Because, believe it or not, long hair doesn’t work for everyone!
It took me 17 years to realize that long hair just doesn’t work for my face shape. Paired with my strands’ fine texture, my just-below-chest-length locks elongated my already oval face and added no dimension whatsoever–if anything, they took away dimension. Thankfully, I soon realized that a short bob was the way to go.
Circa eight years later, and I’ve not looked back since; my shoulder-grazing style now holds more volume than it ever did!
But it’s not just oval face shapes that suit particular hairstyles. Heart, round, square, and diamond face-shaped people, listen up because I spoke to two hair experts, Chlöe Swift and Danielle Garner, who shared their advice on how to find the best cut and style for you, too. Glow-ups pending…
Oval
Oval face-shaped peeps, we’ve got some good news for you. Chlöe Swift says that you have the most versatile face shape of the bunch, meaning you suit many different styles, “from longer lengths and layers to blunt bobs and especially fringes.”
Danielle Garner also agrees, saying that there’s “tons of flexibility” with an oval face shape. She recommends a classic blunt bob with curtain bangs as the cut highlights the symmetry in the face.
Avoid: A centre parting if you have a squoval face shape. With lots of length, this style can ‘pull’ down on the face, making it appear even longer,” Chlöe says.
Round
Generally, the goal for round faces is to create the illusion of length and add some angles. “Long lengths with layers and face-framing pieces work a treat to elongate the face,” Chlöe says. In terms of styling said layers, Danielle adds that “a side part adds shape without making anything feel too harsh.”
Avoid: A round, layered, jaw-length bob cut. “This will only accentuate the rounded shape,” Chlöe says.
Heart
Sabrina Carpenter is a perfect example of how to perfect the heart-shaped face hairstyle. The goal is to soften the width at the forehead and potentially balance a very narrow chin, and she does this so romantically with her signature big, bouncy curls and long curtain bangs. “Heart-shaped faces look amazing in cuts that add volume around the jawline,” says Danielle.
If you’re looking for something a little shorter, however, Danielle says that a collarbone-length lob with natural texture and a side part works well, too. That or a layered pixie-bob with soft, piecey bangs, if you’re looking to go super short!
Styling-wise, Chlöe recommends loose waves; “they add softness to the face, whereas poker straight hair can look too sharp against defined cheekbones.”
Square
Square-shaped faces tend to have angular jaws. To soften any harsh lines, Danielle recommends a tousled mid-length cut with airy layers. “Soft, wispy texture helps balance out the angles of your jaw and brings out your natural glow,” she says. Think: beachy waves.
Agreeing, Chlöe says: “Side swept bangs or curtain bangs work great to break up a ‘boxy’ look, especially as these are styled with a more curved and rounded shape.”
Avoid: A blunt full fringe; “This will add to the square look and even emphasise it,” Chlöe says.
Diamond
Diamond faces are all about those gorgeous cheekbones, meaning a textured bob or lob with curtain bangs or a fringe is perfect. “The goal is to add some width to both the forehead and jawline to balance out the face,” Chlöe says.
Danielle agrees, adding that “a chin-length bob widens the lower half of your face in the best way, while a shag with bangs softens everything beautifully.”
For those daring to go short short, chic pixie cuts work really well on diamond face shapes, too. “The style keeps the volume at the top of the head and shows off those defined cheekbones,” Chlöe says.
Avoid: Layers that hit the cheekbones and flat hairstyles.
How to find your face shape
You’ll be pleased to hear that discovering which face shape you have is simpler than you might think. Chlöe shares that all you need to do is pull your hair back, look in a mirror with even lighting (avoid shadows), and observe these key areas:
- Forehead width
- Cheekbone width
- Jawline width
- Face length
When looking at these areas, you should be able to visualise a shape in the mirror. However, if you’re struggling, she breaks it down further:
Oval face shapes: The length of the face is greater than the width, with a rounded jaw and forehead width slightly wider than chin width.
Round face shapes: They are more equal in length and width, with a soft, rounded jawline and soft cheekbones.
Square face shapes: They are more equal in width and length, with a strong jawline and flatter chin.
Rectangle face shapes: The length of the face is long compared to the width, with a squared jaw and square hairline/forehead.
Heart face shapes: You have a wide forehead, strong cheekbones, and a narrow jawline with a more pointy chin.
Diamond face shapes: You have a narrow, small forehead and narrow, pointy jaw with defined pointy cheekbones.
Meet the experts:
Chlöe Swift is an award-winning hair content creator, renowned for her professional styling tutorials and haircare content. She has over 15 years of experience in the industry with an extensive background as a global educator and professional content manager leading brands. And, humble brag, Chlöe proudly holds the title of #1 National Pro Beauty Influencer of the Year, a testament to her influence and excellence in the field! Impressive, much?
Danielle Garner is a visionary hairstylist and advocate for holistic beauty. She fosters an environment where individuals can embrace their unique beauty, and, unlike most, transcends traditional norms of the hair industry. She has worked with brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton, YSL, and more, which, TBH, speaks for itself!
