https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:34:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-691216 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:53:01 +0000 Suz 691216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Angie! That is a lovely explanation. I had a hunch that a good stylist like you would rely on hunch, LOL! That's a very good point about very long and very short hair both attracting attention. A person has to be comfortable with that to wear either style well. </p> <p>I found it so interesting that several of the women in the UK link had longer faces, yet looked wonderful in shorter hair. I also know some YLF members with rounder or fuller faces who look wonderful in short hair (Ana comes to mind). So it must have to do with many variables and not just one. Thank heavens we have that sorted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-691204 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:44:05 +0000 Angie 691204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a hectic few days, so my apology for coming into this discussion late, Suz. </p> <p>(FWIW, my so called measurement is 5.25 cm). </p> <p>YES!! I was the one that strongly suggested that you cut off your hair again. Truly, Suz, never grow your hair out to anything that is not short. I am with your sweet Mum 100%. You undeniably rock a pixie. </p> <p>There are MANY variables as to why I think a pixie works and most of them have been covered already. I also have very strong feelings about when long hair works. Both styles are extreme, which is why they attract attention. </p> <p>This very discussion confirms that style is art and *not* science. I trust my eyeballs much more than a measuring tape. We are walking works of art full of lines, curves, colours and textures that play off each other. Finding harmony between them cannot be bottled down to measurements, but to how they effect one another as a whole. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-691032 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:54:55 +0000 Queen Mum 691032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read all the responses, so forgive me if I am repeating what's already been said.<br /> First of all, you ROCK your pixie, Suz, so don't give it one more ounce of your gorgeous energy thinking about.<br /> Secondly, Imogen does mention in her post the factors of delicate features, large eyes and or significant smile contributing to the success of a pixie. And I'm not sure she's indicating that Frieda is stating the 5.5 cm as the end all either. What she wrote in her post was....<br /> "According to John Frieda, hairdresser to the stars, a measurement of 5.5cm or less from the base of the ear to the bottom of the chin is important, this is because it makes you look less jaw heavy (a more ‘masculine’ trait). So in general, shorter face shapes (square and round) find it easier to carry off shorter hair." </p> <p>I really don't read this as a rule, but a general guideline. You definitely have the features to pull off your pixie Suz. Rock on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-691027 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:46:56 +0000 Mellllls 691027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i think personality has a lot to do with haircut as well. my personality does not mesh with a pixie. suz, i think your pixie is wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-691024 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:41:47 +0000 MsMary 691024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Zap and RoseandJoan -- I think the most important attribute in order to successfuly rock a pixie is lovely bone structure and not too much fat on the face, as well as a nice long neck -- which criteria you meet in spades, Suz! I could NEVER pull it off because I have no neck and my face tends towards puffiness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-691001 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 12:43:40 +0000 krishnidoux 691001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you look FANTASTIC! This cut suits your face shape no matter what the so called specialists say!<br /> I can't believe I was surfing the net this morning in search of pixie cut images to show my hairdresser whom I am meeting in an hour, and THIS VERY THREAD came in first! Suz to the rescue! I am bringing her your pic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690996 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 12:31:54 +0000 Suz 690996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, you definitely suit short hair. In your case, I think your strikingly dramatic features make it ideal for you. </p> <p>In this fun link, they show women of different ages wearing it and befores and afters of several who took the plunge. Interestingly, the cuts were done by the Frieda salon, and some of the women appear to be longer than 5.5 cm from earlobe to chin - and they look great! I think it looks especially amazing on the older women they've made over. You also see the variety possible with the cut. </p> <p><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1352701/Pixie-crop-Emma-Watson-Helen-Mirren-Can-women-ages-carry-off.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/fem.....y-off.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690881 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 04:16:33 +0000 Sveta 690881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't buy this rule: how can you just state the length without taking into the account overall size of your face and head? I would be more inclined to consider it if it was a proportional thing - like 1/3 of the overall face length or something. Just plain 5.5 cm do not cut it for me.<br /> As for you Suz - you know you rock the pixie. It completely changed your style and even your attitude I think: added more spunk Wear it with pride and don't look at the rules!<br /> I like my short hair even though I don't have delicate features or slim build. It may not suit me by those rules but honestly I don't care! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690878 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 04:12:37 +0000 deb 690878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worn a pixie cut most of my life. (well, except for my 'hippie' days) but now find that my longer hair looks better. My face has dropped and the jowels and the excess chin just do not look right to me. This is a very interesting thread, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690858 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 03:45:23 +0000 sarah 690858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, even if they call them rules, and IN MY OPINION, you look FABulous in your pixie. Don't give it another thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690691 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:20:44 +0000 Suz 690691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're correct, Tamara - that is how to measure it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690683 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:11:21 +0000 Tamara 690683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read the linked post to say that the distance in question is the vertical drop from ear lobe to chin. Like if you drew a line straight down from your ear lobe until it crosses a pencil held horizontally against the point of your chin. Then measure the vertical line. Anyone else read it that way?