Find Your Perfect Hairstyle by Decoding Your Face Shape

Let’s face it, the shape of our face – like our fingerprints – are unique characteristics that reveal a thing or two about our beautiful selves. Even when we have a hard time putting a name to a face, we survive the awkward moment by remembering the unique facial features like eyes, smile, or haircut. In fact, your face shape plays a key factor in choosing the most flattering hairstyle.

Of course, your hairstyle is a deeply personal decision and you can totally wear any style you choose, but if you're looking for styles that look good for your particular face shape, we've got you covered.  We have the perfect haircut guide that will help you identify your face shape and explore hairstyles that enhance your natural features.

Why Face Shape Matters in Choosing a Hairstyle

Knowing your face shape plays a major factor from deciding what haircut suits you to selecting the most stylish sunglasses to complement your facial features. Whether your fave bee-eye sunglasses have you looking more like you belong in a honeycomb or a celeb-inspired haircut that has you thanking your lucky stars for hats, face shape can flop – or flatter - your unique features.

In this perfect haircut guide, you can count your lucky stars that we understand how face shape can make a significant difference in finding a hairstyle that complements one’s features, balances proportions, and highlights unique attributes. In the pursuit of facial harmony, understanding the basic face shapes serves as a fundamental starting point. 

Common Face Shapes and Their Characteristics:

#1. Oval Face

An oval face shape is narrow, elongated, and elegant. They’re sometimes 2x longer than they are wide, have no pointed features, and have a narrow chin. You won’t see the squared jaw or forehead as you would with rectangular faces.

If you have an oval face shape, you'll recognize the following characteristics:

Face:
Length is longer than it is wide.

Forehead:
Width of your forehead is smaller than the width of your cheekbones. May also have a tall forehead.

Cheekbones:
Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face.

Jawline:
No sharp angles on your jaw or chin.

#2. Round Face

We love round things: donuts, boba pearls, the moon – and of course, lovely round faces! If you have a round face shape, the width and the length of your face are approximately the same. Soft facial features like a rounded jawline can lend to a charming, youthful look.

If you have a round face shape, you'll recognize the following characteristics:

Face:
Length is essentially the same size as the width.

Forehead:
Rounded at the hairline.

Cheekbones:
May be round and give a youthful, fuller appearance.

Jawline:
Rounded with very subtle or soft angles.

#3. Diamond Face

You know what they say about diamonds being a girl’s best friend. In this case, we mean that almost literally, as a diamond face shape has some of the best natural angles to work with. Whether it’s hairstyles, hats, or sunglasses, almost any style works with this dazzling face shape.

If you have a diamond face shape, you'll recognize the following characteristics:

Face:
Have a narrow forehead and a small chin.

Forehead:
Width is smaller than the width of your cheekbones.

Cheekbones:
Significantly wider than your forehead and jawline and sit nice and high.

Jawline:
Have a narrow chin area that tapers to a strong point.

#4. Square Face

There’s lots to love about a square face. The sharp angles of the jaw, a face width that makes the eyes look more unique, and natural angles in perfect balance with soft features of the nose and eyes.

If you have a square face shape, you'll recognize the following characteristics:

Face:
About as long as it is wide.

Forehead:
Hairline follows a straight line. Forehead is about the same width as your jaw.

Cheekbones:
Minimal curves to your cheekbones.

Jawline:
You have a strong, squared jawline. Sides of your face follow a straight line from your jaw to your forehead.

#5. Heart Face

A heart-shaped face – think Reese Witherspoon – is just as cute as it sounds, and is one of the most easily identified. The most common characteristics are a face that's widest in the middle (near the cheeks), along with a pointed chin.

If you have a heart face shape, you'll recognize the following characteristics:

Face:
Slightly longer than it is wide, and gets more angled towards the chin.

Forehead:
A larger, wider forehead than your jawline. May have a widow’s peak or not – think an upside-down triangle.

Cheekbones:
Width about the same as your forehead, if not wider.

Jawline:
You have a slender jawline and the chin area will drop to a point without any squared off corners along the jaw.

How Hairstyle Choices Can Enhance Your Face Shape:

Hairstyle choices can enhance your face shape by strategically adding volume, layers, or texture to balance out facial features, creating the illusion of a more symmetrical and flattering appearance; for example, a round face can benefit from hairstyles with height at the crown to elongate the face, while a square face can be softened with textured layers to tone down sharp angles. 

Let’s check out some key points about choosing a hairstyle that can enhance your face shape:

Oval Face:

Choose long layered haircuts that can add movement and volume to any hair type, or choose styles with fanning out layers to help draw the eye outward rather than downward to elongate the jaw.

