How to Choose a Haircut That Suits You

How to choose a haircut based on your hair type, lifestyle and features, plus tips for talking to your hairdresser.

A great haircut makes your hair easier to style and helps you feel more like yourself. Choosing one isn't only about trends. The best haircut works with your hair type, your daily routine and your personal style.

1. Start with your hair type

Your hair's texture and thickness affect how a cut behaves:

• Fine hair: blunt cuts and fewer layers make it look fuller. Very long, thin layers can make it look sparse.
• Thick hair: layers and texturising remove bulk and add movement.
• Wavy hair: long layers enhance natural movement.
• Curly and coily hair: look for a stylist experienced with curls. Cuts are often shaped to the curl pattern, sometimes while hair is dry.
• Straight hair: shows every line, so precise cuts like bobs and blunt ends look sharp.

2. Be honest about your routine

How much time do you want to spend on your hair each morning?

• Five minutes or less: choose a cut that air-dries well with your natural texture.
• Happy to style: cuts with volume, fringes or precise shapes may need blow-drying or straightening.
• Active lifestyle: make sure you can tie it back if you need to.

3. Consider your features

Face shape is a useful starting point, though not a strict rule:

• Round faces: length below the chin, side parts and some height at the crown add length.
• Square faces: soft layers and waves around the jaw soften angles.
• Long faces: fringes and volume at the sides add balance.
• Oval faces: suit most styles.
• Heart-shaped faces: chin-length cuts and side-swept fringes add balance at the jaw.

Your hairline, cowlicks and glasses matter too. Mention them to your hairdresser.

4. Bring photos

Pictures are the clearest way to communicate. Bring two or three of cuts you like, ideally on someone with similar hair texture, plus one of what you don't want.

5. Talk to your hairdresser

• Explain how you style your hair day to day.
• Say how much length you're happy to lose, using your hands rather than centimetres.
• Ask how the cut will grow out and how often it needs trimming.
• Ask for tips on products and styling.

Keeping your cut looking good

• Trim every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the style.
• Use heat protection before blow-drying or straightening.
• Choose products for your hair type: volumising for fine hair, moisturising for curly or dry hair.

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