Are you looking for that perfect hairstyle? Many of us have tried the newest, trendiest haircut only to be disappointed with the result. What makes one hairstyle look great on you and another miss the mark entirely? The perfect style should bring out your best features, while camouflaging those that are not so attractive. The question is how do you know what is the right style for you, before committing to the haircut?

A new hairstyle is always a gamble, but there are certain guidelines to follow that will help you avoid months of agony in growing out an unflattering cut. These guidelines deal with your face shape and the visual effect created by a hairstyle.

The following diagrams will help you identify your own face shape and are meant to give you an idea of the features of the style that would be attractive. To get an honest appraisal of your face shape, use a headband to pull all your hair back and look intently into the mirror, noticing where your face is narrow or wide/ long or short.

The oval face is about one and one half times longer than the width across the brow. The forehead is slightly wider than the chin. This lucky person can wear any style unless there are other considerations such as the length and shape of the nose. (If you have a large nose, it is wise to wear fluffier bangs and never wear a center part. Wear fewer bangs with a small nose.)
A round face is wide with a round hairline and round chin line. With this shape, it is best to create the illusion of length. You will want some height on the top, close at the sides and bangs brushed to the side. Read more here.

A square shaped face is wide with a square shaped hairline and chin. With this shape, it is important to soften the square lines. To create the illusion of length and soft lines, the style should lift up off the forehead and come forward at the chin and the temples.

The face that is long and narrow with hollow cheeks is oblong. The aim is to make the face appear shorter and wider. Style the hair fairly close to the top of the head and keep some fullness at the sides. A fringe of bangs will add softness and create width. Read more here.

The pear shaped face is narrow at the forehead, with a wide jaw and chin line. The style for this face partially covers the forehead and is fairly full and high. Read more here.

The face that is narrow at the forehead and chin while being wide through the cheekbones is called diamond shaped. For this face, create fullness across the forehead and chin line and keep the hair close at the cheekbones.

Finally the heart shaped face is wide at the forehead and narrow at the chin. Provide fullness at the jaw with a center or slightly off-center part with slanted bangs. Read more here.

There are few people who will fit these face shapes perfectly. The guidance you should receive is to soften harsh lines and counteract narrowness or width in the face shape. When this is done, you will be on your way to finding the style that you will love and that will rake in the compliments.

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