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September 23, 2023 6 min read 3 Comments
While every woman is unique in her own way, most hairstylists recognize six traditional face shapes—long, square, round, diamond-shaped, heart-shaped, and oval. But how can you choose a good haircut that perfectly fits the shape of your face?
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the perfect haircut for your face shape. So, without further ado, let's jump right into it!
Of course, it's important to keep in mind that there are other factors to consider while determining the best cut for your shape that includes hair texture, overall style, and tolerance level for hair maintenance. We will cover all of this in today's article, so keep reading to learn more.
Before we dive into the perfect haircuts for every face shape, it is important to figure out exactly how to determine that. Here are a few simple steps in which you can achieve that:
First, gather the tools you are going to need in order to determine the shape of your face, which are simple - a mirror and a piece of paper, or a digital device with camera.
Next, pull your hair back or use a headband to keep it away from your face. This will make it easier to see the contours of your face.
The next step to take if you are looking to choose the perfect haircut for your face shape is to find a place with a good lighting. Ensure you are in a well-lit area with natural light if possible - this is important so you can see your face shape more clearly.
You can use one of the following methods to determine your face shape:
Next, compare your traced outline or your mirror-drawn shape to the following common shapes:
Sometimes, your face shape may not fit perfectly into one category. It's possible to have a combination of shapes or features that don't fit the typical mold. Consider multiple views and angles to get a clearer picture.
Long faces can usually get away with a lot of cuts. However, a general rule of thumb here is, the longer your hair, the longer your face.
So if you’d like to add a little more dimension, opt for shorter cuts. If you’re a go long or go home die-hard, then we’d suggest styles where you can createplenty of volume, and long layers.
If you’re looking for a product to add volume, our Styling Trio will add some pep to your step and hair. If it works with your texture, bangs can be the perfect complement to long shapes, especially curtain fringes or Bardot bangs.
Back away from the rounded layers, since the most flattering layers for square-shaped faces are soft, multi-length ones. If you’re going for bangs, aim for the side swept kind.
Angled bobs with longer layers toward the front are workable for squares too. If your hair is naturally curly, curls and volume can help to round out more angular facial features.
Choppy ends are a way to add texture to square gals with straighter strands. Add even more texture to choppy ends with a texturizing spray like our Root Werk Root Lifter.
To elongate a rounder face, going for lengthsbelow the chin is key. Mid-length layers are a solid option. Celebrity hairstylist Andy Lecompte toldAllure, “It's about angling layers out the right way—not boxing the face in.
That'll make a round face look shorter.”If still want to do achin-length bob, try styling it with a deep side part.Is super short still your jam? Having some length on top of a pixie can be flattering for a round face.
Just try skipping the heating tools and styling with your fingers to keep a natural shape. You can set it with a flexible hold hairspray like theNuMe Hottie Alert Shine Spray.
How do you know if your face shape is diamond? Amy Abramite, from Maxine Salon in Chicago, told Byrdie that you could identify a diamond face by “... a small pointed chin, wide cheekbones, and a hairline that peaks at the top center of a narrow forehead.”
One of the diamond shaped beauties include Vanessa Hudgens. And speaking of shining bright like a diamond, some camps think Rihanna’s face is diamond while others say she’s square.
The best cuts for these gems include textured lobs (or long-ish bobs), or shoulder-length cuts with side-swept bangs (if bangs work for your texture). Same goes for shorter cuts on diamonds: the side-swept bangs are your friend.
According toSouthern Living, the heart shape“...is characterized by being widest at the forehead and cheeks, having a strong jawline, and tapering off into a defined chin.”
Your spirit animal is Jennifer Lawrence, one of the most famous of the heart-shaped faces. If you’re gunning for a short ‘do, the layered, side-swept pixie can look super cute on this face.
Longer locks do best with a layered lob, which is universally flattering anyway. If you're rocking bangs, they are usually long and slightly textured.
Tame longer bangs with a pro straightener like ourStyle Setter Hair Straightener, which has ⅞ inch pure titanium floating plates. This tool is great for smaller sections and hair that doesn’t want to stay smooth without putting up a fight.
The oval-shaped face can usually pull off anumber of different cuts. You can focus on what works best for your hair’s natural texture because almost any style or cut will flatter that cute oval head of yours.
For example, ovals can look adorable with a short blunt bob, or a long shag. You can rock a cut that lets you sport that California-esque, long, and parted-in-the-center style.
If you are keeping it long, keep those strands looking healthy between cuts with ourNot Your Basic End Sealer.
To determine your face shape, in good lighting, trace your face on a mirror or digitally with a selfie. Compare it to common shapes like oval, round, square, heart, diamond, or oblong. Consider angles. Your face shape impacts styling choices, but it's just one aspect of your overall look. Reassess as needed.
The rarest face shape is often considered to be the diamond shape. Diamond-shaped faces have wider cheekbones than the forehead and jawline, creating a unique and less common facial structure compared to oval, round, square, or heart-shaped faces, which are more prevalent.
However, rarity can vary by region and demographics.
Choosing a haircut depends on various factors: face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personal style. Consider your face shape for a flattering look, consult with a hairstylist for their expertise, and think about maintenance and styling preferences.
Look for inspiration in magazines or online, but ensure it aligns with your hair's natural texture and the time you're willing to invest in styling. Ultimately, opt for a haircut that boosts your confidence and suits your individuality.
We hope this guide will help with your next visit to the salon! For more hair inspo, definitely follow us on Instagram@NuMeHair.Sign up for our NuMe Rewards & Loyalty Program to earn points so that you'll be on your way to achieving gifts, products, tools, and even tickets to exclusive NuMe events!
Looking for more hair inspo? Check it out here & here!
Author: Mary Patterson Broome
May 12, 2022
Thank you for explaining that you can choose any cut that works with your hair’s natural texture with an oval face because almost any style will work. My friend was telling me that she is looking to try something new with her hair, but wants to make sure the cut will be perfect. I’ll be sure to mention this to her so that she can be confident that any cut should look wonderful on her face shape. http://www.renegadebarbers.com/
August 12, 2021
Ihave a shape face lie a round and oval shape.
If I do not have the right hair style .
Oeopkelook at me wierd. My daughter had the same shape as me.
When I see her hair style wrong, it looks like her face is wierd, why?
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Taylor Abrams
April 21, 2024
Thank you for clarifying that, with an oval face, practically any style will work, so you can select any cut that complements the natural texture of your hair. A friend of mine told me she wanted to try something different with her hair, but she was apprehensive about getting the ideal cut. I’ll make sure to let her know about this so she knows that any cut should look fantastic on her face shape once she finds the perfect hair salon. https://www.pretaportersalon.com/