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Understanding your face shape is the first piece of information you’ll need to help you achieve your perfect look.

The face shape that can accommodate most hairstyles is an oval, but very few people have one. To achieve your best look, your haircut should compensate for the shape of your face to create the illusion of an oval.

Measure Up:
Grab a flexible tape measure and take these easy steps to accurately measure your facial features:

1. Length: bisect your forehead at the hairline, down to the tip of your chin.
2. Width: measure from ear to ear (from just below the eyes).
3. Forehead: measure from one temple across the forehead to the opposite temple.
4. Cheeks: begin just below the outer corner of one eye, measuring across the cheekbones to the other side.
5. Jaw Line: start where your earlobe meets your jaw and measure to the other side.

Shape Up:
Use the guidelines below to determine your face shape. Compare yours to the iVillage Face Shape Gallery to track your accuracy.

• Oval: your width to length ratio is 1:1.5.
• Long/Oblong: your length is more than 1.5 times your width.
• Round: your width to length ratio is 1:1, your forehead, cheek and jaw measurements are equal and your features are rounded.
• Square: your measurements are the same as round, but your features are angular.
• Heart: you are narrow at the jaw/chin with wide cheeks and forehead.
• Diamond: you are widest at the cheekbones, but narrow at the forehead and jaw.

HAIR TEXTURE relates to the thickness of each strand of hair – skinny strands yield fine texture and wide strands yield thick.

ELASTICITY relates to the shape of your hair strand. Unbent strands make straight hair and bent, wavy or “s”-shaped strands make curly hair.

Verify Your Texture:

• Wash your hair in your typical routine, but don’t blow it dry.
• Set a timer to measure how long it takes your hair to dry on its own.
• If your hair dries within the hour, you’ve got fine hair.
• If your hair takes more than an hour to dry, you’ve got thick hair.
• Still uncertain? Use this hair texture key to decide.

Determine Your Elasticity:

• Now that your hair is dry, is it naturally glossy or matte?
• Glossy hair is less porous and straighter.
• Matte hair is more porous and curlier.
• Are your strands unbent (straight), subtly curved (wavy) or definitely “s” shaped (curly)?

Skin tone is so fascinating because it can dictate the way we look in certain lighting, as well as our best choices for clothing, makeup, hair color and more.

• As a general rule (but not 100% of the time), people with cool-toned skin usually have blue, grey, deep brown/black or green eyes and those with warm-toned skin have hazel, amber, light/medium brown or golden eyes.  
• Try this fun trick to test your tone: turn your forearm over, and look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue, you are most likely a cool tone. If they appear green - you are warm!
• Use this helpful chart to determine what colors you should gravitate toward when coloring your hair:

When you arrive at the salon, you should already have ideas in mind for what you want to achieve. Don’t wait until you’re waiting to get inspired!

Check out this simple guide to finding a great cut for your hair type and face shape:

Now that you have guidance on what to look for, get to work browsing your favorite magazines or websites such as iVillage’s hair galleries for pictures of styles and colors that could work with your skin, shape and texture.

1. Skip magazines with long, interesting articles for this exercise – the juicier the better, because you’ll get the most pictures!
2. Collect pictures of those with the haircut recommended for you – or scan for those who havewith similar face shape, hair texture and coloring as yours
3. Assemble a portfolio of cutout images to bring to your stylist. If you prefer, gather ideas digitally (Pinterest works great for this!), but bring visuals to the salon.

While you’re browsing, keep these famous faces (and their unique shapes) in mind:

• Oval: Thalia, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Anniston
• Long/Oblong: Sarah Jessica Parker, Giselle Bundchen
• Round: Renee Zelweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Williams
• Square: Salma Hayek, Demi Moore, Heidi Klum
• Heart: Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon
• Diamond: Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Hurley

Today’s Questions: What insider terms should you know? What details should you share with your stylist?

GABRIEL SAMRA:
Before you tell your stylist anything, make sure he or she sees your hair dry. Observing the way it falls, the current cut and length, the texture and the color will help guide you both toward great decisions.  

SARAH POTEMPA:
The most important thing a client can tell me is how much time they take to style their hair at home. Be honest so your stylist can craft a cut you can realistically manage every day.

SHAUN SURETHING:
There are a few industry terms every woman should know:  

• MOVEMENT means layering and texturizing techniques (or product usage) that achieve organic, approachable shapes.  
• LAYERING happens when the underneath sections of hair are longer than the hair at the top of the head, creating texture and movement.
• SHORT means different things to different people! From pixie cuts to shoulder-length bobs, it’s safest to bring visual aides when discussing short hair.

