Let’s explore the best haircuts for every face shape and style, so you can rock a look that highlights your natural beauty.

1. Round Face Shape

A round face shape is characterized by softer angles, with the width and length of the face being almost equal. The goal with haircuts for round faces is to add definition and elongate the face to create the illusion of a more oval shape.

Trendy Haircuts for Round Faces:

• Long Layers: Adding long layers helps to create the appearance of length and balance out the roundness of the face. The layers should begin below the chin to avoid adding more volume around the cheeks.
• Side-Swept Bangs: Side-swept bangs elongate the face by creating diagonal lines that make the face look slimmer and more angular.
• Lob (Long Bob): A long bob that hits just above or below the shoulders adds length to the face. Adding soft waves to the lob can create more dimension without adding bulk around the cheeks.
• Pixie Cut with Volume on Top: If you love short hair, a pixie cut with extra volume or length on top can make your face appear longer and leaner.

2. Oval Face Shape

An oval face shape is considered the most versatile, as it has well-balanced proportions. Almost any haircut suits an oval face, so you can experiment with different lengths and styles without worrying about emphasizing certain features.

Trendy Haircuts for Oval Faces:

• Blunt Bob: A chin-length bob with a blunt cut is chic and trendy for oval faces, as it highlights your balanced features without overwhelming them.
• Curtain Bangs: Curtain bangs, which part in the middle and frame the face, are a stylish option for oval faces. They soften the forehead and add movement to longer haircuts.
• Shag Cut: The modern shag haircut, with its layers and textured ends, adds volume and movement without taking away from the natural symmetry of an oval face.
• Sleek Long Hair: If you prefer longer styles, sleek, straight hair with subtle layers at the ends can elongate the neck and enhance the elegance of an oval face shape.

3. Square Face Shape

Square faces have strong, angular jawlines with the width of the forehead, cheeks, and jaw being roughly equal. The goal of a flattering haircut for square faces is to soften the angles and add a bit of roundness to the overall look.

Trendy Haircuts for Square Faces:

• Soft Waves: Loose, flowing waves soften the strong jawline and add a romantic, feminine touch to square faces. Whether you opt for a long or medium-length cut, waves create softness and balance.
• Layered Bob: A layered bob that falls just below the chin helps break up the angularity of a square jaw while maintaining a chic and trendy look.
• Wispy Bangs: Wispy bangs that hit just above the eyebrows can soften the forehead and create a more oval appearance. Avoid blunt bangs, which can make the face look boxy.
• Textured Pixie Cut: For a bold, modern look, a textured pixie cut with lots of layers can add movement and soften the jawline.

4. Heart Face Shape

A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and tapers down to a narrower, more pointed chin. The goal with haircuts for heart-shaped faces is to balance the width of the forehead with the narrowness of the chin.

Trendy Haircuts for Heart Faces:

• Chin-Length Bob: A chin-length bob draws attention to the jawline and balances out a wider forehead. It’s especially flattering when styled with soft curls or waves.
• Long Hair with Layers: Long hair with face-framing layers that start at the collarbone helps balance the width of the forehead and adds fullness to the lower part of the face.
• Side Part with Bangs: A side part with side-swept bangs creates diagonal lines that narrow the forehead and shift attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
• Shag with Bangs: A modern shag with bangs can add volume to the lower half of the face, making it a great option for balancing out the heart-shaped face.

5. Diamond Face Shape

Diamond faces are narrow at the forehead and chin, with prominent cheekbones. The goal is to highlight the cheekbones while softening the narrowness of the forehead and chin.

Trendy Haircuts for Diamond Faces:

• Long Layers with Volume: Long layers with added volume around the jawline and below help balance the face and emphasize the cheekbones. Soft waves or curls enhance the look further.
• Shoulder-Length Cut: A shoulder-length cut with soft layers can highlight your cheekbones while balancing the narrow forehead and chin.
• Side-Swept Bangs: Side-swept bangs can reduce the width of the cheekbones while drawing attention to the eyes and upper face.
• Pixie Cut with Side Bangs: A pixie cut with side bangs adds a soft, modern touch to a diamond face, helping to bring focus to the eyes and balance the overall shape.

