How to Use Haircuts to Enhance Your Facial Features
10.01.2022
Have you ever seen a haircut that you absolutely loved and asked your stylist to recreate it for you only to find to your horror that it looked terrible on you? We’ve all had a similar experience at one point or another. Several things can cause a hairstyle to look out of place on you. It could be the length or color, but it’s usually because the cut did not complement the shape of your face. When you choose a cut based on the shape of your face, it will flatter your features and look fabulous every single time. So how can you know which style to choose to avoid haircut regret? Well, the very first step is to come in to see your stylist at Salon Red!
Determine Your Face Shape
The first thing you’re going to need to do before choosing your perfect haircut is to determine your face shape. You might be able to figure this one out on your own, but it would be better to get your stylist's help. Experienced stylists can determine your face shape with just one look. If you really want to figure this one out right now, pull your hair back and draw an outline around your face on the mirror with a dry-erase marker. Now you can step away and see the shape of your face quite clearly.
What Are The Different Face Shapes?
No two faces are shaped exactly alike, but most will fit into one of five main shape categories which include heart, oval, rectangular, round, and square. Your face probably won’t be perfectly one of those shapes, but it should closely resemble one of them. Sometimes faces have elements from more than one category. This is one reason the opinion of a professional is so important.
What Haircuts Will Flatter My Face Shape?
Heart Shaped - Heart-shaped faces are wide at the forehead and taper down to a narrower jaw. This face shape narrows even more at the chin. When choosing a haircut for a heart-shaped face you want to avoid making the forehead appear wider. Long chin-to-shoulder-length layers draw the eye downward and flipped-out ends add visual width at the bottom to balance the narrow chin. Hair extensions can be used to gain the added length if necessary. Those who prefer a shorter style should keep the volume on top to a minimum and ask for wispy bangs with longer side pieces to diminish the width of the forehead.
Oval - Oval faces are slightly elongated and rounded. Oval is considered the neutral face shape and looks great with a variety of haircuts. If you’re a fan of short styles you might opt for a blunt bob. If medium to longer styles is your thing, throw in some layers so that you get your preferred length without it visually stretching your face. Side-swept bangs perfectly complete the look for any style you choose.
Rectangular - Prominent foreheads, cheekbones, and jawlines are hallmarks of rectangular faces. Because of the length and angular nature of rectangular faces, very long hair usually isn't the most flattering. You want shorter, more rounded styles that draw the eye up and soften the harshness of the angles. A textured chin-length bob is a great choice. And if you want something a little longer consider a curly shag.
Round - A circular overall shape is what defines round faces. The goal with a haircut here is to add some structure and avoid anything that might give the face a ball-like appearance. Short hair is challenging for round faces, but varying the length of your strands and adding a texture perm for some soft curls can help you pull it off. Round faces truly look best with long styles that incorporate layers that start at the jawline to draw the eye down and give the face a more elongated appearance. Blunt one-length styles are big no-nos for round faces.
Square - Square faces have the same prominent foreheads, cheekbones, and jawlines as rectangular faces, they just have a much shorter length. To soften the stark lines of your face try a shoulder-length layered bob with a side part and wispy rounded bangs. Pixie cuts are also super cute with those same wispy bangs and side pieces.
Another thing to consider to help balance and flatter your facial features is your hair color. Lighter colors give the illusion of bigger, wider hair because light expands. Dark colors recede or diminish, so it can trick the eye into seeing less volume where needed. In this way, hair color and highlights can be used to help shape your style, sometimes even without a cut. Apply these same principles of shape and color when choosing makeup, clothing, jewelry, and glasses as well to make everything work together to enhance your best facial features while at the same time diminishing any facial flaws.
The talented stylist at Salon Red would love the opportunity to help you choose the best haircut to enhance your facial features. It’s our goal to help you look and feel beautiful every single day. Book your appointment today at any of our Atlanta locations: our Brookhaven location - 804 Town Blvd, Suite 1045, 404-373-2003, or our Candler Park location - 1642 Dekalb Ave, 404-373-2868. Schedule a virtual consultation with your favorite Salon Red stylist today. We look forward to serving you!
