A mid-height ponytail — right at the crown — looks best because it pulls backward, opening up the face without bringing the attention upward, says Cho. If you're looking for a more sophisticated texture in the back, Cho suggests running a flatiron through your hair to smooth ends.
The most flattering placement occurs at the back of the crown where the hair naturally parts, and, to avoid looking like you're en route to the gym, always wear it tightly combed back.
Instead, one expert says keeping things nice and low—but not too low—is the way to go. Hairstylist Paloma Garcia, says a loose ponytail, right at the level of your eyeline never fails to flatter, whether you're beating the humidity at a summer cookout or going for a casual-cool look at work.
High ponytails can make you look younger. They tighten your facial features and open up your face for you to apply youthful makeup with sharper features. They also add height to your body frame.
If you have a heart-shaped face, the goal of your ponytail is to balance out the largeness of your forehead with the tapered bottom of your face—a messy ponytail will do just that. Wear it mid-height to further balance your face shape.
Like I said, the results are subtle, but pulling your hair up does make your face look instantly thinner and sharper, especially from the profile. Bottom line: If you're not feeling so hot, pull your hair up in a high pony and watch your confidence skyrocket, Ariana Grande-style.
Shoulder-length hair (or longer) with layers
Forget what you thought about long hair past the age of 40—thick hair actually looks more youthful and polished when it falls shoulder-length or longer. Shorter hair has a tendency to expand at the ends, leaving you with an unflattering triangle effect.
When it comes to a round face shape: the higher the pony, the better. See, the height at the crown of your head will help balance out the roundness in your cheeks, says Cho. "If you want to elongate your face, you should bring the focus upward," she says.
High ponytails come with breakage, thinning, and receding hair. Thus, low ponytails are the perfect placement and the perfect alternative if you want something different. Low ponytails are suitable ponytails for healthy hair.
“It's best to keep hair longer, ideally past your collarbone, if you can,” says Polko, recommending opting for long layers, if any. “Round faces should typically stick to one- length hair and avoid round cuts and too many layers,” adds celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble.
That's because height at the crown of your head will help balance out the roundness in your cheeks, says Cho. "If you want to elongate your face, you should bring the focus upward," she says. Cho recommends building height with a high ponytail and a bouffant in the front (think Kate Beckinsale, not Snookie).
The Low Ponytail
The reason stylists recommend you forego a tight ponytail is because the tighter the ponytail, the greater the risk your hair tie will pull at your strands, putting unnecessary stress on your roots and scalp. A low, loose ponytail relieves that stress. Plus it looks good!
Will short hair really make a woman look younger? A new study reveals that age 46 is when a woman decides to cut her hair short for a more "mature" style. Long hair after 40 doesn't automatically make you look older, but since hair thins as you age, pump up the volume with layers and movement around the face.
Long hair tends to look more slenderizing than short hair. If you have short hair, you can consider extensions and if you already have long hair, consider some of the other options listed above like adding texture and highlights to revamp your long locks.
An asymmetrical long bob, or lob, is the absolute best hairstyle if you want to make your face look thinner. Opt for a lob at least three inches below the chin in the front, and angled shorter in the back.
Medium-Length Cut with Long Layers
Hemple says long layers always give off a youthful appearance. She adds that off-center or side parts that "fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance. "
Try a Ponytail or an Updo – building extra height at the crown of the head narrows round features and makes the face seem thinner. For a simple hairstyle, twist hair into a high knot and fasten it with a barrette. Or try a ponytail for the most slimming effect, match the ponytail height to the tips of your cheekbones.
Deep Side Part
Switching where you part your hair doesn't seem like much of a style, but it's a quick and easy way to elevate your look and make your face appear slimmer. Like side-swept bangs, creating a deep part gives your face a slimming effect as it sweeps diagonally across your face.
Line up. Vertical lines draw the eye up and down, rather than side to side, giving you a taller and narrower look. Think of vertical striped shirts and pinstriped business suits, though we wouldn't recommend wearing these together. As a rule, the closer the vertical lines are, the slimmer the look.