The problem with trying to keep up with the "hottest" summer haircuts is that the celebrities whose photos we salivate over have already consulted with hair experts who know the angles of their face and their particular face shape like the backs of their hands. Not so for the majority of us who walk into a hair salon armed with only a dream, a ripped out magazine photograph.
This is why it's so important to become familiar with your unique face shape prior to considering a new cut. This helpful
face shape chart, which requires that you be honest about the width and shape of your face and answer a few easy questions, will help set you on the path to truth. From there, we enlisted the help of Matrix Celebrity Stylist
George Papanikolas to give us honest recommendations on the ideal haircuts that suit round, heart-shaped, oblong, square, diamond, and oval faces — as well as styles we should leave to our oval-faced sisters (because, as we all know, they can get away with
everything).
If you have a round face like Kate Upton and Kelly Clarkson... "Round faces look best with long bouncy layers," Papanikolas says. "The length helps elongate the round face shape, the way Kate Upton usually styles her hair." As an alternative, you can go really short with the sides cropped (a la Kelly Osbourne), which also helps elongate the face.
Round faces should avoid blunt cut bangs as they can accentuate the roundness as well as bobs because they will curve under the jaw and can add to the roundness.
If you have a square face like Jennifer Aniston and Lucy Liu... "Long, soft layers with a side swept bang add balance and distract from a strong jaw line. Avoid blunt cuts or strong lines as this can add to the strong jaw," Papanikolas advises.
If you have a heart-shaped face like Reese Witherspoon and Taraji Henson... Heart-shaped faces can look great with a choppy pixie to balance the face," Papanikolas says. "If you wear it long, opt for heavier layers with a side-swept fringe. The heavy layers draw your eyes away from the chin area."
As for styles to avoid, steer clear of cuts that draw attention to the forehead and leave it completely bare.
If you have a diamond face shape like Kourtney Kardashian and Ashley Greene... "Smooth and sleek long hair give this face shape balance and distracts from strong cheekbones. Avoid lots of layers or shag cuts as they can throw off the balance."
If you have an oblong face like Liv Tyler and Kate Beckinsale... "Long layers and heavy bangs are the best option for a long face," Papanikolas says. "Never wear your hair stick straight as it will elongate the face. Instead hair should have texture and waves."
If you have an oval face like Jessica Alba and Kate Middleton... As you already suspected: "They are the lucky ones, because every cut has a universal appeal with this head shape," Papanikolas says. A few great haircuts to try if you have an oval face: long, layered curls, a shaggy bob, and blunt bangs.