Plus size hairstyles ?

What is the line about the crowning glory of a woman? For us, it is true. Brains and beautiful hair are possible no matter the size of the body. But the perceived size of the body is definitely affected by the shape and size of the hair! To balance these larger bodies, it is necessary to pay closer attention to face shape and body proportions in determining the right hairstyles. Studies show that while people notice you from the feet up, they remember you from the top down. If you want people to remember you fondly and remember you in proportion, remember your hair. Drama attracts the eye, so you have the opportunity to use your hair to make a bolder, more elegant, more chic, more whatever statement than your body.

Above all, your hairstyle should flatter you, be easy to care for, and reflect your personality and style - just like your clothes. Most plus-size women look better in hairstyles that add a little volume or height across the width of their head at the crown. Everything depends on your body/head/hair ratio, but generally you want to choose a hairstyle shape that is in harmony with, but does not exactly repeat the shape of your face or body.

Top five hair do's and don'ts for plus-size women:

1. Do wear your hair above your shoulders. Wearing your hair longer than shoulder length creates a single mass silhouette with your head, neck and shoulders running into your body. The best lengths are about half inch above our shoulders or shorter, which adds neck length.

2. Do keep most of your hair off your face. Don't try that short pixie haircut with the hair brushed forward, toward, or onto your face and forehead. Although I see this recommended in a lot of hoe-to books, this look makes even a thin face look full and tends to squash all your features together. Whatever the style - long, short, medium - a fuller face will always be more enhanced by hair directed up, off and away. Generally, wearing it with a little height on top and directing it up and back away from the temples works well.

3. Do wear styles that frame the face without closing it in. Don't wear full bands that can square or close off a full face and make it look even more full. Wear your bangs wispy or brushed to one side.

4. Do take some chances with your hair and embrace change. No one should be sentenced to the same hairstyle for life! You, your hair, and the fashions of the times change constantly, so you will need to rethink your style and color periodically, too. As you get older your skin tone changes, and if you are coloring your hair you may need a slightly different shade. If you don't ask, the colorist may just stick to the color formula in your file.

Do take the time to style your hair on a daily basis. Sadly, people do judge a book by its cover, and as the odds may already be stacked against you for being larger in size, it is imperative that hair and makeup be perfect. Some people are born with great hair, but most are not. If color or body wave will enhance your skin tone or hair texture, do it! If your hair needs the aid of rollers or a curling iron, use them! If you are not adept at styling your hair or using tools to achieve the look you want, schedule one or more appointments with your hairdresser for styling instruction. Persevere until you get the hang of it.