Choosing the Best Formal Hairstyle: Why Face Shape Matters

By learning just two attributes about your facial features, you will never again have a problem choosing the perfect hairstyle, for prom, homecoming or any special occasion. Why does knowing your face shape matter? As a general rule, duplicating the face shape with the hair shape will create an ordinary look with no pizzazz, or flair. When we get dressed up we want our hair to look special also.

If you have a round face, don't settle on a round poufy or curly hairdo; it will only make your face look unusually round. Instead, create interest with an angular and/or blunt hairstyle. Likewise, creating balance for a longish face is easily accomplished with a short full cut and style, rather than one that is long and straight. Most hairstyle galleries have an overwhelming number of styles to choose from, so it can be quite a challenge to pick just one style. What you want is to be able to choose your hairstyle based on your own facial features.

Finding the right hairstyle is easy once you understand your facial proportions. Proportion is the relationship between the length and the width of your face. According to many experts, the average perfectly proportioned face is 1 1/2 times longer than the width. Most people do not possess the perfectly proportioned facial structure, but when we can choose a hairstyle that will create the balance and symmetry. There are actually several methods for finding the proportions of your face. The method we will use now is the mirror method. All you need is a tube of dark lipstick, a mirror and a simple calculator.

Directions:

Stand directly in front of a mirror, so you can see your entire face and hairline. Remain very still, so you can take an accurate measurement.

Length

First, place a tiny dot of lipstick onto the mirror, at the uppermost point where your hair meets your forehead. Next, place a dot onto the mirror where the bottom of your chin shows in the mirror.

Width

Now, place a dot onto the mirror where your cheeks are at their widest point. This is usually at the same level as the top of your ears.
These two measurements are very important. Write them down.

Length ______
Width ______

Now, we are going to make a simple but very important calculation. Take the width and divide that number by the length. What number did you get? Write this number down. ___________.

This number represents the proportion of the width and length of your face. You are :

OVAL if your number is between .70-.79. What this means: Your face is perfectly proportioned. You can wear just about any style that suits your fancy!

OBLONG if you are between .60-.69. What this means: Your face is a bit longer than average: you may have a high forehead or a longer chin. Try shorter hairstyles that add volume or width to your features. (Bangs work well for you.)

ROUND if you are between .80-.89 .What this means: Your face is wider than the average. You need to make the face appear elongated by adding height to your hairstyle. (Updos are perfect for you)
You now have the tools to learn which hairstyles will suit your face shape the best. By following these guidelines, you automatically complement your natural features, which create balance and excitement, making you more attractive.