Picking a haircut can feel a little bit like ordering food off of a menu when it’s in a different language. You may know what looks good based on the pictures, but you might not know how to ask for it and whether you’ll end up liking it.
While we can’t help you with the French pronunciation of “bouillabaisse”, we can get you on the right path to a great haircut by helping you determine your face shape. At Blonde Faith Salon, we will find a haircut that matches well with your facial characteristics and leaves you feeling great.
Why Face Shape Is a Good Starting Point
Your face shape is a good guide for where to add softness or shape and when to create length or trim it shorter. A flattering haircut comes down to a little bit of clever geometry plus an eye for shape and symmetry. Proportion is a major factor in how we tend to perceive attractiveness, and the human eye has a knack for spotting symmetry, even if we aren’t doing it on purpose.
How to Identify Your Face Shape at Home
If you’re an eager student, you can take a few minutes to figure out your face shape before you even come in for your appointment. You’ll just need a mirror, a measuring tape and a little patience.
Step 1: Pull Your Hair Back and Grab a Measuring Tape
Tie your hair back so your full face is visible. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and make sure there are no harsh shadows. A soft measuring tape works best, but if you have a piece of string or a ruler, these will do in a pinch. Make sure you can see your bone structure clearly.
Step 2: Measure These Four Key Points
Measure the width of your forehead at its widest point and then the width of your cheekbones from the outer corner of one eye to the other. Next, measure your jawline from the tip of your chin to the angle of your jaw, then double this number. Finally, measure the length of your face from your hairline to the bottom of your chin.
Step 3: Compare Your Measurements to These Face Shape Categories
- Oval: Your face length is the biggest number, and your forehead, cheeks and jaw are roughly equal.
- Round: Your forehead, cheeks and jaw are similar in width, and your face length is close to your overall width.
- Square: Your jawline and forehead are strong and equal, with your face length and width about the same.
- Heart: Your forehead is wider, and your chin is narrower.
- Oblong: Your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, with similar widths from top to bottom.
- Diamond: Your forehead and jaw are narrow, with wide cheekbones in the middle.
The Most Common Haircuts for Your Face Shape
Best Haircuts for Round Faces
Round faces look stunning with cuts that add a little length and angle. Long layers that start below the chin, side-swept bangs and lobs cut just past the collarbone all work well. Some height at the crown also does wonders. Steer clear of cuts that are all the same length, or that hit right at the cheekbone. These tend to mirror the roundness instead of balancing it.
Best Haircuts for Square Faces
A square face has gorgeous, strong angles, so the goal is to soften them just a little without hiding them altogether. Try some wispy bangs, face-framing layers, and waves that fall just past the jaw. Textured lobs and shags are also especially flattering. Avoid sharp, blunt cuts that hit exactly at the jawline and emphasize the angle.
Best Haircuts for Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart shapes have a wider forehead and a narrower chin, so cuts that add a little more volume around the jaw are perfection. We suggest chin-length bobs and side parts, or curtain bangs and layered bobs to balance out proportions. You may also love a wavy lob on your heart-shaped face. It softens the forehead and brings attention down to the cheekbones.
Best Haircuts for Oval Faces
Lucky you! The oval face shape is considered the most balanced, which means just about any cut will look good with your features. You can effortlessly indulge in long layers, blunt bobs, curtain bangs, pixies or shags: whatever strikes your fancy. Our advice? Use your upcoming appointment to try something you’ve always been curious about.
Best Haircuts for Oblong or Rectangle Faces
If your face is longer than it is wide, the goal is to create the illusion of width and shorten the visual length. The best cuts for this are blunt bobs, full bangs, soft waves and layers that build out the cheekbones. Very long, straight hair without layers can elongate the face, so a little movement around the face makes a big difference.
Best Haircuts for Diamond Faces
Diamond shapes have dramatic cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. You might favor cuts that add volume at the top and bottom of the face. Think side-swept bangs and chin-length bobs, or layered cuts that flare around the jaw. We’ve also seen a deep side part work a little magic.
What Your Stylist Will Look at Beyond Face Shape
Face shape is a great starting point, but it’s not the only thing we consider. While we’re chatting with you about your week, we’ll be noticing a few other things:
- Hairline Shape: Your hairline will change whether bangs or certain parts will suit you. We’re trained to spot the little quirks that make you, you, and use them to your advantage.
- Neck and Jawline Proportions: A shorter neck looks great with cuts that show a little skin at the nape. A longer neck can carry a heavier, blunt bob without looking top-heavy. We also pay attention to how a cut looks in relation to your jaw.
- Natural Growth Patterns: A cut that looks fabulous on someone with dense, straight hair may behave entirely differently on fine, wavy hair, even if you both have the same face shape. The American Academy of Dermatology has helpful information on how hair texture and growth patterns vary if you’re interested in learning more.
Booking a Consultation at Blonde Faith
If you’re ready to find the cut that feels like it was made for you, we’re excited to help. Make sure to bring all of your photos and questions about your face shape, and we’ll handle the rest. At Blonde Faith Salon in Austin, TX, you can pick your stylist tier and experience level and customize the appointment completely to you. Call us at 512-467-4717 or book your first appointment online.