NICK ARROJO:
I have a few important terms to add to Shaun’s list:

• GRADUATION is a technique where the hairdresser tapers the haircut into the nape of the neck, subtly building weight and adding softness.
• ONE-LENGTH LINE means what it sounds like: all the hair will be cut to the same length. The style won’t move or swing as much as a layered or texturized look, but it will provide strong structure.
• UNDER-CUTTING gives the illusion of extra body by cutting the hair underneath shorter than the top layers.

If you haven't guessed, today we're talking about shampoo, girls!

In keeping your hair clean, you risk drying it out. Wash every other day to maintain moisture and regulate your body’s natural oil production. Try a dry shampoo if you simply can’t go a day without ‘washing.’

When you do wet-wash your hair, it’s important to choose shampoos with the right ingredients for your hair – depending on whether it’s dry or oily.

DRY HAIR can be cracked, coarse and even frizzy.

To combat these issues:

• Find shampoo that supplements oil loss, softening hair while minimizing frizz. Look for creamy, moisturizing ingredients like almond, macadamia, wheat germ, avocado or olive oils.
• Avoid clarifying shampoos that will increase dryness, especially those with Panthenol or sulfites in the ingredients list - they dry hair and create volume.
• Processed hair is often dry AND needs extra strength in the form of protein, so pick shampoo with soy, wheat or silk extracts too.

OILY HAIR lacks volume and bounce.

Here’s how to add it back:

• Avoid creamy shampoos with oily ingredients or silicones. These will increase smoothness and moisture, which you don’t want!
• Panthenol works well because it rinses away oily residues and penetrates the hair cuticle to deep clean the hair.

No matter what product you use, remember that you can always add a little more, but you can’t remove product once you’ve applied it. Depending on the type and length of your hair, you should never use more than a walnut-sized amount.

Remember, the goal is to achieve shiny, healthy-looking hair, so follow these tips to help you get it:

MOUSSE, when applied to wet hair, will volumize and offer a soft hold – perfecto for fine hair.

GEL is most commonly used for a firm hold, but it is fairly drying, so beware if you are trying to maintain moisture (I’m talking to you, curly girls!).

HAIRSPRAY works well for finishing a style, but can also be used as a root lifter, to spot treat where you need a little extra volume.

SERUMS are terrific for heat protection and a smooth finish. If you have thick, unruly hair, you’ll love how this product helps you manage your mane. If you wash-n-go, you can use silk or shine serums on wet hair for a flawless air-dried finish.

A great hair brush can help your hair reach its beauty and strength potential. Say farewell to your “old friend” and get prepared for a new one.

First, decide if you need a round brush (great for blowouts) or paddle brush (best for detangling).

Next, consider what kind of bristles you need. Not sure what the differences are? No problema. There are many kinds of brushes on the market - here’s how to pick yours wisely:

NATURALS: 100% natural bristles are best for fine hair because they are gentle on hair and they distribute oils, boosting shine.

SYNTHETICS: Buy an all-nylon brush if you have coarse or thick hair, they are the strongest!

BLENDS: Synthetic and natural bristle blends are perfect for normal to thick hair, as natural bristles alone can be too weak for tangles.

HARD PLASTICS: If you can’t afford anything but plastic, don’t panic, they aren’t necessarily bad, they simply won’t benefit your hair like naturals. Just make sure it doesn’t have a double bristle (one short, one long), because they can tear your hair - ouch.

The tools I use the most? My hair dryer and flat iron.

Here are my tips on what to look for in each to get to hair heaven:

BLOW DRYERS:

• HEAT: The higher your dryer’s wattage, the more powerful the heat and air flow will be. Make sure yours has at least 1750 watts. For thick hair, I recommend between 1900 and 2000 watts.
• ELEMENT: A hair dryer with a ceramic element gives off stronger and more even heat to help straighten, while the tourmaline element promotes smooth and shiny hair by emitting negative ion crystals.
• WEIGHT: If your arms get tired of holding the hairdryer mid-styling, that’s a bad sign! Find a lightweight model - less than 2 pounds – especially if you use it every day.

FLAT IRON:

• HEAT: Look for an iron with a separate and variable heat thermostat button. I recommend one with a variable heat setting button between 140 degrees (for fine hair or touch ups) and 410 degrees or more (for thick hair or quick straightening).
• ELEMENT: Ceramic plates heat more evenly for smoother, healthier looking hair. For those with stubborn hair, try one with both ceramic and tourmaline technology for a super silky finish.

Today’s Question: How can you maintain the crisp, polished look your stylist gives you, from the time you leave the salon to the time you come back for your next appointment?

