Which Haircut Suits Your Face Shape: A Shape-by-Shape Guide

The same haircut can look completely different on two people, because face shape changes how a cut sits and what it highlights. To find yours, pull all your hair back and look at the hairline, cheeks, jawline and chin. Below, each face shape is described first, followed by the cuts that work well for it.

Oval Face

An oval face is longer than it is wide, with a gently curved jawline. It is often called the universal shape because the proportions are so balanced. Almost any cut works on it, so you can choose by personal taste.

A blunt bob suits an oval face at any length, and this shape has the most freedom with shorter cuts. Face frame layers and the fairy cut are also good matches. Long hair with minimal layers works as well, and you can part it at the side or the middle and flip it either way.

Round Face

A round face has similar length and width, fuller cheeks and a rounded chin. A very blunt, straight bob creates contrast against the rounded jaw. An on-length bob parted down the middle can narrow the face slightly, since the hair falls over the cheeks, and a side part adds a little angularity.

With face frame layers, avoid short pieces that land right at the jawline and let them fall lower. Curtain bangs narrow a broad forehead and open up at the cheekbones before curving back in, which gives a diamond feel. The fairy cut shows off the cheekbones, and its shorter layers add volume at the top to lengthen the face. Long hair also lengthens a round face.

Square Face

A square face has an angular jaw that is about as wide as the forehead, along with cheekbones that have some width. Some faces blend round and square, with a matching jaw and temples but a softer hairline and chin. Since the jaw is already strong, the goal is usually to soften it.

A blunt bob works best when it extends past the jawline. If you prefer a shorter bob close to the jaw, style it with waves to soften the ends. A side part or curtain bangs show off the jaw and add a slight diamond feel. Face frame layers add softness, and the fairy cut looks edgiest and boldest on this shape. Long hair also lengthens a square face.

Heart-Shaped Face

A heart-shaped face has a forehead noticeably wider than the chin, wide-set cheekbones and a slightly pointed chin. It can look like an upside-down triangle, and it is sometimes blended with oval. A blunt bob suits heart shapes at basically any length.

Face frame layers add softness to the more angular lines. The fairy cut adds a little edge, and the flow of the layers keeps everything balanced. Long hair gives a heart-shaped face a more oval appearance.

Diamond Face

A diamond face has prominent cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and chin. It is a rare shape, and the main difference from a heart shape is the width of the forehead. Like heart shapes, diamond faces have plenty of room for shorter cuts.

A blunt bob works at nearly any length. Face frame layers soften the angular jawline, and the fairy cut adds edge while the layers keep the look balanced. Long hair gives the face a more oval appearance.

Oblong Face

An oblong face is longer than it is wide, with fairly consistent width throughout. It is a narrower, longer version of the oval, and it can blend with square to create a more rectangular feel. The aim is to add a touch of width.

A bob works in various lengths, and minimal face framing or curtain bangs add width and bring out the cheekbones. Face frame layers also suit this shape. With the fairy cut, style the layers around the face so they push slightly away, which widens the shape and suggests fuller cheekbones.

Pear Shape

A pear shape has a jaw and chin wider than the forehead, with full cheeks. It can feel a little square at times, but it has less width at the forehead and more roundness through the jaw. Plenty of cuts work for it.

A very blunt, straight bob creates contrast with the rounded jaw, and a side part adds angularity. Curtain bangs close in the forehead and emphasize the cheekbones. They still look youthful, but they may not suit anyone who wants to play down the cheekbones. With face frame layers, take the bangs up slightly to create the illusion of a wider forehead, and let the layers drop lower to soften the jaw. Long hair gives a pear shape a more oval appearance.

When Your Face Is a Mix of Shapes

Many people are a blend of two shapes, such as oval and heart or oblong and square. In that case, read the advice for both shapes and take notes from each when choosing your cut. Your own proportions will tell you which suggestions matter most.

If you have fine or thin hair, mention it to your stylist before any cut with heavy layering, such as the fairy cut, since fullness at the ends can be lost. Bringing your face shape and hair concerns to a consultation gives your stylist what they need to adjust the cut for you.