Looking for the best haircuts for your face shape?
I’ve got you covered with styles that will transform your look, highlight your gorgeous features with the right haircuts for your face shape, and boost your confidence in one snip!
You know that feeling when you walk out of the salon with the perfect cut? Everything just feels right. Your hair swings exactly how you want it to, your features pop, and you’ve got that extra bounce in your step. That’s because finding a haircut that works with your face shape isn’t just about following trends, it’s about finding what works for YOU.
Our experienced stylists at Salon Baci have been cutting hair for over a decade, and if there’s one thing they have learned, it’s that understanding your face shape is the secret sauce to hair happiness. It’s the difference between “meh” and “magnificent.”
Key Takeaways
- Identify your face shape (oval, round, square, heart, long, diamond, or pear) before your next salon visit
- Oval faces can rock almost any style (lucky you!), but layered cuts and face-framing pieces are especially flattering
- Round faces shine with styles that create length and angles – think long layers and asymmetrical cuts
- Square faces look amazing with cuts that soften those strong angles, like soft waves and side-swept styles
- Heart-shaped faces balance beautifully with shoulder-length layers and side-swept bangs
- Long faces benefit from cuts that create width – curtain bangs and chin-length layers are your best friends
- Diamond and pear-shaped faces glow with volume on top and strategic layering
How to Identify Your Face Shape
Before we dive into the specifics and find the best haorcuts for your face shape, let’s figure out what face shape you’re working with. I can’t tell you how many clients sit in my chair convinced they have one face shape when they actually have another!
Here’s my quick at-home method:
Pull your hair back completely from your face. Stand in front of the mirror and trace the outline of your face using a washable marker on the mirror (weird but effective) or just observe closely.
Look at:
- Your forehead width
- Your cheekbone prominence
- Your jawline (angular or soft?)
- The overall length of your face
We hear from so many clients that they’ve been styling their hair wrong for YEARS because they didn’t understand their face shape. Trust me, getting this right changes everything.
Haircuts for Oval Face Shapes
If you’ve got an oval face shape, I’m going to be real, you hit the genetic jackpot when it comes to haircuts. Almost everything works on you, which is why models often have oval faces.
But having too many options can be overwhelming, right? Let me break down what really makes your face shape shine.
Our oval-faced clients absolutely kill it with:
Long Layers: They add movement and dimension without taking away from your naturally balanced proportions. I love adding some face-framing pieces that start around the cheekbones to highlight your eyes.
The Classic Bob:
Whether it’s chin-length or a longer lob, a bob with subtle layers gives you that effortless chic vibe. Add some texture spray, and you’re good to go for basically any occasion.
Curtain Bangs:
These are so versatile on oval faces! They can be worn middle-parted or swept to the side, and they grow out beautifully (which means less maintenance – you’re welcome).
We often get asked about hair texture for oval faces. Here is how Jen Wilson, from the Journal of Cosmology, expert at texture analysis, describes it:
“With oval face shapes, texture plays a crucial role in determining the perfect cut. Fine hair benefits from blunt cuts with minimal layers to create the illusion of thickness, while thick hair can handle significant layering to remove bulk and add movement. Curly and coily hair on oval faces looks stunning with layers that allow the natural pattern to form a beautiful frame. The key is working with, not against, your natural texture regardless of face shape. Consider your hair’s density, porosity, and wave pattern alongside face shape for truly customized results.” Jen Wilson, Texture Specialist & Educator (1)
See what she’s saying? Your natural texture matters just as much as your face shape. That’s why our stylists always do a full consultation before we decide on the correct haircuts for your face shape. Speaking of consultations…
Haircuts for Round Face Shapes
Round faces are all about those soft curves and full cheeks, and they’re absolutely gorgeous! But I know many of our round-faced clients come in wanting to create more definition. Here’s how we make that happen.
Best Styles for Round Faces
When you have a round face, the name of the game is creating the illusion of length and structure. These cuts are my go-to recommendations:
Long Layers with a Center Part: This immediately creates the visual illusion of a longer face. I typically start the layers below the chin to draw the eye downward.
The Asymmetrical Bob:
One of my absolute favorites for round faces! The longer side creates a slimming diagonal line across the face, while the shorter side adds edge and personality. It’s that perfect “I put in effort but not too much” look.