</p> <p>ETA: On me, it's 2.5 inches. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690673 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:56:32 +0000 Deborah 690673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bumping for Angie! Would love to know her thoughts on this. Weren't rules meant to be broken? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690651 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:21:26 +0000 Suz 690651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, that is both hilarious and SO true. Sometimes people are right, in a way....but their reasoning is completely wonky. Or they're right that something is up, but totally wrong about what it is! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690591 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 22:32:13 +0000 rachylou 690591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, first off, thank you, Diana. I was puzzling over the 5.5 cm, until my eyes brushed your post! LOL</p> <p>Second, you definitely rock your cut, Suz. </p> <p>I think Frieda is mistaken. I think there maybe is something to where the visual weight of your face lies and the success you'll have with a pixie, but the vertical drop between earlobe to chin isn't *the* factor in determining where that visual weight is.</p> <p>But he's a hair dude, not a biometrician. So we gotta cut him some slack...</p> <p>...I'm reminded of my Infamous Ex-Boss. Who often came up with right answers, but oy vey! His explanations of how he figured things out! Let me just say that his brain did not inform him of its doings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum/page/2#post-690566 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:56:28 +0000 Suz 690566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The feeling is mutual, Shannon! </p> <p>And here I found a link suggesting that all face shapes can adapt a pixie:<br /> <a href="http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/perfect-pixie-haircut-for-your-face-shape" rel="nofollow">http://www.thehairstyler.com/f.....face-shape</a></p> <p>And this link suggesting that a close crop looks BEST on longer, slimmer faces: <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/best-haircuts-face-shape" rel="nofollow">http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.....face-shape</a></p> <p>So obviously, it's all in the eye of the beholder! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690545 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:35:22 +0000 Transcona Shannon 690545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well hello from another short pixie cut gal here! I'm going to have measure as I'm now curious but I know personally my face is quite long and narrow and technically speaking, a pixie shouldn't work on me. However, my stylist has mentioned that keeping the fringe a little longer and making sure that it's not spiked up too much as to add extra inches to the overall length of my face/head makes it work. She also has mentioned that my eyeglasses help the pixie cut work because it visually adds width to my face (even though the glasses themselves are not overly wide) and breaks up the expanse of my long face. When I take my glasses off it's true that my face looks longer. She has also mentioned the fact that I have a relatively short neck helps in this regard.</p> <p>I think you look gorgeous in your pixie cut Suz and I don't see anything that doesn't work here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690500 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:43:18 +0000 Suz 690500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Julie - thank you (and you, TOO, look great in a pixie!) </p> <p>I had the same thought as you - my head IS rather large - my forehead being just as big as my lower face! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690490 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:39:01 +0000 RoseandJoan 690490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe there are many other attributes which contribute to you rocking a pixie with aplomb;<br /> 1) proportional features<br /> 2) wonderful smile<br /> 3) gamine body shape<br /> 4) a complementary style</p> <p>p.s. what if you happen to have a larger than average head, would that not throw the whole theory out of the window? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690445 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:55:48 +0000 Suz 690445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh! I love it! I have started a firestorm of comment! </p> <p>First, thank you for all the lovely compliments. I did seem to be fishing and really wasn't..but I'll happily take 'em, as long as I get to give a special shout out to: </p> <p>1. My mother - the first woman who insisted I try a pixie (at age 6) and who has always said it is my best hairstyle, despite my rebelliously ignoring her when I was a teen. </p> <p>2. Angie - for encouraging me to go back to this cut. </p> <p>3. The lovely women of YLF for cheering me on! </p> <p>Now that's out of the way, let me address the other points. First, I agree that it's a bit confusing and difficult to understand how very many people have a 5.5 cm measurement from earlobe to bottom of chin. But that IS what it says, and that's what I was trying to measure - discovering that I am quite long. If I really tried to do it accurately, I wouldn't even want to hazard a guess as to HOW long! </p> <p>However, I agree with you completely, Claudia, that several of Imogen's examples do not look to me as if they fit Frieda's guideline of 5.5 cm. Winona Ryder in particular. Yet she looks super in that cut. </p> <p>Also, to be fair to Imogen, that measurement was really Frieda's, not hers, and she does mention other qualities to look for. Also I have read elsewhere just the opposite - that oval and longer faces look best with pixies vs. round faces which can end up looking child-like in the wrong way. </p> <p>And it's possible that Frieda MEANT to the jaw line vs. the chin. That is a very interesting possibility. I should take that measurement, too. Because it occurs to me that it could be the