The Perfect Haircut Starts With Your Face Shape: A Complete Guide
1. Face Shape
I’ve been there. You save a haircut photo, book the appointment, sit in the chair buzzing with hope… then leave feeling a bit flat. It looks good, but not on you the way it did in your head.
Most of the time, it’s not the cut. It’s the face shape match. Once I learned this, hair choices finally made sense, and bad haircut regret pretty much disappeared.
That’s why I put this guide together. Think of it as a friend walking you through what actually works, why it works, and how to choose styles that feel like you.
2. How to Know What Face Shape You Have
The easiest way? Stand in front of the mirror and compare your face to the shapes below. You’ll usually spot your match right away.
If you want to be extra sure, grab a soft fabric tape. Measure the widest part of your face. This is often your cheekbones or forehead. Then measure from your hairline straight down to your chin.
Write those numbers down. When you compare them to the guides below, your face shape usually clicks instantly.
3. What Are the Different Face Shapes
Most of us grew up thinking faces were just round or square. Nope. There are quite a few shapes, and many people sit somewhere in between.
That’s normal. Faces are like fingerprints. No two are the same. Use these categories as guidance, not strict rules.
My honest advice? Learn the recommendations, then trust your gut. A good stylist can always tweak a cut to suit you.
4. Oval Face Shape
If your face is longer than it is wide, and your chin is a little narrower than your forehead, you’re likely oval. Think upside-down egg.
This shape is beautifully balanced. That’s why it works with so many styles.
Celebrities with this face shape include Samara Weaving, Karlie Kloss, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Lawrence.
Best Haircuts for an Oval Face
Having an oval face is like having a blank canvas. Almost everything works.
The trick is adding width. Horizontal volume balances the length of your face and makes your features pop.
Styles that shine:
- Butterfly cuts with soft layers
- Mid-length hair with movement
- Blunt bobs just above the shoulders
Face-framing pieces are your secret weapon. They highlight cheekbones and soften the look.
5. Round Face Shape
Round faces tend to be shorter in length. Your cheeks are the widest point, and your chin looks soft and curved.
This shape feels youthful and fresh. The goal is usually to add a bit of length visually.
Celebrities with this face shape include Emma Stone, Chrissy Teigen, and Kirsten Dunst.
Best Haircuts for a Round Face
Long layers are your best friend. They stretch the face vertically without looking harsh.
Keep face-framing pieces just below the chin. This avoids cutting the face shorter.
Great options:
- Soft curtain bangs
- Long layers with lift
- Bobs or lobs with volume at the crown
Think height at the roots and flow through the ends.
6. Heart Face Shape
If your forehead is the widest part of your face and your chin comes to a point, you’re likely heart-shaped. A widow’s peak often shows up here too.
This shape is striking and delicate at the same time.
Celebrities with this face shape include Sofia Richie-Grainge, Selena Gomez, and Reese Witherspoon.
Best Haircuts for a Heart-Shaped Face
Balance is everything. You want to bring attention downward.
A long bob works beautifully. It highlights your cheekbones while softening the chin.
Other great picks:
- Wavy lobs
- Wolf cuts with texture
- Pixie cuts with height at the crown
Volume on top plus softness around the jaw is the magic combo.
7. Diamond Face Shape
If your cheekbones are the widest point and your forehead is narrower, you’re likely diamond-shaped.
This face shape is rare and super sculpted.
Celebrities with this face shape include Eiza González, Megan Fox, and Jennifer Lopez.
Best Haircuts for a Diamond Face
You can pull off almost anything. Lucky you.
Long, flowing styles highlight your symmetry. A center part works especially well.
If you go shorter:
- Shoulder-length cuts
- Soft lobs
Avoid overly sharp bobs. Softer edges suit you best.
8. Square Face Shape
Square faces have strong lines. Your forehead, cheeks, and jawline are close in width, with little curve.
This shape feels powerful and confident.
Celebrities with this face shape include Olivia Wilde, Margot Robbie, and Katie Holmes.
Best Haircuts for a Square Face
Texture is key. You want movement to soften strong angles.
The French bob is a standout. It looks effortless and chic.
Other great options:
- Loose curls
- Long hair with face-framing layers
Let strands graze your jaw. It highlights your strongest feature.
9. Rectangle Face Shape
This shape looks like a longer square. Your forehead and jaw are the same width, but your face is taller.
It’s elegant and striking.
Celebrities with this face shape include Liv Tyler, Kate Winslet, and Anne Hathaway.
Best Haircuts for a Rectangle Face
Curtain bangs are a game changer. They break up length and add softness.
Long bangs that hit the brows also work beautifully.
Best part? Both styles suit short and long hair.
10. Inverted Triangle Face Shape
If your forehead is wide and your chin or jaw is narrow, you fall into this category. Sometimes cheekbones are narrow too.
This shape feels edgy and modern.
Celebrities with this face shape include Scarlett Johansson, Natalia Dyer, and Ariana Grande.
Best Haircuts for a Triangle Face
Layers are everything here. They add balance and movement fast.
Long hair looks best with face-framing pieces or side-swept bangs.
Shorter styles shine when layers fall just below the chin. This keeps the look soft and flattering.