Round Face:

Opt for styles with height and volume at the crown, layers below the chin, and avoid short, blunt cuts that can accentuate roundness. 

Square Face:

Soften the jawline with textured layers, waves, or side-swept bangs, and avoid too much volume at the cheekbone level; shoulder-length cuts with layers and loose waves can also help soften the face shape.

Heart Shaped Face:

Focus on adding volume around the jawline with chin-length cuts or layers to balance a wider forehead, or shag cuts with longer face frames help elongate the face and balance it out.

Diamond Face:

Highlight the cheekbones with face-framing layers and add volume at the crown to soften the pointed chin; soft layers to long hair can help balance out the width of the cheekbones and create a more proportional look.

How to Determine Your Face Shape

Now that you’ve got a list of characteristics and you’ve likely stared in the mirror for a while to make a face shape match, it’s time to gather your face measurements so you can accurately determine your face shape to find your perfect hairstyle.

Before you start, tie your hair back, and pull your hair off your forehead so you can see your entire face. You’ll need a flexible measuring tape, like the kind used by a tailor, and prepare yourself for a little trip back to third grade math - though a rough estimation would also do just fine, too. Then, measure the four key distances of your face, listed below.

Step 1. Forehead Width: Measure the distance across your forehead at the widest point, from hairline to hairline.

If your face is the widest at your forehead and slowly gets more angled towards your chin, you probably have a heart-shaped face. This is also called the inverted triangle.

Step 2. Cheekbone Width: From your hairline above your cheekbone, measure the distance across your face to the same spot on the other side.

Is your face widest near your cheekbones? Then, in this case, you have a diamond face shape.

Step 3. Jawline Width: Start at the base of your jaw (underneath your ears). Measure the distance along the edge of your jaw until you reach the middle of your chin. Continue to measure the other side or simply multiply that number by two.

You have a triangular or pear face shape if your jaw is the widest point of your face. When you have a rounded jaw, you probably have an oval or a round face shape.

Step 4. Face Length: Begin measuring at the center of your hairline and bring it all the way down until it reaches the tip of your chin.

If your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are all equal, then the chances are that your face shape could be either oval, square or round. Sometimes, when the jaw doesn’t appear to be that strong, you could also be a diamond face shape or triangle.

Understanding the shape of your face is the first step in creating hairstyles that accentuate your best features. Since our faces are often responsible for first and lasting impressions, it’s nice to know how to use it to your advantage. Now it’s time to go out and put your best face forward!

Best Hairstyles for Each Face Shape

When it comes to picking a haircut, we often go for a look we covet from a celebrity, stick to a signature style or choose on a whim. Those choices usually end up with hair-rowing results. As we discussed, rather than jumping in the salon chair ‘head’ first or picking the latest trend blindly, it’s best to find your face shape to help you determine which style will have heads turning on your behalf.

Here are the best hairstyle recommendations for each face shape to draw attention to you and your best features. The basic rule of finding a perfect hairstyle for your face shape is to highlight your best features.

Oval Face Shape

Oval faces are often considered versatile, suiting many styles, and popular haircut options include shoulder-length waves, layered cuts, or blunt bobs. With a tall forehead that is only a bit wider than the chin, layering around the face is great for enhancing the key features of an oval face.

Long Layers:

Long layers are great for oval faces because they highlight their natural symmetry without adding unnecessary width or length.

Bob Cut:

A classic bob works well with oval shaped faces, drawing attention to the jawline and cheekbones.

Side-Swept Bangs:

This bang style can add a softening effect while framing the face beautifully, and without obscuring the proportions of the oval shape.

Round Face Shape

Round-shaped faces are wider than they are round, with full cheeks and a softer, less defined jawline. Longer hairstyles and layers below the chin can help break up the roundness and add dimension. Opt for styles that add angles and length to reshape and elongate round faces, such as long, layered cuts, side-swept bangs, or lob haircuts.

Long Layers with Volume on Top:

Adding height at the top of head elongates the face, creating the illusion of an oval shape.

Asymmetrical Bob:

This style, which is longer in the front and shorter in the back, helps to elongate the face while adding angles that counteract the roundness.

Pixie Cut with Volume:

A pixie cut with volume at the top can create the appearance of a longer face, balancing out the roundness.

Square Face Shape

Square-shaped faces feature a sharp, angular bone structure and jawline. Due to this angular structure, it’s best to avoid blunt and hard edges. It’s best to go for softer styles and flowing looks that can help soften strong jawlines and add volume, like soft waves, curtain or wispy bangs, and side parts.

