The Perfect Haircut for Your Face Shape: Choose the Best Style.
A classic haircut never goes out of style. It gives you a safe option that you can trust at any time, no matter what the trend is. Think of it as your personal favorite look.
Choosing the right haircut for your face shape can seem confusing. With so many styles to choose from—a curly pixie, long layers, or a straight cut—it can be difficult to find the best haircut for you. If you understand these factors, finding a haircut for your face shape becomes easier. It’s not about trends, but also about what makes you look confident and comfortable.
To make it easier, hairstylists George Papanikolaus and Lorna Pollack share helpful tips. They explain how face shape, hair texture, and daily care play a role in choosing the right style. Read what they told us.
Meet the Experts
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George Papanikolas
George Papanikolas is a well-known hairstylist and colorist. He also serves as a brand ambassador for Matrix. George splits his time between Andy LeCompte Salon in Los Angeles and Rita Hazan Salon in New York. There, he styles clients using modern cuts and his signature color techniques.
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Lorna Pollack
Lorna Pollack is a professional hairstylist at Kincloche Salon in Brooklyn, New York. She is skilled at making cuts for various face shapes and lifestyles. This helps clients find styles that enhance their natural features.
The Six Main Face Shapes
To choose the best haircut for your face shape, first identify the parts of your face. The main areas to focus on are your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Here we can show you the 6 main face shapes.
1. Oval Face Shape
Oval faces are slightly longer than they are wide. The forehead is often at its widest point, while the jawline is softer and more balanced.
2. Square Face Shape
A square face is about equal in length and width. The jawline is strong and angular, and the chin has little or no curve.
3. Round Face Shape
A round face is also the same length and width. The facial features are soft, with the widest part of the face made up of rounded cheeks. It is like a square shape but without sharp edges.
4. Heart Face Shape
A heart-shaped face has a wide forehead and a narrow, pointed chin. It often looks like an inverted triangle.
5. Oblong or Rectangle Face Shape
This face shape is longer than it is wide. The widths of the forehead, cheeks, and jaw are almost the same. This makes the face look rectangular.
6. Diamond Face Shape
A diamond-shaped face has high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a pointed chin. The cheekbones are usually seen as the most prominent features.
Your Best Haircut Based on Face Shape
When it comes to choosing a haircut for your face shape, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Experts agree: the right cut enhances your features and balances your look. As Pollack explains, the goal is often to draw attention to certain areas and soften others.
Remember, these are guidelines, not limitations. The best haircut is one that makes you feel confident.
Oval Face Shape
Oval faces look good with almost any cut. George Papanikolaus suggests these styles: long layers, shoulder-length waves, full fringe, layered bob, or a side-swept pixie. Lorna Pollack suggests a sharp bob. This emphasizes the natural balance of the jawline.
Square Face Shape
For square faces, the idea is to soften the strong jawline and forehead. Cuts like wavy shags, soft side bangs, or long layers with fringe help create movement. If you’re going for a shorter style, Papanikolaus recommends adding soft angles to balance the shape.
Round Face Shape
A long bob is a great option for round faces, as Pollack points out, as it helps to elongate the face. Papanikolaus agrees. Styles like long straight hair, big waves, a messy bob, and side-swept bangs are attention-grabbing, she says.
Heart Face Shape
Styles for heart-shaped faces will balance out a wide forehead and narrow chin. A wavy, layered blunt bang or a chin-length bob with bangs is ideal. Pollack says that the lower front corners of the face create balance. Papanikolaus recommends keeping the bangs narrow to make the forehead appear thinner.
Oblong or Rectangle Face Shape
For oblong or square faces, the key is to soften the edges. Layers, volume, and feathered or side-swept bangs create movement. They also keep the face from looking too long. Long layers also bring texture and balance.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond faces can stress their high cheekbones with a short cut. They can also opt for long styles with face-framing layers. Bangs that fall around the cheekbones are especially good for this face shape.
Hollywood Barbershop Tips: Always carry some reference pictures of your favorite haircut. A picture will help the barber immediately understand your style goals. From there, you and your stylist can adjust the cut to suit your face shape and features.
Key Takeaways
- There are six main face shapes: oval, round, square, heart, diamond, and oblong.
- Knowing your face shape will help you choose a haircut that highlights your features and balances your proportions.