Additional Style Tips Based on Personal Style

Your face shape is important when choosing a haircut, but it’s also essential to consider your personal style and lifestyle. Whether you prefer something edgy, classic, or low-maintenance, there’s a trendy cut for you.

• Edgy Style: If you love making a statement, opt for a bold pixie cut, an asymmetrical bob, or an undercut with sharp lines. These cuts are perfect for individuals with a daring sense of style.
• Classic Style: For a timeless look, go for a blunt bob, soft waves, or a sleek long cut. These hairstyles are easy to maintain and never go out of style.
• Low-Maintenance Style: If you want a haircut that requires minimal styling, consider a layered cut, a lob, or a shag. These styles grow out gracefully and require little daily upkeep.

Conclusion

Choosing the right haircut for your face shape and style can transform your look and boost your confidence. Whether you have a round, oval, square, heart-shaped, or diamond face, there’s a trendy haircut that will enhance your natural beauty. From long, flowing layers to sleek, blunt cuts, experimenting with different styles that flatter your face shape will leave you feeling fresh and fabulous. Don’t be afraid to consult with a professional stylist who can help guide you toward the perfect cut that complements your face and matches your personal style.

Let’s dive into the key benefits of professional hair coloring compared to DIY kits.

1. Customized Color Matching

One of the biggest advantages of getting your hair colored professionally is the level of customization that a stylist offers. Trained colorists can assess your hair type, skin tone, and personal preferences to create a shade that complements your unique features. They have access to a broader range of colors and can mix and match shades to give you a one-of-a-kind color that’s perfect for you.

With DIY kits, the color is often limited to what’s in the box, and results may not always be as expected. Achieving a customized shade at home can be challenging, especially if you’re not experienced with mixing different colors.

2. Minimized Damage to Hair

Professional hair stylists are trained to assess the health of your hair and use products that are best suited to your hair’s condition. They also apply hair treatments before or after coloring to minimize damage and keep your hair healthy and shiny. In contrast, DIY kits often contain harsher chemicals, and without proper application, you risk overprocessing your hair, which can lead to dryness, breakage, or a lackluster appearance.

Colorists can also adjust the strength of the developer used during the process, ensuring that your hair is treated gently and with minimal damage.

3. Precision in Application

A professional stylist has the expertise to apply hair color with precision, ensuring an even and flawless result. Whether you’re going for highlights, balayage, or a full-color change, they know how to section your hair properly and use techniques that guarantee a consistent look.

DIY kits, on the other hand, can be tricky to apply, especially if you’re trying to achieve a more complex style or cover stubborn grays. It’s easy to miss spots or end up with uneven color, especially at the back of the head where it’s difficult to see and reach.

4. Better Grey Coverage

For those dealing with gray hair, professional coloring tends to offer superior results. Grey hair can be more resistant to dye, and salon-quality products are often more effective at covering these stubborn strands. A professional colorist will also have techniques to ensure the color lasts longer and fades more naturally over time.

DIY kits may not provide as long-lasting coverage, and the color could fade unevenly or require frequent touch-ups, which can lead to more damage over time.

5. Long-Lasting Results

Professional hair coloring typically lasts longer than the results from a DIY kit. Salon-grade dyes are more durable, providing vibrant color that maintains its richness for weeks without fading. Professionals also know how to maintain the health of your hair during the process, which helps preserve the vibrancy and condition of your hair for longer.

In contrast, DIY kits are often less concentrated and may fade more quickly. You might find yourself needing to re-color your hair more frequently, which can cause additional wear and tear on your strands.