NATASHA SUNSHINE: My secret for a polished look is finished ends. Instead of spending time blow drying from roots to end, let a great shine serum do the work (I love Pureology's Radiance Amplifier). Add it to your ends before blow drying, and dry hair to 85%.

RODNEY CUTLER: A great look comes from blending personal style with a great cut. My stomach drops when a woman requests a haircut that won’t suit her style, hair type, routine or face shape. Haircuts turn out the best, and last the longest, when both stylist and client can work together to find the best solution - avoiding disappointment on both ends.

HARRY JOSH: I wish that all of my clients would deep condition their hair – especially the ends - between appointments. The process moisturizes and strengthens the hair, and extends the life of the haircut. It’s like giving your hair a vitamin boost, improving its health and decreasing the amount I need to cut at each appointment.

When your hair is exposed to extra stressors from summer fun and sun, it's smart to minimize damage with products and processes that protect. Stock your styling drawer with these must-have summer protection products:

HEAT PROTECTION
After shampooing, evenly spray a heat protection product onto damp hair. Apply from root to tip and comb through before heat styling.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
For wash-n-go girls, a leave-in conditioner will combat dryness all day.

UV PROTECTION
Always finish hair with UV protection spray to reflect harmful sun rays.

ANTI-FRIZZ
Fight frizz caused by humidity with a lightweight silicone serum. Apply to damp hair before styling to manage frizz while enhancing shine.

BONUS! STYLIST SECRETS There are even household products that can help you beat the heat.

My favorites:

COLD WATER: Rinse your hair with cool/cold water to tightly seal the cuticle and increase smoothness.

BABY POWDER: Sprinkle your scalp with a touch of baby powder to help absorb perspiration or humidity before frizz settles in.

You and your stylist work hard to find the perfect color for your unique look, so it’s frustrating for everyone when summer elements wreak havoc on your hair.

Try these tips to lengthen the lifespan of your color:

Use a mild shampoo without sulfates or sodium chloride (which dry out your hair).

Wash your hair less often! In fact, if you can’t afford to get a special shampoo for color-treated hair, just wash your hair less often. Of course, finding a fabulous product AND washing your hair less is the perfect combo.

When you know you’ll be in the sun for any length of time, protect your color by wearing a hat! It’s a quick, easy and fashionable way to lengthen the life of your hair color.

Schedule a color glaze with your stylist between full color appointments. Glazes are a low-impact solution for extending the life of your hair color, especially in the summer when you might want to ease off of harsh processing.

Some of the most common problems women with grey hair face are yellowing, dulling and changes in texture.

Follow these tips for a perfect gray:

STYLE
Don’t assume that gray hair can’t be sexy and stylish! Since the texture of gray hair can be coarse, brittle and wiry, the best haircuts are short, layered looks. Have your hairdresser disguise fading color lines with lots of highlights while your natural color grows out and your gray comes in.

PRODUCT
Keep your gray bright and shiny by using moisturizing shampoos with silver brightening effects.

ROUTINE
Gray hair reflects light, making it one of the first things you notice on a person. To make this focal point a positive, invest in regular deep conditioning treatments made for color-treated hair, either at home or at the salon. Avoid heat styling whenever possible to avoid over-drying.

If you are not completely gray yet, but are going in that direction, consult with your stylist so he or she can feel and see your hair before advising you on the best products and styling tips to use in transition.

Female hair loss can be triggered by diet, mineral deficiency, pregnancy, medications, stress, pollutants or genetics. What’s worse, losing hair often affects a woman’s sense of femininity and sexuality – not good!

While there are no guarantees that you can prevent hair loss – as so many factors in prevention are out of your control – you can do a few things to help extend the time your hair stays on your head.

BE GENTLE: Don't subject your hair to frequent, constant heating and drying procedures.

BE CAREFUL: Style your hair with a gentle touch, avoiding tight pulling, elastics and clips to decrease hair breakage and eventual loss. Tight ponytails, braiding, corn-rows, and plaits can lead to significant hair loss when worn every day.

SLOW DOWN: Never color your hair more often than every 6-8 weeks and opt for semi-coverage when you can.

GET HELP: If you believe your hair is in the early stages of loss, talk to your stylist and your physician for advice on a safe and effective treatment regimen.

Today’s Question: What secrets does your hair reveal to your stylist?

GABRIEL SAMRA: When I see a client with broken and stressed hair, I know she is wearing a ponytail overnight. Soooo tempting, I know, but don’t do it! All hair bands cause breakage at the band site, and at the scalp.

