How to Pick a Hairstyle, Based on Your Face Shape

Ever wondered how you can have the same hair color and type as your friend or celebrity muse, but a style that looks perfect on her looks not so perfect on you? Friend, it’s all about your face shape. Taking it into account is the key to finding the cut, shape and style that’s exactly right for you. So how do you know your face shape? Easy: Take an old lipstick (or eyeliner) and trace around the circumference of your face. Look in the mirror and assess the shape you see – where are the widest and narrowest points? Now here's how to choose the best hairstyle for that gorgeous face:

Oval-Shaped

Your face shape is determined by a broad forehead, slightly wider cheekbones and a jaw that tapers. All of your facial points are equally proportioned, so you can wear just about any hair look (that’s why Jessica Alba always looks so damn perfect).

Oval faces are on the longer side, however, so for longer cuts, thicker, volumized hair helps to round the shape out. If your strands are on the thin side, consider a shorter cut. For more tips on choosing the best hairstyle for a oval-shaped face, click here.

Heart-Shaped

You with the heart-shaped faces, look to Miz Witherspoon: She’s the poster girl for the face shape that is broadest at the forehead and tapers inward to a narrow chin.

Embrace your natural widow’s peak (that tiny, v-shaped hairline point) and go for chic, center-parted looks, or cut in some side-swept bangs for an asymmetrical finish. For more tips on choosing the best haircut for a heart-shaped face, click here.

Round-Shaped

Welcome, round-faced ladies! Your face shape has no discernible wide points, except for a slightly tapered chin. It's best suited for layers and side-swept bangs, which break up the symmetry of the round face.

You can also go crazy with a choppy textured short crop – think of Ginnifer Goodwin as your round-faced spirit animal. For more tips on choosing the best haircut for a oval-shaped face, click here.

Square-Shaped

You know you have a square face when all points of your face — forehead, cheekbones and jawline — are equally wide. And you’re in great company: think Olivia Wilde, Jessica Chastain and Mandy Moore.

Most hair lengths will suit your shape, but if you’re aiming for a shorter (above the shoulders) cut, factor in texture. Sleek, straight lengths can over-emphasize your square jaw. Go for bouncy curls, layers and sexy waves. For more on choosing the best haircut for a oval-shaped face, click here.

Diamond-Shaped

You have a diamond-shaped face if your face’s widest points occur at your cheekbones, and both your forehead and chin are narrower. Make Victoria Beckham your hair muse and ask your stylist for a cut that’s all about layers, layer, layers (which work to make the widest points of the face look narrower).

Since sleek, poker-straight hair falling against the cheeks can make a diamond-shaped face look too sharp, your ideal style is soft curls or wavy texture. For more tips on choosing best haircut for a oval-shaped face, click here.