Create symmetry
Abdullah has one go-to method she uses to determine the best hairstyle for any client: she says it's all about creating symmetry. The right haircut will create the illusion that you have a perfectly symmetrical, oval-shaped face—no matter what your actual face shape is. This is the best way to find a flattering style that slims your face and highlights your best features.
So, how can you create facial symmetry with your haircut alone? Abdullah recommends "playing with bangs, length, and parts to give just the right effect that can minimize a tall forehead or wide cheekbones." Of course, you can also use these methods to draw more attention to your favorite features, rather than minimize them. At the end of the day, though, the end goal remains the same: symmetry, which looks great on everyone.
The best way to create the illusion of symmetry will depend on your particular face shape. While faces come in many different shapes, the four main ones are oval, round, square, and heart. Determining which category your own face falls into is the first step to finding your most flattering hairstyle.
Since Abdullah says a great haircut will give your face an oval appearance, those who have a naturally oval-shaped face should consider themselves lucky—they'll look great with just about any hairstyle under the sun! She does, however, recommend going with a side part if you like your hair long, since long hair parted in the center can elongate your face. "You want to be very moderate with the look and neither elongate the face or make it look broader," she notes. Overall, prioritize balance.
If you have high cheekbones and a pointed chin, you've got yourself a gorgeous heart-shaped face. Abdullah says this face shape looks best when paired with a bob or a lob that rests just at your shoulders. Virtually any shoulder-length cut will be flattering. Be cautious of going with a cut that's too short, though, especially if you don't want to draw attention to your chin. "You don't want a bob that ends at chin level, because it will only emphasize the chin," she explains. Got it!
For women with fuller, round faces, Abdullah says the goal is to find a flattering cut that can lengthen your face and slim it down a bit by reducing its width. This is where going with a longer style and an elongating side part can really come in handy. Alternatively, Abdullah also recommends a long bob for those who want to slim their face. A neck-length cut is a great option. "The bottom curve of the cut helps conceal some of the width of your cheeks," she says.
If you have a striking square face with a strong jawline that you want to soften a bit, Abdullah recommends going with—you guessed it!—a flattering shoulder-length haircut. This will help to take some focus away from the lower half of your face. For a more feminine, "dainty look," Abdullah suggests trying out some bangs. There are a lot of options here, but curtain bangs are especially flattering—and equally trendy!
No matter what face shape you have, the bottom line is that prioritizing facial symmetry is the best way to find the most flattering cut. But at the end of the day, the right hairstyle for you is the one that makes you feel like your most confident self. So wear your hair with pride—because nothing looks better than that!