Hookline:
Once you figure out your face shape type, you may never look the same again when making yourself look good because you will know what will make you and what will not.
Quick Answer:
There are nine basic types of face shapes oval, round, square, oblong, heart, diamond, triangle shape, and pear shape. Once you check and confirm the shape of your face, you will know which features or styles to avoid and which can be accentuated.
Introduction:
It is important to determine your face shape type before choosing a hairstyle or accessory because each one needs to complement your face shape.
This article will guide you through the types of faces available and provide definitions and examples of each.
There is more to choosing a hairstyle than just selecting the one you like. Your face shape is essential in determining which styles will suit you most.
This article will first discuss the likely shapes of faces and what needs to be done to highlight the beauty of any natural shape.
Overview of Face Shapes:
Face shapes are typically categorized into several types based on their distinct features.
These help anyone looking for information on a particular style to select the appropriate one because the facial structure would narrow down the possibilities.
For example, a person would narrow the haircut to suit their round or square face.
Identifying Your Face Shape:
Upload Your Image to Detect Face Shape
To accurately identify your face shape, you can measure four key areas:
Forehead Measurement: Measure the width of your forehead at its widest point.
Cheekbone Measurement: Measure across your cheekbones, from one side to the other.
Jawline Measurement: Measure from your chin to just below your ear and double it for the total length.
Face Length Measurement: Measure from the center of your hairline to the bottom of your chin.
If it helps you to identify your facial structure, please keep in mind that this will help only to the extent that you can try to find the face structure of each type of face.
For a detailed step-by-step process, here is a guide on determining your face shape.
The 9 Main Types of Face Shapes:
1. Oval Face Shape:
An oval is a face shape that is a little bit longer than the width of the face, possessing soft and rounded features.
Less commonly, the forehead may be slightly wider than the jaws, while the chin is mildly rounded. As the shape is well proportioned, those having an oval face shape can try out all sorts of hairstyles! Some
key features of an oval face are:
Broad forehead as compared to a narrow chin
Prominent cheekbones
Smooth and round jaw.
How to style an oval face: Examples of people with oval faces and styling choices People without any prominent or sharp features have oval faces. They can afford to have a wide range of hairstyle selections. For instance, whether it is short hair or long hair, waves or layers can be introduced without loss of the equilibrium of the face.
Such people also look good in hairstyles like curtain bangs that have a centrically parted look and portray the face intensely. Why do stylists want to make the faces of oval shape? If oval faces were more common, hairstylists would not be alarmed. Instead, almost every makeup looks great with this face type.
2. Round face shape:
A round face shape is circular and has a fuller appearance with cheekbones and a rounded jawline which also adds to a young look.
Due to such characteristics, the width and length of the face are almost equal to each other. Unlike other shapes, a round face has no sharp angles or a prominent edge, giving it a more gentle appearance.
Key Features of a Round Face:
- Cheeks are fuller and appear wider
- A rounded jawline with no sharp angles
- The length and width of the face are almost equal
- The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are about the same width
Hairstyles for Round Faces:
Long Loose Layers: Layers tend to create an illusion which helps in achieving that elongated look especially when the face shape is round.
Asymmetrical Bob: The round face offers the style of having one side attain more volume to the hair allowing it to appear slimmer creating the “longer and defined” look.
Swooping Bangs: Creating side bangs or heavy side parties dominated by swooped bangs gives the impression of angles
It defines the face better along with its roundness.
3. Square Face Shape:
A square face shape has distinct features including a strong jawline and a wide forehead that sets them apart from other face shapes.
In terms of breadth, these same features; the jaw, cheeks, and forehead are almost equal in size which enhances a more protruding and solid facial contour.
The face is characterized by a sharp cut of the jawline which gives it a fully complete structure. Square faces are set to appear a bit more balanced than others without too many curves.
Key Features of a Square Face:
- A strong, defined jawline
- Broad forehead and cheekbones
- Angular and symmetrical features
- Similar width across the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw
Hairstyles for Square Face Shapes:
Soft Waves or Curls: Some of the most common suggestions include soft waves or loose curls which should also help with the sharp edges of a square jaw creating a more defined overall look. Volume can be achieved through the proper placement of the curls or waves around the face to avoid a square illusion.
Layered Bob: A long layering style ends the illusion triangle which overly dominant features that a square face holds. The weak lower section of the hair extends the angular vertical lines and the overall structure without being too prominent.
Side Part with Long Layers: The sides of a square face can be very dominant structures since they add a great amount of symmetry to any round face. Using these side cuts can easily tame the front and create a sense of space while the long end he falls stretches and rotates to achieve a more fluid volume focus.
4. Oblong/Rectangle Face Shape:
An oblong or rectangle face shape is characterized by the longer contour of the face so that its vertical length is relatively greater than its width.
The frontal section of the face, which includes the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, usually has a similar distance and creates a straight elongated look.
Usually, a round chin can be observed and the jawline is not so pronounced as in other shapes of the face. The broadness of the chin is further emphasized by the length of the face, which dominates in this shape.
