Is your search for the perfect cut starting to feel like a lifelong quest? We know how you feel, so here’s help: great looks created by celebrity stylist Frédéric Fekkai and cut by his mane man, Fabrice Gili — plus advice on how to figure out which ‘do is right for you. Whether your locks are curly or straight, long or short, says Fekkai, “the key is to stop fighting your texture and to start using it to your advantage.”
Could You Go Close-Cropped?
Yes, if: Your hair is straight or if you’re African-American. Looks best on slender and oval faces.
What to ask for: Supershort layers of equal length (about two inches).
Tip: The back of your neck will be revealed, so have your stylist clean up unwanted hairs with an electric razor.
What About a Modern Shag?
Yes, if: Your hair is thick and either wavy or straight. Also good for Asian-Americans or for African-Americans with relaxed hair. Great for all face shapes.
What to ask for: You need long, angled layers all over for versatility and movement. Go for long bangs, to wear forward or to tuck back.
Should You Try a Not-So-Basic Bob?
Yes, if: Your hair is straight, fine, wavy, or relaxed. But no if you have thick, wiry curls.
What to ask for: Softly razored ends that create a movement — the key twist on the traditional bob. With or without bangs, this style can be parted down the middle or swept to one side.
Most Flattering for Most People
There’s no question: This cut works with all hair textures and face shapes. Therefore whether your hair is fine or thick, curly or straight, just do it.
What to ask for: A shoulder-length cut with long layers all over — the shortest pieces should frame your face. If you have thick hair, ask your hair stylist to take out bulk with thinning shears.
Would You Like Long and Layered?
Yes, if: Your hair is thick or thin, straight or wavy. Fine for all faces.
What to ask for: Soft, medium-to-long layers that can be worn up or down and straight or curly. Part down the middle or to one side. Go for long bangs to take attention away from a high forehead.
Picture a Pretty Pixie — Is It “You”?
Yes, if: Your hair is relaxed or if it’s straight and fine. Ideal if your face is heart-shaped, oval, or square or if you have prominent eyes and/or cheekbones.
What to ask for: A soft, short, wispy layered cut with enough length to allow for face framing bangs in the front and some coverage at the nape.
Would Wash-and-Go Work for You?
Yes, if: Your hair is either curly or fine and wavy. This cut adds body and flatters all face shapes.
What to ask for: Short layers around your face, at the crown, and in the back (for volume); long ones underneath (so curls fall nicely).
Does a Swingy Bob Make Sense?
Yes, if: Your hair is very straight or relaxed.
What to ask for: Longer locks in the front, with angled, blunt edges gradually becoming shorter toward the back. Very geometric, this style can look severe if you go too short.
Can You Handle Cascading Curls?
Yes, if: You have thick, curly hair with tight or loose ringlets. Good for all face shapes.
What to ask for: Graduated layers, stacked on top of one another, with more length at the crown (instead of underneath), allowing lots of curls and spirals to form in a way that’s pretty, not overwhelming.