In this blog, I’m going to talk about what haircuts suit different face shapes. It can be hard to know what hair complements your face shape and how to enhance your features. Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of what might suit you best.
The 7 most common face shapes are:
- Oval
- Round
- Square
- Rectangle
- Heart
- Diamond
- Triangle (pear)
I’m going to break down each face shape and give examples of what suits each one best.
Oval
What does an oval face look like?
- Cheekbones are the widest part of your face
- Jawline is soft and curved
- Smooth chin
- Forehead is gently rounded
- Face is slightly longer than it is wide
An oval face shape is very versatile and lucky for you, almost any style works with this shape!
Haircuts often chosen for oval faces include shorter styles such as pixie cuts, bobs, bixies, face-framing layers, and shoulder-length hair.
Even though oval face shapes can pull off almost any haircut, I would avoid extremely long hairstyles. This can make the face appear longer and take away from that balanced oval shape.
What kind of fringe suits an oval face shape?
- A slightly grown-out curtain fringe
- Blunt, full classic fringe
- Wispy fringe (similar to a blunt fringe but with a softer finish)
Round
What does a round face look like?
- Cheekbones are the widest part of your face
- Chin is rounded
- Soft features
Round face shapes often suit longer layers and medium to long lengths, as this helps the face appear longer.
Styles like shag haircuts with layers and length work beautifully. Even one-length hair with a longer layer can be flattering. Another great option is a pixie cut with texture on the top to add height.
Bobs that are longer towards the front (to add angles) really enhance a round face. I would avoid chin-length bobs, as they can make the face seem rounder.
What kind of fringe suits a round face?
- Curtain fringe
- Soft full fringe, shorter in the middle and longer towards the temples
I would avoid a blunt, straight fringe as this can make the face appear wider.
Square
What does a square face look like?
- Strong, angular jawline
- Broad forehead
- Strong chin
- Straight sides
- Jawline, cheekbones and forehead are typically the same width
Someone with a square face shape often wants to soften their features. With that in mind, I’d recommend looking at soft layered haircuts, long bobs that sit below the jaw, or shoulder to medium-length hair.
Having a side parting rather than a middle one is also a great way to soften your overall look.
What kind of fringe suits a square face?
- Baby bangs (think Cara Delevingne)
- Curtain fringe
- Soft wispy fringe
Rectangle
What does a rectangle face shape look like?
- The length of the face is significantly longer than its width
- Jaw is the most defining feature
- Broad forehead
- Chin is angular or slightly squared
A rectangle face shape is quite similar to square, with strong features. With that in mind, I’d recommend layered haircuts to help add volume to the sides. Chin-length bobs can also help balance the face.
Fringes are particularly great for rectangle face shapes because they can help the face appear less long.
What kind of fringe suits a rectangle face?
- Heavy, full fringe
- Curtain bangs
Heart
What does a heart face shape look like?
- Broad forehead
- Narrow cheekbones
- Pointed chin
Heart face shapes are often considered one of the most attractive face shapes. With that said, hairstyles to consider include long layered bobs, pixie haircuts, French bobs, and long layered hair.
A side parting helps accentuate prominent cheekbones and lift the face. I would avoid a centre parting, as this can add width to the cheek and brow area.
What kind of fringe suits a heart-shaped face?
- Blunt full fringe
- Side fringe
- Long wispy fringe
Diamond
What does a diamond face shape look like?
- Wide cheekbones
- Forehead narrower than cheekbones
- Pointed or tapered chin
- Slim or slightly pointed jawline
With diamond face shapes, you often want to show off that slim jawline.
The best hairstyles for diamond face shapes are layered haircuts, longer hair with shape around the front, pixie cuts, or bobs.
I would avoid very blunt, one-length hairstyles. You want to enhance your features, and a solid, heavy cut can sometimes drag the face down.
What kind of fringe suits a diamond face shape?
- Soft wispy fringe
- Short choppy fringe
- Curtain fringe
Triangle (Pear)
What does a triangle face shape look like?
- Jawline can be sharp, angular or slightly rounded
- Forehead is narrower than the jawline
- Pointed or squared-off chin
- Cheekbones are less prominent than the jaw
With triangle face shapes, you often want to move some of the shape up towards your features, such as your cheekbones and forehead.
The best hairstyles for this are face-framing layers, collarbone-length bobs that are longer towards the front, soft bixie cuts with texture, and wolf haircuts.
I would avoid solid, straight, jaw-length blunt bobs, as these can emphasise the lower half of the face.
What kind of fringe suits a triangle face shape?
- Side fringe
- Soft curtain fringe
- Wispy full fringe
How Do I Know What My Face Shape Is?
So, you’ve read through all the face shapes and now you’re wondering… how do I know which one is mine?
Here’s what you can do:
- Check the widest point of your face
- Assess your jaw shape
- Measure the length of your face compared to its width
If you’re still unsure, this is something we can always look at together during your consultation. Sometimes it helps to have a professional eye!