OK, sure. Alba's worst day is our best. But this cut is nonetheless a perfect example of a bad choice for women with square faces. While a medium-length hairstyle is great, bangs rarely, if ever, flatter a square face. Bangs are great for round faces because they create angles. So it follows that they're not so great for square faces, because they create more angles on an already angular face.
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Square Face — Best: Gwyneth Paltrow
A "long bob" is one of the best options for the square-faced woman. The angled bottom and face-hugging sides soften the jawline. A center part further de-emphasizes angles and facial width.
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Heart Face — Worst: Kerry Washington
It helps to be drop-dead gorgeous and quite nearly perfect if you're going to break every rule of hairstyling for your face shape. We're talking about Washington in this photo, of course. The rest of us with heart-shaped faces need to remember that it's best to avoid medium-length hairstyles that emphasize the forehead and have lots of volume at the sides.
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Heart Face — Best: Reese Witherspoon
Witherspoon knows how to make the most of her heart-shaped face, no matter what her hair length. This medium-length style hits all the high notes: soft, long, angled bangs across the forehead, length that hits past the chin, and sleek no-volume sides. The angled bottom adds even more softening and sophistication to this cut.
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Oval Face — Worst: Eva Longoria Parker
Are you one of the few blessed with the perfection that is an oval face? Longoria Parker is. While we applaud her creativity and experimentation with hairstyles, this look missed the mark. The risk for oval faces lies in fussy over-worked styles that detract from the wearer's beauty. This medium-length style is too busy and looks like one light breeze will mess it up. If you have an oval face, go for simplicity. Your face will thank you for it.
Medium-length hair is the most popular length among women for good reasons. It's flattering, low-maintenance, sexy and versatile. Finding the right cut for your face shape, and avoiding the worst, is essential.
Yet to try the medium cut? Check out these gorgeous medium length hairstyles for inspiration before hitting up your hairstylist.