Basic Face Shapes

Basic Face Shapes: Knowing Your Shape and Choosing the Right Style

Have you ever considered your face shape when choosing a cut or style? Your face shape can significantly change how certain hairstyles look on you. There are 7 basic face shapes and certain styles flatter each one! I am going to go into more detail about each basic face shape and what you might need to consider when choosing a new look. The 7 basic face shapes are oval, round, square, diamond, heart, pear and oblong. Now you might be thinking thats great, but which one do I have? Well grab a mirror and read on as I describe each one!

OVAL

The oval face shape is longer than wide, with a jaw that is narrower than the cheekbones. Because the oval shaped face is so proportional, this face shape looks good with about any hair style. Any length of cut looks great! Congratulations! Add layers near the cheekbones, lips, or chin to accentuate that feature.

ROUND

The round face shape is characterized by a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. These face shapes look great with longer hair that lengthens the face. Long layers are the most flattering for this face shape, where short layers can accentuate the roundness of the face. Side swept bangs can also add length to a round face.

SQUARE

The square face shape is characterized by a wide hairline and jawline. The square shaped face need height on top and narrowness at the sides. Deep side parts, texture, and soft bangs helps balance the square face shape. Longer length looks great with their more angular and powerful jawline. This face shape should avoid straight lines.

DIAMOND

The diamond face shape is characterized by a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones. Hair styles that work best with this face shape have narrower sides and fullness at the chin. A bob is a great haircut for this face shape. This face shape can also add straight bangs to shorten the face. Also try tucking your hair behind your ears to accentuate your prominent cheekbones!

HEART

This face shape is characterized by a wider forehead and narrower chin. Adding side swept bangs to this style helps disguise the width of the forehead. Keeping the style fuller around the jaw helps to add weight to the narrower chin.

PEAR

The pear face shape, which is also sometimes called a triangular face, is characterized by a small or narrow forehead and a larger jawline. Longer styles can help disguise the prominence of the jawline. When considering a shorter hair cut add volume to the top in order to add fullness to the top of the face.

OBLONG

This face shape is characterized by a very long and narrow bone structure. Longer hair pulls the face down making it appear even longer. If you have an oblong face keep your style shorter or add shorter layers. Adding curls and body can make the face appear wider as well.

Now that we have gone over the 7 basic face shapes and some fun tips on what to consider when choosing a style for your unique face shape, maybe you are ready for a fun change influenced by your own face shape! Happy styling!