How to Choose the Perfect Haircut.(haircut)

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OK. So you saw this actress, magazine picture, friend, or whoever with this great haircut. It's adorable, and you want to look just like that. Before you run off to your hairstylist with picture in hand demanding a magical makeover, take a few minutes to consider a few things. A stunning haircut and style may look great on someone else, but may or may not be the right one for you.

The first thing to consider is this: Will this style flatter your face shape? There are some basic guidelines that should be followed here. First, figure out what your face shape is. (If you're not sure, try this little trick... Pull all of your hair back from your face and look in a mirror. Using some type of washable makeup item, trace the outline of your face on the mirror and voila! There's your shape.)

If you have an oval shape face, then lucky you! Oval face shapes can carry off just about any haircut and style. But whatever you do, don't cover up your "perfect" face shape with too much hair on the face! Some oval face shapes you may recognize include Jennifer Aniston, Jewel, and Heather Locklear.

If you have a square shape face, you'll want to choose a cut and style that will soften the angles of your face. A long layer cut with waves would be flattering here, or even a short one if it's above the jawline, and you could part it either on the side or in the middle. Be careful not to have too much fringe or bangs though, you normally want to keep most of the hair off of your forehead. Also stay away from chin length bobs, as this will just emphasize the squareness of your jaw. Square faces you may know are Sandra Bullock and Demi Moore.

Round face shapes follow similiar guidelines as square ones. You'll want to stay away from anything that will make your face look rounder, such as chin length bobs or "big" hair. The best cut for a round face is something longer than chin length that is either straight or has very soft waves. This will lengthen the look of your face. Bangs are ok here. Kate Winslet and Natalie Merchant have round face shapes.

A long, narrow face needs to be given the illusion of width. Go for cuts and styles that are chin length or shorter, preferable with some waves or curls. Too much length will make your face appear longer. Keep hair off of the sides of your face as this will also add to the "long" look by cutting off the sides. Fringe or bangs however, will work great! Janet Jackson, Niki Taylor, and Kirstie Alley have narrow faces.

For the heart shape face, a chin length bob is a great choice! Wispy fringe bangs and layers around the face will balance out your face shape. Be careful to leave fullness around the neck area if you choose a shorter style, due to your narrow chin. Be sure to avoid any style that emphasizes the upper part of your face. You don't want to make it appear wider. The only thing you'll want to emphasize is those great cheekbones! Heart shape faces include Lisa Kudrow, Michelle Pfeiffer and Ashley Judd.

Pointers for some specific problems:

-If you have a prominent nose, be sure that your cut and style isn't too severe. Stick to softer styles.
-If you have a very pointed chin, be sure and keep some width at the jaw line.
-Wear bangs or at least some light fringe for a large forehead, an uneven hairline, or a widow's peak.

Other things to Consider:

Some other things you may want to consider when choosing a new cut and style is how much time you have to work with your hair and how hard will it be to achieve this look everyday? If you're a wash and go type of person, be sure and choose something that won't require anything more than maybe a little mousse and some scrunching. Another thing to consider is if your hair type will work. Is your hair straight and coarse or fine and wavy? Does it curl well? Does it lay nice with layers? Do you have cowlicks?

These are all things to consider when choosing the perfect haircut. If you're really not sure, don't be afraid to find a few pictures of different cuts and styles and take them into your hairstylist to discuss. A knowledgeable hairstylist will be able to tell you whether or not that is a good look for you and how hard it will be to achieve it everyday. So go for it! Change up your look! Just keep these tips in mind when you do.

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