Choosing a Flattering Hairstyle

Choosing a flattering hairstyle can be a daunting task. Although inspiration may not be hard to find in fashion or beauty magazines, determining whether a look will flatter your features can be tricky. In this exclusive interview with celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, we uncovered the secrets to finding a flattering and versatile style.

Find a cut that flatters!

Sarah Potempa's traditional work, paired with her adventurous spirit, has made her a great success in a short period of time. With a resume packed full of editorial work for Cosmopolitian, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor, Levis, GQ, and Vogue, Sarah knows how to make fashion and beauty work together effortlessly.

I like to take into account several things: face shape, hair texture, and personality. You have to have hair style that works for you and fits who you are and the look you are trying to achieve.

For round faces: A great haircut is one that is a little longer in the front and shorter in the back and hits in between the chin and shoulder. This creates an illusion in the front that appears to lengthen the face. Ask for a haircut with texturized, blended ends. This will take the bulk out of the hair, which can add roundness to the face. Long layers are great for a round face. The idea is to slim the area around the cheeks to elongate the face and create a more oval shape.

For a square face shape:, it is important to create soft angles that give the appearance of a more oval feeling. Side swept bangs are a perfect way to soften the appearance of a large, or square, forehead. Longer layers around the face and neck will soften the appearance of a square jaw line. The overall idea here is to have soft, blended layers around the face and to create movement. You can do this by using a 1" curling iron, spraying the hair with Aussie's Opposites Attract Hairspray, and wrapping hair like a candy cane around the iron to create waves around the face.

For hearts and ovals: I love loose waves at any length (so cute with short hair). It works well with smooth, fine to medium textured hair. On naturally straight hair, this is a very sexy look. It works well with softer, sweet personalities to add excitement and movement to their look.

A look that you can get away with styling the front is a great idea for an active woman. If you’re pressed for time, just style your bangs or face-framing pieces. The front’s more important than the back. There are little tricks like wearing your hair in a bun or a braid at night if you are planning on curling the front of your hair in the morning. This will save you time and help to have a more consistent style.

Shampoo and conditioner is essentially a preparation tool. They can increase the moisture content in the hair and prepare the hair for a healthy look. Always protect the cuticle of the hair before blow-drying. Aussie’s Heat-Protector + Leave in Conditioner is great because it comes in a spray that will evenly distribute the moisture through the hair.

Depending on your personal style, many looks can be carried over through the ages! Below is a basic guideline, but just remember, you are never too old to try new things.

The twenties is still a time of experimentation and discovery. Trying new colors and haircuts can work while you are still trying to figure out who you want to be. I love seeing long, beautiful layers on younger woman. This is also a time that you can create changes. Trying a new trendy bob, like the short in the back, longer in the front bob (aka Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson) can be a great way to have a fresh start! Don't forget that this could be a great time to donate your long hair to a charity!

Thirties is a time for a little more structure and elegance. I love medium length hair on women in this age group. I think structured layers, perfect blowouts, and polished shine. The key here is in the styling. If you want to be taken seriously, focus on creating a "look" for yourself that is maintained by great styling! Take time to learn how to style your hair well by watching my how-to videos at Aussie.com.

Flatter your face.

Forties is about sophistication and confidence! Whether its having the fashionable Anna Wintour (Vogue) bob and bangs or Julianne Moore's vibrant long layers, the key is how you carry it! By now, you know what works for you and you should embrace it!

Fringe and bangs are a hot style right now. They can work on everyone if they are cut in the right way! I suggest asking your stylist to cut them a little longer then you want them and to round them out (make them longer on the sides) and softly texturize the ends so they look blended. This will allow you to style them into your longer layers when you need a break from the bangs! Sweep them to the side or push them back by using Aussie's Mousse + Leave-In conditioner. This product will give you enough hold to blend the bangs and moisture to make them look natural.

Don’t wash your hair everyday. The longer you wait between shampooing, the more the natural oils from your scalp will protect your hair. The scalp produces oil based on the need. If it produces oil over night and then you take a shower every morning, it balances itself out to only produce enough for one day. If you start to shampoo every 3 days, the scalp will realize that it needs to spread out the production for use over a longer period of time.

I love products that are affordable and really deliver. I love Aussie’s Opposites Attract Hairspray because it has enough hold to make your style last and enough softness to run your fingers through you hair - there is nothing worse than stiff, sticky products! I also love Aussie's Mousse + Leave-in conditioner. It has a dual purpose to make styling quicker and easier. It adds volume to the roots, while adding moisture to the ends!

It’s my pleasure. Have fun with your hair- it’s all about speaking to your personality, the different styles!

For bookings, please contact:

Nicole@thewallgroup.com
The Wall Group
Tel. (212) 352-0777
Katie@sarahpotempa.com

• Goody Hair Accessories
• Cute Fall Hairdos
• Funky Hair Color Trends
• Hair Removal Quiz
• Healthy Hair Quiz

• Emo Hair Styles
• Emo Hair Style Pictures
• Layered Hair Styles
• Pictures of Emo Hair Cuts
• Short Hair Styles

• Category:Hair Styles
• 1950s Hairstyles
• Bad Hairstyles
• Pear-Shaped Face Hair Cut
• Hairstyle and Hair Color Ideas