The popular haircut that instantly flatters your face

Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren
(Image credit: Startraks Photo/REX/Shutterstock)

Did you know that the right haircut and colour can do amazing things to flatter your face shape? Treating yourself to a new ‘do or clever colour technique not only provides a great mental boost, but it can also flatter and contour what nature gave you - no struggle, no deprivation, no problem if you'd like to keep drinking Baileys. Enjoy!

The Cut

Sharpen up a round face by having a long sweeping fringe chopped in. It should graze your cheekbones to create flattering angles and, by falling over a portion of your face, visually narrows everything down too.

If your chin isn't as chiselled as you'd like it a long bob that hits just below the jaw (like Helen Mirren, pictured) creates a sharp focus for the eye.

Shape is important too. "A haircut with internal layers around the front it perfect for creating a more sculpted-looking jawline," says top stylist Sam Burnett. Styling-wise, a side parting instantly slims by breaking up any large expanses of skin. Keep height around your crown and parting - volume abound the sides of your face is a little bit widening and a lot 80s prom queen.

The Colour

We know wearing vertical stripes can elongate the silhouette - and the same goes with hair. "Go for light tones around the hairline for ear to ear, with darker tones painted underneath the ears and lower ends of the hair," advises colour guru Paul Edmonds.

"The light shades brighten and elongate the face, while the dark shades give the facial shape more of a point."

So now you know, why not book yourself in at the salon?

Fiona McKim
Beauty Editor, womanandhome.com

As woman&home's Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona Mckim loves to share her 15+ years of industry intel on womanandhome.com and Instagram (@fionamckim if you like hair experiments and cute shih-tzus). After interning at ELLE, Fiona joined woman&home as Assistant Beauty Editor in 2013 under industry legend Jo GB, who taught her to understand ingredients and take a cynical approach to marketing claims. She has since covered every corner of the industry, interviewing dermatologists and celebrities from Davina McCall to Dame Joan Collins, reporting backstage at London Fashion Week and judging the w&h Beauty Awards.