Oval

Oval face shapes are perfectly in proportion, with features nicely balanced: a narrow forehead, wide cheekbones and a small chin. Be as daring as you wish: long, layered, one length, tousled and feathery.

Heart

Similar to the oval, but the face narrows below the cheekbones, reaching a defined pointy chin. Styles that are fuller around the ends will widen the appearance of the chin and jawbone, thus making the face appear better proportioned and basically oval.  Off-centre parting and subtly graduated long layers at the front create movement and again deflect attention from your chin.

Round

Your face is full-cheeked and circular. Keep hair sleek at the sides and you can lengthen the face by choosing a hairdo with plenty of volume on top. Feathered or layered hair falling on to the face will help create sleeker proportions. Gentle waves in long layers also defect the roundness of the face.

Square

A broad forehead and a strong square jawline dominate your face, slim those broad cheekbones with chin-length layers and, if you want a fringe, opt for a long wispy one. Curls falling onto the cheeks will slim down the widest points of the face and help rebalance it.

Oblong

Characteristically, this shape includes a high forehead, narrow bone structure and long, well-defined chin. Break up the length with layers at eye and cheekbone level to create texture. A long style will shorten the length of your face. A side parting will create an illusion of roundness. Fringes, curls and flick-outs will all minimise a long face.

Angular diamond

A fusion of square and heart proportions. Feathered shoulder-length styles will emphasise those dramatic angular planes, while rounding out the chin. Heavy fringes are a good look, as are flicks or a mane of dishevelled curls.