Finding out your face shape

I realised that my last post on face shapes didn't specifically give instructions on how to determine your face shape, but instead focused on what type of hairstyle suited which face shape.  So this post is more specific to finding out your face shape.

At first when introduced to the idea of face shapes, I wasn't completely sure on how to find out what my face shape was.  But after time I figured out how to do so and now I use a methodical approach.

Method:

This is ideal for those with longer hair - especially if you have a long fringe.  After washing your hair, slick back your hair so that your sides are tucked behind your ears and your fringe is no longer covering any of your face.  Think John Travolta in Grease Lightning.  Below is a photo example of Zac Efron with slicked back hair.  I apologize in advance - it was the best photo of 'slicked back hair' when I Googled it.

This will help reveal your face shape as your whole face is exposed.  Now you can look straight into the mirror or take a photo at eye level  - this is important that you have a front on shot with no angle.  Also look/take a photo when you have a neutral expression - smiling will make it slightly ore difficult to see defined shapes.

If you're not particularly sure about what face shape you have, it is best to take a photo so you can carefully consider what face shape you are - this is something that you want to get right since this bone structure will be with you for the foreseeable future. 

What I like to do to find out face shapes is to try to break down the face into shapes.  Sounds obvious right?  However, facial features draw my focus away from the face shape so what I do is shade in the shape of a person's face in paint.

1)  Firstly you have a front on face shape - try get the right size in order to make the process faster.

2)  Using thick lines on paint, draw an outline of your face.  I usually use a colour as opposed to black or white because personally it stands out more.  I've placed an example below.

3)  Next, you need to fill in the outline that you have created.  After time, by just doing the outline, you should be able to determine face shapes.

4)  Now if you look at picture above, you should focus on the area above the jawline because that is what really defines face shapes (except for oval because of the rounded chin).  This is because guys usually have a squarer jawline, so most are very similar.  Now you will be able to see a clear rectangle. If not, look below.

I will do one more example on this method.  Note that I had to try guess where his hairline was because he (Lee Jae Jin) has a long fringe, which is why it is easier with slicked back hair.  That is why I can not say definitively whether he has an oval face.

 

For more on face shapes - specifically what hairstyles suit which face shape, see this post.

Choosing the right hairstyle: face shape

Many people realise that face shape is important when choosing a hairstyle but many find it hard to figure out what their face shape is, so hopefully this guide will help you out.  For a walkthrough on how to find out your face shape, see this post.

Before starting, it is important to know that not everyone has a definitive face shape, meaning that you could have a combination of a square jawline and the rest of your face is oval shaped.  Also by no means is the face shape the only factor to consider when choosing a hairstyle.  Stay tuned for the other factors to consider.

When choosing a hairstyle, it's integral to know that different cuts compliment different face shapes.  This doesn't mean you can't have different hairstyles to the 'recommended' one for your face shape, it just means that it's not ideal for you.  However it's also important to know what are the 'dos and don'ts' for your particular shape.  Note that your face shape can change throughout your life - especially in the transition from child to adult.  Most people have a softer and less defined jawline when a child but as you grow older, the jawline becomes more defined as you develop more masculine features.

Oval Shape Face:
This face shape is recognized as the 'ideal' shape because you can try any style with any type of length of hair.  There are no 'dos and don'ts' for this shape - so if you have an oval face shape, then you're lucky!

Rectangle Shape Face: 
With this shape, shaved sides are quite popular as the side of the face is straight, but medium length cuts like Dong Hae also go well with the rectangular shape.  The only thing to avoid are long sides that go down to the jawline, as it will make your face appear even slimmer.

Square Shape Face
If you prefer short hair and you have a square face, the fauxhawk works well, making your face appear longer.  You can also go for longer sides with or without a fringe to slim your face and give the appearance of a longer face.

Heart Shape Face:
With this shape, it is good to have a fringe and sides which cover the ears to help cover the top third of your face and bring attention to the jawline.  It is ideal to have sides that end where your jawline starts, futher accentuating it.  With this face shape, it is best to avoid shaved or short sides.

Diamond Shape Face:
This face shape is best suited for medium-long length hairstyles, like the heart shape.  Once you have a decent length fringe and sides, you will realise that the bottom half of your face is quite similar to that of an oval shape, with the jawline slightly more pronounced.  Again, the thing to avoid are shaved sides, as it will bring too much attention to your pronounced jawline.

Round Face Shape:
Long sides are advisible for this shape, as it slims the sides of the face and gives the appearance of an oval shaped face.  Short hairstyles are to avoided because it reveals it brings attention to forehead and undefined jawline. 

Triangle Face Shape:
The triangle face shape, it is advisable to have short-medium cuts to not bring attention to the heavily pointed chin.  A fringe works well with this face shape but it is optional.  What is essential is that the sides aren't too long and extend to the start of the jawline, as it will naturally bring attention to that area.