Hairstyles That Suit Your Face Shape

When choosing the perfect hairstyle, your face shape plays a crucial role. The right cut or style can highlight your features, creating a harmonious and flattering look. Understanding your face shape is key to making the best decision. Below, we explore hairstyles for each face shape in greater detail, along with extra tips on styling.

1. Oval Face Shape

An oval face shape is considered the most balanced, with slightly rounded edges and equal proportions between the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. This face shape can pull off almost any hairstyle, making it incredibly versatile.

Best Hairstyles for Oval Face:

Long Layers: Long, flowing layers can enhance the natural symmetry of an oval face. Soft waves or curls add movement, while maintaining balance.
Bob Cuts: Whether it’s a sleek chin-length bob or a lob (long bob), this cut adds definition while framing the face beautifully.
Pixie Cut: A short pixie cut can show off your facial features, especially highlighting your eyes and cheekbones.
Side-Swept Bangs: These add an element of movement and soft framing, providing a flattering look without overwhelming the face.

Tips:

If you have an oval face, feel free to experiment with different lengths and textures, as most styles will work.
Layered cuts add volume and depth, enhancing your natural balance.

2. Round Face Shape

A round face has full cheeks, a rounded chin, and a wide forehead, creating a soft and youthful appearance. To elongate the face and add angles, opt for hairstyles that provide structure and volume at the crown or side.

Best Hairstyles for Round Face:

Long Layers and Waves: Adding layers can create verticality, elongating the face and preventing it from appearing too round. Loose waves or beachy curls add volume without making the face appear fuller.
Asymmetrical Bob: A side-parted, angled bob helps add sharpness and angles, drawing attention away from the roundness of the face.
High Ponytail: A high ponytail adds height to the crown, which elongates the face and creates a slimming effect.
Side Swept Bangs: Side bangs break up the width of the face and add structure to the forehead, making the face appear longer.

Tips:

Avoid blunt, straight-across bangs, as they can make a round face look fuller.
Volume on the top of the head can create the illusion of a longer face.

3. Square Face Shape

A square face is characterized by a strong jawline, angular features, and a broad forehead. The key to softening the angles and balancing the face is to opt for hairstyles that add softness and volume.

Best Hairstyles for Square Face:

Soft Curls or Waves: Curls or waves around the face add softness, breaking up the sharp angles. Avoid overly structured curls, and go for a more relaxed look.
Long Layers with Texture: Layers that start around the cheekbones help soften the jawline and create balance. Textured, layered cuts also give volume and movement.
Textured Bob: A chin-length bob with soft, messy layers or waves creates movement and keeps the face looking relaxed.
Side Swept Bangs: Side bangs break the strong lines of the face and bring attention to the eyes, offering a more rounded frame.

Tips:

Avoid very sharp cuts, as they can emphasize the angularity of the face.
Soft, flowing styles work best to contrast the strong jawline.

4. Heart Face Shape

A heart-shaped face has a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrow chin. Hairstyles that balance the proportions and add volume near the chin can help create harmony.

Best Hairstyles for Heart Face:

Chin-Length Bobs: A bob that ends at the chin creates fullness around the narrow chin area, providing balance to the forehead.
Long Waves or Curls: Soft waves add volume around the chin, creating the illusion of a more balanced lower face.
Side-Parted Styles: A deep side part can help balance the width of the forehead and direct attention toward the eyes.
Curtain Bangs: These soft, wispy bangs that fall to the sides are a great way to create balance and add a youthful, flattering touch.

Tips:

Avoid too much volume on the top, as it can accentuate the width of your forehead.
Adding volume at the chin or jawline can create a better proportion.

5. Diamond Face Shape

A diamond-shaped face features high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a sharp chin. The goal with this face shape is to soften the angles while accentuating the cheekbones.

Best Hairstyles for Diamond Face:

Side-Swept Bangs: Side bangs help soften the angularity of the forehead and cheekbones while drawing attention to the eyes.
Long, Layered Styles: Layers that start around the jawline add volume and balance to the face, while highlighting your cheekbones.
Textured Bob: A textured bob adds width to the temples, helping balance out the sharpness of the jawline and chin.
Medium-Length Styles: A medium-length style that grazes the shoulders creates a more proportional and balanced look for the diamond face.

Tips:

Volume on the sides of the face can help soften the sharpness around the jaw.
Keep hair fuller around the forehead to balance the cheekbones.

