FACE SHAPES

Face Shape Hairstyles

Understanding your face shape is the foundation of finding a hairstyle that truly complements your features. The right haircut can enhance your best attributes, balance proportions, and even create the illusion of a different face shape. This comprehensive guide will help you identify your face shape and discover the most flattering hairstyles for each type.

How to Determine Your Face Shape

USE OUR AI TOOL TO FIND YOUR FACE SHAPE

Before we dive into the different face shapes, let’s learn how to accurately identify yours. This simple process will set you on the path to finding your most flattering hairstyles.

Step-by-Step Face Shape Measurement

  1. Prepare Your Materials
  • Flexible tape measure
  • Mirror
  • Pen and paper
  • Optional: Camera for taking a straight-on photo
  1. Measure Your Forehead
  • Measure across the widest part of your forehead
  • This is typically halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline
  • Record this measurement
  1. Measure Your Cheekbones
  • Find the most prominent part of your cheekbones
  • Measure from one cheekbone to the other, going across the bridge of your nose
  • Record this measurement
  1. Measure Your Jawline
  • Measure from the tip of your chin to the point below your ear where your jaw angles upward
  • Multiply this number by two to get your full jawline measurement
  • Record this measurement
  1. Measure Your Face Length
  • Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin
  • Record this measurement

The Mirror Test

If you prefer a visual approach:

  1. Pull your hair away from your face
  2. Look directly into a mirror
  3. Use a washable marker to trace the outline of your face on the mirror
  4. Step back and compare the shape to the face shape descriptions below

The Photo Method

For a more precise analysis:

  1. Take a photo of yourself facing straight into the camera
  2. Print the photo or use an editing app
  3. Draw dots on key points: forehead edges, cheekbone points, jaw angles, and chin
  4. Connect the dots to see your face shape outline

The Six Main Face Shapes for Men

1. Oval Face Shape

Description: The oval face is considered the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. It’s longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded hairline and jaw.

Key Characteristics:

  • Face length is greater than width
  • Forehead is slightly wider than the jaw
  • Cheekbones are the widest part of the face
  • Jaw is rounded without sharp angles
  • Balanced proportions overall

Measurements:

  • Face length is approximately 1.5 times the width
  • Forehead and jaw are similar in width
  • Cheekbones are slightly wider than forehead and jaw

Best Hairstyles:

  • Almost any hairstyle works well with an oval face
  • Textured crop
  • Side part
  • Slick back
  • Undercut
  • Classic pompadour
  • Quiff
  • Buzz cut
  • Long hair (any style)

Hairstyles to Avoid:

  • There are no specific styles to avoid
  • Avoid covering your balanced features with heavy bangs

Celebrity Examples:

  • Ryan Reynolds
  • George Clooney
  • David Beckham
  • Idris Elba

Styling Tips:

  • Emphasize your balanced features
  • Avoid adding too much height on top, which can elongate your face further
  • Experiment with different styles since most will suit you

2. Round Face Shape

Description: The round face is characterized by equal width and length, with soft, curved features and no sharp angles. The jawline is rounded, and the cheeks are full.

Key Characteristics:

  • Face width and length are approximately equal
  • Soft, curved jawline with no angles
  • Full cheeks
  • Rounded hairline
  • No prominent facial angles

Measurements:

  • Face width and length are very similar
  • Cheekbones are the widest part
  • Jaw and forehead are similar in width

Best Hairstyles:

  • Styles that add height and length to the face
  • Pompadour
  • Quiff
  • Side part with volume on top
  • Angular fringe
  • High and tight
  • Spiky hair
  • Faux hawk
  • Undercut with volume on top
  • Side swept fringe
  • Crew cut with textured top

Hairstyles to Avoid:

  • Styles that add width to the sides
  • Center parts
  • Full, rounded styles
  • Chin-length bobs
  • Styles that add bulk to the sides

Celebrity Examples:

  • Jack Black
  • Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Seth Rogen
  • Peter Dinklage

Styling Tips:

  • Add volume on top to elongate the face
  • Create angles with your hairstyle to contrast with round features
  • Keep sides shorter to reduce width
  • Avoid styles that make your face appear rounder

3. Square Face Shape

Description: The square face features a strong, angular jawline, broad forehead, and equal width at the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. The overall appearance is strong and masculine.

