The Best Haircut for Your Face

The Answer's in the Mirror

When it comes to getting great hair, don't look any further than your own mirror. Whether you're a "heart," "round," or "oval," your best cut is determined by your face. Everyone's face is different and it's important to understand that every hairstyle is not for every face shape. To accentuate balance and beauty, strive for a hairstyle that works with your particular face shape. That strategy will not only give you your best look, but also emphasize your best features. Be sure to bring this up with your stylist and make it an important determination in your new look.

Sorting Shapes

Figure out your face shape by pulling hair back into a tight, structure-revealing ponytail. Look at the outline of your face -- the size and shape of your forehead as it compares to your cheeks and chin determines its shape.

If your face shape is: Round -- full with round chin and hairline Dos: Add volume to the top of head to slim. Don'ts: Stay away from a spiky and short topside. Avoid width or volume on sides. If your face shape is: Square -- with strong jawline and hairline Dos: Take the edge off with a softening style featuring a side part and length at nape of neck. Don'ts: Don't center-part hair or cut square, straight bangs. Avoid geometric lines. If your face shape is: Oval -- jawline narrower than temples, rounded hairline Dos: Add volume to the top of head to slim. Don'ts: Stay away from a spiky and short topside. Avoid width or volume on sides. If your face shape is: Long -- narrow jawline and hairline Dos: Layer it on for fullness on sides. Don'ts: Skip short cuts, jaw-length bobs, or styles that add height on top. If your face shape is: Heart -- wide temples and hairline, narrowing at chin Dos: Try bangs and a length that frames the jawline. Don'ts: Don't go too short at the nape of the neck.