Finding the Right Haircut For My Face Shape

Finding the appropriate haircut for your face shape isn’t an exact science; what looks good on Brad Pitt may only suit some. Thad suggests outlining your face shape using a dry-erase marker in front of a mirror before showing it to a barber or stylist.

Round Face

If your forehead is wider than it is at the chin, chances are you have a round face shape. To elevate your look further, consider opting for a short haircut featuring angled layers for increased structure and definition or an ash blonde balayage to add depth and dimension to your locks that frame your face. Long waves are incredibly flattering on round faces as they add volume around the forehead and lengthen your features. Or try going for a medium-length shag haircut featuring lots of choppy layers or an asymmetrical lob that emphasizes one side while softening another for an eye-catching, more chiseled appearance. Do not be intimidated by color. A bold hue like pink can instantly add sexiness to any hairstyle, drawing the eye upward and creating more angular cheekbones – perfect for round faces like brunettes!

Square Face

If your forehead and jawline have a similar width, you have a square face shape. To flatter this type, the key to successfully flattering this facial structure lies in softening its sharp angles with more feminine styles – like center-parted, wavy shoulder-length cuts with pieces fringes or adding plenty of texture into a layered cut up to about chin length to balance things out. To do so successfully. Curly hair can also be ideal for square faces, as its soft, flowing texture tends to soften a strong jawline. A shaggy pixie offers many styling possibilities with tight or looser coils for framing the face in various ways while remaining short enough for easy management and no unwanted bulkiness. Or consider asking your stylist to cut you a curly bob with long layers framing the face that decrease in thickness at the back for even greater face framing!

Long Face

Hairstyles for long faces can be tricky, but there are ways you can flatter the shape of your face shape through hairstyle. Bangs, face-framing layers, and elongation lengths are great ways to do just that. Claudia Schiffer and Sandra Oh show how a chin-length blunt bob with long layers can look sophisticated while balancing long faces. Try styling it with a side part for more formal occasions or an edgier deep side part to achieve this look. Carrie Bradshaw makes a case for opting for a layered shag as an appropriate style to emphasize her jawline and cheekbones, creating volume to balance out their frame. A pixie cut also works well, especially on thicker locks, as Lupita Nyong’o displays.

Oval Face

Oval-faced women are blessed with long faces that are wider than they are wide, making them suitable candidates for just about any hairstyle. A side-parted shoulder cut with light layers will flatter your facial structure without making you appear long or skinny; add cheekbone-skimming pieces to frame your features and highlight those stunning features! For shorter options, a pixie cut can be an incredibly flattering way to show off your cheekbones and jawline (especially with some length left at the top, as Ginnifer Goodwin has done). Or, if you want something different, try opting for an ultra-short bob with choppy ends for an unconventional yet original style. Curly girls will appreciate a medium-length wavy lob with piecey bangs as an attractive look. Add caramel blonde highlights for dimension and to emphasize your face’s natural beauty.