Key Characteristics:

  • Forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are similar in width
  • Strong, angular jawline
  • Broad forehead
  • Sharp, defined angles
  • Equal face width and length or slightly longer

Measurements:

  • Forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are nearly equal in width
  • Face length may be equal to or slightly longer than width
  • Jaw angles are prominent and sharp

Best Hairstyles:

  • Styles that soften angular features
  • Textured crop
  • Side part
  • Messy fringe
  • Long layers
  • Curly top with tapered sides
  • Slick back
  • Caesar cut
  • Pompadour with soft edges
  • Side swept style
  • Shag cut

Hairstyles to Avoid:

  • Styles that are too short on top
  • Box cuts that emphasize angularity
  • Sharp, geometric styles
  • Styles that add width to the jawline

Celebrity Examples:

  • Brad Pitt
  • Tom Hardy
  • Chris Evans
  • Nick Lachey

Styling Tips:

  • Add softness and texture to contrast with angular features
  • Avoid styles that are too structured or boxy
  • Consider styles with movement and flow
  • Add height on top to balance the strong jawline

4. Rectangular (Oblong) Face Shape

Description: The rectangular face is noticeably longer than it is wide, with a high forehead, long cheeks, and a strong, parallel jawline. The overall appearance is elongated.

Key Characteristics:

  • Face is significantly longer than it is wide
  • Forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are similar in width
  • High forehead
  • Long, straight cheeks
  • Parallel jawline

Measurements:

  • Face length is much greater than width
  • Forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are nearly equal in width
  • Chin may be pointed or squared

Best Hairstyles:

  • Styles that add width to the sides
  • Textured fringe
  • Side part with volume on the sides
  • Medium-length shag
  • Curly or wavy styles
  • Crew cut
  • Caesar cut
  • Side swept bangs
  • Messy medium-length hair
  • Buzz cut
  • Afro or textured crop

Hairstyles to Avoid:

  • Styles that add height on top
  • Very short styles on the sides
  • Styles that elongate the face further
  • Center parts with no bangs

Celebrity Examples:

  • Adam Driver
  • Russell Crowe
  • Denzel Washington
  • Kiefer Sutherland

Styling Tips:

  • Add width to the sides to balance the length
  • Avoid styles that make your face look even longer
  • Consider bangs to shorten the appearance of your face
  • Add volume on the sides rather than on top

5. Diamond Face Shape

Description: The diamond face features narrow forehead and jawline with wide cheekbones. The chin is often pointed, creating a distinctive diamond shape.

Key Characteristics:

  • Cheekbones are the widest part of the face
  • Narrow forehead
  • Narrow, pointed chin
  • Dramatic angle from cheekbones to chin
  • High, wide cheekbones

Measurements:

  • Cheekbones are significantly wider than forehead and jaw
  • Forehead and jaw are similar in width
  • Face length may be equal to or slightly longer than width

Best Hairstyles:

  • Styles that add width to the forehead and jawline
  • Side part
  • Textured fringe
  • Medium-length styles
  • Curly top with tapered sides
  • Slick back
  • Side swept style
  • Textured crop
  • Messy medium-length hair
  • Pompadour
  • Long layers

Hairstyles to Avoid:

  • Styles that add volume on top
  • Center parts
  • Styles that emphasize the wide cheekbones
  • Very short styles that expose the pointed chin

Celebrity Examples:

  • Robert Pattinson
  • Johnny Depp
  • Henry Cavill
  • David Bowie

Styling Tips:

  • Add width to the forehead and jawline to balance the wide cheekbones
  • Avoid styles that draw attention to your cheekbones
  • Consider styles with volume on the sides
  • Avoid adding height on top, which can make your face appear longer

6. Heart Face Shape

Description: The heart face features a wide forehead and narrow chin, often with a pointed chin. The face tapers from the temples to the chin, creating a heart-like shape.