SHAPE of the jaw as much as its length that would make for a masculine look. Why would a long chin necessarily look mannish? A squared off one, maybe. But not necessarily a long one. </p> <p>In reality, I think someone with ANY face shape can do it, assuming other qualities are present. And I agree absolutely, Gaylene, that hair texture, height, shape, and features, all play an important role. </p> <p>Merwoman, your compliment is especially touching because my best friend used to make fun of my big ears. I comfort myself with the knowledge that in China, large ears are considered a positive attribute, LOL! </p> <p>Sylvie, you're right - a pixie brings attention to the face. </p> <p>Mo - you look wonderful in your long locks! I would find it difficult to imagine a better style for you. </p> <p>Vicki, I think you look great in short hair! You will look wonderful with Sharon Stone's messy style; I LOVE that and have worn my hair similar in the past. I think it still qualifies as a pixie, by the way. And YOU have the huge eyes that make the style work, for sure. </p> <p>JR, thank you so much. </p> <p>Heather - so great to hear from you and THANK you! </p> <p>Shabbychic, it sounds as if your face shape might be heart shaped or diamond, rather than oval, but it depends on how wide those cheekbones are, I guess, relative to the rest. Imogen traces an oval on a transparency and places it over her face to show that her face is pretty much an oval. If her face wasn't encompassed by the oval (i.e. stuck out in places) her face would be a different shape. Anyway...it sounds as if you have a hairstyle you are happy with, which is great! </p> <p>Ginny, you're right I think that personality also plays a role. Funny how we can get a sense of that even on this forum. </p> <p>Diana, I beg to differ - you have GORGEOUS eyes and a stellar smile. And I won't hear otherwise! Having said that, I love your hair exactly as you wear it. </p> <p>Janet, that goes for you, too. Your hair is a lovely complement to your look. I think if I were tall I would feel less comfortable in super-short hair. </p> <p>Zap - thank you.Again, with your height, it probably does make more sense to have longer hair. It is true some very tall women look great in pixies, but I think they're the exception for sure. </p> <p>Una, blushing!! Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690420 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:29:09 +0000 HelenInCanada 690420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 100% with Heather. Suz, I wouldn't overthink this at all - you look AMAZING in the pixie. Seriously. Sometimes all the measuring and technicalities in the world produce a dud. So there. ;)</p> <p>The only people who should avoid the pixie cut like the plague - and I say this respectfully - are those with protruding ears (sorry, but it's true), misshapen heads, and 'mannish' features. Dangerous territory there, for sure. You, however, should continue to rock it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690412 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:18:02 +0000 Claudia 690412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It states: "According to John Frieda, hairdresser to the stars, a measurement of 5.5cm or less from the base of the ear to the bottom of the chin is important, this is because it makes you look less jaw heavy (a more ‘masculine’ trait)."</p> <p>Note: "bottom of the chin." And yes, ridiculous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690371 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:35:00 +0000 Anonymous 690371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On Imogen's website the line under the chin is only a guide, you don't measure to the end of the chin. You can clearly see that if that were the case, even Audrey would be way more than 5.5! The 5.5 cm is the point from ear lobe to jawline. The illustration is confusing!</p> <p>My daughter's and I measured the way Imogen is trying to explain it and I measure 2" from ear lobe to bottom of chin. Still not doing a pixie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690365 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:25:38 +0000 catgirl 690365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack, I should have known there would be some scientific rule to pixies. But who cares, because you are my favorite pixie cut of all time. I would LOVE to rock a pixie but my face shape is really all wrong for one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690361 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:24:28 +0000 Claudia 690361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Look again at the link Suz provided, see Audrey Hepburn and Imogen's photo, the line is drawn where the chin itself ends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690356 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:20:42 +0000 Anonymous 690356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ear lobe to where chin ends can't be right - EDITED: Recheck - that's 5 inches on me (12.5 cm)! I don't know anyone whose ear lobe to end of chin measures 2-2.5 inches!!!! Yikes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690352 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:18:28 +0000 Anonymous 690352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zapotee- My cousin is slim-ish, very fit, but not waif like....statuesque, broader shoulders and large bone structure. Also, Linda Dano (Actress from Another World - remember that, anyone???) is another example of a statuesque woman with a larger frame who wears a pixie beautifully. I think it takes a very bold personality to pull it off, more than just size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690346 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:15:14 +0000 Claudia 690346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks from the diagram on Imogen's website it is a measurement to where the chin ends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690345 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:14:49 +0000 Anonymous 690345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was I measuring accurately? From ear lobe to where my jaw starts.....that seems an awful small number! My ears aren't large, my face is 8" long. Maybe I have tiny pixie-ish features and never knew it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hairstyle-and-face-shape-a-conundrum#post-690342 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:12:57 +0000 Anonymous 690342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder how that measurement came to be. I think it has to do with head and face shape more than anything. I think pixies look great on slim people with a defined bone structure, like yourself.<br /> I would look HORRID in a pixie. I need the volume to balance me out. </p>