How to Choose A Haircut Based on Face Shape

With so many hairstyles out there, it can be overwhelming and confusing to decide which one is perfect for you. One way to make this task easier is to consider your face shape. Here’s a guide on how to choose a haircut based on face shape, so you can walk out of the salon feeling like a million bucks.

The Basic Face Shapes

First things first, let’s take a look at the four basic face shapes and their characteristics.

1. Round

A round face is characterized by full cheeks and a curved chin. Your face length and width measurements are equal.

2. Square

A square face has a broad forehead, a strongly defined jawline, and a straight chin. Your face length, width, and jawline measurements are similar.

3. Oval

An oval face has a slightly rounded hairline and chin. Your face length is greater than the width, and the jawline is softly curved.

4. Heart

A heart face has a broad forehead and cheekbones, tapering to a narrow chin. Your face length is greater than the width, and the jawline is distinctly pointy.

Now that you’re familiar with the basic face shapes, it’s time to determine yours. Stand in front of a mirror, and using a measuring tape or ruler, take the following measurements:

1. Forehead: measure the widest part, usually across the brow bones

2. Cheekbones: measure the widest part of your face, below the eyes

3. Jawline: measure from the tip of your chin to the point below your ear where your jaw angles up

4. Face length: measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin

Once you have these measurements, compare them to find your face shape.

Haircuts for Round Faces

If you have a round face, you want to add definition and angles to your features.

1. Shoulder-Length Cut with Layers

Adding layers to your hair can create movement and volume, which can help elongate your face. Shoulder-length hair frames the face well, and layers cut to fall at cheekbone-level give an illusion of structure.

2. Asymmetrical Pixie Cut

This cut can be shorter on one side, creating an angle that slims down a round face. Sweeping bangs also create a diagonal line across the face, drawing attention to the eyes and away from the roundness.

3. Bob Cut with Bangs

A layered bob cut is a great option for both fine and thick hair. When paired with bangs, it can create the illusion of a longer face shape by breaking up the forehead and narrowing the temple area.

Haircuts for Square Faces

To soften a square face, the focus should be on texture and volume.

1. Soft Waves

Soft waves or curls can add a feminine touch to a square face. To create this look, try using a curling iron to add loose waves of different sizes that fall around your face.

2. Shaggy Layers

The shaggy cut can help create volume and texture, softening the sharp angles of the jawline and square chin. It’s a versatile cut that can work for both short and long hair.

3. Wavy Bob

A wavy bob can frame a square face in a flattering manner, especially if it’s shorter at the nape of the neck and longer at the front. The waves will soften the lines and add texture to the hair.

Haircuts for Oval Faces

If you have an oval face shape, you’re lucky enough that pretty much any haircut will suit you!

1. Long Layers

Long layers can add volume and create a flattering shape for an oval face. This cut works great for both straight and wavy hair.

2. Pixie Cut

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance cut, a pixie cut can work for you. It highlights facial features and adds some edge to your look.

3. Lob

A lob is a longer version of a bob that falls just above the shoulder. It works great with different hair textures and face shapes, but especially with oval faces. It can create a soft, flattering frame around the face.

Haircuts for Heart Faces

When choosing a haircut for a heart-shaped face, the aim is to create balance by adding width to the lower part of the face.

1. Layered Pixie Cut

A pixie cut with layers will add volume around the jawline and cheekbones, while the top is kept shorter to accentuate the forehead.

2. Long Bob

A long bob with soft waves that fall on the shoulders can make a heart-shaped face appear more balanced. If you have thick hair, try adding choppy layers to break up the density.

3. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs create an angled line, balancing out the high forehead and narrow chin of a heart-shaped face.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right haircut based on your face shape is a great way to enhance your natural beauty and create balance. By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently walk into your next hair appointment and come out looking and feeling amazing!

Need advice on what haircut would work best for your face shape? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!