YOUR PERFECT MATCH: DISCOVERING THE BEST HAIRSTYLE FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE
How to Determine Your Face Shape
The easiest way to find your face shape is to compare a few key measurements. Once you know whether your face is oval, round, square, heart-shaped, long, diamond, or rectangle, choosing a flattering haircut becomes much simpler.
A simple method to identify your face shape
- Pull your hair back so your face is fully visible.
- Stand in front of a mirror with a flexible measuring tape.
- Measure your face length from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
- Measure your forehead at its widest point.
- Measure across the widest part of your cheekbones.
- Measure your jawline from the corner of your jaw to the center of your chin, then double it.
- Sketch out these measurements into a rough shape on a piece of A4 paper to identify your face shape.
The Seven Most Common Face Shapes
- Oval: Longer than it is wide, with oval-shaped proportions.
- Round: Similar length and width with soft curves.
- Square: Similar length and width with a strong jawline.
- Heart: Wider forehead with a narrower chin.
- Long/Oblong: Noticeably longer than it is wide with softer contours.
- Diamond: Wide cheekbones with a narrower forehead and jawline.
- Rectangle: Similar to oblong but with a more angular jawline.
Hairstyles for Each Face Shape
To find your perfect haircut, you should lean into natural proportions, not fight against them. Think of these recommendations as your stylist's cheat sheet for creating balance, movement, and confidence every time you sit in the salon chair.
Best hairstyles for an oval face
If you have an oval face shape like Zendaya, you have incredible styling flexibility. Long layers, blunt bobs, lobs, and curtain bangs all work beautifully because your features are naturally balanced.
This is the face shape that can move effortlessly from sleek ponytails to beach waves without missing a beat. For extra polish, finish your look with lacquer shine spray to amplify shine and definition.
Best hairstyles for a round face
Round face shapes, like those seen on Canadian actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, look gorgeous with styles that create a little extra length and lift.
Long layers, sideswept bangs and long bobs that fall below the chin help create vertical movement. A side part can also work wonders. If you're creating sleek styles with height at the crown, a precision hair styling stick helps keep every detail looking intentional.
Best hairstyles for a square face
Strong jawlines are a standout feature of square face shapes. If you share this shape with Olivia Rodrigo, soft layers, curtain bangs and loose waves can create beautiful movement around your features.
Off-center parts and textured mid-length cuts often feel especially flattering. To keep styles smooth and touchable while maintaining natural movement, reach for a smoothing cream for sleek styles.
Best hairstyles for a heart face
Heart-shaped faces, like Jenna Ortega’s, often feature a wider forehead and a delicate chin. Chin-length bobs, shoulder-length layers and sideswept bangs help create balance while drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
Soft curls and waves that add fullness around the jawline can be especially stunning. A few drops of hair bonding oil help keep those soft, face-framing styles looking healthy and glossy.
Best hairstyles for a long or oblong face
When your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, the goal is to create width and fullness. Think curtain bangs, blunt bobs, layered mid-length cuts, and soft curls that look great on faces like Anya Taylor-Joy’s.
These styles help balance your proportions without overwhelming your features. Building body through the sides of your hair can make a big difference, which is why a dry texturizing spray for volume is such a useful styling companion.
Best hairstyles for a diamond face
Diamond face shapes like Hunter Schafer naturally draw attention to the cheekbones. Sideswept bangs, face-framing layers and chin-length styles help create balance while highlighting your striking features.
Soft waves are particularly flattering because they add gentle width where you want it. Lock everything in place with a workable hairspray that keeps movement intact.
Best hairstyles for a rectangular face
Rectangular face shapes, such as Natalie Portman's, share some similarities with oblong faces but often have a stronger jawline. Layered cuts, curtain bangs and waves help frame angles while creating width through the sides.
This is one face shape where texture can completely transform the finished look. Before styling, prep your hair with an all-in-one style primer to create the perfect foundation for volume, movement and hold.
Finding your perfect haircut should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Once you know your face shape, you're already halfway there. Use these recommendations as inspiration, experiment with different looks, and remember: the best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel like the most confident version of yourself.
Whether you're rocking curtain bangs, or a sleek bob, confidence is always the finishing touch. Follow your gut and you'll be posting 'I found the best hairstyle for my face shape' (with epic pics!) in no time at all.
Discover the TRESemmé A-List Collection, the styling toolkit designed to help you find and create your perfect look, whatever your face shape.
FAQs
Which hairstyle works best for my face shape?
The best hairstyle for your face shape is one that complements your natural proportions and highlights your favorite features. Oval faces can wear almost anything, while round, square, heart, long, diamond, and rectangle shapes often benefit from specific lengths, layers, or bangs. The fun part is that there is rarely just one right answer.
How do I know what my face shape is?
You can identify your face shape by comparing the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline to the overall length of your face. Pull your hair back, take a few simple measurements, and look for the feature that stands out most. You can sketch these measurements out on a piece of A4 paper. Think of it as finding your styling starting point, not putting yourself into a box.
What hairstyles will make a round face look longer?
Long layers, side-swept bangs, asymmetric bobs and styles with volume at the crown can help create the appearance of extra length. These cuts draw the eye upward and downward rather than outward. A little height and movement can make a surprisingly big difference.
What haircuts can soften the features of a square face?
Soft layers, curtain bangs, loose waves and textured mid-length cuts can help balance a strong jawline. The goal isn't to hide your features; it's to add movement around them. That's why softer shapes and face-framing pieces tend to work so beautifully.
How do I find a hairstyle that flatters my face?
Start by identifying your face shape, then look for hairstyles that create balance and highlight your features. Virtual try-on tools and inspiration photos can make the process much easier. Sometimes the perfect style is one you hadn't considered until you actually see it on yourself.
Which face shape suits long hair vs short hair?
Most face shapes can wear both long and short hair with the right cut and styling approach. The difference usually comes down to where volume, layers and movement are placed. That's why a short bob can look amazing on several face shapes, even if the details are slightly different.
Can the same hairstyle work for different face shapes?
Yes, the same hairstyle can work for different face shapes when it is customized with layers, bangs, length, or styling techniques. A long bob, (or "lob"), for example, can be adapted to suit oval, round, square, heart, and long face shapes. Great hairstylists don't follow a formula; they tailor the look to you.