Key Characteristics:

  • Wide forehead
  • Narrow, pointed chin
  • Face tapers from temples to chin
  • Cheekbones may be prominent
  • High, wide forehead

Measurements:

  • Forehead is wider than jaw
  • Face is wider at the top than at the bottom
  • Chin is narrow and often pointed
  • Face length may be equal to or slightly longer than width

Best Hairstyles:

  • Styles that balance the wider forehead with the narrower chin
  • Side part
  • Textured fringe
  • Medium-length styles
  • Curly or wavy styles
  • Side swept bangs
  • Messy medium-length hair
  • Textured crop
  • Caesar cut
  • Undercut with volume on top
  • Long layers

Hairstyles to Avoid:

  • Styles that are too heavy on top
  • Center parts
  • Styles that emphasize the wide forehead
  • Very short styles that expose the narrow chin

Celebrity Examples:

  • Ryan Gosling
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Bradley Cooper
  • Leonardo DiCaprio

Styling Tips:

  • Add width to the jaw area to balance the wide forehead
  • Consider styles with volume on the sides and bottom
  • Avoid styles that add too much height on top
  • Use bangs to minimize the appearance of a wide forehead

Special Considerations

Facial Features Beyond Face Shape

While face shape is an important factor in choosing a hairstyle, other facial features should also be considered:

Forehead Size:

  • Large forehead: Consider bangs or styles that cover part of the forehead
  • Small forehead: Avoid styles that cover too much of the forehead

Nose Shape:

  • Large nose: Styles that draw attention away from the nose, such as volume on top
  • Small nose: Most styles work well, but avoid styles that overwhelm facial features

Ears:

  • Prominent ears: Styles that cover or partially cover the ears
  • Small ears: Most styles work well

Neck:

  • Long neck: Styles that add some volume around the neck area
  • Short neck: Styles that elongate the neck, such as short cuts

Hair Type and Texture

Your hair type and texture significantly impact which hairstyles will work best for you:

Straight Hair:

  • Holds sleek styles well
  • May need products for volume
  • Works well with structured styles
  • Can appear flat without proper styling

Wavy Hair:

  • Naturally has volume and movement
  • Benefits from products that enhance wave pattern
  • Works well with textured styles
  • Can be prone to frizz in humidity

Curly Hair:

  • Naturally has volume and texture
  • Requires moisture and definition
  • Works well with styles that embrace natural texture
  • Can be challenging to style in very humid conditions

Coily/Kinky Hair:

  • Has the most texture and volume
  • Requires regular moisture and care
  • Works well with protective styles
  • Can be styled in various ways with proper technique

Lifestyle and Maintenance

Your daily routine and lifestyle should influence your hairstyle choice:

Active Lifestyle:

  • Consider styles that stay in place during activity
  • Shorter styles may be more practical
  • Avoid styles that require constant maintenance
  • Consider sweat-friendly products

Professional Environment:

  • Consider more polished styles
  • Avoid overly messy or extreme styles
  • Consider styles that can be easily transformed for after-work
  • Keep hair well-maintained and clean

Low-Maintenance Preference:

  • Consider styles that don’t require daily styling
  • Natural textures that look good with minimal effort
  • Avoid styles that require regular heat styling
  • Consider wash-and-go options

Hairstyle Selection Guide by Face Shape

Oval Face Shape Hairstyles

Short Styles:

  • Buzz Cut: Clean and simple, highlights your balanced features
  • Crew Cut: Classic and versatile, works with your proportions
  • Textured Crop: Modern and stylish, adds texture without disrupting balance

Medium Styles:

  • Side Part: Timeless and sophisticated, complements your proportions
  • Quiff: Adds height and volume, works with your balanced features
  • Slick Back: Polished and refined, showcases your facial structure

Long Styles:

  • Man Bun: Practical and stylish, works with your proportions
  • Long Flowing Hair: Natural and effortless, complements your balanced features
  • Half-Up Style: Versatile and modern, works with your face shape

Styling Tips for Oval Faces:

