A hairstyle is more than just how you arrange your tresses. The style you choose to wear can affect your overall appearance, from enhancing or minimizing your facial features to adding height or volume. Your hair’s color, texture, length, and density all play a role in the final look of your hairstyle. You can even change the look of your hairstyle by applying a different product or styling technique. Whether you want to elongate your face with a long bob, add some height with bangs, or create movement with waves, the options are endless.
Your hairstyle can also reflect your personality or mood. For example, if you are feeling sexy and daring, a short, choppy pixie could be your new go-to look. Or, if you are feeling laid back and casual, you can try a beachy wavy lob. Similarly, if you are feeling elegant, an up-do with a mermaid cut could be the perfect fit.
Choosing the right hairstyle starts with identifying your face shape, says George Papanikolas, a stylist at Andy Lecompte Salon in Los Angeles. A long, oval-shaped face with a wide forehead and cheekbones is the ideal foundation for most styles. A chin-length bob or a textured lob will elongate your face while keeping it balanced, he says.
On the other hand, if you have a square-shaped face—with a straight across forehead and narrow jawline—you’ll want to add more angles to your look to balance your features. A side-swept fringe with minimal layers will soften your lines and accentuate your chin. A deep side part can also complement your chin line, as well as break up the verticality of a long face and help it appear narrower.
When you have a heart-shaped face, you’ll want to add fullness around your cheekbones and jawline to enhance your natural beauty. This makes a curly long hairstyle an excellent choice—simply tease your strands and add volumizing products to bring out the best of your curls. A deep side part will soften a pointy chin line, too.
If you have an oblong-shaped face (usually longer than wide with a prominent jawline and forehead), a shoulder-length cut will keep your strands at their most flattering length. If you have straight hair, add dimension by opting for a layered bob or by using a highlight or balayage application. If you have a naturally curly or wavy hair, consider using a leave-in conditioner to tame your tresses.
A slicked-back half-up hairstyle works well on all face shapes, as it adds height and highlights your chiseled cheekbones. Adding a little stubble will give your look an added touch of sexiness. The slicked-back look can be as easy or as complicated as you prefer—you can keep it subtle by just combing your strands over to one side, or slick them all back and finish with a touch of hairspray. The key is to make sure the style suits your facial features and matches your personality.