Women’s Hairstyles

Every iconic movie makeover from Sandy in Grease to The Princess Diaries involves a chop and change. And we’re not talking about paint-on leather leggings. We’re talking about hair. It is the clothes of the face – one of the first things that people notice about you. Changing your hair is also one of the easiest ways to update your look.

Before you decide whether lop it off or lob it up, it is important to determine your face shape and the weight of your hair. This will help you find a haircut that best frames your features.

Check out our guide to finding the perfect cut, just in time for your next visit to the salon:

The best cut for your face shape

If your face is heart-shaped…

The forehead and cheekbones are wider with a narrow jaw line and chin. Spirit Animals: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence

Draw attention to your eyes with side-swept bands. This can help to balance out the heart shape. If you want to keep it short and sweet, try a pixie-cut. It basically comes with built-in cheekbones. If you’re going long, keep the hair textured with long layers. It will balance the sharpness of the jaw.

If your face is round…

The cheeks are prominent and rounded, and the width and length of the face is equal. Spirit Animals: Selena Gomez, Charlize Theron, Emma Stone

Choose hairstyles that create an illusion of length. If you are keeping it short and sweet, try a long bob (a.k.a. the lob).

Hair that hits the shoulder or collarbone will help to counterbalance the shape and give it structure. If you’re going long, ask your stylist for long, barely there layers at hit at the jawline. This will make your hair appear fuller, not your face.

If your face is square…**

The jaw is prominent and the chin is square; the forehead and jawline are roughly the same width. Spirit Animals: Megan Fox, Gwyneth Paltrow

You want to soften the angles of the face with waves, curls and the right kind of bangs. Avoid blunt bangs, and opt for a brow-grazing, side-sweeping fringe. If you are keeping it short and sweet , keep it textured. This will balance out the jaw line. If you’re going long, go for just over shoulder-length hair because it will play up your amazing cheekbones.

If your face is oval-shaped…

The forehead may be slightly wider than the chin, and the length of the face is about one and a half times the width. Spirit Animals: Jennifer Aniston, Blake Lively

No matter the length, you will look best with layers near your cheekbones, lips or chin. This will help you to highlight your features. A fringe can help create width and balance. Make sure to blend it in properly with the rest of your hair otherwise it can tend to look a little severe.

If you’re keeping it short and sweet, avoid spiky. This can add length to your face. If you are going long, restrain your inner Rapunzel. Super long hair can make an oval face appear longer.

Women’s cuts for thick and fine hair

If your hair is fine…

You want to turn up that volume. The right haircut will add body, and an illusion of thickness to your locks. Transform thin hair though texture. Opt for longer layers or embrace your curls. Avoid too many layers around the ends because it can make your hair look thin and wispy.

If your hair is thick…

You are the envy of women everywhere. The only problem you may face is that it can be difficult to maintain. Layers can give your long, heavy hair lightness and movement. Start your layers are the jaw to prevent the heaviness of the hair from overpowering your face.

Now that you have found the Rachel to your Jennifer Aniston, we at Bookwell are here to help you book well. That means finding the Chris McMillan to your Jennifer Anniston or the Jen Atkin to your Khloe Kardashian. Good hair? Don’t care.