Tips On A New Haircut For Your Face Shape

Bangs can help soften the angles of a square face.

To find a haircut that will suit you, it is important to take your face shape into consideration. There are a range of different face types including oval, round, square, oblong, triangle, diamond and heart-shaped. With the help of a suitable haircut, each face shape can be made to look its best by working to soften harsh or overbearing angles and also aiming to balance out facial features.

Round Face

The round face is widest at the cheeks and ears, with a rounded chin and forehead. To suit this face shape, the hair should be cut either just above or below the jawline to break up the round shape. A side part combined with sweeping or wispy bangs can be a flattering style that will also aid in slimming the appearance of the face. Layers can be used to add volume at the crown, which can add height, also making the face appear longer and narrower.

Square Face

The square face has a square, angular jaw and generally an equally angular hairline. This shape will benefit from a haircut with wispy bangs and lots of layering around the face, which will soften the angles of the jaw and forehead. Wavy or curly hair will generally suit this face shape and add softness. Long, straight hairstyles should be avoided as this will accentuate the harsh angles of the face.

Oblong Face

The oblong face is generally long with a forehead and chin of equal length. This face shape suits a center part, although the hair should always be cut above the shoulders to avoid lengthening the appearance of the face. Bangs can be used to shorten the face. Layered haircuts with lots of volume around the sides of the face can create a flattering style.

Heart-Shaped Face

The heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead, tapering down to a narrow chin. This face shape suits a bob haircut that will add volume to the jawline and take the emphasis away from the forehead. Wispy and sweeping bangs from a side part will also flatter this face shape, which will take the emphasis away from the forehead and draw more attention to the striking bone structure of the cheeks.

Oval Face

The oval face is slightly narrower at the jaw than at the forehead, often with a softly rounded hairline. Oval is the most versatile face shape, as it can be successfully combined with a wide variety of different haircuts both long and short.

Triangle Face

The triangle face shape is broadest at the jawline, growing narrower at the temples. This face can suit both short and long haircuts. A short haircut should incorporate layering toward the top of the head to add volume and to balance out the lower half of the face. The cut should taper towards the chin to avoid adding volume to the widest part of the face. A long hairstyle will look flattering with soft waves and layering to soften the jawline. For all styles the hair should be parted in the center or just off center. Avoid bangs and keep hair off the forehead as this draws the eye up to the eyes rather than down to the jaw.

Diamond Face

A diamond face shape is the most balanced. It is widest at the cheekbones and equally narrow at the forehead and jaw. This face shape will suit almost any style. Avoid covering the face with the hair to make the most of the striking bone structure. Short hairstyles should incorporate volume around the nape of the neck to balance out the tapering jaw.

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