4 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Hairstyle for You

How many times have you seen a photo in a magazine or the style books at your salon and loved it, but then when it was on your own head it just didn't look right? Even if your stylist did a great job cutting and styling it just like the photo, it just didn't look that great on you. Why? Or maybe it looked great leaving the salon but you just couldn't duplicate it yourself at home? There are a number of reasons why a dream come true in the salon might turn into a nightmare in the bathroom the next day.

Avoid disappointment by considering these four factors when you're selecting your new hairstyle:

Face Shape

The most common cause of an unflattering hairstyle is not considering your face shape when making your selection. If you're not sure what your face shape is, simply sit in front of a mirror, pull your hair back off of your face (including your bangs), and use lipstick or another easy-to-remove item such as soap to trace the edges of your reflection of your face in the mirror. Stand back and look at it. Do you have the ever sought after oval face shape? Do you have a round face shape? Do you have a square face shape? Or maybe you have a heart-shaped face or oblong face.

Consider these factors when selecting your hairstyle by using these guidelines:

Oval- Lucky you! You have the most desired face shape and can generally get by with any hairstyle you choose.

Square- You may want to avoid hairstyles that are chin length or full around the chin area. This will emphasize a wider jaw line and could enhance a square facial shape.

Round- If your face is round you may want to look for a style that isn't too full around the widest part of your face. Hairstyles that are fuller around the top of the head or bangs, or are longer in length will pull your overall shape upwards and/or downwards to create an elongated effect.

Heart- You have one of the most unique face shapes! Heart shaped faces generally are wider at the forehead with a tapering jaw and chin line. You can widen the appearance of your jaw line by selecting a hairstyle that is wider around the bottom or is blunted with the jaw line, such as a bob. Around the top of the forehead avoid flat or parted styles without bangs.

Oblong- For an oblong face shape, simply avoid long straight hairstyles with no fullness at the sides. Usually a more round shaped hairstyle will give a more rounded appearance in the face. Avoid styles that are in themselves elongated.

The rule of thumb here is easy to see, you're simply selecting a style that is essentially opposite of what your face shape is. By doing so you are basically overcompensating for areas you wish were larger or more pronounced, and downplaying areas you desire to be smaller or less prominent.

Texture

The next factor to consider when selecting the perfect hairstyle for you is the texture of your hair. This is every hairstylist's most difficult challenge. Consider what type of hair you have when you take them a photo of your desired new do. Ask them, "Do you think my hair would do this?"

Be realistic with yourself. Try not to make your hair do something it won't. You may resort to chemical treatments such as straightening, smoothing, or permanents to help you reach your goal. But sometimes you still may be limited.

For example, if your hair is coarse and thick, try to stay away from smooth sleek styles unless you're willing to receive a smoothing treatment and possibly use a flat iron and/or smoothing products daily.

If your hair is extremely fine, you may not want to select a very full style unless you're prepared to receive a permanent (perm) and are willing to use volumizing products daily. You'll most likely need to blow dry, round brush, or even use heated appliances such as hot rollers, curling irons, or flat irons as well.

Time

Next, ask yourself how much time you're willing to spend on your new style everyday. Be honest with yourself. Ask your stylist to help you understand what will be required to achieve the look you want. Are you willing to invest that much time to make it happen each day?

If your scalp and hair is oily and you need to shampoo daily, you'll be starting over each day. Will you need to blow dry? Will you need to use heated appliances? How many styling products will you need? Most important, how long with it take?

Be sure to also find out how often you'll need to have a trim or touch up in the salon. Are you willing and able to commit to the maintenance outside your own bathroom as well?

Cost

What's in your budget? Are you able to purchase the styling products and maybe the chemical services you need to maintain your desired style? What needs to be done and how often?

Hair grows, and chemical services need to be maintained. How fast does your hair grow? How often will you need a touch up?

Products are important and your stylist will show you how to use them and show you what is recommended. The good news about most professional salon products is that they tend to last longer than those purchased in the drug store. The reason is that they're more concentrated and are made from higher quality ingredients. This is also better for your hair.

If you're going to invest in chemical services, you'll want to maintain your hair properly. Using the right products is important. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money and time of a perm to go home and shampoo with an inexpensive shampoo that contains cheap ingredients. Many of the over-the-counter style shampoo manufacturers use detergents that contain chemicals similar to that of straigteners. To put it plainly, they'll take the curl right out of your hair!

If you're investing in hair color services, make sure to use something that will protect rather than strip all the hard work your stylist has done. Sulfates (a fancy schmancy name for detergents or cleansers) and other chemicals found in cheaper shampoos and conditioners can strip artificial hair color and cause premature fading.

There is a perfect style for you. You just need to be honest with yourself, consult with a professional, and commit to what you need to do to maintain it. You may not be able to get your hair to do what you see on someone else's head in a magazine. But that's OK. Select something your hair will go along with and be yourself! You'll be much happier when you leave the house in the morning-on time!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7405468