Before going under the barber’s clipper, it’s worth knowing which styles best suit your face shape. After all, an extra inch here or a smattering of facial hair there can make all the difference. So, how do you choose the right haircut for your face shape?
What Face Shape Am I?
But how can you determine what shape your face is? It’s simple. First, arm yourself with a flexible tape measure. Then, take the following measurements, recording each as you go.
Forehead: Measure across your face from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the opposite arch.
Cheekbones: Measure across your cheekbones, starting and ending at the pointiest part below the outer corner of each eye.
Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the point at which your jaw angles upwards. Multiply that number by two to get your jawline measurement.
Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Once you’ve taken these measurements, note which is the largest of the four, then compare this to the seven main profiles to find out where your face falls.
Oval: Face length is greater than the cheekbones’ width, and forehead is greater than the jawline. The angle of the jaw is rounded rather than sharp.
Rectangle: Face length is the most critical measurement. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in size.
Triangular: Jawline measures greater than cheekbones, which measure larger than the forehead.
Round: Cheekbones and face length have a similar measurement. They are larger than the forehead and jawline, which also have a similar measurement. The angle of the jaw is soft and much less defined.
Heart: Forehead measures greater than the cheekbones and jawline — the chin is pointed.
Square: All measurements are somewhat similar. The angle of the jaw is sharp rather than rounded.
Diamond: Face length measures largest. Then, in descending order: cheekbones, forehead, and smallest jawline. The chin is pointed.
How To Choose The Right Haircut For Your Face Shape
Haircuts For Oval Faces
“The trick with an oval face shape is to wear your hair off the forehead to create some volume and angles on top,” says Aveda master barber Stelios Nicolaou. “The most suitable style is a classic short back and sides and slightly longer on the top, with a side-swept parting.”
You’ll also want to avoid a forward fringe. “Too much heaviness on the forehead softens features and increases roundness of the face,” says celebrity hairstylist Jamie Stevens.
And feel free to ditch the beard, says Ruffians creative director Denis Robinson. “You don’t need facial hair to fill out any disproportionate gaps, in this case, so feel free to go clean-shaven.”
Haircuts For Square Faces
“Classic, neat haircuts complement a square shape best–think close fades, side partings and short layers,” says Stevens. Some light stubble also gives the sharpness of your jawline a little welcome texture without blurring its line.
Haircuts For Rectangle Faces
“Because a rectangular face looks longer, it’s important to avoid taking the sides too short if keeping length on the top, as this would only accentuate the length of the face,” explains Nicolaou. “Try a well-proportioned style that doesn’t take the sides too short or leave too much length on top.”
Taking that advice, try a style that lets the hair fall to the sides and/or across the forehead to add width and ensure your face doesn’t appear narrower than it is.
Haircuts For Round Faces
“If you’ve got a round face shape, think square,” says Stevens. “Since round faces have little in the way of natural angles, you need to create the illusion of structure with your hair. A style with height on the top that’s taken tight at the sides such as a pompadour or a flat top works well to add structure, as do front fringes.”
“Square corners in the high recession area of your hair will sharpen up any soft edges,” adds Robinson. “A full square beard will also help thin the chin area, giving the appearance of a more chiselled jaw”
Haircuts For Diamond Faces
“Hairstyles that add width at the forehead and chin area are your best bet,” says Stevens. “Fringes work well to add texture to the forehead, while longer styles that can be tucked behind the ears are great for accentuating a diamond shape’s bone structure”
Don’t, however, take the sides too short-given the width of the cheekbones, a hairstyle that’s particularly short at the sides will only make your ears look bigger.
Haircuts For Heart-Shaped Faces
“Avoid cuts that are very tight, as these will accentuate the narrowness of the chin and the width of the forehead,” says Stevens. “A medium-length swept look is the safest bet.” Mid-length and long hairstyles that are kept reasonably thin and light soften the heart shape’s strong forehead.
Haircuts For Triangle Faces
“A style with volume is king with this one,” says Stevens. “Opt for longer, nose-length haircuts with fuller sides, which work to add depth.”
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