Choose the Best Hair Cut for Your Face Shape

When choosing a haircut or keeping a favorite style, we usually pick a look we love or are inspired by a celebrity. However, experts suggest that instead of following trends without thought, you should consider your face shape. Knowing your face shape can help you find the haircut that will look best on you.

Haircuts for Oval Face Shape

Oval faces tend to be longer than wide, often featuring elongated foreheads and a soft, slightly rounded jawline, with the cheekbones as the widest part. This shape is very versatile. Layering around the face can highlight the features of an oval face. Additionally, avoiding center parts is advisable, as they can make the forehead appear larger.

Long Layers

Long layers are great for oval faces because they highlight their natural symmetry without adding more width or length.

Bob Cut

A classic bob works well with oval shaped faces, drawing attention to the jawline and cheekbones.

Side-Swept Bangs

Bangs can add a chic look while framing the face beautifully, without hiding the oval shape.

Haircuts for Round Face Shape

Round-shaped faces are wider than round faces and have full cheeks along with a softer, less defined jawline. Round faces tend to have softer angles, with the sides curving slightly outward rather than being straight. For round faces, longer hair with layers that fall two inches below the chin can reshape and elongate the face. Here are some recommended haircuts for round face shapes.

Long Layers with Volume on Top 

Adding volume at the crown makes the face look longer, creating the illusion of an oval shape. Layers help break up the roundness and add dimension.

Asymmetrical Bob

This style, which is longer in the front and shorter in the back, helps add angles that counteract the roundness.

Pixie Cut with Volume

A pixie cut with volume at the top can create the appearance of a longer face, balancing out the roundness.

Haircuts for Square Face Shape

A square or diamond face shape is characterized by an even width and length. Those with square faces often have strong, angular features, such as a sharp jawline. To soften these angles, it’s best to avoid sharp cuts and choose more flowing styles. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are typically similar in width for this face shape, which influences the hairstyle choices that complement it.

Soft, Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs can soften the angles of the face, especially the strong jawline, creating a more rounded appearance.

Long, Soft Layers

Long layers that start below the jaw can add softness and movement, distracting the squareness of the face.

Side-Parted Styles

A deep side part can break up the symmetry of a square face, adding softness and shifting focus away from the jawline.

Haircuts for Diamond Face Shape

A diamond face shape has a narrow forehead and jawline with broad cheekbones. Although this shape is rare and can be mistaken for a square face, certain haircuts and styles create balance and enhance its unique characteristics.

Chin-Length Bob

A short bob adds width to the narrow jawline and helps to balance the face’s proportions.

Layered Pixie Cut

A layered pixie with fullness around the temples can balance the narrowness of the forehead and jaw while drawing attention to the cheekbones.

Side-Swept Bangs

A side-swept bang can soften the angles of the face and reduce the prominence of the cheekbones, creating a more balanced look.

Haircuts for Heart Face Shape

A heart face shape is characterized by a wider forehead and a pointed chin, making the face appear wider than it is long. Streicher points out that people with this shape may notice these features, while Josh suggests that side bangs can effectively soften the look and highlight the cheekbones. Nast recommends particular hairstyles to enhance the wider forehead and high cheekbones associated with heart-shaped faces.

Long, Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs can balance a wider forehead and bring attention to the eyes and cheekbones while softening the chin.

Chin-Length Bob

A bob that hits right at the chin helps to add width to the lower part of the face, balancing the narrow chin with the broader forehead.

Wavy Lob (Long Bob)

A wavy lob can add volume and width around the jawline, balancing out the face’s shape.