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What Hairstyle Suits Me? A Face Shape Guide
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"What hairstyle suits me?" It's a fair question, considering it can completely change the look of your face. A new cut is a big decision, especially when you're the one living with (and spending time styling) it every morning.
If you're looking for the secret shortcut, the closest we can give you is this - the hairstyle that suits you best will be one that balances your face shape and works with your hair type and routine. So, find your face shape first. Then use the quick guide below to see which cuts and styles tend to flatter it.
Think of these as starting points, not strict rules. It's very common for faces to be a mix of two shapes, and the best hairstyle for you is one you feel good in.
How to Find Your Face Shape
It only takes about two minutes to do this (that's two minutes well-spent if you're about to head to your hair appointment!). All you need is a mirror or your phone camera.
- Tie your hair back, so it is fully off your face.
- Stand in front of a mirror or take a photo straight on at eye level.
- Look at the width of your forehead, your cheekbones and your jaw.
- Compare those widths with the length of your face, from hairline to chin.
- Match what you see to the table below.
A quick rule: if two shapes sound like you, read both sections. Most of us are not one neat shape.
| Face shape | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Oval | Longer than it is wide, with a jaw slightly narrower than your forehead and a softly rounded chin |
| Round | Length and width are about the same, with full cheeks and a soft, rounded jaw |
| Square | Forehead, cheekbones and jaw are a similar width, with a strong, angular jaw |
| Heart | Forehead is the widest part, narrowing to a slim or pointed chin |
| Diamond | Cheekbones are the widest part, with a narrower forehead and jaw |
| Long | Clearly longer than it is wide, with forehead, cheeks and jaw a similar width |
| Pear | Jaw is the widest part, with a narrower forehead |
What Hairstyle Suits Each Face Shape
Got your shape? Here is a quick summary for each one. Every section links to a full guide with more styles to try.
Oval
Oval faces are naturally balanced, so most cuts and lengths suit you, from a sharp bob to long layers. This is the shape that can try almost anything, so have fun with it.
More ideas: hairstyles for oval faces
Round
Length that falls past your chin helps your face look longer, and a side parting adds a gentle angle. Height at the crown (top of the head) draws the eye upwards too.
More ideas: hairstyles for round faces
Square
Soft waves and layers around the jaw take the edge off strong angles. Wispy, longer lengths usually work better than blunt cuts that stop right on the jawline.
More ideas: hairstyles for square and pear faces
Heart
Volume around the chin and jaw balances a wider forehead. Side-swept styles also soften the top half of your face.
More ideas: hairstyles for heart and diamond faces
Diamond
Face-framing layers soften high, wide cheekbones. Fullness at the chin also helps balance a narrower forehead and jaw.
More ideas: hairstyles for heart and diamond faces
Long
Volume at the sides adds width, so your face looks more balanced. Waves and curls are your friends, while very sleek, straight lengths can make a face look longer.
More ideas: hairstyles for long faces
Pear
Volume at the crown and temples balances a wider jaw. Layers that start above the chin keep the fullness sitting higher up.
More ideas: hairstyles for square and pear faces
It's Not Just Your Face Shape
Your face shape is a great place to start. But the best haircut for you also must work with your real hair and your real life.
Your hair type
Fine hair often looks fuller with blunt ends and fewer layers. Thick hair can carry more layers, which take out weight and add movement. Curly hair needs a cut that works with your curl pattern, so ask your hairdresser how they approach curls.
Your styling time
How long do you spend on your hair each morning? If it's five minutes, a style that needs a round brush and a long blow-dry probably isn't your best choice for long-term styling. Tell your hairdresser what your routine looks like in reality, not on a good day.
Your fringe and parting
A fringe can change your whole look, but it is a cut, so chat it through with your hairdresser first. Our guide to the right fringe for your face shape is a good place to start. Your parting is the easiest change of all, and it costs nothing. See how to pick the right hair parting for your face shape.
Growing your hair long? Browse our 20 long hairstyles by face shape for ideas.
Try a New Look Before You Commit
Love the idea of long layers but scared of the growing-out years? Well, it's a valid question, many of us have sat in the hairdresser's chair wondering if we are about to regret everything. Cliphair was founded in 2007, so we know that hair that needs a lot of styling or time and money spent on growth products is a commitment, but we also know there's a low-effort alternative.
Here is the simplest way to test a new length or more volume without a single snip. Our extensions are 100% real human hair, so they move and blend like your own.
- Clip-in hair extensions: add length and volume exactly where you want it. Try fullness at the sides for a long face, or extra lift at the crown for a round or pear face.
- Halo hair extensions: a quick way to try instant length and see how it frames your face.
- Ponytail extensions: a wrap-around ponytail for sleek, high styles. Great for adding height if you have a round face.
All three go in at home and come out at night. No appointment, no commitment.
Whatever you choose, the right style is the one that makes you feel like you.
FAQs
What's the most flattering haircut as you get older?
Is there an app that shows what hairstyle suits me?
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