How to Choose the Perfect Holiday Updo for Your Face Shape and Hair Type

Posted on November 12th, 2024

 

Amid the crazy holiday season, finding an updo that matches both your personal style and the unique characteristics of your face and hair is a delightful journey. This is not just about integrating a new hairstyle into your festive wardrobe; it is about crafting a look that embodies your distinctive charm and the joy of the celebration.

Face shapes like oval, round, and square each have their defining characteristics, and knowing yours lays the groundwork for an updo that enhances rather than conceals your natural beauty. With this foundational knowledge, the potential for creativity and personal expression blossoms—a combination of style matched precisely to you. Isn't it intriguing to think about how this simple step can significantly shift your confidence as you walk into a room filled with partygoers?

But, of course, the holiday hair journey doesn't stop at face shape. Equally important is the acknowledgment of your hair texture. Whether your locks lean towards the fine and delicate, the thick and coarse, or lie beautifully in between with enviable curls or waves, your hair type plays a critical role in the ultimate look of your chosen style.

Recognizing this dual journey—one that respects your face shape and the textural elements of your hair—sets the stage for a lovingly curated look that celebrates both the holiday and your sense of self.

 

Identifying Your Face Shape

Identifying whether your face is oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or diamond helps create a harmonious look that flatters your unique structure. To determine your face shape, start by pulling your hair back from your face and observing the width and length proportions. You can also use a tape measure to note your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and overall face length for extra precision.

Here’s a description of the different face shapes:

  • Oval: The length of the face is greater than the width, with balanced features and a softly curved jawline. This shape is considered versatile for many hairstyles.
  • Round: The face has equal width and length, with softer angles and a rounded jawline. The goal with styling is to add height and elongation.
  • Square: The face has equal width and length with a more defined, angular jawline. Styles that soften angles and add roundness are ideal for square faces.
  • Heart Shaped: This shape has a wider forehead and a narrower, pointed chin. Styles that balance the forehead with fullness near the jaw work well here.
  • Diamond: Cheekbones are the widest part of the face, with a narrower forehead and jawline. Styles that frame the face and add softness work best.

Identifying your face shape is the foundation of choosing an updo that complements and enhances your features, allowing for a more balanced and flattering look. Now, let's explore some specific updo hairstyles for each face shape.

 

Updo Hairstyles for Every Face Shape

Each face shape brings unique characteristics that can be highlighted beautifully with the right updo. Here are some expert recommendations perfect for your face shape:

 

Updo Hairstyles for Oval Faces

Oval faces are considered the most versatile shape, with balanced proportions that can pull off nearly any style. This face shape is slightly longer than it is wide, with softly rounded jawlines and foreheads, allowing for a wide range of updos that accentuate its natural symmetry.

Here are some recommended hairstyles for oval faces:

  • Sleek Chignon: A classic, low chignon frames an oval face elegantly, highlighting its balance and symmetry. This style works well for both casual and formal occasions.
  • High Ballerina Bun: This timeless updo draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones, perfect for oval faces that can carry height with grace.
  • Braided Crown: A crown braid adds texture and draws attention to the structure of the face, offering a more bohemian, whimsical look.
  • Side-Swept Bun: A side bun introduces a playful asymmetry that complements the natural balance of an oval face, adding a touch of elegance.

 

Updo Hairstyles for Round Faces

Round faces are typically as wide as they are long, with softer, rounded features and often fuller cheeks. The goal for round faces is to add height and structure, creating the illusion of a longer, more defined face. Here are some updos for round faces that balance softness with structure, creating a visually lengthened appearance that’s both chic and flattering:

  • High Top Knot: A top knot or high bun creates vertical lines, drawing the eye upward and elongating the face. This style can also add a touch of elegance with minimal effort.
  • Side-Parted Low Chignon: A low chignon with a deep side part adds asymmetry, which helps slim the face while adding elegance and sophistication.
  • Half-Up, Half-Down Waves: Allowing waves to cascade down while securing the top part of the hair provides height at the crown and elongates the face. This style brings a soft, romantic look.
  • Side-Swept Braid: A side braid pulled into an updo creates a flattering angle that draws attention away from the cheeks, adding length to the face.

 

Updo Hairstyles for Square Faces

Square faces are characterized by a strong, defined jawline and a broad forehead, giving a structured appearance. The aim for square faces is to soften the angles while adding a touch of volume around the crown or towards the back.

These updos work beautifully with square faces by balancing the sharpness of the jawline with softer elements, providing a harmonious and polished look;

  • Loose Waves Updo: An updo with soft, loose waves around the face helps soften the angular features of a square face. This style is romantic and draws attention to the eyes.
  • Curled Side Bun: A side bun with curls introduces asymmetry and softens the jawline, creating a balance between structure and softness.
  • Textured Low Ponytail: A low, textured ponytail adds volume and movement, softening the face's lines while adding an effortless, relaxed vibe.
  • Half-Up with Face-Framing Tendrils: This style leaves a few face-framing pieces that soften the jaw and cheekbones, ideal for creating a gentle look that balances the face.