6. Expert Advice and Aftercare

When you go to a professional for hair coloring, you also get access to expert advice. A stylist can recommend the best products to use post-coloring to keep your hair looking fresh and healthy. They can also offer tips on maintaining your color, whether it’s protecting your hair from UV damage or using sulfate-free shampoos.

DIY kits often come with generic aftercare instructions that might not be tailored to your specific hair type. Without proper guidance, you might end up using products that strip the color or dry out your hair.

7. Access to Professional Products

Salons use high-quality, professional-grade products that aren’t typically available for retail. These products are specifically designed to nourish the hair while delivering vibrant, long-lasting color. Plus, professional colorists often have access to ammonia-free formulas and more natural ingredients that are gentler on your hair.

DIY kits, while convenient, often contain more aggressive chemicals and lower-quality dyes, which may not provide the same level of nourishment or shine.

8. Correcting Mistakes

If anything goes wrong during a DIY hair coloring session, correcting the mistake can be costly and time-consuming. Often, fixing at-home hair color mishaps requires a professional color correction service, which can be more expensive than simply going to the salon in the first place.

Professional stylists are trained to avoid common coloring mistakes, and if anything does go wrong, they have the tools and expertise to fix it quickly without causing significant damage to your hair.

Conclusion

While DIY hair coloring kits offer the convenience of an at-home experience and can be more cost-effective, the benefits of professional hair coloring often outweigh the savings. With personalized color matching, expert application, better gray coverage, and longer-lasting results, a salon visit ensures that your hair stays healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold new look, trusting a professional with your hair can give you the results you desire without the stress of potential mistakes.

1. Hydration is Key

Just as your body needs water to stay hydrated, so does your hair. Dry and brittle hair often lacks moisture, leading to dullness and breakage. Drinking plenty of water is the first step to keeping your hair hydrated from the inside out. In addition to hydration through water intake, using moisturizing hair products is equally important. Look for shampoos and conditioners infused with natural oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba oil to lock in moisture.

For an added boost, consider using a weekly deep conditioning mask. These masks help replenish lost moisture and provide essential nutrients to keep your hair soft, supple, and shiny. Opt for products free from sulfates and parabens, which can strip your hair of its natural oils.

2. Use Heat Styling Tools Sparingly

While we all love to style our hair with curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers, these tools can cause significant damage over time. Excessive heat can weaken the hair cuticle, leading to split ends, breakage, and a loss of shine. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to protect your hair with a heat protectant spray.

Incorporating low-heat or heatless styling techniques can also help preserve your hair’s health. For example, try air-drying your hair or using overnight braids or buns for natural waves and volume without the need for heat. Additionally, use the lowest possible temperature settings when heat styling and avoid applying heat to the same section of hair multiple times.

3. Regular Trims for Healthy Ends

Trimming your hair regularly is crucial for keeping it healthy. Split ends and damaged hair can travel up the hair shaft, causing breakage and making your hair look dull and lifeless. A trim every 6-8 weeks helps get rid of these damaged ends and encourages healthier hair growth.

Even if you’re trying to grow your hair longer, regular trims ensure that your hair stays in its best possible condition. Healthy ends result in a smoother, shinier appearance. If you’re worried about losing length, ask your stylist for a “dusting” trim, which removes just the tips of your hair without sacrificing overall length.

4. Pay Attention to Your Diet

What you eat has a direct impact on the health and appearance of your hair. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so a diet rich in proteins can strengthen your strands. Foods like eggs, fish, nuts, and beans are excellent sources of protein and can contribute to stronger, shinier hair.

In addition to protein, other nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, play an important role in promoting hair health. Include foods like leafy greens, berries, avocados, and sweet potatoes in your diet. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals not only boosts your overall health but also supports hair growth, strength, and shine.

5. Minimize Product Buildup

Over time, haircare products like serums, gels, and sprays can accumulate on your hair, leading to dullness and lack of volume. To combat this, it’s essential to detox your scalp and hair by using a clarifying shampoo once a month. Clarifying shampoos help remove product buildup, excess oil, and residue, leaving your hair refreshed and allowing it to regain its natural shine.

