Pick a hair style to flatter your face

There are five basic face shapes. Look in a mirror and outline your own face with a bar of soap to confirm the shape of your face.

A perfectly oval shape can wear any hair style. But a round, oblong, heart or square face can make the shape of the face a plus with the appropriate hair style. Work with your stylist and experiment with several options.

A Round Face Is friendly and maintains a youthful look long past middle age. If you want an updo for your wedding, create volume at the top and play with the addition of extra hair. Long hair works best for day-to-day, but have it styled in layers. A very chic look is to have a log bob that is styled with extra length in the front and shorter in the back.

The Square Face Has strength, but it is more flattering to downplay the width at the chin. If you prefer long hair, have the length well below the chin to create the illusion of a longer face. Avoid square hair styles – play with styles that are off-centre. Don't, for example, have a centre part. A long, loose bang, swept to one side, is terrific.

The Heart-Shaped Face Has delicacy but take care that the chin doesn't look narrow. Sometimes the chin can look small and, in comparison, the forehead can look broad. This is an invitation to have a long bang, swept to one side of the forehead to minimize the width. A ponytail, also pulled to one side, is effective, as is a long bob, with fullness at the chin level.

An Oblong or Narrow Face Invites drama which can be strengthened with the choice of hair style. There is the option of both long and short hair styles. A short bob with fullness at the sides adds visual width to the oblong face. If you prefer long hair, have it layered at the sides to create fuller hair. Avoid long, straight styles that have no volume at the sides.