Hair contouring: what to ask for

It’s the secret every good colourist knows, and the technique to take your hairstyle from everyday to truly fabulous. Inspired by the makeup trend of the same name, hair contouring works by creating light and shade to flatter your features whatever your face shape. Plus, you don’t have to paint weird stripes on your face; beautiful hair is just one appointment away! Here’s our guide of what to ask for.

Oval

Celebrity hair inspiration: Jessica Alba

The most universal of face shapes, you can go for a bespoke solution that suits your individual features. Ask your hairdresser for hair tips to make your eyes stand out if that’s what you want to acheive, and ask for balyage to add depth and texture to your style.

Heart

Celebrity hair inspiraton: Miranda Kerr

Ask your colourist to add lighter pieces around your jawline and ears to soften your look. Make sure the shade you choose isn’t to harsh for your skin tone too; you may be contouring but you need colour, skin and face shape to work together to create the look of natural, healthy hair.

Square

Celebrity hair inspiration: Demi Moore

Contouring for square face shapes is all about softening; think lighter shades at the corners of the face and around the temples. The changes only have to be subtle to have an effect; if you’re brunette go for caramel tones just a few shades lighter than your natural shade.

Round

Celebrity hair inspiration: Mila Kunis

If you’ve got long layers, ask for lighter tones around your hairline, and darker shades to add depth under the ears and in the ends of your hair. This will help elongate and flatter your face shape.

Oblong

Celebrity hair inspiration: Sarah Jessica Parker

Ombre is perfect for oblong face shapes so if you haven’t embraced this trend yet, now’s the time. Darker shades around the roots and lighter pieces towards the ends of your hair will slim and soften the face.

Whatever your face shape, keep contouring in mind for beautiful hair.