Video:Find Out Which Cut Works

Transcript:Find Out Which Cut Works

Hi, I'm Allyson Thompson, here for About.com, and we're at Studio 23 in San Luis Obispo, California.

Today, I'm going to show you how to figure out what hair cut works for you. At some point, we've all suffered the agony of a bad hair cut. In fact, a trip to the barber or beauty salon can be a stressful experience for many people; but it doesn't need to be. If you follow a few basic tips, your hair cut will bring out your best features and leave you happy and confident.

Consider Face Shape When You Figure Out What Haircut Works

When you're deciding on a new hair cut, start by considering the shape of your face. For example, if you have a round face, consider long layers and natural waves to help elongate your face. Square faces should stick to long hair as well, and long faces should avoid extremely long or short cuts.

If you've got an oval-shaped face, consider yourself lucky -- you can wear just about any hair style you want. For those with a heart-shaped face, consider long side-swept bangs; straight-across bangs will look top heavy. Just a tip: If you are considering bangs and have a small forehead, they should start further back on your head so they're as long as possible. However, if you have a large forehead, side-swept bangs will be the most flattering.

Determine Hair Type When You Figure Out What Haircut Works

Next, you'll want to consider your hair type. If you have thin, stringy hair that tends to fall limp, your hair will look more full the shorter it is. With coarse or curly hair, you need to weigh it down with some length. And straight hair can fall flat, but cutting layers into it will add body.

Think About Height When You Figure Out What Haircut Works

Lastly, you'll want to consider your height when choosing a hair cut. Shorter individuals should stay away from long hair cuts, while very tall women should avoid hair cuts that are extremely short and masculine-looking.

Remember, shoulder-length hair is universally flattering for all women. A good hair cut promotes your best features and increases your confidence. With an understanding of what hair style works best for you, you can save yourself several weeks of anguish as you wait for your bad hair cut to grow back out. So get to your salon, and get the cut that's right for you.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.