6. Rectangle Face Shape

A rectangle-shaped face is longer than it is wide, with a strong jawline and high forehead. Hairstyles that add width and volume to the sides of the face help balance the vertical length of the face.

Best Hairstyles for Rectangle Face:

Blunt Bangs: Straight across bangs can help shorten the length of a rectangular face by creating a more horizontal line across the forehead.
Full Bodied Waves: Soft waves that add volume around the sides of the face help balance the proportions and create a softer look.
Medium to Long Layers: Layers that begin at the shoulders or just below the jawline help add width and dimension, preventing the face from looking too long.
Side-Parted Styles: A deep side part creates volume on one side, which helps shorten the length of the face.

Tips:

Avoid hairstyles that elongate the face further, such as super straight hair without volume.
Styles that add width at the temples or chin are ideal for balancing out the length of your face.

7. Triangular Face Shape

A triangular face has a narrow forehead that widens at the chin. To balance this shape, focus on adding width to the upper part of the face and creating volume around the temples.

Best Hairstyles for Triangular Face:

Layered Bob: A layered bob with volume around the crown balances the narrow forehead and draws attention to the upper face.
Volume at the Crown: Adding height at the crown and keeping the sides relatively flat can balance out the chin area.
Side-Parted Styles: A side part with gentle waves adds volume at the temples, creating a more proportionate look.
Longer, Shaggy Layers: A longer cut with shaggy layers can help create fullness around the forehead and temples.

Tips:

Avoid overly long styles that focus too much volume around the jaw.
Soft bangs can add a nice balance to a triangular face.

8. Long Face Shape

A long face shape is characterized by more length than width, with a narrow forehead and a pronounced jawline. The goal is to make the face appear more proportional by adding width and volume at the sides.

Best Hairstyles for Long Face:

Choppy Bobs: A bob with texture and movement creates volume at the sides and makes the face appear shorter.
Soft Curls: Loose curls that start from the mid-lengths add width to the sides of the face and prevent it from looking elongated.
Fringe or Bangs: A full fringe can shorten the appearance of the face by creating a horizontal line across the forehead.
Side-Swept Waves: Side-swept waves or curls help break up the length of the face and add volume on the sides.

Tips:

Avoid very long, straight styles, as they may accentuate the length of the face.
Volume on the sides (around the ears and jaw) is key to balancing the face’s proportions.

9. Inverted Triangle Face Shape

An inverted triangle face has a wide forehead and narrow jawline. To balance this shape, hairstyles that create fullness at the chin and jawline while reducing the width of the forehead work best.

Best Hairstyles for Inverted Triangle Face:

Chin-Length Bobs: A bob that ends at the chin creates balance by adding volume to the lower half of the face.
Side-Swept Layers: Side-swept layers starting from the cheekbones can soften the forehead’s width and create balance.
Textured Curls: Loose curls or waves that add volume around the chin help reduce the emphasis on the forehead and create more proportionate dimensions.
Long Layers with Face-Framing Pieces: Long, flowing hair with layers that start around the jawline provides fullness and volume around the chin.

Tips:

Avoid heavy bangs that can accentuate the forehead’s width.
Add volume around the jawline to balance the proportions and create a fuller lower face.

10. Diamond-Heart Hybrid Face Shape

Some faces have characteristics of both a diamond and heart shape, typically with prominent cheekbones, a narrow chin, and a broad forehead. Hairstyles that add balance while softening the angles work best for this face shape.

Best Hairstyles for Diamond-Heart Hybrid Face:

Soft, Textured Waves: Waves that start at the chin help balance the width of the forehead while softening the jawline.
Long Layers: A layered cut with some length around the chin and jawline creates fullness and softens any sharp angles in the face.
Soft Side Swept Bangs: Side bangs are perfect for this shape as they soften the angles and bring attention to the eyes, reducing the width of the forehead.
Curtain Bangs: These long, wispy bangs provide a nice framing effect, accentuating the eyes and cheekbones while softening the sharpness of the chin.

Tips:

Focus on adding volume around the jawline to balance out the top-heavy nature of this face shape.
Avoid styles that create too much volume at the crown, as it may make the forehead appear even broader.

11. Round vs. Square Face Comparison

Understanding the difference between round and square faces is important for choosing complementary hairstyles. Here’s a comparison of key features and how to style each.

