THERE'S NO DOUBT a new hairstyle can boost your spirits. Compliments from friends flow like champagne and your confidence soars. But what do you do when a trip to the hair salon has the opposite effect?
Most people can recount at least one horror story that has the victim in hiding and avoiding mirrors for at least six weeks. But according to hairstylists, there are simple guidelines that should have you leaving the salon feeling sexy rather than embarrassed. They also have tips on how to keep the style looking good between salon visits.
Eve Lindsay, the Hong Kong-based personal and corporate image consultant and owner of Savvy Style, says knowing your face shape is the most important step in selecting a flattering hairstyle. Even with fabulous clothes and a great figure, you won't look good if your hairstyle doesn't work.
'To find your face shape, pull your hair off your face,' Lindsay says. 'Imagine you have a point at the top of your face, on your temples, cheekbones, jaw and chin.' What shape do these points create?
'Oval faces are the most versatile shape and give you many hairstyle options,' she says. Any style will suit this shape, including wearing your hair completely swept off your face.
If you have a square face you have a wide forehead with your cheekbones in line with your jaw. 'It's a good idea to create balance by adding width to the upper part of your face, and softening the angles with curls or layers.' Lindsay recommends avoiding straight bobs that end at your chin, and heavy, straight fringes.