Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

Choosing a hairstyle is an important moment for every girl and woman. An ideal look should always start with the elements that undoubtedly suit you. Face shape plays a significant role in the selection of hairstyles, as it helps to emphasize your strengths and add more charm to your appearance. Picking the right hairstyle for your face shape is quite easy if you know a few basic guidelines.

Oval Face Shape

This shape is characterized by elongated contours and soft rounded lines. It is considered the most versatile type when it comes to choosing hairstyles and makeup.

The oval face shape has virtually no restrictions in hairstyle selection. You can freely choose what you like best. A great option would be long haircuts and loose, flowing hair. Bangs are also an excellent choice, and there are plenty of options: side-swept, straight, short, choppy, and more.

You should also consider layered haircuts like cascading styles, short or long bobs, different types of curls, beach waves, and multi-layered cuts. These styles beautifully accentuate your facial features.

Round Face Shape

This face shape is characterized by approximately equal width of the forehead, chin, and cheekbones. Smooth and rounded transition lines give this face a certain youthful charm.

If you have a round face, it’s best to avoid thick, straight bangs as they will emphasize the roundness. Curls, both chemical and bio waves, are also not recommended. It’s better to stay away from hairstyles with long ends near the temples, straight lines, centered parts, and short cuts. Single-tone coloring should also be avoided, as it will further highlight the rounded contours.

The key goal when choosing a hairstyle for a round face is to visually bring it closer to an oval shape. So, consider layered haircuts and adding volume to the crown area. This will help elongate the face visually. High hairstyles, such as a ponytail, will also create the effect of a longer face. Don’t forget about the overall volume of your hair—flat and sleek strands won’t help to balance your natural features.

If you decide to go for bangs, choose asymmetrical or side-swept ones. Avoid excessive puffiness, as well as short, straight bangs.

As for length, long hair or styles at shoulder length are ideal. A long bob may also be a good choice.

Square Face Shape

This shape is marked by equal width of the forehead and jawline, with sharp transitions and no soft curves.

Those with square faces should avoid short haircuts, styles that expose the forehead, or straight, falling strands. These will only further emphasize the sharp angles. Thick straight bangs and symmetrical styles, as well as slicked-back hair, are also not recommended.

To soften the features of a square face, consider side-swept bangs and asymmetrical hairstyles. Curls, beach waves, and other types of waves work great—they soften the angular lines and frame the face nicely. To make the chin appear narrower in comparison to the forehead, add volume at the roots.

Any hair length works well for this face shape—from short to long. When choosing a style, keep in mind that volume is essential, and excessive sleekness or flat hair should be avoided.

Triangular Face Shape

A heart-shaped face features angular lines, a pointed chin, and wide cheekbones.

If this is your face shape, the main goal in choosing a hairstyle is to visually widen the lower part of the face and balance it with the forehead. Avoid straight and voluminous bangs, as they will make the forehead appear even wider. For the same reason, boyish cuts and slicked-back sides won’t work. Avoid tight buns and ponytails as well.

To achieve balance between the chin and forehead, go for trapezoid cuts, bobs, and long bobs. Curls, waves, crimped hair, and other styling techniques are ideal—they add volume and reduce the contrast between a narrow chin and a broad forehead.

If you want bangs, the best options are side-swept, thinned, long, or straight styles.

Those with long hair should maintain volume; texturizing individual strands can be a good technique.

Long Face Shape

This shape is defined by an elongated appearance, with the forehead, cheekbones, and chin being approximately the same width.

To balance the features of a long face, hair should be styled to create additional volume. Special hair care products can help with root volume and specific styles. Good options include curls, crimped or textured strands, waves, and other types of curling. Layered and cascading cuts are also worth considering.

It’s best to avoid long, sleek hair and center parts, as these will further elongate the face. Instead, opt for straight, side-swept, or thick bangs to cover the forehead and visually shorten the face.

As for hair length, medium or moderately short cuts are best. A long bob with a voluminous fringe would be an excellent choice.

Diamond Face Shape

This face type is characterized by wide and prominent cheekbones, and relatively narrow forehead and chin.

To visually balance this shape and bring it closer to an oval, it’s important to add width to the forehead through volume at the roots and appropriate styling. Like with long face types, you can use volumizing hair products. Teasing, voluminous styles, and braids are great options for those with this shape. Opt for thick, straight bangs—they make the forehead look wider and balance the cheekbones. Straight and side-swept bangs also work well.

Avoid hairstyles that expose the forehead or slick the hair back, as these emphasize the angular cheekbones.

In general, there are no strict limits on length—it can range from short to long—but avoid sleek and flat styles, as they do not suit this face type.

Curls, waves, and crimped styles look fantastic. Classic bobs and various types of carré cuts are excellent choices.

Once you understand the rules for choosing hairstyles based on face shape, you can create a look that suits you perfectly. Remember, no matter your face shape, the right hairstyle can easily hide imperfections and highlight your best features.

Anna BUNYAK