Round Face:

Key Features: Full cheeks, rounded jawline, equal width and length.
Best Hairstyles: Long layers, angled bobs, side bangs, voluminous waves.
Avoid: Center-parted styles, blunt bangs.

Square Face:

Key Features: Strong jawline, angular features, broad forehead.
Best Hairstyles: Soft curls, textured bob, side-parted styles, long layers.
Avoid: Straight-across cuts, harsh bangs.

Key Styling Tips:

Round faces benefit from styles that add height and elongate the face, like high ponytails or asymmetrical cuts.
Square faces look best with soft waves and layers to balance the sharpness of the jaw.

12. Best Hairstyles for Curly Hair Based on Face Shape

Curly hair is unique and can add volume and texture to any hairstyle. However, it’s important to consider your face shape to ensure that the curls enhance your features.

Oval Face:

Loose Curls: Natural curls or soft waves work well with oval faces, adding volume and texture without overwhelming the shape.
Curly Bob: A short, curly bob can highlight the cheekbones while maintaining the face’s natural balance.

Round Face:

Curly Layers: Long, layered curls that start from the chin add length and volume, helping to elongate the face.
Side-Parted Curls: A deep side part with curls on one side adds angles and structure, preventing the face from looking too round.

Square Face:

Loose, Soft Curls: Curls with movement that start at the jawline soften the sharp features of a square face.
Layered Curly Bob: A bob with loose, layered curls creates volume around the chin and jawline, balancing the angularity of the face.

Heart Face:

Curly Long Layers: Long curls that frame the face add volume to the chin area and balance out the wide forehead.
Chin-Length Curly Bob: A curly bob that ends at the chin creates fullness around the lower face, creating harmony with the forehead.

13. Hairstyles for Busy Moms: Quick & Easy Styles

For busy moms, finding a hairstyle that is both stylish and easy to manage is essential. Here are some quick and easy hairstyles for each face shape:

Oval Face:

Messy Bun: A messy bun looks effortlessly chic and works for any occasion, adding volume without taking much time.
Loose Waves: Soft, tousled waves are easy to achieve with minimal styling tools and add volume and texture.

Round Face:

Side-Parted Low Ponytail: A side part with a low ponytail elongates the face and looks polished yet simple.
Textured Pixie Cut: A low-maintenance pixie cut with soft texture works well for round faces, creating angles and dimension.

Square Face:

Loose, Side-Swept Curls: Side-swept curls soften the strong jawline and create a balanced, romantic look.
Layered Bob: A layered bob with texture adds movement and softness around the face.

Heart Face:

Low Side Ponytail: A side ponytail at the nape of the neck creates balance by drawing attention to the jawline.
Soft Waves: Loose waves that start around the chin add volume and balance the forehead.

14. Celebrity Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

Want to get some celebrity inspiration? Here are some classic celebrity hairstyles for different face shapes that you can try out:

Oval Face:

Gwyneth Paltrow: Her long, straight hair with soft layers complements her balanced oval face perfectly.

Round Face:

Taylor Swift: With her signature curly hair and side-swept bangs, she works a round face shape effortlessly.

Square Face:

Angelina Jolie: Known for her soft, wavy hairstyles, she often wears long layers that soften the angles of her face.

Heart Face:

Reese Witherspoon: A chin-length bob with soft waves is a signature look for her heart-shaped face, balancing her features beautifully.

Diamond Face:

Beyoncé: She often wears side-swept bangs and long, voluminous styles that highlight her cheekbones.

Rectangle Face:

Victoria Beckham: A sleek, long bob with blunt bangs complements her rectangle face by creating balance and proportion.

15. How to Choose a Hairstylist for Your Face Shape

Choosing the right stylist can make a world of difference when you’re trying to achieve a flattering look. Here’s how to find the best stylist for your face shape:

Do Your Research: Look for stylists who specialize in cuts that suit various face shapes.
Consultations are Key: Most salons offer consultations where a stylist can assess your face shape and recommend the best cut.
Bring Photos: Bring reference photos of hairstyles you like and show how they might work with your features.
Be Open to Suggestions: Trust your stylist’s recommendations, especially if they suggest tweaks to enhance your face shape.

