It’s been four years since my last drastic cut, going from a mid-neck length, wrap style to a pixie cut. It was both a liberating and scary experience. On one hand, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to handle the upkeep of my new cut. On the other, I was sure my round face and big head would overshadow the look. To my surprise, my face shape was actually complemented by my new style.
If you’re ready for a new look, the best way to avoid any fear of how it will look is to know which styles are the most complementary for your face shape. For a run-down of how you can determine yours and what style to rock next, keep reading!
Photo: Pinterest
Allure highlighted three ways to find out what your face shape is, and, subsequently, your ideal style. First things first, measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jawline. You can use measuring tape or simply take a sheet of paper and place it against your face. On the sheet of paper, draw a line from one side of your face to the other at each of the three points. Similar to choosing which areas of your face to contour and highlight, whichever of these three characteristics garners the longest line says a lot about how you should and can wear your hair. Let's dive in!
Oval Shape
An oval face-shape has been said to be the most common of them all with a middle part being complementary to this face shape because of how it showcases symmetry while highlighting features. Whether it's with a straight or brazilian curly, shoulder-length bob, a blunt cut or textured, this shoulder length style allows you to set the stage for everything that makes your face beautiful!
Round
Photo from Pinterest
For us round face girls, it can be a struggle to achieve the sleek styles of our oval or oblong-shaped friends. However, with a side part, you can add dimension to your face and elongate your shape with a high-swept bang. These details can be paired with a pixie cut or an updo. Believe it or not, they draw attention to your jaw, cheekbones and hairline. Particularly if paired with a pompadour, the height of the hair creates a longer face shape to match that of the ovals and oblongs.
Square
Photo from WJLA
Curls and waves are a go-to for this face shape and it's easy to see why. Sometimes the chiseled bone structure of a square-shaped face can use a little softening. And a wavy short cut or long bouncy curls will help you achieve just that. Particularly, if the features are sharp, curls or waves are a sure-fire way to take the attention away from a defined jaw. Pay homage to the roaring 20's with a marcelle and feel free to add pops of color or go bold all the way. If you're looking to rock longer locks, consider adding curls with a curling wand or flexi-rods.
Heart or Inverted Triangle
Photo from Elle
If your face is widest across the forehead, coming to a sharp point at the chin, your lovely shape is that of a heart. Also known as the inverted triangle, this face shape knocks bangs out of the park every time it’s up to bat. Whether blunt, textured or side-swept, bangs can hide the forehead’s length and/or depth, and draw attention to the eyes. Elongate your face with wavy long locks or accentuate your pointed chin with a jaw-length bob. You could even rock a half-up style and frame your face while also drawing attention away from your forehead.
Diamond
Photo from TopNews
Diamond shaped faces, though usually small in size, can make just as much of a statement. With the most recent craze over cornrows, it’s easy to forget the simple yet sexy fishtail. By bringing all of your hair to one side, a fishtail or mermaid braid adds length while also highlighting your hairline, jawline and chin. Adding a side-swept braid can be the flattering touch to a casual look or a formal event (especially when paired with accessories like gold or studded hairpins).
Oblong
Photo from Pinterest
Last but not least, the oblong face shape has versatility written all over it. A middle part can be balanced by long or medium cut waves. And if you're going for a shorter look, feel free to add texture when clipping your ends. Blunt cuts can be a little risky, particularly if straightened. Dance on the edge and add streaks to your hairstyle or even rock that go-to top-knot which has proven to be a hit whether for formal or casual occasions.
Ultimately, if there's a style you want to try, go for it! You only live once and there are plenty of wigs that need good homes. But if you're on the fence, and looking for something a bit more calculated/well-proven, use this list as a user guide for your next hair move.