Be cautious not to overuse clarifying shampoos, as they can be drying if used too frequently. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to maintain moisture levels after clarifying. For a natural alternative, you can try rinsing your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar. It helps balance the scalp’s pH levels, removes buildup, and adds shine to your hair.

Final Thoughts

Healthy, shiny hair doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve. By following these simple yet effective tips—hydrating your hair, minimizing heat damage, trimming regularly, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and keeping product buildup in check—you can maintain beautiful, radiant hair year-round. Incorporating these habits into your haircare routine will ensure that your hair stays healthy, vibrant, and full of life.

Want to achieve beachy waves but don’t want to damage your hair with the high temperatures of hot tools? Beach waves can be easy to achieve with just a blow dryer or, even better if you have the time, air dry! There are some great Aveda products which help with this. Just follow these steps:

• Prep your wet hair with Aveda Brilliant Damage Control or Pure Abundance Style Prep to detangle and provide heat protection from the blow dryer.
• Lift your hair in sections and spray Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic at the base of the hair to add some lift and texture.
• Use your fingertips to lift the roots of your hair in an upward direction while blow drying in an upward direction. Use the flat nozzle that comes with your dryer. This will help focus the direction of airflow and help you keep control of your hair. Blow dry until your hair is about 60-70% dry.
• Spray Aveda’s new Thickening Tonic all over the hair, concentrating most of the product on the mids and ends of the hair. This will add the perfect amount of beachy texture and grit.
• Part your hair where you prefer and section your hair into 2-4 sections, depending on how tight or loose you want the waves to be. Having fewer sections will create looser waves, and vice versa. It is best to create zig-zag parts in between each section to avoid any obvious splits in the hair when it is dry.
• Next, take each section and either braid the hair, securing with a loose elastic at the end, or twist the hair into small buns, securing with flat clips or pins so as not to leave a crease. Tip: leave the ends out to create a more beachy look.
• Hit each section with the blow dryer for 5-10 minutes or until the hair feels dry. Once dry, undo braids or buns.
• Blow dry the hair one last time, scrunching to give it some extra bend and finish with the cool shot setting of your blow dryer. This will help the waves last longer.
• Lastly, take some Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid and Light Elements Defining Whip, mix together a pea-sized amount of each in your palms, and run through your hair. This will add the perfect amount of shine, definition, and tame any frizz.

Here are some tips and tricks for diffusing curly hair.

First, shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo like the Be Curly Co-Wash and condition with either the Be Curly Conditioner or the new Detangling Masque for extra moisture.

Towel dry your hair and use a Curl Enhancer for tighter curls, or Curl Controller for looser curls on damp hair, paying extra attention to the mids and ends.

Then section off about 2 inches from the bottom hair line and take about a 2 inch square sub section of hair and twist it around your finger, away from your face.

Continue all the way up your head, twisting your hair away from your face until all of your hair is twisted.

Then use a diffuser attachment to your favorite blow dryer and use the hot or medium heat on low speed. Hold your blow dryer so the flat part of the diffuser is facing the ceiling, and gently place the mids and ends of your hair into the diffuser. Let your hair sit for about 10–15 seconds for every section of hair you take. Constantly move around, diffusing different sections of hair every time. Diffuse until 80-90% dry so your hair doesn’t get frizzy and let your hair air dry the remaining 10–20%.

Use a light weight oil like the Dry Remedy oil on your ends. Use 2–4 drops in your hands, rub it around to distribute evenly on your hands and scrunch it into the ends of your hair and use your fingers to gently comb through the twisted sections to break up your curls.

Then you have successfully diffused!

When you foil with color, formulate your color one level lighter than the target level. For example, if you want to end up with a level seven highlight, mix your formula as though you want level eight highlights. Since the color is processed in foils, it’s not going to oxidize enough, and your highlights are going to end up a little lighter than they otherwise would

In similar fashion, when doing lowlights, I like to formulate a level darker to add some dimension to the existing color. If the color of the lowlights matches the existing color precisely, it will look too monochromatic.