 

Updo Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces

Heart-shaped faces are characterized by a wider forehead and a narrower, pointed chin. To balance this shape, choose updos that draw attention to the cheekbones and add width around the lower part of the face. Here are some ideas:

  • Low Side Bun: A low side bun near the jawline balances the face by adding volume at the bottom, softening the pointed chin, and narrowing the forehead.
  • High Ponytail with Loose Waves: A high ponytail pulls attention to the eyes and cheekbones while soft waves around the face add width to the chin area.
  • Half-Up with Soft Curls: This style provides volume at the crown and softens the forehead, creating a balanced look that draws attention away from the chin.
  • Messy Bun with Side Part: A messy bun with a side part adds texture and width around the lower face, balancing the forehead and emphasizing the cheekbones.

 

Updo Hairstyles for Diamond Faces

Diamond faces are unique, with the widest part of the face at the cheekbones and a narrower forehead and jawline. The aim here is to soften the cheekbones and add width at the forehead or chin for balance.

Consider these updos:

  • Half-Up Top Knot: A top knot that keeps some hair down around the shoulders softens the cheekbones and balances the narrow forehead and chin.
  • Loose Side Bun with Bangs: A side bun combined with face-framing bangs adds softness around the cheekbones, balancing the diamond shape.
  • Soft Low Ponytail: A low ponytail with loose waves or curls provides a natural look, drawing attention downwards and balancing the face’s width.
  • Voluminous Half-Updo: This style adds volume at the top, softening the cheekbones and creating harmony with the narrower chin and forehead.

 

Matching Your Updo with Your Hair Texture

Acknowledging your hair's natural tendencies—whether curly, wavy, or straight—allows you to work with its natural form rather than against it. By aligning your updo style with your hair texture, you’ll achieve a look that not only lasts but also enhances your natural beauty. Here’s how to choose updos based on hair texture for an elegant and long-lasting holiday event look.

 

Updos for Curly Hair

For curly hair, updos that embrace the natural bounce and volume of your curls work best. Structured styles may require a lot of product to hold, so instead, opt for soft, romantic updos that let the curls flow freely. Curly hair looks stunning in loosely pinned styles, as well as in voluminous top knots or half-up looks that allow some curls to frame the face.

For a refined touch, try a low bun or chignon where the curls are loosely gathered, creating an effortless yet polished vibe. Textured curls can also benefit from added braids or twists for a touch of definition. With curly hair, keep in mind that leaving some curls loose softens the look and lets the natural texture shine through, creating a beautifully carefree yet sophisticated style.

 

Updos for Wavy Hair

Wavy hair is versatile and offers a range of options for updos that highlight its natural texture. With its combination of smoothness and volume, wavy hair lends itself well to relaxed, bohemian-inspired styles like low chignons, loose buns, or even elegant ponytails with a touch of volume at the crown. Styles that allow the waves to cascade naturally—such as a half-up, half-down look—enhance the soft, romantic qualities of wavy hair.

For more formal events, consider a low, twisted bun that showcases your waves or a classic French twist with a textured finish. Wavy hair also pairs beautifully with styles that include braids or twists, adding dimension and showcasing the wave pattern without needing heavy styling products. Embrace your waves with updos that allow them to flow naturally while maintaining an elegant, effortless feel.

 

Updos for Straight Hair

Straight hair’s sleek texture makes it ideal for polished and refined updos that showcase its smoothness and shine. Styles like low buns, chignons, and sleek ponytails play up the natural straightness and create a sophisticated, streamlined look. For added interest, consider incorporating braids or twists that bring dimension to your updo without requiring much hold.

Straight hair also looks lovely in high buns or sleek updos that can be pulled tightly for a chic, minimalistic appearance. If you’d like a softer look, a half-up style with soft waves can create a relaxed but polished effect. For straight hair, products like shine serums or lightweight hairsprays can help maintain the clean, smooth lines of your updo, ensuring it stays in place without losing its natural, glossy texture.

 

Related: How To Get The Best Haircut That You’ve Always Dreamed About

 

Wrapping Up

Hair styling is more than just a technique; it’s a reflection of your personality, an extension of how you wish to present yourself to the world. The art of blending knowledge about one's own facial contours and hair type results not only in stunning updos but also fosters a genuine sense of confidence that can enhance any occasion. Each twist, knot, or braid is meticulously tailored to highlight your natural beauty, leaving you radiating charm throughout any gathering.

You might now ponder how these suggestions could transform your holiday appearance into something unforgettable. Have you considered collaborating with a professional stylist who understands what works best? At Shearworks Hair Studio, located in Dallas, Texas, we specialize in guiding our clients toward hairstyles that harmonize with their unique beauty.

Through our hairstyling services, we aim to create not just a beautiful hairstyle but a complete experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and inspired. Whether it's a bold transformation or a classic style enhancement, mastering the craft of aligning hairstyle with personal features can bring your vision to life.

Want to take the next step? Get in Touch Now!

Should you wish to explore our range of hair services and discuss your styling aspirations further, feel free to reach out at (469) 688-7191 for a personalized consultation. Let this holiday season be your opportunity to not only look your best but also feel your absolute best.

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