Choosing the right haircut is not just about following trends, but understanding what suits you perfectly. The shape of your face plays a key role in this. A successful hairstyle can soften harsh lines, add balance where it is really needed, emphasize your advantages, and make the image more harmonious.
Just imagine: when the proportions of the haircut complement the features of your face, everything looks natural. Your cheekbones seem clearer, your jawline is more sculpted, and the overall style becomes holistic. That is why stylists always start their work by determining the shape of your face, and only after that do they advise on length, bangs, or layers.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to figure out what suits you! A few simple recommendations will help you choose a haircut with which you will feel 100% confident every day. And high-quality tools from AENO can be a huge help, too, making it easy to recreate any look while keeping your hair smooth, healthy, and manageable.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
If we simplify the work of a stylist to one action, it would be the ability to skillfully “read” the face. Its shape sets the rules of the game: it tells you what length to choose, where the volume should appear, and what is better to avoid. That is why the same haircut looks completely different on different types of faces. So, the first thing that will help answer the question “What hairstyle suits me?” is to understand your own proportions.
Most of us do not think about this in everyday life, but our anatomy speaks volumes without unnecessary words: the hairline, the width of the cheekbones, and the clarity of the jaw — all these features form a silhouette that can be easily classified. And although there are many face shapes, stylists have six main categories that guide them almost everywhere in the world.
Basic face shapes
1. Oval
An oval face is considered perfectly balanced. This is a shape that almost any haircut suits, from ultra-short bobs to long waves.
Key features: forehead slightly wider than chin + cheekbones widest + smooth silhouette without sharp transitions.
In fact, if your proportions resemble an inverted egg, congratulations! You are the owner of a shape that stylists simply adore for its versatility.
2. Round
A round face often looks younger and softer than other shapes, because its silhouette is devoid of angles.
Key features: length and width are approximately the same + expressive rounded cheekbones + soft jaw line.
Stylists usually work with a round shape, adding vertical lines. They help make the face more elongated and structured.
3. Square
This is a shape that cannot be confused with others: it is strong, graphic, and expressive.
Key features: the width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw is almost the same + clear, “architectural” lines + expressive angle of the lower jaw.
This is one of the most spectacular shapes, which is perfectly combined with asymmetry and soft waves. These elements smooth out right angles in the best possible way.
4. Rectangle
A rectangular face is an elongated version of a square.
Key features: the face is longer than it is wide + the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are almost the same width + the lines are vertical and elongated.
It is important to balance the length here so that the face does not seem too elongated. Usually, volume on the sides or bangs is used for this.
5. Heart
This shape is sometimes called triangular.
Key features: a wide forehead, sometimes a pronounced hairline + a narrowed chin + pronounced cheekbones.
This shape naturally looks very elegant. However, it requires a competent distribution of volume to balance the lower part of the face.
6. Diamond
This shape is not very common, but it always looks very “sculptural.”
Main features: + narrow forehead + narrow chin + wide, voluminous cheekbones.
Stylists like this shape for its drama. The right hairstyle helps balance the upper and lower parts of the face, effectively emphasizing the cheekbones — the main trump card of diamond owners.
How to quickly determine your shape: 3 proven methods
Even if you have never analyzed your face, there are several simple ways to do it right at home. Choose the most comfortable one and find out your shape right now!
Visual method of “outlining in the mirror”
This method guarantees almost 100% results. It is ideal for those who feel that their face shape lacks certain features. To determine the facial shapes and haircuts that will suit it, you only need a few steps:
- Stand in front of the mirror.
- Pull your hair back.
- Carefully trace the outline of your face in the mirror with lipstick or a marker.
- Step back and look: the silhouette will be as obvious as possible.
This method will be helpful for owners of mixed shapes who cannot find the features of any one option in themselves.
Selfie method with a smartphone
Want a more accurate analysis? Selfie will definitely satisfy your requests:
- Take a frontal photo in natural light.
