Oval
Oval face shapes are perfectly in proportion, with features nicely balanced, a narrow forehead tapering into a small chin via wide, defined cheekbones. Be as daring as you wish: short, long, one-length, layers, fringes, up, off the face - even shaved. All will suit you, as you've no need to compensate for any dominant or weak points.
Celebrity ovals: Kate Moss, Natalie Imbruglia, Keira Knightley, Natalie Portman
Heart
Similar to the oval, but the top half of the face is wider and narrows below the cheekbones to a delicate, yet pointed chin. Curls and waves introduced around level with the cheekbones will widen the appearance of the chin and jawbone and make the face appear better proportioned and essentially oval. Avoid sleek, jaw-length bobs that hug the chin, though - flicked-out ends will create a more balanced outline. Again, a fringe is an option.
Celebrity hearts: Kate Hudson, Sophie Dahl, Kirsten Dunst, Victoria Beckham
Round
The face is full-cheeked and circular. Keep hair sleek at the sides and lengthen the face by choosing a hairdo with plenty of volume on top. Bardot-esque '60s-influenced styles with a bit of backcombing at the roots are ideal. Avoid curved or geometric styles, as they will only accentuate roundness. Also avoid hard lines and wide, block fringes that finish just above the eyebrows. Feathered or layered hair falling onto the face will help create sleeker proportions, and sweeping fringes will have a slimming effect. Keep curly hair all one length and, ideally, long to avoid bulk. Full curls accentuate roundness, but high ponytails and up-dos with loose tendrils around the hairline and sides are all options.
Celebrity rounds: Christina Ricci, Stella McCartney, Dawn French
Square
A broad forehead and a strong square or angular jawline dominate your face. Slim those broad cheekbones with long styles and chin-length layers. Fringes will focus attention on your eyes: opt for longer, broken-up, full ones or wispy half-fringes. Textured bob cuts, which fall onto the face, and curls kissing the cheeks will both slim down the widest points of the face and help re-balance it.
Celebrity squares: Minnie Driver, Renée Zellweger, Billie Piper, Jada Pinkett
Long
Characteristically includes a high forehead, a thin face and well-defined, long chin. Avoid one-length, straight hair and middle partings, as perfect symmetry will make any face look longer than the Lord Of The Rings movie trilogy - a side parting will be much more flattering. Keep it soft by breaking up the length with layers at eye and cheekbone level to create texture. A curly bob or long style will shorten the length of the face. A side parting will create an illusion of fullness. If your hair has a slight wave, use a diffuser with your hairdryer to emphasise the curls, as adding volume below the chin will balance things out a bit.
Other celebrity longs: Liv Tyler, Jade Jagger, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Iman
Angular-diamond shape
A fusion of square and heart proportions. Chin-length bobs and feathered, shoulder-length styles will emphasise those dramatic, angular planes while rounding out the chin. Heavy fringes are a good look, as are flicks or a mane of dishevelled curls.
Celebrity diamonds: Cate Blanchett, Kate Bosworth, Nicole Kidman, Sophie Ellis-Bextor
