The best updo hairstyles for square faces

Believe it or not, there are plenty of cool updo hairstyles for square faces that are surprisingly flattering. It’s a common misconception that women with angular chins and strong jawlines should avoid styles that involve pulling their hair away from the face, or that having a square-shaped face means steering clear of all updos. 

But a simple experiment with volume, a play on texture, or working side partings to your advantage can help counteract harsh angles, subtract width, and gently frame the face. So if you’re stuck and need some inspiration, check out our roundup of updo hairstyles to suit square-shaped faces.

4 Updo hairstyles for square faces

Low chignon

Do you have a wedding or cocktail party coming up? This elegant, classic updo is not only simple to create, it works to complement square-shaped faces, too. The key to pulling off this chignon is to work it close to the nape of the neck, with romantic tendrils pulled out around the temples to softly sweep the jawline.

How to create this low chignon:

1. Split your hair into two parts (as if you were going to put your hair in a half-up, half-down style).

2. Tie the lower half into a loose ponytail, half pulling the hair through to create a loose loop.

3. Take the top section of the hair and divide it in the middle.

4. Wrap the left side diagonally over to conceal the ponytail base, securing it with bobby pins, before repeating the same action for the right side.

5. Finally, use more pins to lift and position your bun to give it more shape.

6. Pull out some tendrils around the face and softly curl using heated tongs or straighteners.

Half-up top knot

If you’re after a quick and casual hairstyle, perfect for everyday, the half-up top knot is a safe bet. Adding subtle waves and texture to the hair that’s left out is the key to making this look work on more angular faces.

How to create this half-up top knot:

1. Divide your hair into two sections, pulling the top half into a high pony.

2. Loosely twist the ponytail around its base and secure with bobby pins to create your top knot.

3. Spritz the lower half of your hair with VO5 Smoothly Does It Heat Protect Spray, then use a curling tong, like the Toni&Guy Glamour Jumbo Tong to create softly relaxed waves for added texture.

The faux bob

Always wanted a bob, but were too scared to go for the big chop? Then this is one of the coolest hairstyles for square faces you just have to try! The faux bob is ideal for anyone who wants to trial short hair without the long-term commitment.

How to create this faux bob:

1. First, create volume by using a root lift spray like Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray.

2. Pull your hair into two loose pigtails.

3. Using bobby pins, tuck the ends of each pigtail underneath and secure to create a voluminous bob.

4. Once secured, gently play with the positioning of the curved hair to create your illusion. If your hair is layered, pull out the shorter strands to create a softer, less polished look.

Editor’s tip: The less “manicured” the style, the more modern the effect!

The twist and roll

A close cousin of the chignon, this twist and roll hairstyle boasts a more romantic, ethereal feel, which is great for softening square-faced features.

How to create this twist and roll:

1. Begin with your preferred parting (centre or side will work): take a section of hair on one side, roughly two inches in width, and, starting from ear level, twist the section, turning the hair back on itself and away from your face – as you twist, pick up hair from around your hairline to incorporate it into your roll.

2. Continue until you reach the nape of your neck, then twist the remaining length until you reach the ends and secure with a clear elastic.

3. Take the end and bring it across the back of your head, twisting as you go to reinforce the roll, and secure the ends just above the nape of your neck with bobby pins.

4. Repeat on the other side of the hair – when it comes to securing the ends of your second twist, position them under your first so that you create the effect of one consistent roll.

5. When you’re happy with the look, secure the style with bobby pins as needed.

Editor’s tip: This look works a treat if you have a sweeping side fringe – but if you don’t, gently tease some strands loose around your hairline to frame your face and soften your features. Our favourite thing about this hairstyle? It doesn’t need to be neat – in fact the more tousled and relaxed-looking – the better!

Enjoyed discovering our favourite updo hairstyles for square faces? We’re glad, but don’t forget to check out our Hairstyles for Square Faces and Updos pages, they are filled to the brim with pretty ‘dos!