- Hair texture and daily lifestyle also play a role in choosing the right style. The best cut will suit both your face and how you manage your hair.
All About Bangs: Cut, Texture, and Your Forehead
Bangs can completely transform your look. Some people enjoy the change, but others remember the mistakes or uneven DIY cuts of the past. Impulse bangs are rarely the best idea. But if you’re thinking about adding them, here’s what to keep in mind.
Face Shape
You can style your bangs according to your face shape. Experts recommend the following styles:
- Oval: Blunt bangs
- Round: Side-swept bangs
- Square: Wispy fringe
- Diamond: Side-swept fringe
- Rectangle: Side-swept with feathered fringe
- Heart: Blunt and narrow bangs
Forehead Size
- Long forehead: Blunt bangs help to make a long forehead look shorter.
Short forehead: Side-swept bangs are ideal. They create the illusion of length without weighing down your face. To maintain balance, Pollack recommends keeping bangs soft for short foreheads.
Tip for Growing Out Bangs
If you decide to grow your bangs out, be patient. Hair takes time to grow, and it can be uncomfortable in the middle of the process. Use hair accessories like clips or headbands to style your hair during this stage.
What Else Should You Keep in Mind
There’s more to choosing the right haircut for your face shape than just measuring your dimensions. Consider other factors like your hair texture, personal style, and lifestyle. Keep these extra factors in mind.
Hair Texture
Your hair texture plays a big role in choosing a hairstyle for your face shape. Pollack notes that it is important to know your natural hair and the effort you will put into styling it.
- Fine Hair: Keep it blunt and minimal with layers. A blunt bob with limited texture is ideal, as it maintains strength and shape.
- Medium Hair: This type of hair is versatile. Layered or textured cuts add movement without adding too much weight.
- Thick Hair: Layers work well for thick hair. They reduce bulk, make styling easier, and add shape to heavy hair.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a big role in choosing a haircut for your face shape. Papanikolas emphasizes that styling and maintenance matter a lot. This is especially true if your cut doesn’t match your natural hair texture.
- Salon Visits: Pollack recommends getting your hair trimmed every three to four months. If you go to the salon less, avoid high-maintenance styles. Pixie cuts and blunt bangs can be difficult to manage. Short hair requires regular care. Long hair and feathered bangs are easier to manage between appointments.
- At Home Styling: Think about the effort you’re willing to put in. Do you want to blow-dry or straighten your hair every day? Will your cut work with your natural texture on less worked days? Experts recommend choosing a style that fits your routine and the time you’re willing to spend on products and styling.
Is There a Universally Flattering Style?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, remember: there are no hard and fast rules. But some hairstyles work best for most face shapes.
- Bobs: Pollack says bobs are extremely adaptable. You can add bangs or change the length and texture to suit your hair and features.
- Shoulder-length cuts: Papanikolaus recommends soft, layered shoulder-length hair. This style works for most people and face shapes, making it a safe and attractive choice.
- Long, layered hair: Pollack recommends long layers for those who aren’t ready for a major change. The angle at the front and varying lengths can enhance any face shape. They also add movement and dimension.
These styles are flexible. You can adjust them to suit your hair texture, lifestyle, and personal taste.
Final Thought
Choosing the right haircut for your face shape brings out your best features. It also helps balance your overall look. Learn about your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. This will help you choose a style that suits you. From bobs and shoulder-length cuts to long layers and bangs, there are options for every face type.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules – your comfort and confidence are most important. With guidance from skilled hairstylists and some planning, you can choose a hairstyle that suits your face and lifestyle.
FAQs: Perfect Haircut for Your Face Shape
How do I find out my face shape?
Examine your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Compare the width and length to see if your face is oval, round, square, diamond-shaped, or oblong.
Does a hairstyle suit all face shapes?
Some styles, such as a bob, shoulder-length cut, or long layers, suit most face shapes. They can be adjusted with bangs or layers.
How does hair texture affect my hairstyle?
Fine hair looks great with a blunt cut. Medium hair can have versatile layers. Layered cuts can greatly reduce the benefits of thick hair.
How often should I trim my hairstyle?
For most styles, trimming should be done every three to four months. This keeps your hairstyle fresh and balanced. Shorter styles may require more frequent maintenance.
Should I consider my lifestyle when choosing a hairstyle?
Yes. Choose a style that fits your styling routine and how much time you are willing to spend on maintenance.