  • Emphasize your balanced features
  • Avoid adding too much height on top, which can elongate your face further
  • Experiment with different styles since most will suit you
  • Consider your hair type and lifestyle when choosing a style

Round Face Shape Hairstyles

Short Styles:

  • High and Tight: Adds height and reduces width
  • Buzz Cut with Fade: Creates vertical lines, elongates the face
  • Textured Crop: Adds texture and height, reduces roundness

Medium Styles:

  • Pompadour: Adds significant height, elongates the face
  • Quiff: Creates vertical lines, adds height
  • Side Part with Volume: Adds asymmetry, reduces roundness

Long Styles:

  • Undercut with Volume: Creates contrast, elongates the face
  • Long Hair with Layers: Adds vertical lines, reduces width
  • Side Swept Fringe: Creates diagonal lines, elongates the face

Styling Tips for Round Faces:

  • Add volume on top to elongate the face
  • Create angles with your hairstyle to contrast with round features
  • Keep sides shorter to reduce width
  • Avoid styles that make your face appear rounder

Square Face Shape Hairstyles

Short Styles:

  • Textured Crop: Adds softness, contrasts with angular features
  • Caesar Cut: Softens the forehead and jawline
  • Buzz Cut with Fade: Reduces the appearance of strong angles

Medium Styles:

  • Side Part: Creates soft diagonal lines, softens angles
  • Messy Fringe: Adds softness to the forehead
  • Curly Top with Tapered Sides: Adds soft curves, contrasts with angles

Long Styles:

  • Long Layers: Adds movement and softness
  • Slick Back: Polished look that softens angular features
  • Side Swept Style: Creates soft diagonal lines, softens angles

Styling Tips for Square Faces:

  • Add softness and texture to contrast with angular features
  • Avoid styles that are too structured or boxy
  • Consider styles with movement and flow
  • Add height on top to balance the strong jawline

Rectangular Face Shape Hairstyles

Short Styles:

  • Crew Cut: Reduces length, adds width
  • Buzz Cut: Eliminates length, simplifies proportions
  • Textured Crop: Adds width, reduces length

Medium Styles:

  • Textured Fringe: Shortens the appearance of the face
  • Side Part with Volume: Adds width to the sides
  • Medium Shag: Adds width and movement

Long Styles:

  • Curly or Wavy Styles: Adds width and volume
  • Messy Medium-Length Hair: Adds width and texture
  • Side Swept Bangs: Shortens the appearance of the face

Styling Tips for Rectangular Faces:

  • Add width to the sides to balance the length
  • Avoid styles that make your face look even longer
  • Consider bangs to shorten the appearance of your face
  • Add volume on the sides rather than on top

Diamond Face Shape Hairstyles

Short Styles:

  • Textured Crop: Adds width to the forehead and jawline
  • Side Part with Fringe: Adds width to the forehead
  • Buzz Cut with Fade: Simplifies proportions

Medium Styles:

  • Side Part: Adds width to the forehead
  • Textured Fringe: Adds width to the forehead
  • Curly Top with Tapered Sides: Adds width to the forehead

Long Styles:

  • Side Swept Style: Adds width to the jawline
  • Long Layers: Adds width to the jawline
  • Pompadour: Adds width to the forehead

Styling Tips for Diamond Faces:

  • Add width to the forehead and jawline to balance the wide cheekbones
  • Avoid styles that draw attention to your cheekbones
  • Consider styles with volume on the sides
  • Avoid adding height on top, which can make your face appear longer

Heart Face Shape Hairstyles

Short Styles:

  • Textured Crop: Adds width to the jawline
  • Caesar Cut: Adds width to the jawline
  • Side Part with Fringe: Reduces the appearance of a wide forehead

Medium Styles:

  • Side Part: Adds width to the jawline
  • Textured Fringe: Reduces the appearance of a wide forehead
  • Curly or Wavy Styles: Adds width to the jawline

Long Styles:

  • Side Swept Bangs: Reduces the appearance of a wide forehead
  • Messy Medium-Length Hair: Adds width to the jawline
  • Long Layers: Adds width to the jawline

Styling Tips for Heart Faces:

  • Add width to the jaw area to balance the wide forehead
  • Consider styles with volume on the sides and bottom
  • Avoid styles that add too much height on top
  • Use bangs to minimize the appearance of a wide forehead

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Your Face Shape

One of the biggest mistakes men make when choosing a hairstyle is ignoring their face shape. This can result in styles that don’t complement their features and may even highlight less flattering aspects.

