How to Choose The Perfect Haircut For Your Face Shape

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. 

How do I know my face shape?

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:

1. Tie back your hair

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.

2. Find a good lighting

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. 

3. Try one of these methods

You can use one of the following methods to determine your face shape:

• The mirror method - use a piece of soap, lipstick, or a dry-erase marker to outline the shape of your face directly onto the mirror. Step back and observe the shape you've drawn. Compare it to common face shapes (oval, round, square, heart, diamond) to see which one it most closely resembles.
• The digital method - take a selfie with your smartphone or use a webcam to capture your face. Import the photo onto a computer or smartphone and use image editing software or apps that allow you to draw on the image. Trace the outline of your face with a tool like a pencil or brush, and examine the traced outline and compare it to common face shapes.

4. Analyze your face shape

Next, compare your traced outline or your mirror-drawn shape to the following common shapes:

• Oval - forehead is slightly wider than the jaw, with rounded cheeks
• Round - face is nearly as wide as it is long, with soft, curved edges
• Square - forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are all of similar width, with angular edges
• Heart - forehead is wider than the jaw, with a pointed chin
• Diamond - cheekbones are the widest part of the face, with a narrower forehead and jawline.
• Oblong/Rectangle - face is longer than it is wide, with a straighter jawline.

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.

Which is the right haircut for my face shape?

1. Haircuts for long faces

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 create plenty 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. 

2. Haircuts for square faces

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.

3. Haircuts for round faces

To elongate a rounder face, going for lengths below the chin is key. Mid-length layers are a solid option. Celebrity hairstylist Andy Lecompte told Allure, “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 a chin-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 the NuMe Hottie Alert Shine Spray.

4. Haircuts for diamond-shaped faces

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. 

5. Haircuts for heart-shaped faces

According to Southern 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 our Style 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.

6. Haircuts for oval faces

The oval-shaped face can usually pull off a number 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 our Not Your Basic End Sealer.

FAQ

How do I know my face shape?

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.

What's the rarest face shape?

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.

How do I decide which haircut to get? 

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