Pixie with Height:
If you’re brave enough to go short (and you should be!), a pixie with volume on top elongates your face instantly. Plus, it’s so much easier to style in the morning.
Layered Cuts Advantage
Here’s the thing about layers for round faces – they’re not just pretty, they’re strategic.
Layers break up the fullness that can make round faces appear wider. By creating movement and dimension, they draw the eye up and down rather than side to side.
One thing we always tell our round-faced clients: “Forget what you heard about keeping all your hair one length, that’s actually working against you.” Long, one-length hair can drag your features down and emphasize roundness. Layers are your best friend!
Bangs That Flatter
Can round-faced people wear bangs? Absolutely! But not all bangs are created equal.
Side-Swept Bangs: These are the MVPs for round faces. They create diagonal lines across your face, which helps to slim and elongate. Plus, they’re super versatile for styling.
Curtain Bangs: Another winner! They open up the center of your face while framing the sides, creating that coveted heart-shaped appearance.
Just remember – with round faces, avoid full, blunt bangs that cut straight across. They’ll make your face appear even rounder. Trust me, our stylists had to fix this mistake more times than I can count!
Haircuts for Square Face Shapes
Square faces have that strong, defined jawline that so many people would kill for! Your face has natural structure that gives you an edge (literally). Our goal isn’t to hide those gorgeous angles. It’s to soften and complement them.
| Haircut Style | Why It Works | Styling Tip |
| Long Layers with Soft Waves | Breaks up angular lines and adds softness | Use a 1.25″ curling iron, alternating directions for natural waves |
| Side-Part Bob with Tucked Side | Creates asymmetry that offsets the symmetrical square shape | Tuck one side behind your ear for an instant, face-slimming effect |
| Textured Lob with Curtain Bangs | The texture softens angles while the center-parted bangs balance width | Scrunch with texture spray for an effortless, lived-in finish |
| Shoulder-Length Cut with Face-Framing | Draws attention to cheekbones rather than jaw | Ask for “invisible layers” that add movement without obvious steps |
| Long Pixie with Side-Swept Front | Bold yet feminine, softens the jawline | Use pomade to piece out the layers for definition |
Why do certain cuts work better for a square face shape?
For example, you might find someone with a square face who may have worn her hair in a sleek, one-length bob. It might look good, but it also might do a given person any favors. Our stylists might suggest a textured lob with soft layers around her face. This transformation could very well be INCREDIBLE. The softness of the cut can balance the strong features in the most gorgeous way. This is at the heart of our focus on finding haircuts for your race shape.
To help explain this, here is what Dr. Lisa Chen, a dermatologist specializing in facial structure, explains: why certain cuts work better for square faces:
“Square faces typically have a strong bone structure with a defined jawline and forehead of similar width. This creates a beautiful foundation, but can sometimes appear too angular in photographs or with certain hairstyles. Soft layers that curve inward toward the jaw naturally soften the perception of the mandibular angle without diminishing its strength. This is particularly effective when paired with styling techniques that add movement and texture. Additionally, slightly longer lengths help to elongate the face while drawing attention away from the width at the jaw. From a structural perspective, the goal isn’t to disguise the square shape, but rather to complement it with organic lines that create harmony with the facial angles.” Dr. Lisa Chen, MD, Facial Structure Specialist (2)
Exactly! It’s not about hiding your square shape, it’s about finding the perfect balance. That’s why you’ll never see me giving my square-faced clients a blunt, chin-length bob with no layers. It’s just too much angularity in one place. It may appear to be a “Vibe”… but not the right one!
Haircuts for Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces, with their wider foreheads and narrower chins, have this naturally romantic, feminine quality that I absolutely love working with. If you’ve got a heart-shaped face, your goal is to balance your proportions while showcasing those amazing cheekbones.
Ideal Lengths and Layers
For my heart-shaped clients, I’m all about these winning combinations:
Medium-Length Cut with Layers: This is my go-to recommendation. Keeping the length around the collarbone creates beautiful balance, while layers that start at the chin help add width to the lower part of your face.
Long, Layered Cut:
If you love your length, keep it! Just make sure to add face-framing layers that start around your cheekbones and get slightly longer as they go down. This creates the illusion of width around your chin area.
