Face Shape and Hair Styles . . . What You Should Know.

Every time the seasons change, there are new trendy hairstyles plastered across beauty blogs and magazine covers. But have you ever tried a popular cut and realized it just wasn’t for you? If so, it’s likely that the style in question just didn’t fit your face shape. Everyone has a different face shape, and when it comes to finding the right hairstyle, it’s all about understanding what cut will complement your facial features. Once you’ve got that down, you and your stylist can pick a style that will perfectly frame your face and show off your best qualities. 

What is Your Face Shape? 

Determining your face shape will help you pick a hairstyle that will focus on either defining features of your face or softening any hard angles. The goal is to create a balance between your lovely locks and the contours and features of your face. 

To understand how face shape is determined, you must focus on both the length and width of your face. Each of these proportions can be measured, and then compared against one another to give you an overall picture of your face shape. Another method is to take a photo of your face straight on and then draw an outline. This should give you a great idea of whatever shape your outline projects. 

However, the most foolproof way is to ask your stylist. Since they are experts in all things hair, they can take one look at your face and determine the shape. 

Face Shapes and Hair Styles 

Different hairstyles will help balance out elements of the face for a flawless style. Let’s go over the different face shapes and what styles work best with them. 

Oval 

Oval face shapes tend to have the least amount of hard angles and frame the features of the face very well. These face shapes can try any hairstyle without much worry. Some of the tried-and-true looks for oval faces are short, cute cuts or bobs and long minimal styles with soft waves and layers. 

Square 

Square face shapes feature a sharp jawline, with the widest parts of the face equaling the lengths. For the most flattering cut, you’re going to want to choose something that softens up these more angular features. Side-swept bangs and long airy layers are perfect cuts to balance out the angles. 

Round

Round faces are similar to square faces in their width and length proportions but feature prominent, rounded cheeks. The best cuts for round faces are asymmetrical and choppy looks to add in some more angular details. For long styles, go for layered cuts, and for short styles, choppy pixie cuts are your friend. 

Rectangular 

Rectangular faces – also known as “oblong” – describe those that have a longer face shape. If you have a rectangular shape, you want to avoid adding length to your face. Opting for soft, layered cuts like feathered hair and middle parts with bangs should help do the trick. 

Diamond 

Just like an actual diamond, this face shape is very angular with high cheekbones and pointed chins. The goal of a hairstyle for diamond face shapes is to soften the angles. Flattering styles are medium to long layered cuts with a bit of a wave or curl, to add definition and minimize sharpness. 

Heart 

Heart faces are similar to diamonds because both feature a pointed chin. But heart face shapes have a wider hairline. For something bolder, side-parted pixie cuts are great options for heart faces as you sweep the look away from the forehead. Blunt bobs and lobs are also very flattering for this shape and if you want something longer, go for curls or waves to add softness. 

Your face shape is your guide to the perfect hairstyle, and if you’re not sure where to start, you can work with one of our expert stylists at Elan Hair. Our stylists can figure out your face shape and create a look that will complement all of your best features. You’d be surprised what the right cut can do for your face.