Find Your Perfect Match: The Ultimate Guide To Hairstyles For Every Face Shape

Have you ever found yourself staring at a magazine, admiring a stunning haircut, only to try it yourself and feel… underwhelmed? It’s a common scenario, and often, the missing piece of the puzzle isn't the skill of your stylist or the quality of your hair, but simply whether that particular style truly complements your unique face shape. Finding the perfect hairstyle for your face shape is easier than ever when you understand the principles behind it.

Every face shape needs a special approach when it comes to choosing cuts and styles. The right cut will expertly frame and balance your features while showcasing your natural beauty. Whether your face is a rectangle, oval, square, circle, triangle, heart, or diamond, there’s a haircut designed to enhance your features, complement your style, and boost your confidence. From short bobs to sideswept pixie cuts, we’ve found all the hairstyle options to accentuate your best features. Read on for the experts’ advice and plenty of inspiration to discover your ideal look.

Understanding Your Face Shape: The First Step to Hair Harmony

Before diving into specific hairstyles, the crucial first step is to accurately identify your face shape. This isn't about fitting into a rigid category, but rather understanding the general proportions and contours of your face. We’re breaking down the best haircuts for each face shape, according to experts—plus, how to figure out your face shape if you’re still unsure. A simple way to do this is to stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and trace the outline of your face with a bar of soap or a washable marker. Alternatively, you can measure your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and face length to get a clearer picture.

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Understanding the characteristics of different face shapes helps create a harmonious balance between your facial structure and chosen hairstyle. The goal is often to create the illusion of an oval face, which is considered the most balanced, by either adding width, length, or softening angles where needed. But remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. Your personal style and hair texture also play significant roles in your final choice.

The Best Hairstyles for Each Face Shape

Now that you understand the shape of your face, here are some suggestions for choosing a haircut or hairstyle. We’ve highlighted the most flattering hairstyles with detailed explanations of why they work. Discover the 10 best hairstyles for every face shape and find your perfect cut!

Oval Face Shape

Characteristics: An oval face is typically longer than it is wide, with a jawline that is slightly narrower than the temples, and a gently rounded hairline. It’s considered the most versatile face shape because of its balanced proportions.

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Best Hairstyles: Because just about any hairstyle will suit your oval face shape, it’s truly a playground for experimentation! You can rock almost any length or style.

• Long Layers: Long, flowing layers can add movement and volume without overwhelming your balanced features.
• Blunt Bob: A classic blunt bob, whether chin-length or shoulder-length, looks incredibly chic and sharp on an oval face.
• Pixie Cut: For those daring to go short, a pixie cut with some texture or a side-swept fringe can highlight your features beautifully.
• Center or Side Part: Both center and side parts work wonderfully, allowing you to change up your look easily.

Round Face Shape

Characteristics: A round face is characterized by similar width and length, with soft, rounded angles and a full jawline. The goal is to add definition and length.

Best Hairstyles: Round faces benefit from styles that add height and vertical lines, elongating the face.

• Elongating Lobs (Long Bobs): A lob that falls a few inches below the chin adds length and creates the illusion of a more oval shape. Keep the ends slightly angled forward.
• Angular Bangs: Side-swept bangs or curtain bangs that part in the middle and sweep to the sides can break up the roundness and add definition. Avoid heavy, blunt bangs that can shorten the face.
• Layered Cuts with Volume at the Crown: Layers around the face that fall below the chin, combined with volume at the top of the head, can create a more elongated silhouette.
• Curly Bob: A curly bob adds volume and texture, which can beautifully complement a round face by drawing attention upwards and creating a more dynamic shape.

Square Face Shape

Characteristics: A square face is defined by a strong, angular jawline and a forehead that is roughly the same width. The length and width of the face are also similar.

Best Hairstyles: The key here is to soften the strong angles and add some roundness or length.

• Long, Wavy Layers: Soft, cascading waves and layers that fall past the jawline can beautifully soften the strong jawline.
• Side-Swept Bangs: These bangs draw attention diagonally across the face, reducing the prominence of a wide forehead and jawline.
• Shaggy Cuts: A shaggy cut with lots of texture and layers around the face can add softness and movement.
• Long Bobs (Lobs): A lob that hits just below the jawline can work well, especially if it has soft layers or is styled with waves.

Heart Face Shape

Characteristics: A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and temples, gradually narrowing to a pointed chin. It often features a prominent forehead and cheekbones.