Key Features of an Oblong/Rectangle Face:
- Longer face with a more vertical shape
- The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width
- A rounded or slightly pointed chin
- Straight, angular lines with minimal curves
Hairstyles for Oblong/Rectangle Face Shapes:
Layered Waves or Curls: Soft waves or curls of hair together with several layers can assist in adding width at the sides of the oblong face and increase the appearance of the oblong face angles.
Bangs (Full or Side-Swept): The appearance of an elongated face may also be lessened by wearing bangs and tucking more of the forehead underneath the bangs to create a more horizontal feel. This emphasizes the eyes and the cheeks as a result.
Chin-Length Bob: If you want to achieve a more balanced face, this will help you. Chin-length bobs add volume on the sides of the face, creating an illusion of width, thus making the face appear fuller and less long.
5. Heart Face Shape:
A heart-shaped face means broadness of the forehead and cheekbones tapering down to a pointed chin.
This kind of face shape is not uncommon, and it usually resembles the shape of a heart or V with the widest region of the face at the forehead and tapering down towards a strong or slightly rounded chin.
Cheekbones are high which also makes the face sharp but with an overall harmonious appearance. Heart-shaped faces are predominantly upper face heavy, while the lower half is thin.
Key Features of a Heart-Shaped Face:
- Wide forehead and high cheekbones
- A narrow, pointed chin
- Prominent cheekbones with a defined upper face
- The face tapers down from the forehead to the chin
Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces:
Side-Swept Bangs: Side-swept bangs would assist in lesser forehead proportions while keeping in mind the facial proportions in general. These bangs also make the chin look less sharp by focusing attention on the eye area in turn accentuating the chin.
Long, Layered Styles: Long layers will also be able to widen the jaw’s area thereby detracting some attention from a wide forehead. Long layers of hair should be back while being styled so that more hair is falling around the face’s perimeter as this will improve balance.
Chin-Length Bob: Pointy chins can often benefit from a chin-length bob which also adds volume on the sides of the face making the overall look much more proportionate. Very light waves or layered curls of this bob can be worn as a style to accentuate the angles of the face.
6. Diamond Face Shape:
The diamond-shaped face, which features high cheekbones, has a narrow forehead and jaw due to its unique characteristics.
While the cheekbone is the widest point on the facial structure, it easily ends in a narrow or pointed chin.
This face shape has harsh angles, with the foreheads and jawlines being slender in comparison to the cheeks.
The diamond-shaped face belongs to the category of the most extreme angularity in terms of its shape, with the features of the human face standing out sharply.
Key Features of a Diamond Face:
- High, prominent cheekbones
- Narrow forehead and jawline
- A pointed or slightly narrow chin
- Angular, defined features with sharp lines
Best Hairstyles for Diamond Face Shapes:
Soft, Side-Swept Bangs: The diamond face can be modified, especially with its many angles, by using side-swept bangs that bring volume to the forehead, creating a rounded effect for the diamond-shaped face. It also guards against drawing attention towards the pointed chin.
Layered Shoulder-Length Cuts: A shoulder-length cut that comes with many layers would add a lot of volume near the jawline while still maintaining the size of the cheekbones. Such a hairstyle will cover the sides of the face and make it appear full while retaining the angles.
Chin-Length Bob with Volume: A bob that comes to the chin offers more fullness that is perfect around the jaw. This bob cut helps lessen the angles on the face that might be too sharp. To an extent, even curls at the roots or focal waves can be very helpful in balancing out the features of the face that tend to be too sharp, as seen in the diamond-shaped face type.
7. Triangle Face Shape:
The triangle face shape has a wide jawline and a narrow forehead.
The triangle face begins very narrow at the forehead and then broadens towards the jaw, which forms a more triangular or upside-down triangle shape.
Such oval faces usually have very defined chins that appear stronger and wider than normal. People with triangle-shaped faces may have a prominent jaw as this is the most angular shape among the face types.
Key Features of a Triangle Face:
- Narrow forehead that widens at the jawline
- Prominent, wide jawline
- Angular chin, often with a strong definition
- A face shape that gradually tapers from the forehead to the chin, resembling a triangle
Hairstyles for Triangle Face Shapes:
Layered styles with volume at the crown: Incorporating layers that are fuller towards the crown area lessens the projection of the wide jawline by shortening the lower face, and this type of style helps balance the upper-middle and lower face area. The upper head turning down is great for narrowing a jaw.
Side-parted waves: A deep side part combined with soft waves or curls can conceal the sharp features of a strong jaw and harmonize the overall shapes of the face. A side part also adds symmetry, and this may ease the width of the face along the jaw for a more pleasant appearance.
Chin-length bob or lob: A mild jawline and angular chin will also be less pronounced by a chin-length bob or a chin-length lob long bob’ that softly outlines the face. The angles in the bob should be soft, or the bob should contain waves that will add texture and volume to the hair.
8. Pear/Inverted Triangle Face Shape:
A pear or inverted triangle is defined by the shape of the face which has a narrow forehead and a broader jaw, making it look like an inverted triangle.