Chin-Length Bob:
This is perfect if you’re ready for a change! A chin-length bob instantly adds width exactly where heart-shaped faces need it, at the narrowest point. Add in some textured ends, and you’ve got a stylish, balanced look.
Here’s the thing – you need to book trims every 6 weeks. Trust me, waiting longer just means you’ll spend more time fighting with your style every morning, especially with heart-shaped faces where balance is key.
Bangs to Consider:
Bangs on heart-shaped faces? YES. But let’s talk about which ones:
Side-Swept Bangs: These are absolutely perfect for heart shapes because they deemphasize forehead width while drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. They’re also super forgiving as they grow out.
Curtain Bangs:
Another fantastic option! They frame your face beautifully while creating the illusion of a more oval shape. Plus, they’re low-maintenance as bangs go.
What you want to avoid: heavy, straight-across bangs that cut your forehead in half. They’ll only emphasize the width at the top of your face, which is exactly what we’re trying to balance.
Face-Framing Styles
Face-framing layers are like contouring with scissors – they highlight all the right places. For heart-shaped faces, I love:
Soft Layers Around the Cheekbones: These draw attention to your best feature – those killer cheekbones – while softening the transition to your narrower chin.
Wispy Face-Framing Pieces: These add movement and softness around your face without adding bulk to your forehead.
Remember: the key with heart-shaped faces is to keep volume and focus away from the forehead and toward the jawline and cheeks instead.
Haircuts for Long Face Shapes
Long faces have this elegant, regal quality – think Sarah Jessica Parker or Liv Tyler. Your goal is to create the illusion of width while shortening the appearance of length.
Our long-faced clients always leave happy when we go with:
Curtain Bangs or Full Fringe: Bangs are your best friend! They visually “cut” the length of your face and create the illusion of width. Curtain bangs offer versatility, while a full fringe makes a bold statement.
Shoulder-Length Cuts with Volume:
This length hits the sweet spot – not too long to drag your face down, not too short to emphasize length. Add volume at the sides, and you’ve got the perfect balance.
Wavy Lob with Side Part:
The waves add width, the side part creates asymmetry, and the lob length keeps everything in proportion. It’s a winning combination!
One important styling tip: avoid too much volume on top of your head without corresponding width at the sides. That upward volume will only elongate your face further. Instead, focus on creating volume at the cheekbone level. This is our Tip for finding haircuts for your face shape…your are unique1
Haircuts for Diamond Face Shapes
Diamond face shapes have narrow foreheads and jawlines with wider cheekbones – think Vanessa Hudgens or Ashley Greene. It’s actually one of the rarer face shapes, so if you’ve got it, embrace it!
For my diamond-faced clients, our Stylists recommend:
Mid-Length Cuts with Side-Swept Bangs: This combination softens your angular cheekbones while adding width to your forehead and jawline.
Chin-Length Bobs with Texture: A textured bob that hits right at your chin creates the illusion of width at the jawline, perfectly balancing your features.
Long Layers with Volume at the Sides: If you love your length, keep it! Just make sure to create volume around your jaw and forehead to balance your wider cheekbones.
The key with diamond faces is to avoid styles that add width at the cheekbones without also adding volume at the forehead and jawline. It’s all about creating that beautiful overall balance.
Haircuts for Pear-Shaped Faces
Pear-shaped faces (narrower forehead, wider jawline) need styles that balance by adding volume on top while minimizing width at the jaw. This is probably the shape I see clients most confused about!
My pear-shaped clients look amazing with:
Layered Pixie Cuts: Short on the sides with volume on top creates perfect balance by adding width where you need it.
Lobs with Volume at the Crown: A shoulder-grazing cut with layers that give height at the crown instantly balances your proportions.
Side-Swept Bangs with Layers: These draw attention upward and create the illusion of width at the forehead.
Remember: with pear-shaped faces, keep the volume and attention at the top half of your face, not the bottom.
FAQ: Your Burning Face Shape Haircut Questions, Answered!
Can hair color influence how a haircut looks on my face?
Absolutely, 100% yes! Hair color and haircuts are like peanut butter and jelly, they work together to create the final effect.