16. Hairstyles for Fine Hair Based on Face Shape

Fine hair can sometimes lack volume, so the right haircut can add fullness and movement, especially when considering face shape. Here are some tips for fine hair:

Oval Face:

Soft Waves: Loose waves add volume without weighing the hair down, making it perfect for fine hair.
Long Layered Cut: Long layers will add movement and dimension, avoiding flatness.

Round Face:

Textured Bob: A bob with layers and texture adds volume while elongating the face.
High-Volume Curls: Adding volume to the crown with soft curls gives height and slims down a round face.

Square Face:

Side-Parted Layers: Adding layers with a deep side part creates texture and softens angular features.
Layered Lob: A lob with slight texture adds body while framing the face beautifully.

Heart Face:

Voluminous Waves: Loose, voluminous waves add body and draw attention away from a wider forehead.
Textured Chin-Length Bob: A textured bob with volume at the bottom creates a nice balance with the chin.

17. How to Maintain Your Hairstyle Based on Your Face Shape

After choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape, maintaining it is key to keeping your look fresh and polished. Here are maintenance tips based on face shapes:

Oval Face:

Minimal Maintenance: Because this face shape is versatile, most cuts require little maintenance, but regular trims will keep your layers in shape.
Styling Tip: Use a light mousse to add volume and texture to any style.

Round Face:

Trim Every 6-8 Weeks: Keeping your layers fresh ensures they don’t lose their shape, especially with layered or asymmetrical cuts.
Styling Tip: To add height, use a volumizing spray at the roots when styling.

Square Face:

Layer Regularly: Keeping layers trimmed will avoid heavy, bulky ends and maintain softness around your face.
Styling Tip: Opt for a curling iron or wand to create waves that soften your angular features.

Heart Face:

Focus on Chin-Length Cuts: Regular trims around the chin area are necessary to maintain the shape of bobs and layered cuts.
Styling Tip: Lightly style your bangs or layers with a round brush to create a soft, rounded look around the face.

18. Best Hairstyles for Short Hair Based on Face Shape

Short haircuts are bold and stylish, and they can work beautifully with all face shapes if styled correctly. Here’s how to choose the best short hairstyles:

Oval Face:

Short Pixie Cut: A pixie cut with side-swept bangs works wonders for oval faces. It draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
Sleek Bob: A chin-length sleek bob can highlight the natural symmetry of an oval face.

Round Face:

Asymmetrical Bob: An angled bob adds structure and length to a round face. Side-swept bangs can help elongate the face.
Textured Pixie: A short, spiky pixie cut with texture adds height and sharpness to your round face.

Square Face:

Choppy Bob: A choppy bob with layered ends softens the strong jawline of a square face.
Curly Pixie: A pixie cut with soft, textured curls adds movement and softness around the face.

Heart Face:

Chin-Length Bob with Volume: A chin-length bob that adds volume at the bottom balances out the broader forehead.
Short Shaggy Layers: A short shaggy cut with wispy layers adds texture and softens the forehead.

19. Hairstyles for Thick Hair Based on Face Shape

Thick hair offers lots of volume and texture, but it can also be difficult to manage. The key is finding a cut that works with your natural volume while complementing your face shape.

Oval Face:

Long, Layered Cut: Long layers help to manage thick hair by reducing bulk while keeping the natural texture intact.
Textured Waves: Loose waves or beachy curls add volume and texture without making thick hair look heavy.

Round Face:

Layered Medium Cut: Layers that start below the cheekbones add definition and shape, preventing the face from looking too round.
Voluminous Side Part: A side part with thick waves or curls adds height and elongates the round face.

Square Face:

Long Layers with Curls: Long layers with soft curls can help create a rounded frame that softens the strong angles of a square face.
Textured Lob: A lob with texture and volume around the jawline helps balance the face’s strong jaw.

Heart Face:

Medium-Length Waves: Medium waves create fullness around the chin, balancing out the wide forehead and creating harmony.
Soft, Layered Bob: A layered bob with volume at the chin adds a flattering fullness, giving the face a more oval-like shape.

20. How to Choose the Right Hair Color for Your Face Shape

Hair color can play a major role in enhancing your face shape. While it doesn’t directly alter the proportions, it can draw attention to specific features.

Oval Face:

Almost Any Color: Since an oval face shape is balanced, most colors look good. Experiment with bold colors like deep reds, platinum blonde, or even pastel shades for fun.
Subtle Highlights: Adding highlights around the face can enhance its symmetry and add depth to your look.