- Open the image in the editor and draw auxiliary lines.
- Compare the width of the forehead, cheekbones, jaw, and face length.
This way, you will see the proportions from the side, which is always more objective than in the mirror.
Measurement method (for guaranteed truthfulness)
The best option for those who want absolute accuracy. You need to take a few simple measurements:
- Forehead — from one temple to the other.
- Cheekbones — along the widest part.
- Jaw — from corner to corner.
- The length of the face is from the hairline to the chin.
Then, compare the data with the descriptions of the shapes — and that’s it!
A little life hack for those who have doubts
If you are hesitating between two shapes, pay attention to two key parameters: what is the widest, and what is the narrowest. These points will help you determine the right hairstyles for your face shape.
Suitable Hairstyles for Each Face Shape
The shape of the face is a map that tells you where to add volume, where to remove it, and what length to choose so that the silhouette looks harmonious. There are no “bad” or “complicated” shapes: each has its own unique advantages, and the right hairstyle can make them even more expressive.
Below is the most detailed guide to help you understand which hairstyles will work best for each face shape!
Oval face — a universal basis
The oval shape is considered a standard in the world of hairdressing. Its proportions are balanced, the lines are smooth, and the width of the forehead and lower part of the face are almost identical. That is why stylists love to work with an oval — almost any haircut looks natural and emphasizes the harmony of the features.
What hairstyles suit an oval face best?
Versatility is not a reason to choose the first hairstyle that comes to mind. Some styles can make the image even more elegant and expressive!
1. Long waves and soft curls
This is a classic that never goes out of style. Soft waves add movement, volume, and texture, while maintaining perfect proportions.
Why it works: The oval shape easily “holds” both light and dense curls, allowing you to play with width and silhouette.
Star examples: Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz.
Life hack: To make your curls smooth and shiny, use a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment and intelligent temperature control mode. It reduces overheating and helps avoid frizz.
2. Straight parting + straight hair
Medium or long smooth hair perfectly emphasizes the symmetry of the oval. A straight parting adds stylish lines and a bit of rigor.
Why it works: A straight parting visually lengthens the face and makes the features even clearer.
Star examples: Kim Kardashian, Lee Chi Ming, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Life hack: For perfect smoothness, dry your hair by brushing from top to bottom, controlling the direction of the air flow.
3. Long bob
One of the trending options of recent years. Elongated front strands visually elongate the neck, creating an atmosphere of aristocracy.
Why it works: The long bob shape repeats the natural proportions of the oval and, at the same time, adds structure and graphicity.
Star examples: Carey Mulligan, Olivia Palermo, Lily Collins.
Life hack: to make the long front strands lie beautifully and not “break,” additionally fix the shape after drying with a cool stream.
4. Bangs — any!
The oval allows you to experiment boldly, discovering new and new options for yourself — a curtain, straight, asymmetrical, softly profiled, etc.
Why it works: bangs change the mood of the image, but do not distort the proportions. In this case, you can choose it based on style and personal preference, rather than the need for correction.
Star examples: Dakota Johnson (curtain), Emma Stone (soft straight), Bella Hadid (short graphic).
Life hack: to keep your bangs from frizzing and hold their shape even without a straightener, dry them separately with a small-diameter round brush, directing the air from top to bottom.
What should you avoid?
Although the oval shape is very flexible, some styles can “lose” the natural proportions:
- Too short “bébé bangs” — they can make the face look harsher.
- Volume only on the sides, without balance at the top — the shape becomes rounder.
- Excessively straight and thin long hair without layers — if the hair is thin, this makes the image “tired.”
Remember that for owners of oval faces, the quality of styling plays a special role. Even the best haircut will not reveal its potential if the hair looks dry or dull. That’s why stylists recommend using hair dryers and stylers with temperature control and ionization, such as AENO. They help maintain the shine and healthy appearance of hair.
