Sometimes, trying out a new hairstyle isn't as easy as it seems. You go to the salon with a celebrity photo, eager to copy their look. But when you leave, something seems off. This usually isn't the stylist's fault. The problem is that the chosen hairstyle may not suit your unique facial structure. Celebrities often have stylists who pick looks to enhance their specific features. That’s a privilege that many of us simply don’t enjoy.
The good news is that understanding your face shape can help you select flattering hairstyles. Pairing your hairdo with your facial contours can bring out your best features and boost your confidence. We'll help you answer your question about what hairstyle suits me so you can achieve amazing looks all on your own – no glam squad needed.
Identifying Your Unique Face Shape
Finding hairstyles for my face shape is the first step to choosing flattering variants. Many think all faces are round or oval, but facial shapes are diverse. To identify yours, look at your hairline, face length and width, and jawline structure.
Here's an easy way to determine your face shape: Pull back your hair, grab an eyeliner or lip pencil, and face a mirror. Carefully trace your face's outline on the mirror. This outline will reveal which category your face shape falls into. Check the common face shapes below to classify yours.
Face Shape | Key Features |
Long | Face noticeably longer than it is wide |
Oval | Face length greater than the width, rounded jawline |
Long | Face noticeably longer than it is wide |
Square | Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width |
Round | Face as wide as it is long, with soft edges |
Heart | Broad forehead and cheekbones with a narrow jawline |
Diamond | Narrow forehead and jawline with wide cheekbones |
What Makes an Oval Face Shape Stand Out?
The face is described as oval when its length is greater than its width. This means that the jawline is slightly narrower than the hairline, creating a soft curve. There are no sharp corners or prominent points on this kind of face, so it looks even, and many people consider such an appearance attractive. The balanced proportions of oval-shaped faces allow for different hairstyles because they have symmetry, which is found in most beautiful things.
Among other celebrities, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Bella Hadid possess oval faces that enable them to wear various types of haircuts effortlessly. Their capability to change their appearance demonstrates how flexible oval face shapes can be. These famous individuals exhibit the adaptability of oblong faces by donning everything from smooth bobs to full curls, thus influencing trends and empowering others with similar features to be bold when styling their hair. If you have such a face, know there is nothing you cannot do with it – always feel free to try out different looks that will only bring out more of your natural charm.
Great Hairstyles for Oval Faces
If you have an oval face, the goal is to keep your facial features balanced. You'll want to avoid styles that elongate your face further. A blunt bob that hits at the shoulders is perfect. It frames your face nicely and shows off its symmetry. Or, try shoulder-length hair with soft layers. This adds volume and movement to your look, making your hair look thicker and bouncier.
For longer hair, changing your part can make a big difference. Side-swept bangs add style and balance to oval faces. They soften your features without going too extreme. You can play with different hair lengths and styles with an oval face. They will look flattering and proportional.
High-Fashion Styles and Updos
People with oval faces can try bold, stylish looks like slicked-back hair and fancy updos. Their face shape doesn't need fixing. Even those with short hair can get a neat high ponytail by adding hair extensions for extra length and body. Hairstyles that keep hair off the face are great for oval faces. They show off the balanced features - whether you pull hair back or tuck it behind the ears to highlight cheekbones.
Hairstyles to Avoid with an Oval Face
For oval faces, simple styles often look best. It's wise to steer clear of heavy bangs, as they can create the illusion of a shorter face. Hairstyles with one length all over can make your face seem longer than it is, which upsets your balanced features.
By following these tips, people with oval faces can bring out their natural beauty. Understanding these rules lets you confidently try diverse styles that highlight your face's symmetry and versatility. Picking the right style enhances your facial structure instead of clashing with it.
Understanding Heart-Shaped Faces
Individuals with heart-shaped faces possess a broad forehead and temples that taper down to the slightly pointed chin. This face shape's distinctive and attractive appearance is characterized by its wide upper part compared with the narrow lower part, thus creating an adorable silhouette that can be enhanced with certain haircuts.
Heart-shaped faces can be seen in people such as Tyra Banks, Kourtney Kardashian and Reese Witherspoon. Their hairstyles are always selected carefully to bring out their beauty while sometimes softening their foreheads and emphasizing cheekbones. These stars show how important it is for one's hair to be cut right to level out the facial structure of someone with such characteristics, thereby allowing more people to try different styles that suit them best based on what has worked well for these celebrities.
Ideal Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
People with heart-shaped faces can choose hairstyles that accentuate the tapered shape or make the lower face look more comprehensive to balance proportions. A high top knot or slicked-back high ponytail accentuates the heart-shaped contour of the face. Or a lob (long bob) brushing the shoulders can make the jawline appear wider. Long styles with a deep side part and loose waves falling to the collarbone shift focus from the forehead for a balanced look.
Styling Tips and Styles to Avoid
Shoulder-length hairstyles can improve heart-shaped faces by adding volume below the cheekbones, making the jawline seem wider. But avoid styles that exaggerate the narrowness of the face. People with a widow's peak shouldn't have a strict middle part, as it may not sit evenly due to the hairline's peak. Off-center parts work better. Also, avoid short bangs as they can make the chin look even more pointed and unbalanced.
