Finding the perfect parting for your hair can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available. The key to choosing a flattering parting lies in understanding your face shape and hair type, and then finding a style that works best for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different face shapes and hair types, and provide recommendations for the most suitable partings. So, let's dive in and discover the best parting for your hair type and face shape!
1. Determining Your Face Shape
Before we delve into the various parting options, it's crucial to identify your face shape. This will serve as a reference point when choosing a parting that accentuates your features and complements your overall appearance. To determine your face shape, follow these simple steps:
Steps to Measure Your Face Shape:
Tie your hair back to reveal your entire face and hairline.
Grab a measuring tape and note down your measurements on a piece of paper.
Measure the width of your forehead, running the tape from one hairline to the other.
Measure the width of your cheekbones, starting from just beyond the outer corner of one eye, across the bridge of your nose to the same point on the other side.
Measure your jawline from the base, just below your ear, along the edge of your jaw to the middle of your chin. Repeat this measurement on the other side, and add the two measurements together.
Measure the length of your face by locating the middle of your hairline and measuring down to the tip of your chin.
Compare your measurements with the face shapes described below.
Face Shapes
1.1. Oval Face Shape
Forehead width is smaller than cheekbone width.
Cheekbones are the widest part of your face.
Face is longer than it is wide.
Jaw and chin have no sharp angles.
1.2. Square Face Shape
Forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are all approximately the same width.
Face width and length are almost equal.
Straight lines run from jaw to forehead.
1.3. Round Face Shape
Face width and length are roughly the same.
Rounded hairline and jawline.
No prominent angles or sharp features.
1.4. Diamond Face Shape
Forehead width is less than cheekbone width.
Cheekbones are wider than the jawline.
Pointed, narrow chin.
Cheekbones are the widest part of your face.
1.5. Heart Face Shape
Forehead is wider than the jawline.
Rounded hairline.
Cheekbone width is similar to forehead width.
Narrow, pointed chin.
1.6. Oblong Face Shape
Forehead width is less than cheekbone width.
Cheekbones are the widest part of your face.
No sharp angles on the jawline and chin.
Face is longer than it is wide.
2. Analysing Your Hair Type
In addition to your face shape, your hair type plays a significant role in determining the most suitable parting. There are three main hair types to consider.
2.1. Thin or Fine Hair
The primary goal for thin or fine hair is to create the illusion of volume and body. A side parting can help achieve this by giving the appearance of thick, sweeping volume.
2.2. Thick Hair
For those with thick hair, a middle parting can help balance out the volume, creating a flattering look. Alternatively, a side parting can further accentuate the sweeping volume if you prefer to embrace your bountiful tresses.
2.3. Natural Hair
Natural hair may not have an obvious parting, and leaving it as such is always a viable option. However, experimenting with parted styles can result in stunning looks, especially with voluminous, natural curls.
3. Choosing the Right Parting for Your Face Shape
Now that we have identified the different face shapes and hair types, let's explore the best parting options for each face shape.
3.1. Oval Face Shape
If you have an oval face, you're in luck! This versatile face shape can rock virtually any parting, be it middle, side, or deep. Feel free to experiment and find the parting that best suits your personal style.
3.2. Square Face Shape
For those with a square face shape, a side-swept parting is recommended, as it helps soften and elongate the face. Keep the hair around your face soft to avoid accentuating the angular features.
3.3. Round Face Shape
To elongate a round face, opt for a middle parting, which creates symmetry and an impression of length. A deep side parting can also have a similar effect.
3.4. Diamond Face Shape
With a diamond face shape, you can choose to accentuate your high cheekbones with a middle parting or soften them with a side parting. Both options can look stunning, so it ultimately depends on whether you want to highlight or soften your angles.
3.5. Heart Face Shape
For heart-shaped faces, a deep side parting is ideal, as it helps break up the chin line and soften the cheekbones. Avoid middle partings, as they can accentuate a sharp or pointy chin.
3.6. Oblong Face Shape
An oblong face shape benefits from a middle parting that adds roundness and a fringe to accentuate the cheekbones and jawline. Layers are also recommended to create a flattering, balanced look.
4. Celebrity Examples and Their Partings
To help visualise the ideal parting for each face shape, let's take a look at some celebrity examples:
4.1. Oval Face Shape: Beyoncé
The queen of pop can flawlessly pull off any parting, from middle to side, thanks to her oval face shape.
4.2. Square Face Shape: Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie often opts for a side-swept parting, which complements her square face shape by softening her features and elongating her face.
4.3. Round Face Shape: Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore has experimented with various partings throughout her career, but a middle parting works particularly well in elongating her round face shape.
4.4. Diamond Face Shape: Rihanna
Rihanna's diamond face shape allows her to play with both middle and side partings, depending on her mood and the look she wants to achieve.
4.5. Heart Face Shape: Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon's heart-shaped face is beautifully complemented by a deep side parting that softens her cheekbones and draws attention away from her chin.
4.6. Oblong Face Shape: Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker often rocks a middle parting with a fringe, which adds roundness to her oblong face shape and highlights her cheekbones and jawline.
5. Tips for Perfecting Your Parting
Once you've identified your face shape and hair type, and chosen the ideal parting, follow these tips to enhance the overall appearance of your hairstyle.
5.1. Avoid Dramatic Partings
Extremely dramatic partings can be unflattering and ageing, especially if your roots need frequent touch-ups. Opt for softer, more subtle partings that add movement and a youthful touch.
5.2. Consider Asymmetrical Features
If your face is asymmetrical, part your hair on the opposite side of your wider eye to emphasise it and create a more balanced appearance.
5.3. Play with Zig-Zag Partings
A subtle zig-zag parting can soften your features and make your hair appear thicker and more voluminous.
5.4. Don't Forget Your Body and Profile
Your body shape, profile, and head shape should also be taken into account when choosing a parting, as they can impact the overall harmony of your hairstyle.
5.5. Consult a Professional
Lastly, don't hesitate to consult a professional hairstylist for personalised advice on selecting the perfect parting for your unique face shape and hair type.
6. Conclusion
Finding the best parting for your hair type and face shape is a crucial step in achieving a flattering and stylish look. By understanding your face shape, hair type, and considering the tips provided in this guide, you'll be well on your way to discovering the perfect parting for you. Remember, it's essential to feel comfortable and confident in your chosen style, so don't be afraid to experiment and break the rules. And when in doubt, consult a professional hairstylist for personalised guidance. Happy styling!
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