One of the easiest ways to change your look is switching how you part your hair. While many of us find a natural part and stick with it for years, have you ever wondered if that style is really the most flattering for your face-shape? Experimenting with a fresh comb-created angle will give you a chance to find the ideal balance to highlight your features. But the best part? It’s an instantly gratifying transformation! To help point you in the right direction, we spoke with stylist James Williams (who has worked with Kyra Sedgwick), of the Canale Salon in Beverly Hills about the art of finding the perfect part.
Heart-Shaped
"Heart-shaped faces tend to be wider in the cheeks," says James. “A middle part complements this shape, but only if you have long hair. If you have short hair or too many layers around the face, it can have the reverse effect.” That’s because the cropped fringe will bring the focus to the wider area of your face. “A side part will also work by allowing hair to covering the larger forehead and cheek area and make the face look thinner,” suggests James.
Circle
"Use a deep side part to showcase your strongest side," says James. Don't know which side is your best? Use a blank piece of paper to cover half of you face while looking in a mirror. Then switch sides. Whichever half you prefer the most wins! "Round faces need a curtain of hair to lengthen the shape and balance the features," says James.
Square
"A deep side part will soften the forehead and jaw line," says James. The long layers create a rounded oval by falling diagonally across the face and hiding harsher angles. The ideal place to start your deep part is directly above the arch in your eyebrows.
Oval
"People with oval faces have it the easiest! They can pull off any part, any side, any way, on any style," says James. So why not try them all? Experiment with sides and angles for a mini makeover each day! Or try creating a youthful zigzag part.
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Apr 29, 2013
Maybeforever F.
I have a oval face and I usually part my hair above the area in between the left side of my nose and my left eyebrow arch, but I'm willing to try other parts! :)
Oct 14, 2012
Lauren H.
since when is a zigzag part back in????
Oct 11, 2012
Sierra K.
I have an oval face and prefer to split my hair down the middle. although, if my hair is really flat and lifeless it can me look like an egg head. but I do find it flatters my face and small nose.
Jul 19, 2012
Sara S.
I don't think this is totally accurate. When I was in cosmetology school we learned about face shapes and in addition to the ones mentioned there are at least three other face shapes to consider: diamond, rectangle, and triangle.
A diamond face shape has a narrow forehead, wide cheek bones, and a narrow chin. Rectangle is when you have a squared forehead and jawline but your face is narrower and longer than someone who has a square face shape. And triangle is when you have a narrow forehead but a wider jawline. So what would be the most flattering hair parts for these categories then?
And also, I think what type of part you choose can depend on your facial symmetry and your nose. If you have a large nose, you DON'T want to wear a center part because it draws the eye directly to your nose. That's why Kim Kardashian beautifully pulls off a center part with her smaller nose and heart-shaped face, but Sarah Jessica Parker's face (who I think is more of a rectangle) with its larger nose is much more flattered with a side part or side-swept bangs.
I'm definitely over-analyzing this, but some of the girls who are saying they're not sure which face shape category their face falls into might find that they're one of these unmentioned categories. And it might help you with your future hair decisions. Lol!
Jul 12, 2012
Lillie C.
ugh I can NEVER tell what my face shape is! D:
All I know is that it's NOT round and it USED to be heart-shaped... it kind of morphed and now I can't tell -__-;
I wish there was an easier guide to determine it so I can try out all the advice...
Mar 02, 2012
Azra M.
i have an oval face but ANY part doesn't suit me :S
Jun 26, 2012
Ailin L.
Nov 08, 2012
Tara A.
Jan 22, 2012
Erica S.
<3 this!
Jan 15, 2012
Angelica D.
I agree, great article!
Jan 14, 2012
Keyry H.
I have no idea what kind of shape my face is, but I part my hair in many different ways, but I must try to figure my face shape out, help is always welcomed :)
Jan 14, 2012
Tina N.
what about diamon face shape ?
Jun 26, 2012
Ailin L.