Round Face — Focus on Vertical
A round shape is characterized by soft lines, equal width and height, smooth cheeks, and almost imperceptible angles. This creates a gentle, youthful, “baby-face” effect, which many seek to emphasize or, conversely, balance with clearer lines.
What suits a round face best
The ideal combo is a round face shape and haircuts that add verticality and structure. They help visually stretch the silhouette, emphasize cheekbones, and make the image more graphic.
1. Elongated haircuts with vertical lines
Long hair is a win-win option for owners of a round face. It stretches the silhouette and softens the width.
Why it works: Vertical lines create the illusion of a longer face and visually reduce the fullness of the cheeks.
Optimal length: Below the shoulders or at least from the collarbones.
Star examples: Selena Gomez, Mila Kunis.
Life hack: For perfectly straight hair, use the “stretching” brushing technique while drying.
2. Long graduated bob (front)
An elongated bob is a great solution if you want structure without a radical reduction in length.
Why it works: The front strands, going below the chin, create verticality and elongate the face, while the back ones add lightness and volume.
Star examples: Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Lana Condor.
Life hack: Stylists advise drying the front strands forward and down — this way, they beautifully frame the face and do not “break.” The AENO HS1 model simplifies this technique with convenient mounts.
3. Soft layers and light texture
Layers add movement and vertical dynamics, which is especially beneficial for round shapes.
Why it works: Light layers reduce the “massiveness” of the sides, making the face visually narrower.
Who suits it best: Owners of thick to medium-thick hair.
Star examples: Cindy Crawford, Miley Cyrus.
Life hack: To prevent layers from fluffing, dry your hair upside down, but be sure to fix the shape with cold air at the end.
4. Asymmetry for balance
Asymmetrical hairstyles, from elongated front strands to oblique parting, help “break” the symmetry of a round shape.
Why it works: Round faces always have perfect symmetry, and asymmetry adds complexity, sharpness, and structure. This can be a side parting, an asymmetrical bob, or long oblique bangs.
Star examples: Kirsten Dunst, Emma Roberts, Jennifer Goodwin.
Life hack: A side parting always looks better on straight hair. So, use an air concentrator and dry the strands from the roots to the ends.
What should you avoid?
Even the most beautiful round face can “lose balance” if you choose an unsuccessful haircut:
- Short, straight bangs — create a horizontal line that makes the face even rounder.
- Thick volume on the sides at the level of the cheeks — visually enlarges them.
- Short haircuts without upper volume — round the silhouette.
- Small-diameter curls — create a “ball” around the head.
Round faces look great with a light, natural volume on top. Proper drying helps achieve this — lifting the hair at the roots by combing or drying with the head tilted forward.
Square Face — Soften Geometry
A square face shape is one of the most expressive and characteristic. However, excessive geometricity sometimes gives the impression of “rigidity,” which can be easily balanced with a properly selected hairstyle.
What hairstyles are suitable for a square face?
Hairstyles for face shape should smooth out the angles, create vertical accents, and avoid excessive width at the bottom.
1. Long waves and soft texture
Long waves are a classic that suits almost everyone. Smooth movements of the hair compensate for a clear jaw line and make the image softer.
Why it works: Waves create a natural frame for the face, smoothing out the angles.
Star examples: Keira Knightley, Olivia Wilde.
Life hack: To make the waves look light and not “broken,” dry your hair at medium temperature and shape the waves with a brush.
2. Elongated bob with asymmetry
An asymmetrical long bob is a way to visually lengthen the face and distract attention from its excessive symmetry.
Why it works: Asymmetry “breaks” the straight lines of a square shape.
Star examples: Rachel McAdams, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Life hack: Dry the front strands by tilting your head forward — this way, the hair creates a soft framing and naturally frames the jaw.
What should you avoid?
