Finding the perfect haircut can feel like an endless quest, especially with so many styles to choose from. While changing up your cut to a fresh and funky style is a great way to switch things up, it’s never a bad idea to have a cut that you know will make you feel confident. It’s important to have a classic and flattering cut that you can come back to time and time again.
One key to unlocking your perfect look is understanding how each style will look on your face. Whether you have an oval, round, square, heart, diamond, or rectangular shape to your face, you will be able to find a look that makes you look both polished and effortlessly stylish.
In this blog, we’ll explore tips on identifying your facial shape and guide you through selecting a haircut that suits you best.
6 Common Face Shapes
1. Oval
Oval-shaped faces have balanced proportions. The forehead may be slightly wider than the chin, with gently curved lines from the forehead down to the jawline. Oval shapes are longer than they are wide, which allows for facial symmetry. This face shape is oftentimes deemed as the “ideal” shape, since it provides so much versatility and can suit many hairstyles.
2. Round
Round faces are circular, and width and length are relatively equal. Features are soft and rounded on the jawline and cheeks, and the cheekbones are the widest parts of the face. This face shape lacks sharp edges, which can sometimes give a more youthful appearance. The forehead and chin are broad, but still not as wide as the cheekbones.
3. Square
In square faces, length and width will be nearly equal, much like with round faces, However, instead of rounded features, the structure is strong and angular. The sharp edges can provide somewhat of a boxy appearance. Overall, this shape will look bold and structured compared to other faces.
4. Heart
Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and temples with a narrow, tapered chin. The widest part of the face are the cheekbones, and the chin is slim and pointed. This downward-narrowing look is sometimes referred to as an inverted triangle.
5. Diamond
Diamond faces are most known for their protruding cheekbones, which are the widest part of the face. Chins are usually pointy and the forehead will appear softer and more narrow. In this face shape, the face will be gentler at the top, but become more angular at the bottom.
6. Rectangular/Oblong
On rectangular faces, there will be more length than there is width. The structure will be long and angular, with the forehead, cheeks, and jawline being relatively similar in width. The jawline will be straight and the forehead may look elongated, having less curve than other face shapes. The cheeks may look a bit sunken in.
The Best Cut for Your Face Shape
Now that you have a better inderstanding of your face shape, you can determine the right cut for you.
1. Oval
Flattering haircuts for oval-shaped faces are practically endless, due to their balanced proportions. Typically, bob or shoulder-length looks tend to frame the face best. Bangs hitting the eyebrow across the forehead or curtain bangs may enhance the symmetry that this face shape already brings to the table. Long hair can suit an oval shape, too, by adding volume without elongating the face. A pixie cut is also a great choice. No matter what style or length you prefer, getting layers is encouraged to further frame the face since there are no disproportions to try and mask. Options are endless for those lucky enough to be graced with an oval-shaped face.
2. Round
For round faces, the goal is to add angles and eliminate puffy cheeks, elongating the face and making it appear more balanced. Hairstyles with layered cuts and volume on the top can help eliminate attention drawn to the cheeks and create an illusion of a sharper jawline. Bangs can draw the eye to the top of the face, especially if they are side swept. Generally, it is recommended to stick to softer angles to make the ones on the face look more structured in comparison.
3. Square
Finding a cut for square-shaped faces is all about balancing the angles of the face and softening features. Hairstyles that add length and layers will enhance natural assets, like more prominent cheekbones and sharp jawlines. Wavy styles may help soften the appearance of the jawline. Side-swept bangs or curtain bangs are also flattering, as they add a diagonal element that softens angular features.
4. Heart
For those with heart-shaped faces, longer sleek bobs falling just beneath the chin is a great choice for a chic look that will accentuate the natural high cheekbones and pointed chin. Blunt looks towards the chin can help to create balance from the forehead and create more facial harmony. The narrower you can keep bangs, the better as it creates the illusion of less width at the top of the face. Curtain bangs that hit near the cheekbones can highlight this positive facial feature.
5. Diamond
Diamond shapes tend to be softer at the top of the face and increase in intensity as you go down. That said, keeping the lower ends of the hair softer with sharper angles towards the top. This softens the jawline’s strength and provides more structure at the top of the face. Bangs across the forehead or fall near the cheekbones and longer waves can be the perfect recipe for facial harmony on diamond-shaped faces.
6. Rectangular/Oblong
Styles for this face shape aims to reach similar goals as square shapes – soften edges. Volume on the top can lessen the appearance of a longer forehead. Face-framing layers and longer length can prevent further elongating the face, while adding movement and texture to the hair. Similar to square faces, waves may help to soften a stronger jawline and structured looks.
Still need help determining the best cut for your face shape?
Finding the best haircut for your face shape can transform your look and enhance the beauty that your face already holds! Whether you’re looking to soften, strengthen, or embrace your face’s natural curves and angles, the perfect cut can make a world of a difference. Remember that these are only tips for finding a cut that suits you, and it is important to experiment with different lengths and styles that make you feel the most like you! It’s always best to consult with a stylist to help create a look that will accentuate your features while making you feel your best.