Best Hairstyles: The aim is to balance the wider forehead with the narrower chin, often by adding width around the jawline or softening the forehead.

• Long Layers with Chin-Length Pieces: Layers that start around the chin and jawline can add volume and width where the face is narrowest, creating balance.
• Side-Parted Styles: A deep side part can break up the width of the forehead and draw attention to the eyes.
• Bangs (Fringe): Wispy, feathered bangs or curtain bangs can soften a wide forehead and direct attention to the eyes. Avoid heavy, blunt bangs that can make the forehead appear even wider.
• Pixie with Volume at the Nape: A pixie cut that is longer at the nape and around the ears can balance the chin, especially if it has some soft, face-framing pieces.

Diamond Face Shape

Characteristics: Diamond faces are characterized by wide cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a narrow, pointed chin. It’s the rarest face shape.

Best Hairstyles: The goal is to soften the cheekbones and add width to the forehead and chin areas.

• Wavy, Side-Parted Strands: Soft waves or curls that add volume around the jawline and forehead can balance the widest part of the face (cheekbones). A deep side part also works well.
• Chin-Length Bobs: A bob that hits right at the chin can add volume to the narrowest part of the face, creating a more balanced look.
• Bangs (Fringe): Bangs, especially those that are wispy or swept to the side, can help to reduce the prominence of the cheekbones and broaden the appearance of the forehead.
• Tucked-Behind-Ear Styles: Styles that allow hair to be tucked behind the ears can highlight the cheekbones while softening the overall look.

Rectangle/Oblong Face Shape

Characteristics: Similar to a square face but longer. A rectangle face is long and narrow, with a strong, angular jawline and a forehead that is roughly the same width as the jaw.

Best Hairstyles: The aim is to add width and soften the length and sharp angles.

• Volume at the Sides: Styles that add volume or width at the sides of the face, such as soft waves, curls, or layered cuts, can make the face appear less elongated.
• Bangs (Fringe): Full, blunt bangs or long, sweeping side bangs can shorten the appearance of a long face and soften the forehead.
• Chin-Length Bobs or Lobs: These lengths can add width and break up the vertical line of the face.
• Layered Hair: Layers that start around the cheekbones or chin can add horizontal interest and reduce the perception of length.

Triangle/Pear Face Shape

Characteristics: A triangle or pear face is characterized by a narrow forehead and a wider jawline. It’s the opposite of a heart shape.

Best Hairstyles: The goal is to add volume and width to the upper part of the face while softening the wider jawline.

• Volume at the Crown/Temples: Styles that add height and volume around the forehead and temples can balance the wider jaw. Think textured pixies or layered bobs with volume on top.
• Side-Swept Bangs: These can create the illusion of a wider forehead and draw attention upwards.
• A-Line Bobs: A bob that is shorter at the back and gradually gets longer towards the front can help to narrow the jawline visually.
• Layered Hair with Softness Around the Jaw: Layers that gently fall around the jawline without adding bulk can soften its appearance.

General Tips for Choosing Your Hairstyle

While understanding your face shape is a fantastic starting point, remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle. The best hair cuts for every face shape also take into account other crucial factors:

• Hair Texture: Fine, thick, curly, or straight hair will behave differently with various cuts. For example, a curly bob adds fantastic volume for round faces, but might be too much for very thick, straight hair without proper layering.
• Lifestyle: Are you low-maintenance or do you enjoy styling your hair daily? Choose a cut that fits your routine.
• Personal Style: Your haircut should reflect your personality and overall aesthetic. Whether you want to rock a classic bob or chop your locks into a short, medium, or long style, there’s a haircut to fit every face shape and personal preference.
• Consult an Expert: A good stylist can analyze your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle to recommend the most flattering options. They can also advise on how to style these hairstyles with different techniques.

We’ve rounded up a week’s worth of styles that flatter absolutely everyone so you can ensure that your look works for you. Intrigued? Read on for 7 days of flattering hairstyles that will make you feel confident and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect hairstyle is an exciting journey of self-discovery. By understanding your face shape and the principles of balance and proportion, you can confidently choose a cut that not only looks fantastic but also enhances your unique features and boosts your self-assurance. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious balance between your facial structure and chosen hairstyle, allowing your natural beauty to shine through. In this guide, we’ve got 36 hairstyles that fit your face shape like a glove, with an extra dose of style to make you stand out. So go ahead, experiment, and embrace the power of a perfectly tailored haircut!