How to Avoid:

  • Take the time to accurately determine your face shape
  • Research styles that work well with your face shape
  • Consult with a professional barber or stylist

Choosing a Style Based on Trends Alone

While it’s tempting to choose a hairstyle just because it’s trendy, this approach often leads to disappointment when the style doesn’t suit your features.

How to Avoid:

  • Consider trends within the context of your face shape and hair type
  • Adapt trendy styles to suit your specific features
  • Focus on timeless styles that work for you rather than fleeting trends

Not Considering Your Hair Type

Your hair type significantly impacts how a hairstyle will look and behave. Choosing a style that doesn’t work with your natural texture can lead to frustration and constant styling battles.

How to Avoid:

  • Be realistic about your hair type and its limitations
  • Choose styles that work with your natural texture
  • Consult with a professional about what styles will work with your hair type

Overlooking Maintenance Requirements

Some hairstyles require significant maintenance and styling time. Choosing a high-maintenance style when you don’t have the time or inclination can lead to a perpetually unkempt look.

How to Avoid:

  • Be honest about how much time you’re willing to spend on your hair
  • Choose styles that fit your lifestyle and maintenance preferences
  • Consider low-maintenance options if you’re short on time

Not Communicating Clearly with Your Barber

Even if you’ve chosen the perfect style for your face shape, poor communication with your barber can result in a haircut that doesn’t match your vision.

How to Avoid:

  • Bring photos of the style you want
  • Use correct terminology when describing the style
  • Be specific about length and details
  • Ask questions if you’re unsure about something

Working with Your Barber

How to Communicate Effectively

Clear communication with your barber is essential for getting the hairstyle you want. Here are some tips for effective communication:

Bring Visual References:

  • Bring photos of the style you want
  • Show photos from multiple angles (front, side, back)
  • Bring photos of styles you don’t like as well

Use Correct Terminology:

  • Learn the correct terms for different hairstyles and techniques
  • Use specific measurements (e.g., “number 2 on the sides”)
  • Describe the style in detail, including length and texture

Be Specific About Details:

  • Specify how short you want the sides and back
  • Describe how much length you want on top
  • Mention any specific details you want (e.g., fade, part, texture)

Ask Questions:

  • Ask if the style will work with your face shape and hair type
  • Ask about maintenance requirements
  • Ask for styling tips and product recommendations

Finding the Right Barber

Finding a barber who understands your needs and can execute the style you want is crucial. Here’s how to find the right barber:

Research and Reviews:

  • Look for barbershops with good reviews
  • Check social media for examples of their work
  • Ask friends or family for recommendations

Specialization:

  • Look for barbers who specialize in the type of style you want
  • Some barbers specialize in certain techniques or hair types
  • Consider a stylist if you have longer hair or want a more complex style

Consultation:

  • Schedule a consultation before getting a haircut
  • Discuss your face shape and hair type
  • Ask about their experience with the style you want

Trial and Error:

  • Be prepared to try different barbers until you find the right one
  • Don’t be afraid to switch barbers if you’re not satisfied
  • Build a relationship with a barber who understands your needs

Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Features

Understanding your face shape is the first step toward finding hairstyles that truly complement your features. By working with your natural attributes rather than against them, you can achieve looks that enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.

Remember that while face shape is an important factor, it’s not the only consideration. Your hair type, lifestyle, personal style, and maintenance preferences all play a role in finding the perfect hairstyle.

The most important thing is to choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find what works best for you. And remember, hair grows back, so even if a style doesn’t turn out perfectly, it’s not permanent.

With the knowledge in this guide, you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions about your hairstyle. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, understanding your face shape will help you choose styles that truly enhance your unique features.