will draw attention upward giving you a longer face shape. Also try short hairstyles with a swept-back direction or hairstyles that are longer than chin length. By layering the top to achieve fullness and keeping the rest of the cut relatively close to the face, your face shape will appear longer and narrower. An off centre part is best with fullness and height at the crown.

Avoid: Avoid slick back styles without hair touching your face. Do not add width around the sides of your face, this will make the face appear to be wider than normal. As long as you have a focal point such as curls on top this will draw attention away from the roundness of your face. Also avoid chin length hair with rounded lines. These rounded styles will only make your face appear to be even more round. Avoid short cuts since it will only make your face appear to be heavier than normal.

Oval
Description: Oval is a perfectly balanced face; the top half balances the bottom half. Those who have oval face are extremely lucky coz they can flaunt almost all hairstyle.

Most complimentary styles: Hairstyles that are short, medium and long suit you since your face shape is well-balanced. You look best when styling hair off you face. If you have curly hair, a short cut looks most chic.

Avoid: Covering up your "perfect" features with heavy bangs, or too forward-directed styles. Also avoid too much hair on your face, as it will cover the perfectly proportioned face.

Heart
Description: Heart shape face has a wide forehead and a narrow chin line. Therefore hairstyles should be such that will decrease the width of the forehead and increase the width of the lower part of the face.

Most Complimentary styles: A chin length bob is most complimentary on your face shape. Bobs tend to be fuller at the bottom, which is what you would want if you were trying to bring width to your thin jawbone. You should always go for side-parted hairstyles.

Avoid: Short, full styles that emphasize upper face. Avoid too much height at the crown since it gives the appearance of a long and narrow chin. Avoid slicked-back looks for it will only draw more attention to the shape of your face.

Oblong/Rectangle
Description: Oblong shape is long and narrow with hollow cheeks. There is very little difference in width between the top, middle or bottom of your face but it is more rounded than the square face. Your goal should be to add width and fullness to the sides of the face and around the eyes, cheekbones and ears.

Most Complimentary style: Short to medium lengths with fullness at the sides of your face and at your eyes and cheeks, is perfect for you. You can also try soft and wispy bangs since it will shorten the appearance of the length. Layer works great with your face structure, as they will add softness to the straight lines in your face. Always have side parting to throw off the balance of your face.

Avoid: Too much hair length will make your face look longer. Avoid centre parts since it will bring attention to the middle of your face and make it appear to be longer.

Triangle
Description: Jaw line is significantly wider than brow bone. Your goal should be to narrow the chin and widen the forehead.

Most Complimentary style: Chin length or longer cuts are best for you. Go for styles that are full at the temples and taper at the jaw. Off centre parts. Shags and Wedge cuts look great. Try tucking hair behind your ears as this will draw attention to your eyes and add width in this area.

Avoid: Long, full hairstyles that draw attention to jaw line. Avoid Centre parts since it will bring attention to the middle of your face and make it appear to be longer.

Diamond
Description: Cheekbone is clearly wider than forehead and jaw line. Your aim should be to reduce the width around the cheekbone line.

Most Complimentary style: If you are a true diamond then most of the hairstyles look good on your face. You can wear shorter styles, however if you are a dramatic diamond shape you need to leave weight in the back nape area like a heart shaped face. This will achieve more balance between your dramatic cheekbones and more delicate chin line.

Avoid: Avoid hairstyles that lift away from cheeks or move back from the hairline.

Square
Description: A square shaped face has a straight hairline and a square jaw line. Therefore you have to create an illusion of length. Your goal should be to soften the sharp angle of jaw line and minimize your squared-off brow.

Most Complimentary style: Haircuts that emphasize your cheekbones at mid-line of the face are most flattering. Go for side-parts. Bangs and waves at the temple will soften the square shape of your face. Wear hair coming forward onto the face to reduce the square feature of the face. Hair length is best about 1-1/2" below the chin. Height in crown will create illusion of length.

Avoid: Long straight style that accentuate square jawbone. Also avoid linear straight bangs and centre-parts.