Great for: Giving fine hair more body.
Avoid: Too-long sections in the front — they can overwhelm the face.
Great for: Slenderizing a round face; adding volume to fine or wispy hair.
Avoid: Too much pouf on top — the style will look outdated.
Great for: Playing up delicate features; slashing a.m. prep-time.
Avoid: If you aren’t in love with your face shape — there’s zero camouflage here.
Great for: Framing and flattering most any face shape.
Avoid: Too-long sections that draw facial features downward.
Great for: Softening angular features; making a long face look fuller.
Avoid: If you want to downplay plump cheeks — tight curls emphasize roundness.
Great for: Boosting straight hair’s texture and movement.
Avoid: Letting hair lie flat at the root. Try using a round brush or root-volumizer to style.
Great for: Minimizing a prominent chin; balancing a heart-shaped face.
Avoid: If hair is extra fine — go for a more layered cut instead.
Great for: Balancing a wide face with height on top.
Avoid: If you have a long face — a tall style will make it look even longer.
Great for: Taming thick or coarse hair into a manageable shape.
Avoid: The dreaded triangle silhouette, formed when layers grow too long. Maintenance is a must.
Great for: Wearing wispy waves natural, with minimal maintenance.
Avoid: If hair is pin-straight and lacks texture.
Great for: Instant sexiness; infinite styling possibilities.
Avoid: Wearing fine hair long — lots of length will weigh it down.
Great for: Classic style; framing the face.
Avoid: Overly flipped-out ends — too retro.
Great for: Looking polished and sleek.
Avoid: If your hair’s not straight and you lack blow-drying motivation.
Great for: Showing off natural spirals.
Avoid: Using too much product. Think soft and natural, not crunchy.
Great for: Playing up wavy, fine-textured hair.
Avoid: Weighing curls down with heavy products.
Originally published on MORE.com, March 2008.
