To determine your face shape, you’ll need a hair tie, an eyebrow pencil and a lighted mirror. Tie your hair back at the base of your neck and use the pencil to outline your face inside your hairline. The shape you see will likely be oval, oblong, round, square or heart shaped. Oval shapes and round are fairly self-explanatory, but an oblong face is thinner than oval and is the same width at the base and the top. The square face shape is wide at the cheeks, and the chin is a flat line and is usually close to the same width as your forehead. Heart-shaped faces are widest at the top, and thin out to almost a point at the chin. Once you determine your face shape, you can follow the guide below for the haircut best suited to you.

Oval face
For an oval face, look at chin-length bobs, blunt bangs, long hair or waves. These are the most flattering for this face shape. In fact, this is the most versatile face shape and can wear just about every cut. Avoid short layers that add height to the top of your head which can make your face appear too long. Curly hair should avoid blunt cuts.

Oblong face
For an oblong face shape, get a cut that adds width, but doesn’t draw down the face. Flattering cuts are side-swept bangs and chin-length bobs and wearing it curly or with waves. Avoid long, straight hair as it adds length to your face. If you like it long, add some layers to give the impressions of width.

Round face
For round faces, create less volume around your face. Try longer lengths that stop just below the chin. Layers that adjust from shorter to longer can make your face appear slimmer. Try rezoned ends to draw attention down to the base of your hair. Bangs should be side-swept or long. Avoid blunt or short cuts. Curly hair can only make your face seem fuller.

Square face
With square faces, lower the effect of the strong jaw. Texture is a great highlight for this face shape. Short spiky cuts and long, layered hair can also work for this flexible shape. Avoid one-length bobs and blunt bangs, as they will square off your face.

Heart face
The best rule of thumb for the heart-shaped face is to draw the attention up from the chin. Try side-swept bangs or a strong part with hair below your jaw line. Short cuts should have long top layers. Avoid blunt-cut bangs and choppy layers.