Tall and thin or petite and slender - here are a few suggestions for complementary hairstyles

May 9, 2008 14:57 GMT  ·  By

When it comes to hairstyles and body shapes, there are few golden rules that we should all try to stick with the best we can - and apart from that, we're pretty much free to experiment with the latest trendy colors and cuts and see where our imagination and our hair stylist's skill takes us. However, there are, as I was just saying, a few classical dos and don'ts concerning hair and body shape, and the best thing to do before deciding on a new haircut is to check them out and see how they fit in with your previous experience.

You're tall and thin? Lucky you. The one thing you shouldn't do with your hair is cut it too short. Tall, thin women with super short hairstyles will always have a slight pinhead air about them. Stay away from the boy cut - it looks good on slender, petite ladies the likes of Wynona Ryder, Audrey Tatou or Natalie Portman. If you're super tall, one hairstyle that's bound to look good on you is the soft, feminine hairstyle, with chin-length hair or longer and delicate, shoulder-length wavy tresses.

If you're slender and have a rather short stature, it's essential to stay away from long hair. It may be soft and feminine, but it will dwarf you and make you look even shorter. One ideal hairstyle for you is a stylish bob. Bobs are super flattering and are easy to style, as long as they're not too shortly cropped - otherwise they will only make you look even more boyish.

For the ladies with more curves, two hairstyle don'ts: don't go for long and sleek hair, and if you're shapely and have a more ample bust line, don't draw your hair back in a bun or any other sleek, tight 'do. Straight hair is like an arrow pointing directly to your hips, while the sleek 'do will only draw even more attention to your bust. The shapelier among us should opt for a wavy or curly hair to balance off the curves. Wavy hair is also good for drawing attention away from your bust line.