Round Face:

Dark Roots with Lighter Ends: Dark roots with lighter ends (ombre) can elongate the face, giving it more structure.
Side-Swept Highlights: Highlights placed strategically along the cheekbones help draw attention to the eyes and soften the fullness of the cheeks.

Square Face:

Warm, Golden Shades: Warm shades like honey blonde or golden brown soften the jawline and add a softer, more balanced look.
Subtle Ombre: Ombre colors that gradually transition from dark to light at the ends create a sense of movement and softness.

Heart Face:

Blonde with Light Highlights: Soft blonde shades with lighter highlights around the chin area balance the face’s proportions and soften the forehead.
Rich Brunettes: Deep brunettes with a slight red undertone enhance the softness of a heart-shaped face, creating a glowing effect.

21. Hair Accessories for Your Face Shape

Using hair accessories can further enhance your hairstyle based on your face shape, adding a touch of personality and style.

Oval Face:

Headbands: Any type of headband works well for oval faces. Try bold, thick headbands for a statement look or thin, subtle bands for a minimalist style.
Hair Clips: Decorative clips can add a fun touch to any style, especially when placed to one side.

Round Face:

Wide Headbands: A wide headband worn at the crown can add height and elongate the face, drawing attention upwards.
Asymmetrical Clips: Using hair clips on one side of the face can create angles and make the roundness of the face appear less prominent.

Square Face:

Soft, Decorative Hairpins: Simple hairpins or slides placed near the ear can soften the sharp angles of a square face.
Bow Accessories: A soft, fabric bow can draw attention away from the strong jawline and add a feminine touch.

Heart Face:

Side Combs: Side combs placed around the forehead and temples balance the width of the forehead and draw attention to the chin.
Charming Barrettes: Barrettes that frame the face add symmetry and help soften the angles.

22. Hairstyles for Special Occasions Based on Face Shape

For special occasions like weddings, parties, or formal events, choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape can make you feel even more confident.

Oval Face:

Soft Waves with a Pin-Curl Detail: Soft waves with a retro-inspired pin curl adds a vintage touch that enhances an oval face’s natural balance.
Sleek Low Bun: A low, sleek bun highlights the symmetry of an oval face and works well for formal occasions.

Round Face:

Elegant Updo with Height: A voluminous updo with height on top can add length to the face. A French twist or an elegant chignon works well.
Side-Parted Loose Curls: Loose curls or waves styled to one side elongate the face and create a balanced, flattering look.

Square Face:

Soft, Romantic Waves: Romantic waves that fall gently around the face soften a square jaw and add balance to the features.
Low, Loose Chignon: A soft, loose chignon at the nape of the neck adds volume around the face and creates an elegant, balanced silhouette.

Heart Face:

Half-Up, Half-Down Style: A half-up style with curls or waves adds volume around the chin, creating symmetry with the forehead.
Chic Side Bun: A side bun or ponytail with soft tendrils hanging down balances the width of the forehead and adds a touch of elegance.

23. Trends in Hairstyles Based on Face Shape

Stay on top of the latest hairstyle trends while considering your face shape. Here are some current trends that work well with various face shapes:

Oval Face:

Blunt Bob: A blunt bob that cuts straight across works well for oval faces and is on-trend this year.
Curtain Bangs: Soft, curtain bangs add texture and movement without overwhelming the balanced proportions of an oval face.

Round Face:

Textured Pixie Cut: A textured pixie cut with volume on top can add height and elongate the face.
Soft Waves: Beachy, soft waves that start at the chin help slim down a round face.

Square Face:

Layered Bob: A layered bob with soft waves is a trendy and flattering choice for square faces.
Choppy Shag: The shag haircut adds movement and softness, which complements angular features.

Heart Face:

Long Shaggy Layers: Long, shaggy layers that fall below the chin are a popular trend that balances the face shape.
Textured Lob: A textured lob with a slight wave is trendy and flattering for heart-shaped faces.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

Choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape is about balancing and enhancing your natural features. Whether you have an oval, square, round, or heart-shaped face, there are a variety of styles that can make you feel confident and stylish. Consider your hair texture, lifestyle, and preferences when selecting the perfect cut, and don’t hesitate to consult with a professional stylist to find a look that works best for you!