Today, there are endless haircut trends everywhere you look—from the Red Carpet to your social feed. While they’re great for inspiration, finding the right haircut for you comes down to a few key factors. At the top of the list is personalization—the best haircut is one that enhances your individual features and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Alongside this, your face shape plays a major role in how a haircut will frame your features, while your hair type and texture influence your daily routine—which ultimately determines whether a style is actually manageable. For example, if you’ve ever left the salon with a cut that looked amazing on someone else but didn’t feel quite right on you, your face shape may be a factor. With a few expert tips and tricks, you’ll understand how to choose a cut that complements your face shape, works with your hair type, and fits your lifestyle.
First, Identify Your Face Shape
Before choosing a haircut, it’s helpful to know your face shape. Most people fall into one of the following categories:
- Oval: Balanced proportions, slightly narrower at the jaw than the temples. Versatile and can pull off almost any style.
- Round: Equal width and length, with soft, curved lines.
- Square: A strong jawline with a broad forehead.
- Heart: Wider at the forehead, tapering to a narrow chin.
- Diamond: Narrow forehead and chin usually with high, prominent cheekbones.
- Rectangular (Oblong): Longer than it is wide, with straighter lines along the sides.
The Best Haircuts for Your Face Shape
When it comes to choosing a haircut based on your face shape, the goal is usually to create balance—often leaning toward a more oval appearance. If your face doesn’t fit neatly into one category, that’s ok! These suggestions can still help guide you toward the most flattering shapes and styles.
Oval Face Shapes
Oval shapes are typically the most versatile when it comes to haircuts. Whether you're interested in long, flowing layers, a sleek shoulder-length cut, a blunt bob, or even a pixie, nearly any style can work. The key is to factor in your hair texture and how much time you’re willing to spend styling. For example, a pixie cut might be low-maintenance for someone with straight hair, but more high-maintenance for someone with curls or waves.
Square Face Shapes
If you have a square face shape, your features are often defined by a strong jawline and a broad forehead. To soften those angles, go for cuts that add texture and movement—think soft, layered styles or a textured shag. A wispy or side-swept fringe can also work well to break up angles and bring in more balance. The goal here is to soften the overall shape.
Round Face Shapes
Round faces tend to have softer, curved lines with equal widths and lengths. To elongate your shape, opt for haircuts that add height at the crown and are straighter on the sides. Styles like long bobs (lobs), soft bobs with layers, and side-swept bangs help create more vertical length.
Heart Face Shapes
With a heart-shaped face, the forehead is typically the widest point, which tapers to a narrow chin. To bring more balance, choose styles that draw attention away from the forehead. Blunt bangs, bobs with fringe, and soft, face-framing layers work beautifully. Fringe, in particular, helps reduce the visual width of the forehead while still highlighting the eyes and cheekbones.
Diamond Face Shapes
Diamond face shapes feature a narrow forehead and chin with more prominent cheekbones. While this shape is flattering for many lengths, the key is in the detailing. Layers or fringes that fall around the cheekbones help soften this area and enhance your natural structure. Side bangs or curtain bangs are also a great option to bring balance and create a more oval-like appearance.
Rectangular (Oblong) Face Shapes
If your face is longer than it is wide, with more angular features, you'll want to create the illusion of width and softness. Cuts that enhance horizontal volume—like layered cuts, side-swept bangs, or soft fringe—can help shorten the appearance of the face and enhance your features.
Don’t Forget Hair Type & Texture
Your face shape is only part of the equation. Texture and density also play a role in how a cut looks and styles daily.
- Fine Hair: You’ll need more volume. Opt for blunt bobs, full fringe, and fewer layers to create thickness.
- Medium Hair: You’ve got versatility. Try layered looks that create movement.
- Thick Hair: You’ll need weight taken out, but carefully. Too much texturizing can reduce natural volume or take too much weight out, making styling more difficult.
Texture Tip:
- Straight Hair: Often needs invisible layers or subtle texturizing to add dimension without showing obvious lines.
- Wavy/Curly Hair: Needs more weight to hold its shape—over-layering can lead to loss of silhouette or more frizz.
Again, this is a great guide, but your stylist is the best person to help you with the details of your cut. They can help enhance a more personalized finish based on your individual texture and type, so it styles beautifully whether you’re heat-styling or air-drying.
The 2-Inch Rule: Can You Pull Off Short Hair?
Thinking about going short? Here's a quick trick straight from Sam Villa that he learned in Paris over 20 years ago:
Try This:
1. Pull all your hair back so your face is fully visible.
2. Take two markers (Sharpies work great):
- Place one vertically just under your earlobe (where the skin meets).
- Hold the second horizontally under your chin to form an “L” shape.
3. Measure the distance between the markers.
If it’s 2 inches or less, you can easily pull off short styles.
If it’s more than 2 inches, medium to long styles may suit you better.
It's not a rule set in stone, but it’s a fun guideline to help understand how face shapes play a role in determining the best haircut for you.
Pro Tip:
For stylists, the tools you use can make all the difference in the cut and for your career. When working with shorter haircuts, a shorter shear is ideal. Whether you’re creating details or need more control around areas like the neckline, ears, or fringe. For even more comfort and control, using a swivel shear— the Signature Series Swivel Shear is ideal.
With a rotating swivel thumb and ergonomic crane handle, these shears support a natural hand position and allow you to drop your shoulder and elbow into a more relaxed posture. Over time this helps reduce fatigue and strain, and protect your body.