RODNEY CUTLER: I can tell when my clients have been using at-home hair color, because the boxed brands often have inconsistent results. Even if you use the same color every time, the application can yield up to 3 or 4 shades of difference, making for uneven color across the entire head.

SHAUN SURETHING: I can tell whether or not my client swims in a pool, how much time she spends in the sun and if she washes her hair too often. Once, I asked a client if she was pregnant because of a change in density I noticed in her hair - she was and didn't know it yet!

Follow this plan for a week’s worth of hairstyling with just one wash:

MONDAY: Wash your hair and either blow it dry to straighten, or let it air-dry if that’s your routine. Wear your hair loose and fresh, with little styling beyond your natural look.

TUESDAY: Take your natural look up a notch by curling in a few sexy waves.

WEDNESDAY: It’s time to weave that hair close to the head! Braids are a terrific style for mid-week because they keep your hair neat, and prevent you from putting your hands through it all day, which can add unnecessary oil.

THURSDAY: By now, your hair might be collecting more oil than you’re used to, which actually puts it in perfect condition for a slicked back look. Experiment with low, side, half-up or high ponytail looks to find the one that works best for you.

FRIDAY: Today is the perfect day for a bun or twist. You can go sleek or messy – whatever suits your hair texture – but either way, use your natural hair oils to your styling advantage!

Follow these steps for the perfect updo:

Work With What You’ve Got!
Chin-length or shorter hair must stay close to the head and will involve pinning sections of hair in a specific pattern or shape. Longer hair can accommodate more complex styling.

Create an Illusion 
If you have a wide or deep forehead, bangs or a front sweep will soften your features. For smaller foreheads, pulling the hair away from the face will give you the illusion of a longer face.

Accessorize
Almost all updos will need pins or barrettes to hold the style in place. Pick hair accessories that fit the occasion and your outfit.

Choose Your Look
Decide whether you want to go sleek or soft. If you wear a style with loose or cascading hair, your style will feel free and whimsical. If you are going for drama, a sleek, tight, all-up wrap will look chic and formal.

Use Quality Products
Apply mousse to wet hair for body and hold. Spray a strong alcohol-free hairspray during and after styling to hold your style throughout the event. Always carry extra pins to tuck away strays and reinforce hold.

First and foremost, no product in the world has the same beautifying, life-changing effect as a great hair cut!

But when choosing how to care for it, the difference between salon brands and drugstore brands boils down to ingredients and research.

Professional products work better because their ingredients are purer and the research is more extensive.

The detergents and waxes in drugstore brands are not great for your hair, and the research they’ve done is for a mass appeal, not a targeted audience.

Here’s where the extra buck goes a long way:

PRODUCTS
A professional-grade weekly conditioning treatment will deliver more nutrients than a daily conditioner. If you have a serious hair issue, like thinning or breaking hair, reserve prestige brands for your specific need and speak with your stylist for a recommendation.

At most you should not spend more than $25-30 on a product. Anything above that means you’re paying for fancy packaging.

TOOLS
Heat-styling tools with protective barriers (like ceramic) won’t damage your hair like aluminum, so they are worth the splurge.

If you do not use dryers or irons, invest in one quality brush that won’t break your hair and will evenly distribute natural oils.

Follow these important rules for having great hair (and check out our printable recap below!):

GET THE RIGHT CUT
The right haircut from a professional stylist can make any hair type or texture look fantastic and will save you money. Why? Because it will look good as it grows, so you can cut it less often.

CLEAN AND CONDITION
Regular (but not daily) shampooing and conditioning is the foundation for healthy hair, and weekly deep conditioning treatments will help maintain its strength.

USE PRODUCTS WISELY
When used correctly, great products can enhance your look and protect your hair. When used incorrectly, disasters abound (flakiness, increased oil, dryness or frizz). Read product labels carefully and don’t over-apply!

WORK WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Heat and chemicals increase hair damage. Whenever possible, go au naturale and your hair will thank you.

KEEP IT FRESH
Without regular trims, damage at the tips of your hair will spread up the hair shaft. Average hair grows about ½-inch every 4-6 weeks, so you should trim your hair that much, that often. If you’re trying to grow your hair out, consult your stylist for the best trimming schedule for you.

EAT RIGHT
You really are what you eat, sweetie. A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables is important for healthy hair.

Protein from red meat, fish and poultry promotes hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, walnuts and flax seed fight dryness and give your hair natural shine.

Include these foods in your diet weekly, and you’ll notice a positive difference over time as new, nourished hair grows in.

Download, print and save this handy recap featuring all the best Challenge tips and more so that you can have great hair all year round!