Super-slimming hairstyles

The right cut, colour and style can knock kilos off – here’s some celeb slim-spiration!

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

The right cut, colour and style can knock kilos off – here’s some celeb slim-spiration!

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The Lob

The long bob, as worn by Jennifer Lawrence, frames and thins the face. Ask your stylist for an asymmetrical collarbone-length cut to get the look, then blow-dry some body into it to make it work even harder.

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Highlights

Think of highlights like vertical stripes of the hair world – they draw the eye down for an instant slimming effect. This narrows your face and neck straightaway. Lighter shades around your face also brighten your complexion too. Ashley Madekwe is the perfect example with her blend of buttery, face-framing highlights in a shaggy, layered haircut.

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Voluminous Ponytail

A backcombed pony like Kate Beckinsale’s works like skyscraper heels – the extra height will make you look more willowy. “The height on the crown elevates your features and its tight sides slim the face,” says makeup artist and hairstylist Cindy Hor.

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Gringe (a.k.a Grown-Out Fringe)

The gringe is the fringe of the season – for good reason. Resting on top of the cheekbones, the grown-out fringe tapers at either side of the face for a slimming effect. Duchess Kate shows how flattering the look can be.

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Long Locks

Take your cue from Tang Wei and use chest-length hair to make your face appear longer and oval-shaped. Aside from head-to-toe Spanx, it is the simplest way to look more streamlined. “Be mindful in ensuring you have volume, otherwise it can pull your features down,” says Cindy. “Add softness to the ends and around the face. Do not let your hair get too long either.”

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Layers

Blunt, heavy, one-length hair can make your face look rounder and fuller than it actually is. Long layers and face-framing pieces, however, will soften the shape of your hairdo, flatter a wide jawline and encourage bounce. Cat Deeley breaks up her long style with chopping layers.

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Side Part

Centre parts are a huge no-no for round faces because they tend to accentuate the width of your face. Steal this style from Dylan Penn and create a side part to break up a large forehead and wide face. “Ensure your fringe is not too short. It must be long enough so you can tuck it behind your ears,” says Cindy.

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Tapered Short Crop

Scarlett Johannson proves that even short hair can be slimming. By having the long side-fringe end at the cheekbone, this cut balances out a wider jaw and keeps all the focus on your eyes.

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Waves

Soft waves do not just ooze glamour, as Lily James proves. They make you look more slender too. If you have a round face, opt for gentle face-hugging waves. The voluminous kinks cut into the cheeks and draw attention to your eyes.

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Loose Updo

Slicked-back styles are not a good idea for chubby or round faces – they only make your cheeks look rounder. Karolina Kurkova has the right idea, leaving a few loose tendrils around her hairline. Styled right, a loose updo can narrow your face and even disguise jowls. “The height of hair at the crown will also lift your temples and cheekbones, which is flattering,” says Cindy.

Text: bauersyndication.com.au / Photos: tpg news ; Courtesy of Burberry, Dior and IWC Schaffhausen.