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Ever left a salon feeling like something was just off about your new haircut? You brought in photos, picked a trendy style, and yet, it doesn’t quite look the way you imagined. The secret to finding the perfect hairstyle isn’t just about trends, it’s about choosing a style that complements your face shape.
So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What hairstyle suits my face shape?” you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can walk into your next haircut appointment with confidence.
Step 1: Identify Your Face Shape
Before diving into the best hairstyles, the first step is figuring out your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and take a good look at the outline of your face. You can also trace your reflection with a lip pencil or use a selfie to analyze the shape.
Here are the most common face shapes:
- Oval – Balanced proportions with a slightly longer length than width.
- Round – Soft angles with a similar width and height.
- Square – A strong jawline and broad forehead with straight sides.
- Heart – A wider forehead that tapers to a narrower, pointed chin.
- Diamond – High cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin.
- Long (Rectangular) – A face that is longer than it is wide, often with a strong jawline.
Once you’ve determined your shape, it’s time to match it with the most flattering hairstyles.
Step 2: Choose a Hairstyle That Flatters Your Face Shape
Best Hairstyles for Oval Faces
Lucky you, oval faces can pull off almost any hairstyle! Because this shape is naturally balanced, you have plenty of options.
Great Choices:
- Long layers for a soft, elegant look.
- A shoulder-length lob to enhance natural symmetry.
- A sleek bob or blunt cut for a chic, modern vibe.
- Soft bangs (side-swept or curtain) to frame the face.
Avoid:
- Heavy, rounded styles that add too much volume at the top, making your face look longer than it is.
Best Hairstyles for Round Faces
If you have a round face, the goal is to create the illusion of length and definition. You’ll want to avoid adding too much width at the cheeks.
Great Choices:
- Long layers to add vertical dimension.
- A deep side part to break up the roundness.
- Asymmetrical bobs that elongate the face.
- Voluminous ponytails or updos to draw the eye upward.
Avoid:
- Blunt bangs that make the face appear shorter.
- Chin-length bobs that emphasize roundness.
Best Hairstyles for Square Faces
A square face often has strong angles, so the key is to soften those sharp lines with movement and layers.
Great Choices:
- Soft waves or curls to balance a defined jawline.
- Side-swept bangs to break up the width of the forehead.
- Long, wispy layers to frame the face gently.
- Shoulder-length cuts with texture for a relaxed, natural feel.
Avoid:
- Blunt cuts that emphasize the jawline.
- Super-short styles that make the face appear boxy.
Best Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
For heart-shaped faces, the goal is to balance a wider forehead and a narrower chin by adding volume at the lower half of the face.
Great Choices:
- Shoulder-length cuts with waves or curls.
- Side parts to shift attention from the forehead.
- Chin-length bobs that add width to the lower face.
- Curtain bangs that soften the forehead’s width.
Avoid:
- Very short or high ponytails that accentuate a narrow chin.
- Heavy, straight-across bangs that make the forehead appear even wider.
Best Hairstyles for Diamond Faces
Since diamond-shaped faces have high cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin, the goal is to create balance by softening the angles and adding width where needed.
Great Choices:
- Chin-length bobs that add width to the jawline.
- Side-swept bangs or layers that soften high cheekbones.
- Shoulder-length waves that bring softness to the look.
- A deep side part for an elegant, asymmetric touch.
Avoid:
- Hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly back, making the face appear too angular.
Best Hairstyles for Long (Rectangular) Faces
For long faces, the aim is to create width and break up the length with volume and movement.
Great Choices:
- Layered cuts that add volume at the sides.
- Curtain bangs to shorten the appearance of the forehead.
- Wavy bobs that add softness and width.
- Voluminous curls or waves to add fullness.
Avoid:
- Long, straight styles that make the face appear even longer.
- Center parts that emphasize length rather than width.
Step 3: Consider Your Hair Type and Lifestyle
Even if a certain hairstyle suits your face shape, you’ll want to consider your hair type and how much styling effort you’re willing to put in.
- Fine Hair: Go for layered cuts to add volume and movement.
- Thick Hair: Try texturized layers to remove excess weight.
- Curly Hair: Work with your natural curls, long layers or shoulder-length cuts help define them.
- Straight Hair: Sleek bobs or lobs work beautifully with minimal effort.
Your daily routine matters too. If you prefer low-maintenance styles, opt for something that grows out well and doesn’t require frequent salon visits.
Step 4: Test It Out Before Committing
If you're unsure about a big change, try it out virtually first. Many salons and apps offer virtual hairstyling tools where you can upload a photo and preview different cuts.
Another trick? Style your hair in a way that mimics the cut you're considering, pin up sections, part it differently, or use temporary clip-in bangs before making the final decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hairstyle isn’t about following trends, it’s about finding what works best for your unique features. By understanding your face shape, working with your hair type, and factoring in your lifestyle, you can confidently choose a style that flatters you from every angle.
The next time you sit in the salon chair, you’ll know exactly what to ask for.
