How To Find The Best Hairstyle For Your Face Shape

Let’s be real, choosing the right hairstyle can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack… blindfolded… during a windstorm. You see an amazing cut on someone else, rush to your stylist with screenshots in hand, and somehow end up looking like a potato in a wig. Been there, done that.

The truth? Your face shape is the secret sauce to unlocking the hairstyle that actually works for you, not just the one trending on TikTok. And today, we’re cracking that code together.

First Things First: What Is Your Face Shape?

Okay, before we even get to bangs vs. no bangs drama, let’s figure out what shape you’re working with. Here’s a quick cheat sheet (and no, you don’t need to whip out a protractor—just a mirror and some honesty).

Common Face Shapes:

Oval – Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide.
Round – Cheeks are full, and the face has almost equal width and height.
Square – Strong jawline and broad forehead.
Heart – Wider forehead and narrow chin (aka upside-down triangle).
Diamond – Narrow forehead and chin, wide cheekbones.
Long (or Oblong) – Length > width, often with a longer chin or forehead.

Pro tip: If you’re squinting at your reflection thinking “I’m all of them?”—go with the shape that dominates. No one’s face is a perfect geometric shape, FYI.

Oval Face Shape: Basically the Hair MVP

You know those lucky humans who can pull off everything from a pixie to mermaid waves? Yeah, they probably have oval faces.

Best Hairstyles:

Blunt bobs (think: sleek and sophisticated)
Long layers (adds movement without messing with proportions)
Waves and curls (you get bounce and balance)

Why it works: Oval faces have no sharp angles to soften or width to balance. It’s like nature gave them a hairstyle cheat code.

But wait… Avoid styles that hide your face. You don’t want to throw away that natural symmetry!

Round Face Shape: Let’s Add Some Angles, Baby

If your face is all about curves, the goal is to bring in some structure. We’re not trying to erase your soft features just balance them out.

What Slays:

Long layers that start below the chin
Side-swept bangs (instantly elongates the face)
High ponytail or top knot (lifts the face upward)

What to Skip:

Blunt bangs (they shrink the face visually)
Chin-length bobs (unless you want to look extra cherubic)

Ever notice how a deep side part can transform your whole vibe? That’s the magic of adding asymmetry to a round shape. It’s low effort, high impact.

Square Face Shape: Show Off That Jawline (Just Right)

Strong jaw? Own it. But if you don’t want to look like you’re about to be cast in an action movie (unless that’s your thing, of course), go for styles that soften the edges.

Best Bets:

Textured waves (softens the angularity)
Curtain bangs (add roundness up top)
Layered cuts with movement

Not-So-Great:

Slicked-back buns with no volume (hello, harsh angles!)
Super short pixie cuts (unless styled softly)

IMO, square-faced folks always look amazing with a little softness near the jaw or forehead—it creates balance without hiding your natural definition.

Heart Face Shape: All Eyes on the Cheekbones

With that wider forehead and narrow chin, you’ve basically got a built-in spotlight on your cheekbones. Let’s enhance that not overwhelm it.

Try This:

Long side bangs (draws attention away from a broader forehead)
Chin-length bobs or lobs
Wavy or layered styles that fill out the lower half

Maybe Skip:

Slicked high ponytails (they overemphasize the top half)
Short crops with volume on top (just… no)

Balance is the name of the game. You want to give that lower half of your face a little visual love. Don’t let your forehead hog all the attention.

Diamond Face Shape: Rare and Radiant

Narrow forehead + narrow chin + dramatic cheekbones = editorial vibes all the way. Your main goal? Soften sharp lines and add balance.

What Rocks:

Fringe or curtain bangs
Medium-length cuts with soft waves
Tucked-behind-the-ear styles (show off those cheekbones!)

What Doesn’t:

Super flat styles (you’ll look all cheekbone, no forehead)
Volume at the crown (it elongates the face more)

Tbh, diamond faces are incredibly versatile. You just need to avoid too much height or sharpness—unless you’re auditioning for Vogue.

Long Face Shape: Let’s Create Width (Not More Length)

If your face is on the longer side, the trick is to add volume sideways—not upward. Otherwise, you risk looking like you’re stretching reality (literally).

Your Faves:

Blunt bangs (cut off vertical length)
Shoulder-length styles
Curls or waves that start at the ears

Beware:

Pin-straight, long hair (hello, face curtain)
Center parts with flat sides (adds nothing but length)

Bangs can really be a game-changer here. I didn’t believe it either until I tried them and suddenly looked like I slept for eight hours (even when I didn’t).

Quick Style Rules (That Work for Everyone)

Just want the TL;DR version? Here’s your universal cheat sheet:

Add volume where your face is narrow.
Soften harsh lines if your features are angular.
Use bangs to hide or highlight forehead proportions.
Layers = your best friend. Always.

And yes, consult your stylist. They’re literally paid to make you look good. Bring reference pics, talk face shape, and trust their advice (unless they try to give you a mullet… then run).

Final Thoughts: You + The Right Hairstyle = Main Character Energy

Finding your perfect hairstyle isn’t rocket science—but it does take a little know-how (and maybe a Pinterest board or three). Start with your face shape, then build from there. Experiment, have fun, and don’t be afraid to switch it up if your look isn’t vibing anymore.

Remember: your hairstyle should enhance your face, not hide it. You’re the masterpiece the hair is just the frame.