How to Choose the Right Haircut for Your Face Shape

How to Choose the Right Haircut for Your Face Shape: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right haircut can be the difference between looking effortlessly stylish and spending weeks hiding under a hat. Like your wardrobe, haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all. And unlike a poorly fitting shirt, a bad haircut can’t be swapped out once you’ve endured a day of teasing from your friends or coworkers. That’s why understanding the best haircut for your face shape is crucial before you sit in the barber’s chair.

Whether you have a round, long, square, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped, or triangle-shaped face, we’ve got all the details you need to choose the perfect style. Let’s dive in and break down which hairstyles suit each face shape best. After all, even subtle adjustments like an inch off the top or some well-placed facial hair can completely transform your look.

What’s My Face Shape?

Before you ask, “Which haircut suits me?” it’s essential to identify your face shape. Grab a mirror and examine your face to determine which category you fall into. Need help? We’ve also included detailed instructions at the end of this article on how to measure your face to find your exact shape.

How to Choose a Haircut for Your Face Shape

Haircuts for Round Faces

Round faces are characterized by soft lines, with a rounded chin and no strong angles. If your face is round, you’ll want a haircut that adds some definition and structure.

Key Tip: Think square. Adding height on top while keeping the sides tight will create the illusion of angles. Styles like a pompadour or flat top work wonders. “Square corners in the high recession area of your hair will sharpen up any soft edges,” says hairstylist Jamie Stevens. A full square beard will also give the appearance of a more defined jawline.

Haircuts for Long Faces

A long face, also known as rectangular or oblong, falls between oval and square, but with more length. The key to a flattering haircut is to avoid anything that makes your face look even longer.

Key Tip: Avoid taking the sides too short if you’re leaving length on top. “A well-proportioned style that doesn’t exaggerate length is ideal,” explains expert barber Stelios Nicolaou. Haircuts that allow your hair to fall to the sides or across the forehead are great for adding width and balance to your face. Avoid full beards, as they tend to elongate your face further; instead, opt for stubble or a short beard to fill out any gaps.

Haircuts for Oval Faces

Congratulations, you’ve won the genetic lottery! Oval faces are symmetrical and well-proportioned, making them the perfect canvas for nearly any hairstyle.

Key Tip: The versatility of an oval face means you can experiment, but be cautious about a few styles. Nicolaou advises, “The best look is a classic short back and sides, with volume and angles on top.” Avoid heavy fringes, as they can make your face appear rounder, and skip the beard—your face shape doesn’t need it for balance.

Haircuts for Square Faces

Square faces are the epitome of masculinity, with a strong jawline and even proportions. This shape works well with both short and longer styles, from buzz cuts to quiffs.

Key Tip: “Neat, classic haircuts complement a square shape best,” says Stevens. Think close fades, side partings, or short layers. Light stubble can also soften the sharp lines of your jaw without diminishing your chiseled look.

Haircuts for Heart-Shaped Faces

A heart-shaped face is widest at the temples and gradually narrows towards the chin. To balance these proportions, opt for styles that soften the forehead and add volume to the chin area.

Key Tip: Avoid very tight cuts, as they will accentuate your forehead’s width. A medium-length swept-back style works best. Facial hair is also crucial in adding fullness to the lower half of your face, balancing out the narrow chin.

Haircuts for Diamond-Shaped Faces

A diamond-shaped face features a narrow forehead and chin, with the widest part of the face being the cheekbones. This rare face shape requires some specific styling techniques to highlight its strong structure.

Key Tip: “Styles that add width at the forehead and chin are your best bet,” says Stevens. Fringes and longer styles that can be tucked behind the ears will help accentuate your bone structure. Avoid cutting the sides too short, as it may make your ears appear larger, and opt for softer lines to downplay the sharp angles.

Haircuts for Triangle-Shaped Faces

With a narrow forehead and wide jawline, triangle-shaped faces require the opposite approach to heart-shaped faces.

Key Tip: Volume is key here. “Go for longer haircuts with fuller sides to add depth to the top of the head,” suggests Stevens. Keep facial hair light—stubble at most—since your jawline is already prominent. In this case, clean-shaven is often the best look.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Haircut

Once you’ve identified your face shape and understood which styles suit you best, the next step is to choose a haircut that complements your features. Don’t be afraid to experiment (within reason) and consult your barber for personalized recommendations.

Remember, a great haircut isn’t just about the style—it’s also about how it makes you feel. The right haircut will not only enhance your appearance but also boost your confidence. So take the time to find a cut that works for your face shape, and walk out of the barbershop knowing you look your best

FAQs

1. How do I determine my face shape for the right haircut?

To determine your face shape, use a mirror to examine the proportions of your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and chin. Common face shapes include round, square, oval, long (rectangular), diamond, heart, and triangle. Understanding your face shape will help guide your haircut choice.

2. What is the best haircut for a round face shape?

The best haircuts for round faces add structure and height. Opt for styles like a pompadour or flat top with short sides to create the illusion of a more angular face. A square beard can also help define the jawline.

3. Which haircuts suit a long (rectangular) face shape?

For a long or rectangular face shape, avoid short sides and excessive length on top. A style that adds width, such as hair falling to the sides or across the forehead, works best. Pair this with a short beard or stubble to balance facial proportions.

4. What haircuts work well for an oval face shape?

Oval faces are versatile and can accommodate most hairstyles. The ideal haircut involves a short back and sides with some volume on top. Avoid heavy fringes, as they can round out the face. Facial hair isn’t necessary, but a clean-shaven look works well.

5. How can I balance a square face shape with a haircut?

Square faces are suited to both short and long styles. Classic haircuts such as close fades, side partings, and short layers work well. Light stubble helps soften the sharpness of the jawline without losing the face’s strong structure.

6. What haircut should I get for a heart-shaped face?

A heart-shaped face benefits from medium to long hairstyles that are swept back to soften the wide forehead. Avoid tight cuts. Facial hair, such as a beard, can add volume to the narrow chin and balance the face.

7. What hairstyle is ideal for a diamond-shaped face?

For diamond-shaped faces, choose haircuts that add width to the forehead and chin, such as fringes or longer styles. Avoid very short sides, as they may make the ears look larger. Softer lines and side partings help soften natural angles.

8. Which haircut is best for a triangle-shaped face?

A triangle-shaped face requires haircuts that add volume to the top. Go for longer styles with fuller sides. Light stubble may work, but a clean-shaven look typically complements this face shape the best.