What Makes Square Faces Unique
Square faces have strong lines. The forehead, cheeks, and jaw are about the same width. They have a very defined jawline. Many celebrities like Hailey Baldwin, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Olivia Wilde have square faces. This unique face shape allows for interesting hairstyles.
Styling Options for Square Faces
People with square faces can style their hair to enhance or soften their angles. Blunt bangs or short bobs emphasize the jawline. Side-swept, wispy bangs create diagonal lines that soften angles. Long hair with layers starting a few inches from the ends makes faces appear longer and draws attention downwards. Shorter bangs that reach the cheekbones highlight that area.
Hairstyles to Avoid with a Square Face
Some hairstyles can make a square face look too angular. Thick, blunt bangs or harsh cuts accentuate the sharp jawline and forehead. Severely slicked-back styles also bring out the angles too much. It's best to avoid hairstyles that exaggerate the strong lines of a square face shape.
For faces with square shape, try hairstyles that make them seem longer, not wider. Tight curls may make a square face seem broader. Opt for loose waves or straight styles instead. These soft styles help make a square face look longer and more balanced. Avoid hairstyles that increase the width appearance. Choose styles that create an illusion of length.
Understanding Round Faces
Round faces have the same width and length. They look soft and gentle without sharp angles or corners. This face shape often makes people look youthful. Hairstyles that bring out this youthful look are perfect for round faces. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Kirsten Dunst, and Ginnifer Goodwin have round faces. Their hairstyles show how versatile and flattering round face hairstyles can be.
Styling Tips for Round Faces
The main goal when styling a round face is to make it look longer and more oval-shaped. A simple trick is to leave a small section of hair untucked on one side. This makes the face look narrower. Short hairstyles like a trendy lob look great with a deep side part. This adds angles and dimension to the face. High ponytails also work well to elongate the face. For a bold look, a pixie cut with lots of volume at the crown can add texture and angles to flatter a round face without looking too harsh.
Avoidable Hairstyles for Round Faces
People with round faces often choose hairstyles that accidentally make their face look wider, like hiding behind a curtain of hair. Instead, medium-length cuts with long, face-framing bangs can refine the face shape while keeping a sleek texture. Soft, wispy bangs should be avoided because they can emphasize the roundness. Bold, structured bangs or side-swept bangs can define features more clearly and enhance the overall facial structure.
Defining Long Face Shapes
A long face shape is like an oval but more elongated. Its length significantly surpasses its width. Many famous people, like Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler, and Hilary Swank, have this facial structure. With a long face, hairstyles aim to make it look more comprehensive and more balanced.
Ideal Hairstyles for Long Faces
To balance a long face, you want hairstyles that create width. Curly hairstyles work well because the curls add volume and make the face look wider. Think of Carrie Bradshaw's flowing curls - they complemented her style and gave her face a fuller look. Loose waves near the cheekbones also have a widening effect. Starting waves close to the roots maximizes this effect. A big, voluminous blowout instantly adds body and width to balance the length.
Avoidable Hairstyles for Long Faces
For long faces, avoid hairstyles that add more length. Hairstyles longer than shoulder-length can make your face look even longer. One-length cuts or super sleek styles tend to elongate faces, too. Instead of length, add fullness and volume on the sides to achieve a balanced look.
Characteristics of Diamond Faces
If your forehead and jaw have a similar width, and your cheekbones are the most noticeable feature, creating a narrower chin, you probably have a diamond face shape. This shape tapers at the top and bottom, resembling a gemstone. Celebrities like Halle Berry, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ciara are known for their diamond faces, which allow for various hairstyle choices.
Best Hairstyles for Diamond Faces
Diamond faces are balanced and symmetrical, making them desirable. To highlight a diamond face's natural beauty, focus on accentuating its elegance. Side-swept bangs are a great option, drawing attention to the striking cheekbones typical of this shape. Adding long layers can soften the look while keeping the angular aesthetic.
For a modern twist emphasizing a diamond face's unique angles, a textured lob is flattering. It complements the sharp jawline and forehead. Sleek styles like a middle part with hair tucked behind the ears or a high ponytail are also excellent choices. They pull hair away from the face, showcasing the prominent bone structure and symmetry, creating an elegant look.
Hairstyles to Skip for Diamond Faces
Diamond faces can suit many styles, but some looks may not enhance this face shape well. Avoid heavy, round bangs - they can make the face seem shorter and more squarish. Skip straight bangs, too - they highlight wider cheekbones, making the chin appear narrower. The goal is a hairstyle that keeps the face's nice balance, not overdoing any one feature.
Finding your true face shape is an important first step for choosing the perfect flattering hairstyle. Look at your face's measurements and shape. Then find celebs with similar faces and styles you admire will likely suit you. Doing this highlights your best features and boosts confidence!
What face shape are you? Do you have go-to hairstyles that work great for your face? Share your experiences and favorite styling tips below! We love hearing about your personal beauty journeys!