Soft, Wispy Bangs:

Wispy bangs can soften the angles of the face, especially the strong jawline, creating a more rounded appearance.

Long, Soft Layers:

Long layers that start two inches below the jaw can add softness and movement, reducing the emphasis on the squared shape of the face.

Side-Parted Styles:

A deep side part can break up the symmetry of a square face, adding softness and shifting focus away from the strong jawline.

Heart Face

Heart-shaped faces often feature a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrow, pointed chin. Opt for styles that balance a wider forehead and narrower chin, including long layers, side-swept bangs, and chin-length bobs.

Long, Side-Swept Bangs:

These can balance a wider forehead and bring attention to the eyes and cheekbones while softening the chin. Side bangs are also great to soften and bring out cheekbones to balance the face.

Chin-Length Bob:

A bob that hits right at the chin helps to add width to the lower part of the face, balancing the narrow chin with the broader forehead.

Wavy Lob (Long Bob):

A wavy lob can add volume and width around the jawline, balancing out the face’s shape.

Diamond Face

Although not the most common of shapes, and often mistaken for a square shape, a diamond-shape face is narrow at the forehead and jawline with wide, prominent cheekbones. Opt for hairstyles that add width to the forehead and soften cheekbones, such as chin-length cuts, side-swept bangs, or styles with volume on top to help balance out the unique structure.

Chin-Length Bob:

A short bob adds width to the narrow jawline and helps to balance the face’s unique structure.

Layered Pixie Cut:

A layered pixie with fullness around the temples can balance the narrowness of the forehead and jaw while drawing attention to the cheekbones.

Side-Swept Bangs:

A side-swept bang can soften the angles of the face and reduce the prominence of the cheekbones, creating a more balanced look.

Tips for Styling Your Hair Based on Face Shape

As we’ve been covering in this perfect haircut guide, the way to your hair’s heart is through face shape, but that’s not the only tool in the hair arsenal to transform your locks from dull to dazzling!

We have the best styling tips that you – and not your hair stylist - can use at home to maximize your hairstyle’s effect based on your face shape. Need volume, how to create angels or face-framing tips? We have you covered, from root to tip!

Using Layers and Texture for Added Dimension:

Hair texture and type play a huge role in finding your perfect style. Understanding what your hair does naturally—and what you're willing to do to maintain a desired look—is very important. Layers and texturizing can add softness or structure, depending on your face shape.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking of opting for layers and texture.

Fine: Generally, fine hair should have the least amount of layering, so keep things blunt and short. Opt for a blunt bob with limited texture and layers to maintain strength in your length.

Medium: A variety of lengths are possible here. Adding layers or texture can help with movement and minimal weight removal for larger hair volume.

Thick: With thick hair, you can get away with a lot of layering, as long layers help with weight removal, removing density, and helping with daily styling.

The Role of Bangs in Face Framing:

Face-framing bangs offer more than just a change in look. They serve as a subtle enhancement, highlighting facial features while allowing for flexibility in styling. Whether you want to soften your appearance, add dimension, or enhance or balance facial proportion, face-framing bangs might be the bang to your best hairstyle yet!

Curtain bangs: A popular style that's parted in the middle and sweeps to either side. Curtain bangs can flatter most face shapes and are low maintenance. They can be longer and open your cheekbones, or more forward and frame your brow line.

Wispy bangs: A light and airy style that adds a touch of romance.

Side-swept bangs: A soft, romantic style that complements face-framing layers. They can suit any face shape but are especially flattering for longer or heart-shaped faces.

Straight, blunt bangs: A bold style that can balance out longer face shapes. 

Recommended Hair Care Products for Healthy, Styled Hair

Your face shape is largely a result of your genes, the underlying bones, and how your muscles sit. While no cream or serum can alter these fundamentals, some ingredients can tackle issues like sagging, volume loss, or swelling that subtly change how your face appears.

!00% PURE hair care products keep hair healthy, shiny, and manageable, allowing you to achieve your ideal style more easily.

#1: 100% PURE Glossy Locks Glossing Shampoo

Formulated to enhance the natural shine of your hair, this glossing shampoo contains botanical extracts that promote luster and brilliance. It's suitable for all hair types and helps to maintain a healthy, radiant appearance. This hydrating shampoo delivers a smooth, shiny finish that makes hair easier to style, enhancing any cut or shape.

#2: 100% PURE Honey & Virgin Coconut Restorative Conditioner

This restorative conditioner deeply hydrates and repairs dry, damaged hair, and is essential for maintaining the health and texture of all hairstyles. Designed to detangle and nourish with pro-vitamin B5, while strengthening roots and strands with coconut oil, flax seed, and sea kelp.

