People sometimes come across unique hairstyles in magazines and movies and decide to try them. While there’s no harm in doing so, one must remember that no one-size-fits-all hairstyle exists; what looks good on one person may not suit someone else, as everyone has a different facial structure. So, before visiting a salon or cutting hair at home, one could explore some of the best haircuts for their face shape.
Determine the face shape
Among the most useful ways to find the right hairstyle for one’s face is to determine their face shape. A simple internet search for the types of face shapes should render several images of round, long, oval, square, heart, diamond, and triangle facial structures. Then, one can just look in the mirror and compare their face to these images to determine their face shape.
To properly determine one’s face shape, one could also use a flexible measuring tape to measure the forehead, jawline, cheekbones, and other facial features.
- Forehead: Run the tape across the face, starting from the peak of one eyebrow arch and ending at the peak of the opposite arch.
- Cheekbones: Start and end at the pointiest part below the outer corner of each eye.
- Jawline: Measure the distance from the tip of the chin to below the ear at the point at which the jaw angles upwards. Then multiply that number by two.
- Face length: Measure the distance from the center of the hairline to the tip of the chin.
Explore suitable hairstyles for different face types
Once one understands their face shape, they can go on to pick a suitable hairstyle that is known to complement the given facial structure.
Round face
A square-styled haircut may go well with a round face—one that is circular with a rounded chin and no visible lines or angles. The main purpose of a square-styled haircut is to create an illusion of structure with hair. Styles featuring extra volume of hair on the top that then gets tighter or shorter at the sides, such as a pompadour or a flat top, may work well to add structure. Bangs may also look good here.
Oval face
Most hairstyles look good on an oval face as it is typically symmetrical and well-proportioned. But for the perfect look, one should keep their hair off the forehead to create volume and angles on top. An ideal style would be a classic short back and sides and slightly longer hair on the top, with a side-swept parting.
Square face
A square face is characterized by even proportions, a razor-sharp jawline, and an overall chiseled appearance. This facial structure is compatible with most hairstyles, whether a French crop, buzzcut, quiff, or something else. One could also go for either short or long hair. That said, a classic, neat haircut featuring close fades, short layers, and side partings may complement a square shape the best.
Long face
A long or rectangular face sits between an oval and a square face shape. A person with such a facial structure should go with a style that is not too short at the sides and does not leave excessive length on top. Instead, one could try a cut that lets the hair fall to the sides or across the forehead, as that adds width and ensures the face does not appear narrower than it is.
Heart-shaped face
A face that is wide at the temples and hairline and gradually narrows to a point on the chin is considered heart-shaped. One could go with a medium-length, swept look for this facial structure. Even long hair could work for someone with a heart-shaped face.
Diamond-shaped face
This face type is narrow at the chin and brow and wide at the cheeks. Uncommon as it is, a diamond-shaped face might demand a unique haircut. Introducing width at the forehead (using bangs) and chin area is usually preferred. A longer hairstyle could be tucked behind the ears to accentuate a diamond-shaped facial bone structure.
Triangle-shaped face
This face structure is characterized by a narrow forehead and wide jawline. Voluminous hair is usually the best bet for a triangle face. A longer nose-length haircut with fuller sides should be able to add depth to the style.
Hair care tips
Even if one picks the best hairstyle for their face, without proper care, hair may begin to look dull. That’s why one must follow some tips to improve hair quality and ace their new hairstyle.
- If one has straight hair and an oily scalp, one should shampoo every day. For dry, textured, curly, or thick hair, one must shampoo when needed (at least once every 2 to 3 weeks).
- One should apply shampoo to the scalp instead of the entire length of the hair to clean and wash away built-up products, dead skin, and excess oil. One must also avoid drying the hair too much.
- Conditioner is a must after a hair wash, as it helps detangle the hair, making it easier to manage.
- Irrespective of the hair type, one should protect the hair from heat. Direct exposure to heat, say through styling tools, may cause irreparable hair damage.