Highlights and lowlights should be at least two levels apart from the background color in order to be visible.

When highlighting with color, remix your formula every twenty minutes. The trick here is to put the tint and the developer together in the bowl but don’t mix them until you are ready to apply.

You don’t need many foils to create special effects. Remember that highlights are just that: highlights. Fifteen to twenty foils are enough for partial highlights; quite often the desired effect can be achieved with ten to twelve foils. Thirty to thirty-five foils should be plenty for a full head.

Concentrate on the visual area of the head: the top and the front. That’s what everyone sees.

Stay ÂĽ inch away from the scalp to avoid bleeding. Remember that the thickness of a slice or a weave will influence the distance that you should stay away from the scalp.

There is a great technique called shadowing when you put highlights and lowlights in the same foil. The results are very impressive. Another way to do it is to weave highlight in one foil and then put pieces of the same weave into a different packet. You will have two back-to-back foils.

As a lady with finer hair myself, I have always envied women who were blessed to have long, voluminous, thick, fluffy hair. Their messy buns always look perfect, their braids are thick and beauty, their hair never falls flat or dull. In the hair department, they always seem to have it going on! Luckily, Aveda’s Thickening Tonic was recently released to help us fine hair girls join the thick hair club and incite our own hair envy.

So you may ask how this magic tonic works? Well, certified organic alma fruit goes in. It helps thicken the diameter of every hair strand, resulting in the appearance of more hair from roots to ends which provides extra volume. Also, it contains wheat protein that helps to protect from heat-styling damage.

To use, it is best to “rough dry” your hair to about 80% dry, section your hair out, and spray generously from roots to ends. Once done, comb through to evenly distribute the product. Finally, blow-dry your hair using a round brush, making sure to point the hair flow down the hair shaft to avoid unwanted frizz. You will be left with instantly thicker hair and a gorgeous, full mane that will demand to be seen.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, here are some product cocktails and styling tips to really help you make the most of your newfound thicker locks.

In addition to having finer hair, I also have curly hair and am no stranger to frizz or the fight against humidity. A personal favorite product combination of mine is the Thickening Tonic combined with Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Crème. The Nourishing Styling Crème is a great lightweight crème that helps to nourish hair while combating frizz even in the highest humidity using organic cupuaçu and shea butters. Following my application of the Thickening Tonic, I use about a nickel-sized amount of the Nourishing Styling Crème distributed through my mid-shafts and ends, and then blow-dry smooth and straight using a wooden paddle brush.

Another great product cocktail is Thickening Tonic + Aveda’s Phomollient Styling Foam. Phomollient is an amazing product that helps to create a weightless hold for finer—to medium-textured hair by using certified organic honey, burdock, and marshmallow. First, apply Thickening Tonic and then apply about two pumps Phomollient to the mid-shafts and ends. Divide your hair into about five to six sections and, using a round metal brush, start in the nape and, as you near the ends, begin to turn your wrist so that the ends of the hair curl around the brush. Be sure to evenly heat up the hair so that the metal round brush will act as a curling iron. When the hair is thoroughly dried, gently unwind the hair from the brush and continue working through the remaining sections.

For a regular braid, take three sections of hair. From left to right, number the sections 1, 2 and 3. Take section 3 and place it over the top of section 2. Now from left to right, again the sections become 1, 2, and 3. The middle section is number 2. Take section 1 and place it over the top of section 2.

Continue taking the outside sections and placing it over top of the middle section. You will take section 1 and switch it with the middle strand, section 2. Repeat all the way to the end of your hair and you will be left with a braid!

