Haircut guides by face shape
Face shape is one input to a good haircut, alongside hair type, density, hairline and how much time you want to spend on it. These guides explain what each shape looks like, what tends to balance it, and what to say in the chair.
Find your shape
- Pull your hair back and take a straight-on photo, or stand square to a mirror.
- Compare four distances: across the forehead (temple to temple), across the cheekbones at the widest point, across the jaw (corner to corner), and the full length from hairline to chin.
- Note which is widest, whether the jaw curves or turns a corner, and how long the face is compared with how wide it is.
- Many faces sit between two shapes. Treat the result as a starting point, not a verdict.
The six face shapes
- OvalThe face is about one and a half times as long as it is wide. The forehead is a little wider than the jaw, and the jawline curves rather than angles.
- RoundLength and width are nearly equal. The widest point is across the cheeks, and the jaw and chin are soft with few visible angles.
- SquareForehead, cheekbones and jaw are close to the same width, and the jaw has clear corners. Length is only a little more than width.
- OblongThe face is noticeably longer than it is wide, with a forehead, cheeks and jaw of similar width and a long, fairly straight cheek line.
- HeartThe forehead is the widest part of the face. The cheekbones are a little narrower, and the jaw tapers to a smaller, often more pointed chin.
- DiamondThe cheekbones are the widest part of the face. The forehead and the jaw are both narrower, and the chin is often angular.
Style guides
- Textured cropA short cut with some length left on top, cut with texture so it sits in separated pieces rather than one flat block. A fringe is usually brushed forward or to the side.
- Side partHair is parted a few centimetres off-centre and combed or brushed across, with tapered or scissor-cut sides. It works from short to medium length.
- Taper fadeThe sides and back gradually shorten toward the neckline and around the ears, while the top stays longer. A taper keeps some length at the lowest point; a fade can go down to the skin.
- Long layersHair is kept long and cut in graduated layers so it has shape and movement instead of falling as one length. Layers can start near the jaw or lower down.
- Short boxed beardA beard kept short and evenly trimmed, with a defined cheek line and neckline and a neat shape along the jaw.
Prefer a quicker answer?
Upload a selfie and Cut reads your proportions and ranks styles with a short reason for each. Your photo is never stored.
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