For example, strategic highlights around the face (what we call “face-framing”) can slim a round face or soften a square jawline. Darker colors recede while lighter colors bring features forward.
One of our favorite techniques is what we call “shadow contouring. Using slightly darker tones underneath and lighter pieces around the face to create dimension that complements your cut and face shape.
The biggest mistake? Getting a great cut but pairing it with the wrong color placement for your face shape. If you’re unsure, ask your stylist for a color placement that will enhance your specific cut and features.
What products help maintain my haircut?
I get this question ALL THE TIME. The truth is, the right products make a world of difference in how your cut looks day-to-day.
Here’s my quick product guide based on your haircut:
For bobs and lobs: A lightweight mousse for volume at the roots, followed by a smoothing cream through the ends. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.
For layered cuts: Texture spray is your best friend! Spray it at the roots and mid-lengths, then scrunch to enhance those layers.
For bangs: Dry shampoo isn’t just for oily hair – it’s my secret weapon for keeping bangs fresh and voluminous between washes.
For any cut with face-framing pieces: A tiny dab of lightweight serum will keep those pieces looking polished without weighing them down.
Here’s the thing – you need products that work with your cut, not against it. Using the wrong products is like putting regular gas in a premium car. It’ll run, but not at its best!
How often should I trim my hair for best results?
This depends on your cut, but here’s my general rule of thumb:
Short haircuts (pixies, short bobs): Every 4-6 weeks. Medium lengths (lobs, shoulder-length): Every 6-8 weeks. Long layers: Every 8-10 weeks. Bangs: Every 3-4 weeks (or learn to trim them yourself between visits!)
Remember, regular trims aren’t just about length – they’re about maintaining the shape and style of your cut. Skipping trims means your carefully crafted shape grows out, and suddenly your perfect face-framing cut isn’t framing anything at all!
I have clients who think they’re “growing their hair out” by skipping trims, but they end up with damaged ends that eventually need a bigger cut. Trust me, regular maintenance trims help you retain length in the long run.
Can accessories enhance my haircut with my face shape?
Hair accessories aren’t just cute – they’re strategic! The right accessory can enhance your face shape and elevate your cut.
For round faces: Try headbands that create height or hair clips positioned diagonally to create angles.
For square faces: Soft, romantic accessories like scrunchies or fabric headbands help soften those strong angles.
For heart-shaped faces: Low ponytails or half-up styles with face-framing pieces left out create beautiful balance.
For long faces: Wide headbands or accessories that create width rather than height are your go-to options.
My favorite accessory trick? Use a decorative clip to pin back one side of your curtain bangs for an instant style upgrade that also highlights your cheekbones!
Conclusion: Haircuts and Styles for Your Face Shape
Finding the perfect haircut for your face shape isn’t about following rigid rules. It’s about understanding what works for YOU and then having fun with it! Whether you’re rocking an oval, round, square, heart, long, diamond, or pear-shaped face, there’s a cut out there that will make you feel absolutely amazing.
The best part? Once you understand your face shape and what works for it, you’ll never have that “I hate my haircut” moment again.
Want to chat about which option works best for your face shape and hair texture? Drop by the salon. I’m always here to help you figure out your best look, one that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and totally yourself.
It’s not just about hair, it’s about walking out of the salon feeling like the best version of yourself.
Let us help you design the right cut and style for your face shape
Authors: Guido & Emily Salzano
Salon Baci Learning Center: It is important to provide information and insights for those considering various salon services. For all your personalized salon services and treatments for your specific beauty needs, we recommend a professional consultation. An experienced stylists can assess your needs and create a tailored treatment plan. For those in the greater Cincinnati area we invite you to schedule an appointment at Salon Baci to discuss your unique hair and beauty needs.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
You will find valuable information, tips, and help in our Salon Baci Learning Center. To access more in-depth ideas on Haiacuts and Styling, check out
REFERENCES
[1] Jen Wilson, “Understanding Hair Texture and Face Shapes,” Journal of Cosmetology, 2023. Read more about texture analysis and face shapes
[2] Dr. Lisa Chen, “Facial Structure Analysis in Aesthetic Medicine,” American Journal of Dermatology, 2024. Learn about structural balance in facial aesthetics
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