If you already know how to do a regular braid and want to learn something a little more advanced, try a fishtail braid. For this braid, you will be working with two large sections. Section 1 will be on the left and section 2 will be on the right. Take a small piece of the back of section 1 and place it over section 1, joining it with section 2. Then take a small piece of the back of section 2 and place it over section 2, joining it with section 1. Repeat all the way down to the ends of your hair until complete and you are left with a beautiful fishtail braid.

French braids are easier to learn if you practice on someone else before attempting it on yourself. Take a section of hair at the top of your head and divide it into three sections. Begin a regular 3 strand braid. Then begin taking small sections of hair and adding it to the outside piece of hair before braiding it over the middle strand. Continue adding small sections of hair every time you braid a strand over the middle piece. Once you run out of hair to add, continue with a regular 3 strand braid and you are done!

A Dutch braid is also called a reverse braid or an inside-out braid. You will begin again by taking a section of hair at the top of your head and starting it off with a regular 3 strand braid. Again, you will take a small section of hair and add it to the outside strand of your braid. Instead of placing it over the middle strand, you place it under the middle strand. Then on the other side, take a small section of hair and add it to the outside strand. Then braid the strand underneath the middle. The steps are the same as a French braid except you are braiding underneath instead of over the top. Continue adding hair until all of the hair is added to the braid and finish it off with a regular 3 strand braid and you have completed your Dutch braid.

I’m a person who colors her hair blue. I only dye my hair once a month, which many people don’t believe. But you should believe it because it’s true! But I still find it very important to take extra care of my color-treated hair.

1. Wash your hair as little as possible

   This may sound gross, but I only wash my hair about six times a month. Yes, my hair does get oily, but in a healthy way. Over-washing your hair not only strips the color, but also makes the scalp produce more oils to compensate for losing its natural oils. My advice: try using a shampoo like Scalp Benefits or another cleanser to remove dirt and stick with Color Conserve conditioner for the ends of your hair. This is my approach but other people have different techniques. Personally, this has helped me remove dirt and add moisture while doing as little shampooing as possible.

2. Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water

   I can almost hear you exclaim, “Are you crazy? Cold showers? No!” But this is not really what I mean. It doesn’t have to be cold, just a nice cool temperature. Why is this so?

   • It seals your cuticle—the outer layer of hair—from the environment. When you leave the cuticle open, you are leaving it so that anything in the environment can get inside your hair. That can make your hair brittle and dry.
   • It promotes shine and growth.
   • It makes your skin soft. If you have dry skin, this helps make the layers of your skin seal up as well, keeping it soft and supple.

3. Try to stay away from heat

   I know this sounds laughable, but it is unhealthy to curl or straighten every day, especially if you bleach your hair or dye it often. Your hair can slowly but progressively break more and more.

4. Try supplementing your approach

   • Braid your hair to add texture.
   • Add smoothing crème, slicking your hair back to wearing it in a bun. This gives a straightened look.
   • Use roller sets for a curly look.
   • Twist your hair with texture crème for a beach look.

For a hairstylist, a hair show is an incredible career-changing event. If you haven’t been to one yet, you must. Even if you’re not a hairstylist, it is still a great experience. It’s like an art show for hair. And it is where hairstylists and beauty industry leaders from all over the world show their best work, the techniques they use, and top-selling products used to create the look.

My first hair show was at the Shadow Lounge in Oakland. Many Bay Area hairstylists who specialize in braids, extensions, weaves, color, dreadlocks, and any hairstyles that involve textured hair. Many different salons put on a whole show to present their best work and also to network with other salons.

I was able to do the makeup for the entire model crew of the well-known salon “Nappy or Not”. It was a great experience because they wanted very bright and dramatic makeup looks to contrast with the outfits and the hair designs. I valued it particularly because I learned how to work with textured hair, braids, and extensions. It taught me the backstage life of a big event like this hair show.

As hairstylists, or any beauty industry leader, it is true that we never stop learning and we will always continue to learn, just as I did with my first hair show. This event changed my outlook on my career and has motivated me to continue to grow my talent.