We all want a hairstyle that makes us look good. But choosing a style isn’t simple. You need to consider more than just the shape of your face. 

To start, think about your hair type, hair colour and your complexion. Then, throw in fashion trends and your personal style and finally, your lifestyle.  It’s no wonder that changing hairstyle is such a big deal.

Know your hair

Knowing your hair type is vital. If you’ve got thick, curly hair you’ll be able to pull off a very different look than someone with thin, fine hair. And rocking a hairstyle day-in and day-out means that it’s got to be easy for you to maintain. Understanding your hair will help choose the right style for your hair type.

Hair colour and shade

Choosing the right hair colour is all about the right shade to enhance your natural skin colour. Dying your hair a shade too dark or too light can make you look washed out or ill.

When colouring your hair in shades of red or red tones make sure the shade enhances your skin tones. If you’re not sure ask your salon colourist for advice. have a look at our article about natural hair dye, if you prefer a chemical-free option.

• Pale skin and a natural blonde? Go strawberry blonde.
• Medium complexion? Try auburn and medium reds.
• Olive skin? You look great with deep reds and burgundy.

Visual balance

You know when the hairstyle is right because there is a geometrical balance between the shape of your face and the hairstyle.

Oval Shape Face:
People with an oval face can rock most hairstyles, from a pixie cut to long waves. If the length of your face is about one and half times its width, and your forehead and chin are roughly the same width, you’ve got an oval face. Lucky you.

Round Shape Face:
Is the length of your face about the same as the width? You’ve got a round shaped face. Short hair looks great on a round face. Make sure the hairstyle is smooth at the sides, to elongate your face. Bobs that add volume at the sides? Avoid. Instead, a side sweeping fringe will flatter a round face.

Square Shape Face:
Square shaped faces have a broad forehead and a strong angular jaw line. If this is you, a short to medium hair style is your best bet. Try a soft wispy cut to soften the look of your square jaw line. Avoid blunt square cuts and heavy fringes – they add more sharp angles.

Diamond Shape Faces:
A diamond shaped face has a narrow forehead and a narrow jaw line, so choose a bob cut to add width to the chin area. A hairstyles with lots of height on the top of the head will make your head look longer, so best to avoid. A fringe, on the other hand will balance a narrow chin.

Oblong Shape Faces:
The oblong face is generally longer than it is wide, so the hairstyle should work to minimise the appearance of length. Adding width with short layered looks, side parts and graduated bobs can work well in creating volume at the sides.

Heart Shape Faces:
The heart shaped face is defined by a wide forehead and cheekbones with a narrow jaw line. Create width around the narrow chin with styles that kick out around the chin and shoulder. Avoid solid fringes as these accentuate the width of the forehead and will make the chin appear even narrower.

Triangular Shape Faces:
A triangular shaped face has a narrow forehead and strong jaw line. Layered hairstyles create volume, balancing the strong chin. Avoid bob cuts unless they have some volume at the top and are then tapered and wispy around the jaw.

If you’re considering changing your hairstyle, talk to your hairstylist first. They will be able to tell you what face shape you have, and what styles and colours suit you best – taking into account your hair type, complexion – and your lifestyle.