If you've ever heard you should choose a hairstyle based on your face shape, chances are you've spent some time staring in the mirror quizzically. There are so many different face shapes—from round face to diamond, after all.
Unfortunately, there's no step-by-step method to yield a definitive answer, says Annie Tevelin, makeup artist and founder of SkinOwl. Determining your face shape is all about the measurements of each quadrant. Though not precise, the easiest way to do this is to print out a picture of yourself and trace a line around your face and hairline to see what shape it most resembles, says Tevelin.
Once you've done that, consult the guide below for more help landing on your face shape, plus get helpful styling tips to take to your hairdresser.
Round faces
Round faces are relatively symmetrical. When you measure from ear to ear and from the top of the forehead to the chin, these lengths should be within an inch or two of each other, says Fae Norris, a hairstylist at Rock Paper Salon in Los Angeles. People with round faces also tend to have a soft jaw and cheekbones, she says.
Celebs with round faces: Mila Kunis and Selena Gomez
Hair tips: For those with round faces, longer lengths and straighter styles with volume on the top will deliver a more oval appearance, says Norris. Try middle and slightly off-center parts or wear your hair half up in a messy bun with soft waves and textured layers, she suggests. You can also go for a modern shag with a texturized curtain bang that hits the cheekbones. A stick straight look à la Cher is also an especially nice style for round faces, says Norris.
Square faces
Like round faces, square faces are rather symmetrical—measurements around the face tend to be within an inch or two of each other, says Norris. But square faces are generally characteristic of a strong jaw and cheekbones.
Celebs with square faces: Angelina Jolie, Rosario Dawson, and Olivia Wilde
Hair tips: "Stylists will often suggest opting for a style that softens the jaw, draws out the cheek bones, and creates length," says Norris. "While styles with side parts or different types of bangs or fringe can look great, a safe bet is to cut to the brow or slightly below and blend in at the corners." If you have curly hair, opt for a length that hits at—or below—the jaw with a little volume at the crown. Pixie adjacent cuts with short sides and a long, texturized or curly top can soften the square face shape, too, says Norris.
Oval faces
The length of an oval, or egg-shaped face, is roughly one and a half times longer than the width, says Norris. Typically, people with oval faces have a soft jaw and forehead, too.
Celebs with oval faces: Liv Tyler, Rihanna, and Jessica Alba
Hair tips: "A good method is to pick a style that brings focus to your favorite feature," says Norris. "Layers starting at the jaw and below will bring out cheekbones, razor cut baby bangs will highlight the eyes, and the "French girl bob" hitting anywhere between the chin and collarbone with waves or curls looks phenomenal." Norris suggests avoiding extra-long hair without layers and any style that delivers unnecessary height, but you do you, of course.
Heart faces
Heart-shaped faces tend to have a wider forehead, sculpted cheekbones, and a very narrow chin, says Norris.
Celebs with heart faces: Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow
Hair tips: "For a heart-shaped face, which has more width at the forehead and cheekbones leading to a narrow or pointy chin, I recommend highlighting the most prominent feature—typically the cheekbones," says Norris. Try a blunt long bob or a style with side bangs. "I also love a textured shag hitting at the shoulders or above, with layers starting between the eyes and nose."
Diamond faces
This face shape is pointy and narrow through the chin and forehead and is widest at the cheekbones, says Norris.
Celebs with diamond faces: Halle Berry and Selma Blair
Hair tips: This face shape is often confused with the similar heart-shaped face, says Norris. But diamond-shaped faces are defined by finer, slightly pointy features. "Diamond-shaped faces look wonderful with the hair completely back or up, close cropped pixie cuts, straight locks, or anything close to the face," says Norris. "Very short, textured bangs can also look fantastic." The trick is to avoid too many layers or voluminous styles that hide your visage, she says.
Pear faces
This face shape is the opposite of a heart-shaped face and is notable for a wide jaw that measures 1.5 times the width of the forehead, says Norris.
Celebs with pear faces: Kelly Osbourne and Kate Walsh
Hair tips: A pear-shaped, or more triangle face, is widest at the jaw and narrower through the forehead, says Norris. She suggests trying heavy, straight bangs to balance the top with the bottom or an extra-straight style that's sleek at the jaw line to keep the forehead open.
For more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
