The Best Short Cut for Every Face Shape

Updated on March 30, 2017

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Windswept French Twist — Photo: Robbie Caponetto

We've all been there—seen a great cut on a celebrity and fallen in love with the look. Then, we've asked our stylist to sculpt our own locks in the same fashion, only to find that the chic style we loved on Reese Witherspoon doesn't look the same on us. Oops. It's disappointing–and a little confusing. So we looked to Chuck Duck, stylist at Salon U in Birmingham, to give us the real deal on going short. He explains: "Just like in fashion where you have to dress for your shape, you have to cut your hair to flatter your facial features." So how do you know how to do that? It starts with a great stylist analyzing your features and hair. Duck explains, "We spend a lot of time going through a consultation with our clients and finding something that's what they want, but also that we know will look good on their face and with their hair type. It's really important to listen to your stylist's recommendations because she knows what's going to work on you." While Duck emphasized that every face is different and getting a cut customized for your facial shape is always best, he did give us some ideas for what generally works on certain face shapes. Here's what he had to say:

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For a Round Face

Taylor Swift Bob Hairstyle — Taylor Hill/Getty Images

"A mid-length bob that comes past the chin usually works really well. The longer front panels elongate the face. Also, putting layers in helps you create volume in the top and contributes to the elongating effects.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t go super short if that’s the look you’re after as Duck explains, “I’ve seen women with very rounded features, and long pieces around the face but really short in the back and makes their face look really beautiful.”

Country music turned pop star, Taylor Swift wears a longer version of her many bob styles here.

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For a Square Face

Dianna Agron Short Layered Haircut — Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

"A short shag is really is great for a square face. Very distinct layers not only soften the jawline put also put the focus on your softer features,” Explains Duck about the look that is making a major comeback in 2017.

Georgia peach, Dianna Agron sports 2017’s hottest new haircut, the shag.

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Why We Love The Bob Hairstyle For Spring

This classic, trendy hairstyle is one of our favorites year-round, but the bob is especially chic and light for spring. Tease this easy-to-manage look at the crown for body, or curl your bob for a dressier style. It's almost universally flattering, and it's much easier to handle than grown-out winter locks. Be on the lookout for the full story of how to style your bob in our April 2017 print issue.

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For a Heart-Shaped Face

Jennifer Lawrence Short Hair — Jim Spellman/Getty Images

"Really wavy hair is back in a big way. Jennifer Lawrence currently has her hair right above her shoulders and wearing beachy waves. She pulls it off so well because of her heart-shaped face,” Duck says.

Louisville-born, Jennifer Lawrence shows off her short, beachy waves.

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For an Oval Face

Sarah Paulson Short Hair — Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

Duck recommends the pixie for women with an oval face saying, ”People with a oval face can pull anything off, including the super-short pixie. It’s such a great look, and if you’re one of the lucky ones it looks great on—go for it!”

Tampa-native and actress Sarah Paulson sports a sleek pixie.

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