The width of the jaw is greater than the width of the forehead, which is the narrower portion of the face. The chin is somewhat pointy or round in shape and the lower part of the face is usually more square in shape.
The bottom half of this face shape has a strong jawline which makes it look more robust than the upper half of the face.
Key Features of a Pear/Inverted Triangle Face:
- A narrow forehead that gradually widens toward the jawline
- A broader, more defined jawline
- A chin that may be rounded or slightly pointed
- A face shape that tapers from the forehead down to the jaw, resembling a pear or inverted triangle
Hairstyles for Pear/Inverted Triangle Face Shapes:
Soft, Layered Hairstyles: For those people who have a wider lower jaw overall, layers around the jawline could counterbalance the effect by creating volume in the upper half of the face and soft layers around the jawline. The layers may also help to conceal the strong joinery and make the face appear more symmetrical.
Side-Swept Bangs: Side-swept bangs are great for reducing the width of the jaw as the focus is directed upwards. They also help to add volume to the forehead area, which helps in balancing the proportions of the face and minimizes the sharp angles of the jaw.
Chin-Length Bob or Lob: Haircuts such as chin-length bobs or lobs (long bobs) can encase the face, accentuating a wide jawline. They help complement the overall proportions by adding elevation at the crown or volume all through the hair.
9. Long Face Shape:
An oblong face, also commonly referred to as a long face, is a face shape that is longer than it is wide in an elongated sense.
A person with such a face possesses a forehead, cheeks, and jawbones of almost equal dimensions while the length of the visage tends to be rectangular or oval.
Such people often have high foreheads along with a small chin, which gives an elongated effect to their visage.
While all the proportions are within normal limits, it is necessary to make styling choices that will create the requisite impression of width, enabling the face to avoid an overly long appearance.
Key Features of a Long Face:
- The face is longer than it is wide, giving it an elongated or oblong appearance.
- The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are usually similar in width.
- A high forehead and narrow chin may accentuate the length of the face.
- The face shape is typically more rectangular or oval, without much tapering.
Hairstyles for Long Face Shapes:
Bangs: A short fringe haircut that covers most of the forehead can reduce the vertical length of the face while bang lines add equilibrium to the head’s proportions. The hairstyle minimizes the usual appearance of the vertical lines of the face.
Layered or curled hairstyles: Soft layers or curls are perfect for framing the sides of the face since they will add volume to the sides of the face, making the face look wider. This will help make the face more balanced by drawing attention away from its length and directing it towards its width.
Bob cuts (chin length): Chin-length bobs can provide some softening features to the face by reducing the length and providing some fullness around the jawline, making the proportions relatively better. Chin-length bobs, layered or with waves, can put even more emphasis on the fullness of the jawline by softening the angles of the face.
The Importance of Understanding Your Face Shape:
Understanding the types of face shapes men and women have can enhance their overall appearance. Here’s why it matters.
Personalized Hairstyling: Different styles suit different shapes.
Flattering Makeup Application: Helps in defining features.
Choosing the Right Accessories: Ensures harmony in your look.
Boosting Confidence: A well-chosen style enhances self-esteem.
Making Aesthetic Decisions Easier: Simplifies choices for hair and accessories.
Face Shapes for Men: How to Style a Male’s Face:
The shape of a man’s face can guide what type of haircut he should get.
For instance, a broad square face might fit a short haircut with a volume focus on the top of the head, while a guy with a circular face might look better with high hairstyles.
If you’re interested in learning more about styling options for men, read our article on Face Shape Styling for Men.
Clearing Up Some Misconceptions Popularly Associated with Face Shapes: Face shapes have many popular myths that can confuse people.
The most prevalent is the assumption that a person’s face shape changes as they grow older. While changes in body weight can affect appearance, it is not your basic face shape that changes.
Some think that round, oval, or square face shapes are better than others. However, each face shape is beautiful in its unique way.
Knowing this will also prevent people from seeking advanced beauty procedures that change the shape of the nose, jaw, or any other feature of the face.
To read more about common misconceptions about face shape, refer to our post on Some Myths About Face Shape.
Final Thoughts on Face Shapes and Styling:
It is important for everyone to know how to differentiate types of face shapes. This knowledge helps in making various decisions, including choosing the right hairstyle, makeup, or glasses that fit your shape best.
Knowing your face shape will also help you improve your image and feel confident in your styling decisions.
(FAQs):
Q: How do I know what type of face shape I have?
First of all, to know your face shape, you will need to measure your forehead, cheekbones, jaw, and length. From those measurements, you can determine if your face is round, oval, square, etc.
Q: What is the rarest face type?
The most uncommon face shape is the diamond shape. This shape has narrow features and high and wide cheekbones.
Q: What face shape is attractive?
Everyone has different opinions, but oval faces or heart-shaped ones are considered attractive because proportions are considered well-balanced.
Hello, I’m Aasiya Khan, the founder of FaceShapeGuide.com. I’m dedicated to providing expert insights and practical advice on understanding and enhancing your face shape. With a focus on delivering clear, actionable information, I aim to help you make informed decisions about your personal style and beauty routine. Join me on a journey to discover how your face shape can influence your look and confidence!