Have
you ever seen someone who just had his or her whole look
together and wondered why it worked so well? There are
many elements that go into putting it all together such as
shape, color, texture and proportion. These are essential
elements not only in selecting one’s wardrobe but also in
choosing the right hairstyle. I have spent the last 15
years studying face shapes and how they relate to hair.
Here are some of my observations.
In
order for a hairstyle to suit someone, it has to
proportionately relate to their unique face shape. Whether
you are trying to achieve a current trend, drama or a
classic shape, balance and proportion are the keys to
success.
The
classic oval face shape is the most desirable because it
emphasizes length and prominence of cheekbones. It is
possible to achieve the illusion of an oval face shape but
first we must understand its characteristics.
The
average face is seven to seven and a half inches long. In
order for it to be the classic oval it must be two thirds
longer than it is wide. The prominence of the cheekbones
has an impact on the degree of the oval as well. I usually
rank them as slightly prominent, average prominence and
strong angular. Take a look in the mirror with your hair
pulled back to determine where you fit.
Another
key is to determine the placement of volume in your
hairstyle. For anything other than a dramatic look the
hair should create a balanced shape. In other words, it
should have height and width relative to your face size.
The appropriate amount of height equals one third more
than the length of your face. Where it is placed is
usually determined more by current fashion. For instance,
the recent trend has seen flatter fronts with more height
in the crown. The width of the style should equal roughly
one half the width of your face at the widest point, which
is the bridge of the nose to the cheekbone for most. If
these proportions are balanced then the length of hair is
not as much of a factor.
To wear
bangs or not is a common question and it again comes back
to facial proportions. For instance, if your face is three
to three and half inches loner than wide you may consider
bangs. Where they are placed and their length is extremely
important. The temple area just above the cheekbone is the
narrowest point of the top half of face. If the bang or
fringe intersects that area it diminishes the impact on
the oval and you lose the strength of the cheekbones. The
most powerful impact is when the bang angles slightly to
intersect with the cheekbone at the widest point. This can
be a challenge because bangs grow out quickly, however it
is better to have them longer and have them trimmed
between regular visits to maintain that perfect length.
With the right face, bangs may be used regardless of
length and width.
Halle
Berry is a
prime example of this.
These
are a few things that go into creating that dynamic style
that makes people turn around and look again. I hope you
find this helpful. Everyone thinks they have the worst
hair in the world and it is my job to prove them wrong.
