One of the vital cores of beauty is to always work with what you have. This applies to your hair, as well. When it comes to styling it, working out what face shape you have, and what you can do with it, is almost always the right option. Here, we’ll look at some examples for the common face types out there.
Heart-Shaped Face
A heart-shaped face is characterized by a broad forehead that tapers to a narrow chin. Choosing a hairstyle that balances these proportions is key. Long-layered cuts are an excellent option as they add softness around the jawline and draw attention downward. These layers can frame the face, breaking the dominance of a wide forehead. If you add curtain bangs or side-swept bangs, they can create the illusion of a smaller forehead while emphasizing cheekbones. Avoid overly short styles that may overexpose the forehead or make the chin appear more pointed. A long-layered cut not only complements the heart shape but also allows for versatility in styling.
Square-Shaped Face
Square faces are defined by a strong jawline and a broad forehead, with a length-to-width ratio that is nearly equal. The goal when choosing a hairstyle for a square-shaped face is to soften the angles and create balance. A long wavy cut works beautifully because the waves introduce movement, counteracting the sharpness of the jawline. Long lengths elongate the face, while the softness of waves adds a romantic, feminine touch. Center parts and soft layers around the face can further enhance this effect. Avoid blunt cuts, which emphasize the boxy shape. Instead, opt for subtle layers or tousled waves to ensure the overall look remains flattering and natural.
Round Face
Round faces typically have a soft, symmetrical appearance with a similar width and height. To choose a hairstyle that suits this face shape, focus on adding angles and definition. A short pixie cut is an excellent choice for round faces because it creates height at the crown and elongates the face. The sharpness of the cut introduces structure, and side-swept bangs or asymmetrical styling can further break up the roundness. By keeping the sides shorter and focusing volume on top, a pixie cut draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of a more oval face shape. A short pixie also offers a chic, modern style that is easy to maintain.
Diamond Face
A diamond-shaped face has a narrow forehead and chin with pronounced cheekbones. The key to flattering this face shape is to add volume and width to the upper and lower parts of the face while softening the cheekbone area. High-volume hairstyles work well because they balance the narrowness of the forehead and chin. Think of styles with a lift at the crown or curls that begin near the temples. By drawing attention upwards, you complement the cheekbones without exaggerating them. Avoid styles that cling too closely to the sides of your face, as they can highlight narrow proportions. A high-volume style is glamorous and versatile, perfect for formal or casual occasions.
Oblong Face
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, with a straight and narrow appearance. A great hairstyle for an oblong face is one that creates horizontal volume and softens the length. A face framing hair cut achieves this by breaking up the vertical line of the face, adding softness around the cheeks and jawline. Layers that start at or below the chin work best, as they create movement and dimension without elongating the face further. Side parts can also enhance the effect by drawing attention outward rather than upward. Avoid styles that are too long or pin-straight, as these can make the face appear even longer. Face-framing layers strike the perfect balance.
Oval Face
Oval faces are often considered the most balanced shape, as their proportions allow for a wide variety of hairstyles. One of the most flattering options is a bob. Whether it’s chin-length or slightly longer, the bob enhances the symmetry of the oval face while drawing attention to the jawline and cheekbones. A center part creates a sleek and classic look, while a side part or soft waves can add a playful, modern touch. The beauty of a bob lies in its versatility—it works with straight, wavy, or curly textures. Avoid overly heavy bangs or layers that may obscure the natural balance of an oval face.
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from straying from the tips above. They’re meant to be guidelines, but there are a lot of other ways to take their approach of strengthening your facial features and applying it to different styles, too.
