Aveda Theory Hair Salon

Many women want their hair to enhance their facial features, creating a balanced, elegant look. With a few clever styling techniques, you can sculpt the appearance of your face with no filters or heavy contouring needed. Here are expert tips and advice to help you subtly slim your face with stylish cuts and clever styling.

1. Face-Framing Layers to Contour

Adding soft, cheekbone-level layers acts like hair contouring. These layers draw the eye inward and sculpt the face, minimizing width around your cheeks and jaw.

How to style:

• Layer from cheekbone down.
• For added softness, add texture at ends using a texturizing spray and light finger raking.

2. Vertical Volume Styles: Buns and Ponytails

Updos that add height at the crown elongate the face. Whether it’s a ballerina bun or high ponytail, the vertical lift creates a slimming illusion. Leave a few wispy strands to soften and accentuate your cheekbones.

To try:

• Tease the crown lightly.
• Gather hair into a voluminous bun or pony.
• Pull a few face-framing pieces loose.

3. Textured Ponytails and Messy Styles

A mid-height pony or messy bun avoids pulling the face wide. Adding waves or texture loosens tension and brings softness to rounder cheeks.

Styling method:

• Add volume on top with dry shampoo.
• Curl mid-sections and flick waves outward.
• Tease lightly at the crown before securing.

4. Side and Curtain Bangs to Add Angles

Straight-across bangs can widen the face. Instead, choose side-swept or curtain bangs to create diagonal lines that elongate your profile.

Stylist notes:

• Bangs should softly part around the tail of your brows.
• Curl the ends slightly away from the face to add dimension.

5. Long or A-line Bobs with Layers

Neck-grazing cuts or angled bobs with layers below the chin help give the face a lifted appearance. If you prefer longer lengths, simple waves with volume work well too.

Tips for best effect:

• Keep layers ending near your chin.
• Use a center or deep side part to create symmetry.
• Add texture at ends to avoid heaviness.

6. Choppy Pixie Cuts for Bold Slimming

Short pixie cuts with volume at the top and textured sides can slim the forehead and accentuate bone structure. This is great for heart- or round-shaped faces.

Style strategy:

• Keep top longer for lift.
• Add fringe swept to the side.
• Use pomade for dimension, not flattening.

7. Color Placement That Shapes the Face

Strategic placement of highlights or darker roots adds shadow and dimension, subtly contouring around your facial structure.

Color tips:

• Darker roots and mid-length contrast frame the face.
• Lighter tips brighten below the cheekbones.

8. Finish with Texture and Volume

Whatever style you choose, the right finish makes the magic happen. Avoid flat styles since texture and volume elevate the entire look.

Product recs:

• Texturizing sprays and volumizing mousses
• Root-lifting sprays
• Flexible-hold mist for finishing

A strategically styled haircut can subtly reshape your face without plastic surgery or heavy makeup. Focus on vertical height, soft angles, and face-framing contours. Volume, texture, and light layers are your best allies in creating a slimmer appearance. And remember, confidence adds the final polish. Wear your hairstyle proudly, and it will shine.