Whether you love or hate heading to the hair salon for that obligatory healthy cut, it’s only natural to want a new style that suits you and your features. Turning to Pinterest for inspiration may be great in some cases, but it’s often better to play to your strengths and cater your new cut to your face shape, flattering your jawline and even allowing you to look younger than you are. The next time you’re gearing up for a hairstyle revamp or even just a small trim, these are the three best styles to bring to your salon to turn back the clock depending on your face shape, according to Fekkai Stylist, Chiran Hayasaka and Michelle Bareid, Founder of Hair Extensions Advisor.
Round Face
If your face shape is more rounded, it can be useful to get a slimming cut which will provide more angles and create the illusion of a longer, thinner face. “I personally love a look with straight front pieces that go down the cheek bone or short hair with a front dipped crisp line,” says Hayasaka.
Meanwhile, Bareid suggests opting for a shorter cut which can help to add to that angled illusion while keeping your features looking lifted. “Long hairstyles are going to cause your face to appear rounder and dragged down. A short and choppy pixie will create elongation of the face while creating an edgy, youthful appearance,” she explains. If the big cut sounds like too much, try a choppy lob with face-framing layers instead for a similar effect without the commitment.
Heart-Shaped Face
For a heart shaped face you likely have a more angular chin and jawline with high cheekbones. For this, Hayasaka recommends angled layers which fall just around the chin. This can work for both a long cut or a bob and will help to balance the face and create a youthful appearance.
Bareid, for her part, suggests a shoulder-length bob for those with a heart shaped face. “This haircut will put more fullness around the chin, allowing the chin to thin out and no longer be the focus of attention. Add some loose curls to create that spry and sexy look you’re seeking,” she notes.
Square Face
As for the square face shape, this is often characterized with its pronounced jawline which is about as wide as the forehead. Because this is a harsher look, Hayasaka suggests opting for a cut which can add softness to your features. “I would stay away from straight blunt look,” she notes. “Lift the layers and put round layers and round front pieces so it makes a softer shape.”
Bareid agrees that downplaying the angles of this face shape is going to be the best way to achieve the anti-aging effect we’re going for. “The easiest way to do this is with longer, flowier locks. This will create a youthful and feminine appeal. Toss in a few pieces of side-swept bangs to really create that soft, beautiful physique,” she says.