#3: 100% PURE Pro-Vitamin B5 Smoothing Hair Serum

This formula specializes in frizz control and smoothness, ideal for adding polish to any face-framing style. It has a bright lavender scent and delivers vitamins and nutrients to the scalp and thirsty, brittle strands.

#4: 100% PURE Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo

If you're seeking volume and a refreshing sensation, this volumizing shampoo is an excellent option. Kelp and mint extracts combine to invigorate the scalp, while the formula adds body and fullness to your hair, making it ideal for fine or thin hair types. This invigorating shampoo is perfect for those looking to add volume and lift, especially beneficial for styles designed to balance round or heart-shaped faces.

#5: 100% PURE Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo

A healthy scalp is essential for strong, resilient hair that supports a variety of styles. This purifying formula and scalp treatment features burdock, neem, and nettle to unclog pores, stimulate circulation, and alleviate dryness and itching, while deeply moisturizing to soothe dry skin and dandruff.

FAQ Section

How can I tell if my face shape has changed over time?

To tell if your face shape has changed over time, look for noticeable alterations in the proportions of your facial features, like a wider jawline, more prominent cheekbones, a receding hairline or eyes, or a change in the overall "triangle of youth" where your face begins to “square out”. These are common signs of aging that can affect your perceived face shape. You can also compare old photos to recent ones to see if there are any of these changes.

Can I combine hairstyles if I have features from multiple face shapes?

No two face shapes are alike (unless you’re twins), just as no two faces can exactly fit under one face shape. If you have features from multiple face shapes, you can absolutely combine elements of different hairstyles to create a look that flatters your unique facial structure; it's quite common for people to not fit perfectly into just one face shape category, so tailoring your style to your specific features is key for the perfect hairstyle.

What hairstyles should I avoid based on my face shape?

Based on your face shape, you should avoid the following hairstyles:

Oval face:

Avoid hairstyles that are completely one length, have very heavy bangs, or are excessively long and straight with no layers, as these can make your face appear longer and potentially elongate its natural balance.

Round face:

Avoid hairstyles that add width at the sides; like blunt bangs, chin-length bobs without layers, or styles that are too short and lack length as they can accentuate the roundness of your face.

Square face:

For a square face, steer clear of very short haircuts with blunt lines, as well as heavy, straight bangs that can emphasize the angular jawline.

Diamond face:

Avoid hairstyles that make your cheekbones look wider or add too much height to the top of your hair. Be sure to also avoid one-length hairstyles or blunt bobs; these can make your angular features look too intense. 

Heart face:

Balance the wide forehead with hairstyles that add volume to the chin. Avoid too short bangs, or be cautious of short, blunt bangs that can draw attention to a narrow chin.

Are there styling products that work better for certain face shapes?

Yes, different face shapes can work better with certain hair styling products over other styling products for different face shapes.

Round faces:

Use products that add volume and lift at the top of the hair. A deep side part or a middle part can also help add symmetry. 

Heart-shaped faces:

Add texture and volume around the jawline with curls or waves. Blunt bangs and wavy layers or a chin-length bob with bangs can also work well. 

Diamond faces:

Add volume to the crown of the hair. Bangs that hit around the cheekbone can also accentuate this shape. 

Square faces:

Soften the edges around the forehead and jaw with wavy shags, soft side-swept bangs, or long layers with fringe. 

Oval faces:

This versatile face shape can work with almost any style. You can experiment with different lengths and styles. 

How often should I change my hairstyle?

According to most stylists, you should generally change your hairstyle every 6-8 weeks to maintain a specific style and keep your haircut looking fresh, especially if you have layered hair or a short bob that needs precise shaping; however, the ideal frequency can vary depending on your hair type and desired look. 

Conclusion

When you see hairstyles and face shapes, you may feel so excited that you want the look for yourself. While a lot of styles can look great on most face shapes, the most flattering haircuts will accentuate your best features. The best way to come to this conclusion is to first understand the importance of understanding your face shape when choosing a hairstyle that enhances your natural features.

Determining your face shape helps you find the perfect style that suits you and your best facial features. As we learned, face shape can make a significant difference in finding a hairstyle that complements one’s features, balances proportions, and highlights unique attributes. In the pursuit of facial harmony, understanding the basic face shapes serves as a fundamental starting point and a vital ending point in finding your perfect hairstyle. 

By combining the right haircut with supportive 100% PURE hair care products, you can maintain a style that complements your unique look and brings out your best features. Hair’s to discovering and rocking the best face shape hairstyles!