In order not to emphasize the clear geometry even more, it is better to avoid straight thick bangs, short haircuts straight to the jaw, and excessive side volume in the lower part. These elements make the face visually heavier and more massive.
Rectangular Face — Length Balance
A rectangular face is similar to a square face, but with a more pronounced vertical axis. The task of a haircut is not to add width on the side but to create soft horizontals and soften the overall contour.
What hairstyles are suitable for a rectangular face?
What exactly do you want to compensate for? Excessive verticality? High forehead? Wide lower part? The right hairstyle will do this inconspicuously and effectively.
1. Volumetric waves and medium length
One of the most successful options for a rectangular face.
Why it works: Waves gently “stretch” the silhouette in width, and the length to the collarbones does not overload the vertical axis.
Star examples: Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler.
Life hack: Use a diffuser on a low temperature for a soft, directed flow that preserves the shape of the waves.
2. Elongated bangs or curtain bangs
Curtain bangs are the perfect way to “shorten” a long face without losing hair length.
Why it works: Bangs create a horizontal line that visually reduces the height of the forehead and makes the face more proportional.
Star examples: Dakota Johnson, Penelope Cruz are great examples of how bangs “gather” an elongated silhouette.
Life hack: Dry the bangs with a small brush, directing the air from top to bottom.
What should you avoid?
Taboos for this face shape are too long, straight hair without volume, a center parting, and a lack of volume in the temple area, which makes the silhouette even more elongated.
Heart — Balance Between Forehead and Chin
A heart-shaped face often looks expressive due to its wide forehead and narrow, elegant chin. The task of the hairstyle is to balance these proportions, creating soft, harmonious lines and making the features more proportional.
What suits best:
- Elongated bobs — slightly frame the face and compensate for the width of the forehead.
- Light waves below the cheekbones — add volume where it is needed.
- Side parting — reduces the emphasis on the center of the forehead and makes the image softer.
- Elongated bangs — beautifully even out the proportions.
Star examples: Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Campbell.
What is better to avoid: Hairstyles with a lot of volume on the crown or ultra-short options that open the forehead and increase the imbalance.
Diamond — Emphasis on cheekbones
A diamond-shaped face is rare and incredibly effective. The hairstyle should emphasize this natural “sculpture” while gently balancing the overall proportions.
Ideal solutions:
- Volume in the forehead or chin area — helps balance dominant cheekbones.
- Soft waves or textured curls — make the contours more delicate and add lightness.
- Medium length with slight graduation — frames the face nicely and does not widen it in the center.
- Bob with elongated front strands — makes the silhouette more elongated and elegant.
Star examples: Bella Hadid, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashia Argento.
What is better to avoid: Too flat roots and hairstyles that create excessive emphasis on the cheekbones (for example, volume strictly in the center).
How to Choose Your Perfect Haircut
After learning about hairstyles for each face shape, you can be sure that choosing a haircut is a responsible task. A few simple recommendations will help you cope with it successfully:
- Determine the shape of your face: you already know how to do it correctly.
- Consider the texture of your hair: straight, wavy, or curly, because some styles are easier to style on a certain haircut.
- Assessing the density of your hair is also important: thick strands help get more volume and layering, while thin ones need light, dynamic shapes.
- Focus on your lifestyle and age: for example, an active lifestyle or early-morning work requires haircuts that can be easily and quickly styled.
Consulting with a stylist will help you find a balance between a trendy look and practicality. Online tests and virtual fittings will also come in handy, allowing you to see the potential result before visiting the salon.
Remember: the right haircut emphasizes your individuality, and a smart combination of face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle makes the choice a win-win!
Conclusion
The right haircut is not just a trend but a way to emphasize the uniqueness of your face and style. Focusing on the shape of your face, you can choose hairstyles that emphasize your advantages and harmonize proportions.
The next time you think about “What hairstyle should I get?” don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a new length, texture, or bangs, and see how a small change can make your image brighter and more confident!
Tatyana Ryzhova
