The Best Haircut for Your Body Shape

Add one more consideration when selecting your most flattering haircut and style: your body type. What's happening below your neck is as important a style consideration as your face shape and your hair's natural texture. Considering how the hair will work in relation to the body is important in order to achieve the best overall look. Certain haircuts and styles just look better on certain figure types. It's the reason why it's important to have your hairstylist see you out of the chair and not hidden away in a cape during your consultation. Here, hair dos and don'ts for the most common figure types:

Body type: Slim and straight Do: The goal is to add some body and curves where you can -- in your hair. Medium length, wavier, or chunkier hairstyles look best and add feminine flair to this body type. Long bangs, layers, and angles also flatter. Don't: The caveat? Don't go too big-haired or your hair will look disproportionate to your body. Also avoid too long, too straight and sleek hair as it emphasizes your thinness. Too short or spiky hair can also look masculine on a boyish figure.

Body type: Curvy and full Do: Go for a layered, medium-length cut. An angled look will camouflage extra pounds. Try side parts and bangs for a soft, complementary look to your curves. Don't: Stay away from hair that is too short and close to the head or, in the opposite spectrum, long and very full. Round-shaped styles, like a curly, shoulder-length style with lots of height and width, are also not for you.

Body type: Petite Do: Keep hair loose, smooth, and neat for a professional, sleek appearance. Try medium to short length hair with layers, angles, and some height at the top of the head. Don't: Don't go to extremes. Too-short hair will make your head look too small, and too-long hair will overpower your figure. Also avoid anything that can fall into the "cute" category, like high ponytails, braids, pigtails, and the like

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Body type: Tall and athletic Do: Experiment with hairstyles to see what flatters your hair texture and face shape. Your body type works best with most hairstyles. Don't: Forget the old standby ponytail -- leave that style for gym time! Flatter your figure with soft, feminine styles with some length and wave.