The Best Cuts to Avoid Pyramid Hair

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Q: Hi Bill, and greetings from France! Everyone tells me that I should change the look of my hair because it doesn't suit me, but I have absolutely no idea where to start!

I've always had dark brown, wavy hair—although just how wavy it wants to be seems to be constantly changing—and I recently grew it out from being very short to just below shoulder-length. It's a bit flat on top and thick at the bottom, creating a triangular effect. I have to use a lot of products and a lot of heat to keep it from becoming frizzy. 

Emma has dark brown, wavy, shoulder-length hair.

The style and colour are dull, aging and unflattering! I find that the colour washes me out, and the shape of my hair makes me look plumper and older than I actually am. 

I'm willing to do as much maintenance as possible to keep it looking good, so the sky is the limit. Can you provide any guidance as to what I could do to salvage my hair and make it look more attractive? Thanks — Emma

Emma thinks her current hairstyle and colour are unflattering.

A: Emma, you have amazing facial features. You really can't go wrong with any hairstyle.

I can see you with your hair a little longer, and adding some waves with a wand or curling iron:

Natalie Portman's TIFF 2010 portrait.

With the added length, plus using a styling tool, this will diminish the pyramid shape that you would like to avoid.

Here is an example of the same idea but with a centre part. Also super-pretty for you:

Nikki Reed at the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

I think darkening your hair will add shine and make your eyes pop!

This is also a favourite style of mine for your pretty face, wearing your hair completely off your face and behind your shoulders:

Ashley Greene at the 2012 premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2'.

With this style, your entire neck is exposed and you will look statuesque. It is a great way to add height.

I don't think a cut will do this for you, as from what I am seeing, your hair grows flat on the top. So I would learn to work with this as you consider a new style.

If you fancy a lighter colour, this would work well with your natural colouring and will suit your skin tone:

Katharine McPhee at the 2012 Golden Globes.

billyxoxo

Bill Angst is one of Canada‣s top celebrity hairstylists and the owner of Angst Salon at 240 Queen Street East in Toronto. Call 416-360-5942 to book an appointment.