Flattering Hairstyles for Round Faces

I'm a firm believer in the therapeutic powers of a haircut. The right cut, is a mood elevator, an instant change, and the fastest way to get you out of the style rut you're in. When you walk into your favorite salon, you have expectations and beliefs - a woman's relationship with her stylist is deep and profound - and for the duration that you're in that magical chair, you give yourself over to your stylist's skill, without qualms, safe in the knowledge that your goals are the same. It's important to discuss the style that you would like to achieve with a professional who's likely to give you the best advice regarding the suitability of your cut. A haircut can enhance your facial features and give you an instant style boost. Take a look at some flattering hairstyles for round faces, square faces and heart shaped faces listed below.

The first thing to do is to identify the shape of your face. Listed below, is a guideline to understanding the typical characteristics of different face shapes, but bear in mind that you need not fall absolutely into one category since individual features will vary. While there are many ways to figure out your facial shape, (including measurements with a slide rule) broadly classified, they are as follows:

• Round - Length approximately the same as the width, circular shape overall
• Oval - Length approximately one and a half times width, forehead and jaw measure roughly the same
• Square - Length approximately the same as width, angular jaw, broad forehead
• Heart shaped - Wide at the forehead and cheekbones, tapering to a narrow jaw line

For Round Faces
Round faces will benefit from hairstyles that minimize volume around the face, and add length, to visually reduce the width. People with round faces generally have soft, non angular features, with full cheeks and rounded chins. There are a number of haircut styles and ideas that will work for round faces; however, you should bear in mind, that a lot depends on your hair type. Depending on whether your hair is straight or wavy, fine or voluminous, the best styles to suit for your face will differ. However, the following are rules of thumb to keep in mind:

• Keep lengths short or medium, ending at or just below the jawline, this adds length to the face.
• Styles with volume at the crown reduce roundness, an off center part also works well.
• Soft, graduated layers will flatter the face, especially styles with wispy, tapering ends. Side swept, long bangs will also look great.
• A long inverted bob, one that is at least 2 inches below the jaw line, can look uber cool, particularly if you have fine straight hair. Keep the back shorter than the front and taper the ends to add texture and wispiness.
• Avoid short styles if your hair is curly - this will emphasize the roundness, so grow out short, coarse curly hair, or consider hair straightening products.
• Avoid volume and curls around the cheeks

For Heart-Shaped Faces
Longer styles or below-the-chin lengths look good on heart shaped faces. Try side swept bangs and layers that draw attention away from the chin and lower half of the face. A chin length bob is also a great option if you have a classic heart shaped face. If you have short hair, keep the top layers long, grazing the cheeks, with a side part. Avoid very angular cuts and short bangs or fringes.

For Square Faces
Square faces with their angular jawlines and broad foreheads need a softening effect to reduce the angles. Height at the crown, soft wispy layers and medium to long hairstyles will add length. Wavy hair works best for a square face by reducing the sharp angles and balancing the face.

For Chubby Faces
A 'fat' face isn't as much of a nightmare as you may think - fat faces are simply fuller round faces, and many women with fat faces have super svelte bodies, that belie the baby faced look. The trick is to again find hairstyles that add length, so long hairstyles and the graduated bob haircut, with smooth layers are also good bets.

Whichever style you choose, remember to discuss it with your stylist so that he or she is clear about what you want. You should also talk about your regular hair care routine and wearing style, so that your stylist can advise you on how to maintain the style that you choose, and hair care products that will work best. The right hairstyle can help you add style and glamor to your look with minimum work - find the one that's best for you and get snipping!