We’re in the midst of a season of big change, and a lot of us are looking for some change in ourselves, a fresh look. So why not try new hair? You may have seen some tiktoks trending online recently with a common theme- someone fed up with their hair and looking for a style that actually compliments their face and natural texture. Some stylists have started responding to these videos with their advice on what to try, including celebrity stylist Jen Aktin. Even though we would all love a video consultation from Jen, we actually can figure this out ourselves. Getting familiar with your face shape and the natural properties of your hair will give you all the tools to choose your next style. Here’s how to read your face like a stylist;

Face Shapes

1. Oval- your face is longer than it is wide, with the forehead being wider than the rest

This face shape is complimented by most styles. Typically a layered bob or lob, long layers, or pixie cuts are the most flattering for these faces.

2. Square- the length and width of your face is basically equal, strong angles and jaw

To soften up the sharper edges of a square face, long layers, soft shags, and lots of wispy fringe are very complimentary.

3. Round- cheeks are the widest part of the face, with length and width ratio basically equal, soft angles

This face shape can also be softened with lots of layers and fringe. Styles with lots of volume and movement compliment this face shape perfectly.

6. Diamond- a narrow forehead, high and defined cheekbones, and a pointy chin

To show off those cheekbones, diamond faces suit both bob cuts, and long hair with layers and face framing, especially curtain bangs.

TIP: filling out our pre-consultation form and submitting photos of your hair allows us to assess the quality of your hair and your face shape, so that we can work together to find and create the style you will be most confident and yourself in!

Texture and Hair Types

Understanding your hair type and texture is critical in finding the style that will also suit your life. Certain styles that go against your hairs natural texture will require more effort on a daily basis, which is something to consider when looking for a low-maintenance look. Your hair texture also effects how your hair cuts will compliment your face shape. For example, if you have medium wavy hair and a round face, this could mean avoiding cuts that will round your face such as short blunt bobs, and going for cuts that hit at the neck/collarbone and aren’t too heavy on the sides.

Typically, we pair fine hair with blunt cuts to limit the layers and maintain some strength and thickness to the hair. Medium hair is the most flexible and is able to support different lengths and cuts, and layers help add movement. Thick hair typically needs lots of layering to remove some weight and density, which also keeps it easier to maintain daily. 

If you are unsure of your hair type or texture, our stylist will be able to assess and determine this during your consultation to help advise you on any concerns you might have. You can also figure this out on your own based on the criteria of your hair. 

First you can look at the individual strands of your hair. A single strand of fine hair will barely be felt between your fingers, whereas you would feel the strand of medium hair, and would definitely be able to tell if the strand is thick and coarse. You can also determine the density of your hair. You can have very fine hair but lots of it, or very thick hair and not as much. When you look in the mirror, grab a section of hair on the side and see how much of your scalp peaks through. If you see a lot of scalp your hair is probably thin, if you can’t see any of your scalp it is likely thick, and anything in between is considered medium. You should also look at the texture of your hair after it is washed. If your hair starts to dry and is straight- you have straight hair, if the hair has some kinks or begins to frizz- you have wavy hair, and if the hair begins to coil you have curly hair.

The last thing you can determine for your hair is your sebum production. It is so important to understand how your scalp works when picking products and hairstyles. To figure this out, look at your hair one day after washing it. If it looks pretty much the same your scalp is balanced, if it is greasy already you have an oily scalp, and if you start to notice some flakes it is dry. This is important to note because it is very likely that your scalp can be maintained by the right products and care to achieve certain hairstyles you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. For example, a greasy scalp and fine hair would struggle with volume and would fall flat, which can make your haircut unflattering for your face shape if the style requires volume.

Maintenance

One of the most important things we always want our clients to consider is the maintenance. Sure, we would love to see you back at the studio all the time, and there are some people who love to come in for some pampering quite often, but we know this isn’t the reality for everyone. If you are the type of person who is looking for low-maintenance styles, it is especially important to acknowledge the type of hair you have and what is realistic without tons of effort. Some of us don’t want to style bangs every day, and others wouldn’t leave the house without it! We might embrace the natural texture of our hair, or we might prefer to heat style a staple look. Even if you are willing to put the effort in to maintain a particular style, it is still important to define the properties of your hair in order to know which products will actually cater to your needs. Whatever is your preference, we want to help you find a unique plan that is right for your hair and your desired look, and realistic for your lifestyle.

Many of us are looking to revamp our style this season but simply don’t know where to start and who to trust. We know how scary it is to put your hair and your confidence in someone else’s hands- it’s even terrifying as a stylist! It is also very intimidating to try a new style with the fear that you might not love it and won’t be able to fix it back. These are all completely valid concerns that we have to. We want you to feel like your best and most confident self, starting with your hair. That is why we have streamlined our process and have our curated pre-consultation to check all the boxes. We care about the little details starting with you and ending with your dream hair.