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How to Choose the Best Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

Margaret Wolf3 min read
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How to Choose the Best Hairstyle for Your Face Shape — Hair
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1. Best Hairstyles for Round Faces

Round faces are defined by soft curves instead of sharp angles, says Jacob Sirianno, hairstylist at Pearlita Salon in New York. “I recommend styles that add some structure and angularity.”

These work best:

  • Long layers
  • Lob haircut
  • Side-swept bangs
  • Shag cut
  • Angular bob
  • Asymmetrical bob
  • Butterfly cut

The butterfly cut is especially flattering because it adds volume and height at the crown while giving texture to the ends,” says Sirianno. This cut can be tailored to your bone structure, letting you control where the framing layers start to highlight or soften your features.

2. Best Hairstyles for Diamond-Shaped Faces

Diamond-shaped faces are more angular, often featuring a narrow forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a tapered jawline. These striking features call for hairstyles that soften and balance. “Long, face-framing layers are great for diamond shapes. If your face is more angular, these can soften your features,” notes Kimberly Gueldner, renowned stylist and founder of Voël Hair.

Try these:

  • Long layers
  • Chin-length bob
  • Curtain bangs
  • Voluminous pixie cuts
  • Face-framing layers
  • Layered curly hair
  • Curtain bangs
  • Shoulder-length shag cuts
  • Soft, tousled waves

When choosing a hairstyle for diamond faces, the goal is to balance sharp features and highlight those beautiful cheekbones. Deep side parts and layered styles also draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

3. Best Hairstyles for Square Faces

Square faces have sharp features, so a soft hairstyle can create beautiful balance. Sirianno recommends trendy curtain bangs. “The Italian bob is another great choice—it adds softness and movement while the layers create a smooth, flattering flow.

These styles suit best:

  • Curtain bangs
  • Side-swept bangs
  • Italian bob
  • Voluminous layers
  • Long, layered cuts
  • Face-framing layers
  • Textured lob

Sirianno compares this look to the glamorous ’90s supermodel style. “The key is to keep the overall look soft and flowing.

4. Best Hairstyles for Oval Faces

Oval faces can pull off almost any style thanks to their balanced proportions. “From pixie cuts to bobs or even long styles, this face shape is incredibly versatile,” says Sirianno.

These are the top picks:

  • Pixie cuts
  • Bob hairstyles
  • Long, flowing styles
  • Shoulder-length lob
  • Layered shag cuts
  • Curtain bangs
  • Face-framing layers
  • Messy bob hairstyles

If you’re craving a change, don’t hesitate to cut it and try something new. Hair always grows back, and you’ll look great at any length,” says Sirianno.

5. Best Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces

As the name suggests, heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and cheekbones that taper down to a narrow, pointed chin. “Shorter face-framing layers like curtain bangs or longer, side-swept bangs also work well,” says Gueldner.

These styles suit best:

  • Face-framing layers
  • Curtain bangs
  • Layered pixie cut
  • Shoulder-length shag cut
  • Long layers
  • Chin-length lob
  • Layered lob
  • Solid bob

Look for styles that add volume around the jawline, like chin-length bobs or layered lobs. Bangs, especially curtain or side-swept, soften the face and highlight the eyes. Gueldner says you don’t have to go for a dramatic cut unless that’s your goal. “I usually focus on changing the face-framing parts rather than cutting length,” she explains. “I believe a curtain bang or layered cut refreshes your look and highlights your face shape more than same-length strands around the face.

About the author

Margaret Wolf

Margaret Wolf writes about relationships, family and the quiet emotional weather that shapes both. She’s drawn to the bits other columnists skip — the in-laws, the dog, the friendship that went strange in your thirties — and treats them with the same care as the big stuff.