Men's Style March 1, 2017 12:46

Choosing a new hairstyle can be both intimidating and exciting as well as a time consuming experience, but it can also lead to the most unbelievable transformations.

Even for a man who prefers to avoid complications, a new hairstyle lies as the perfect excuse to embrace change and to reinvent himself when the right time arrives. And with the amount of inspiration surrounding us at every step, sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint a bad idea from a great one, without first taking the fall.

A hairstyle is something completely personal, something that should reflect both your personality and your aesthetic, and above all something that should boost your confidence and make your overall look feel complete.

If you don’t know where to start, and even if you do, we are here to help you experience change from a different perspective.

Choose the right hairstyle for your face shape

Before even beginning to search for inspiration, you should start off the selecting process by determining the shape of your face. This very first step may as well be the most important one, as it will help you make an informed decision about which hairstyle is bound to suit you best.

Triangular face shape

Characteristics of a triangular face shape: wide cheekbones and forehead, pointed chin. Complement this face shape by opting for longer hairstyles with plenty of layers to add width and volume on top

Sporting a slight fringe could help soften the silhouette

Choose a style that will narrow your forehead area and add the illusion of width to the chin

Square face shape

Characteristics of a square face shape: square jawline, almost as wide as long, straight sides, jaw and cheekbones the same width. When choosing a haircut for this face shape try considering its strong and masculine features, keeping the hair softer around the edges

A tight, short haircut will enhance your facial features

Don't style the hair in a center parting, nor with a heavy fringe

Opt for a modern slick-back hairstyle, based on an equally cool undercut

Diamond face shape

Characteristics of a diamond face shape: cheekbones are widest part of the face, forehead and jawline are narrow, long pointed jawline.

For this particular face shape choose having some length onto the face in order to soften the silhouette and create extra width on top

Go with a leaner style, one that is more narrow at the cheeks, and add some fullness at the crown

Opt for a haircut with a slicked side fringe and layers on top for extra volume

Avoid going too sharp around the edges, as this will make the ears stick out

Avoid wearing the hair too straight, as a more wavy look worn on the side will automatically soften the features

Heart face shape

Characteristics of a heart face shape: cheekbones are widest part of the face, the face is wider than it is long, the chin is noticeably pointed.

Considering the heart face shape try keeping the hairstyles slightly longer

Choose a square haircut that will balance the face shape

Opt for a messy look that covers your forehead, as it will draw attention to your nose, mouth and eyes

Do not lift the hair off your face entirely, as this will make your whole face look tiny

How to choose the right mens haircut

Oblong face shape

Characteristics of a oblong face shape: face longer than it is wide, often rounded jawline, cheekbones and jaw the same width.

To complement this face shape avoid taking the sides too short if you want to keep length on top

Keep the shape well proportioned, no sides that are too short or a top that is too long

Style the hair onto the face to reduce the appearance of length and maintain balance

Keep some length on top and try styling it either in a modern greaser, or a super-cool quiff

Oval face shape

Characteristics of an oval face shape: considered the ideal shape, slightly rounded jaw, no unusual characteristics, face shape resembles the shape of an egg.

To enhance the oval face shape try experimenting with nearly any haircut, in any shape or length, as its well-balanced proportions allow it

Avoid a full length fringe, as this can make the face appear rounder

Pay attention to other prominent features such as the nose and position of the eyes and ears

Try a squared off cut that levels the sides with the top, something along the lines of a pompadour

Round face shape

Characteristics of a round face shape: jawline is round, face almost as wide as tall, round cheekbones.

To best work with this particular face shape you should choose a haircut considering what features/areas you would like to enhance or hide

Choose a style that can be worn with a bit of height

Add volume to your hairstyle to keep the face from looking too round

Avoid sharp fringes as they only accentuate the natural roundness of the face shape

experiment with an off-center part, or some waves at the eye level to help minimize roundness

Acknowledge your hair

Acknowledging your hair is mandatory whenever you’re contemplating a new hairstyle. The texture, density and movement are the ones that will help your stylist determine what he/she can do with your hair. There’s a big difference between wanting a hairstyle, and the aftermath of that same style applied to your type of hair. For instance, a short and choppy cut that works on straight, thin hair won’t look as good on someone with thick and curly hair. So, the sooner you understand that not every hairstyle is meant for you, the better you’ll become at finding a style able to effortlessly complement your hair’s natural ability and hairline.

Hide your flaws, play up your strengths

There are hairstyles out there able to hide your flaws, and than there are those which are able to play up your strengths, but why choose between the two when you can have both? A good haircut should direct attention to the things you like about yourself, increasing your levels of confidence, but the right haircut should also be able to help you hide or downplay the features you don’t like. For example, a fringe can help to hide a big forehead or receding hairline, while a textured, mid-length cut can hide prominent ears.

For more inspiration click here

Other influential factors

So far, you determined your face’s shape and the haircuts that are able to complement it. You also figured out your hair’s texture, but before proceeding in choosing your new hairstyle, there are a few other influential factors to be taken into consideration:

Maintenance – consider how much time you’re willing to put into your hairstyle every day; for example an undercut would require both a frequent visit at the salon/barber to trim out the sides and the back, as well as a list of excellent hair products to help you style the longer top.

Products – speaking of products, it is important to determine how much time and money you are willing to invest in your hairstyle; stick with something basic if you want a hairstyle that will have you out of the bed and out the door in a matter of minutes, and choose a more ambitious style only if you’re willing to spend time and money keeping it looking its best.

Personal style – as previously stated, a haircut should be able to complement both your personal style and your personality, so think about the kind of clothes that are currently building your wardrobe before making the leap. Don’t choose something too extreme if you’re into classic silhouettes, and don’t opt for a sharp look if your style screams edgy or unconventional.

Look for inspiration

Admittedly or not, looking for inspiration is what we all tend to do first. Sometimes is that same wave of inspiration the one awakening the desire to try out something new. But indulging into this step only after you have dealt with the previous ones, will probably save you both the time, and the trouble, allowing you to focus exclusively on what’s truly achievable. From celebrities, to fashion magazines, and from sports icons to the runway and the streets, the ideas are floating around, just waiting to be picked out.

Pick a great stylist

Make sure the person in charge of your hair is someone whose opinion you value, who makes you feel comfortable and who ultimately inspires you. A good stylist should always be the one to help, guide and advise you on what will suit you and your face shape, but remember that the ultimate decision should always belong to you.