The All Things Hair guide to styling for all face shapes
Picking the right hairstyles for face shapes can be tricky – that was until you read this guide.
When it comes to getting a new haircut, are you left asking yourself: which hairstyle will be right for my face shape? Not to worry, we’ve all been there. In fact, so common is this query that we’ve put together the ultimate All Things Hair guide to styling for all face shapes, so you can finally get the answer you need!
From the shortest of styles to ultra long manes, our extensive guide to discovering the right hairstyles for different face shapes will make picking a new look a total breeze. So, before booking that salon appointment, keep on reading for all our expert tips, tricks and advice.
ATH guide to hairstyles for different face shapes
Heart face shapes
Attributes:
- Face tapers towards the chin
- Chin tends to be pointed
- Forehead can be prominent
Celebrities: Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Kourtney Kardashian and Ruby Rose.
Short hair: Clipped sides pixie
Pixie cuts look fantastic on heart-shaped faces, especially if you keep the sides short, as it draws attention to your chiselled cheekbones.
However, blunt pixies should be avoided, as it draws attention upwards, where as you want to create the illusion of balance. Credit: @tanjascolors
Medium hair: Long sweeping bangs
A collarbone-skimming cut teamed with some side-sweeping bangs will add balance to a heart-shaped face. We suggest adding any layers or waves to your look at cheekbone height, as this will help your face shape appear more evenly proportioned. Credit: @imjennim
Long hair: Full fringe
How gorgeous do these bangs look on a heart shape face?! To avoid your long locks swamping your features, try pulling your tresses into a half-up bun (AKA a hun) and rocking a full fringe.
This will ensure your wider forehead is concealed, allowing all the attention to fall on your amazing cheekbones. Yep, bangs are miracle workers for styling different shapes of faces! Credit: @hairbymarissasue
Round face shapes
Attributes:
- Face width and length are almost the same
- Widest in the cheekbones
- Face curves slightly outwards
Celebrities: Selena Gomez, Miranda Kerr, Chrissy Teigen, Kirsten Dunst and Elizabeth Olsen.
Short hair: Spiky pixie
Contrary to popular belief, pixie cuts look absolutely fabulous on round faces. Ask your stylist to add spiky layers throughout your look, as this will help add angles and dimension to your spherical face shape. For a feminine finish, top it all off with a soft and sweeping fringe. Credit: @chiyukihair
Editor’s tip: If you’re thinking of going for this spiky pixie, try using a workable hair wax, like the TIGI S-Factor Creamy Molding Wax, post-chop to keep your look messy!
Medium hair: Wispy lob
Lobs (AKA long bobs) suit pretty much everyone, but if you have a round face, we suggest adding wispy layers to your mid-length tresses to counterbalance the roundness.
We also recommend popping in some soft waves, to avoid the style creating too much contrast against your face shape. Credit: @shanecraighair
Long hair: Barely there layers
For long-haired ladies, add barely-there layers to your tresses which hit just along the jawline, to avoid too much volume around the sides of the face.
Adding layers will help to create natural-looking movement and ensure your tresses don’t fall flat. Nothing worse than limp strands, right ladies?! Credit: @kayleybrumagin
Editor’s tip: Get that carefree beach waves look by using the TRESemmé Perfectly (un)Done Wave Creating Sea Foam. This nifty product will help give you light waves, plus the ultra lightweight formula smells gorgeous and dries non-sticky. Bonus!
Oval face shapes
Attributes:
- Face tapers towards the chin
- Prominent cheekbones
Celebrities: Kerry Washington, Blake Lovely, Olivia Munn and Liv Tyler.
Short hair: Angular bob
Oval shaped faces are often considered the most versatile, as they suits many styles. However, for a tried-and-tested favourite, opt for an angular bob which has chin-hugging layers, to add lift around the face. Credit: @andrewkyle
Medium hair: Sweeping bangs
Sweeping bangs look sensational on oval faces, as they change the face shape by shortening the length. You could also go for a curved full fringe, but avoid any styles that will accentuate the length of your face, like straight and long styles.
Ask your stylist to add in layers of various lengths and give your go-to look a high-impact blowout finish. Credit: @marisaatvanity
Editor’s tip: To keep your strands protected from heat damage, generously spritz your tresses with the TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray, before using any heated tools on your hair.
Long hair: Curled ends
Bouncy blow dry styles really flatter oval-shaped faces, especially when paired with large waves and layers to frame your face.
Keep your parting down the centre and ask your stylist for long bangs that hit between the cheekbone and jawline, as this will help create slight angles in your face. Credit: @sarahangius
Square face shapes
Attributes:
- Forehead, cheekbones and jawline all similar width
- Strong angular jawline
Celebrities: Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde, Keira Knightley and Katie Holmes.
Short hair: Layered bob
Emphasise cheekbones by adding layers to your short hair cut. A bob with choppy layers is a great choice for ladies with square-shaped faces, as it softens strong jawlines. Credit: @buddywporter
Medium hair: Face framing layers
Adding layers to your mid-length mane will be a saviour for ladies with square faces, as they add softness to any sharp angles of your face. We suggest curling the hair outwards to help gently frame your face. Credit: @tauni901
Long hair: Full fringe look
Another misconception is that bangs don’t look good with square faces, but that’s not entirely true.
So, if you are thinking of adding bangs to your hairstyle, we suggest going for rounded bangs to soften the face and draw the attention inward, focusing on your striking features. Credit: @cutcolourbylily
And there you have it, you now have all the insider info on how to style for different face shapes! And now that you have the know-how, why not explore our New Hairstyles page, and find yourself a lovely look to try?
