How to Pick the Perfect Haircut

I have a long face and a high forehead (I was once dubbed 'IMAX' by a frat guy in college). After years of searching, I have finally figured out the most flattering haircut for my face shape (and it's not the cut featured in my picture, by the way). I've learned my best length is anywhere from jaw length to just between my chin and shoulders. I look best with long, side-sweeping bangs and face-framing layers show off my blue eyes.

Now, what about you? Here are some basic rules that work on everyone. Here, you'll be able to find the perfect haircut for you.

The Most-Flattering Haircut on Everyone

I was struck a couple years ago by a passage in my favorite beauty bible, 'Confessions of a Beauty Editor'. The writer, Linda Wells, stated that almost everyone at Allure Magazine where she works has shoulder-length hair. Turns out shoulder-length is universally the most flattering length. Think about it: No matter how tall or short you are, no matter how fat or narrow your face is, no matter how frizzy or curly your locks, you will look good in shoulder-length hair.

Who Can, and Can't, Go Long? 

Long hair generally means below the shoulders. Women who generally shouldn't go long are super-short people (you'll forever look age 12) and women with long, narrow faces (like me, wahhh). Women who look fabulous in long cuts tend to be thin and have oval or square faces. That said, anyone with hair below their breasts is committing a huge beauty faux pas and as their friend, you might gently encourage them to see a stylist.

 

 

There is One Long Cut That's Universally Flattering

The 'v-cut' is long in the back and shorter along the sides. This cut works because the length is in the back and not around the face. Lip and chin-grazing layers on the side add to the sexy allure.

The Basic Dos and Don'ts For Short Hair

Short hair comes in a variety of lengths. In order to figure out which length works for you, consider your best and worst assets and your height. Super short hair on very tall women can look too masculine or it can look very powerful (depending on how you see it). Short hair on women with round faces can make the round face appear fuller. If you have a round face, grow your hair longer than your chin. If you have a pointy chin, avoid hair that falls right at the chin. If you have great eyes, consider short hair with side-swept bangs that hit right at the eye.

Remember, a good hair cut masks your downfalls and promotes your best features.

Why It's Important to Consider Hair Type

Each one of us can classify our hair: Dry, coarse, curly, thin, stringy, limp, oily, wavy, fine. If you have thin, stringy hair that tends to fall limp, your hair will look fuller the shorter it is. Coarse, curly girls need to weigh hair down with length: The shorter you go, the higher the frizz and fluff factor. Same thing with bangs. If you have curly, coarse hair cutting in bangs is an invitation to frizziness. Straight hair can fall flat, but cutting in layers adds body. And no matter your hair type, damaged hair never looks good. Cut it off.

Why You Should Consider Upkeep

If you're like me and you hate going to the salon or if you tend to put it off for months on end, ask your stylist for a cut that will grow out nicely. Eva Scrivo of Eva Scrivo Salon in NYC told me a great haircut should last 3 months.

Uh-Oh, What About That Forehead?

Small forehead? Consider bangs that start further back on the head and that are as long as possible.
Big forehead? Bangs are flattering because they cover up the 'IMAX' screen. Side-sweeping bangs are the most flattering look for you. According to 'Confessions,' bangs are flattering when they are longer at the temples than in the middle.