Maybe you’re heading to the salon eager for a big refresh on your ‘do, or perhaps you’ve been experimenting with new styles and still haven’t landed on the one that makes you say wow. Factoring in your face shape, bone structure, and other features may just make all the difference between a cut that feels natural and one that just doesn’t look right. For some insights, we asked celebrity stylists to give us the DL on the best haircuts for different face shapes. Here’s the rundown.
Best Haircuts for Round Faces
Round face shapes are characterized by soft curves versus sharp angles, says Jacob Sirianno, celebrity hairstylist at Pearlita in New York City. “I recommend choosing hairstyles that add some structure and angularity.”
The best haircuts for round faces include:
- Long layers
- Lobs
- Side-swept bangs
- Shag cuts
- Angled bobs
- Asymmetrical bobs
- Butterfly cut
“A contour cut (aka butterfly cut) is particularly flattering, as it adds volume and height to the crown, while providing texture through the ends,” Sirianno says. It’s also adaptable based on your bone structure, allowing you to adjust where face-framing layers begin to accentuate or soften certain features.
Best Haircuts for Diamond Faces
Diamond face shapes are much more angular, often characterized by a narrow forehead, prominent cheekbones, and tapered jawline. Those with this face shape are naturally striking, and choosing a cut is all about creating balance with softness. “For diamond shapes, longer face-framed layers are great. They can soften your shape if you are more angular,” notes Kimberly Gueldner, celebrity stylist and founder of Voël Hair.
The best haircuts for diamond faces include:
- Long layers
- Chin-length bobs
- Curtain bangs
- Voluminous pixie cuts
- Face-framing layers
- Layered curls
- Curtain bangs
- Shoulder shags
- Soft, tousled waves
When choosing a haircut for a diamond face shape, the goal is to balance the angles and highlight your gorgeous cheekbones. Deep side parts and layered styles also draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
Best Haircuts for Square Faces
For square faces that are angular, a soft haircut can provide some beautiful balance. To achieve this, Sirianno is a fan of on-trend curtain bangs. “The Italian bob is another great choice, as it offers softness and movement, while layers ensure a flattering flow.”
Best haircuts for square faces include:
- Curtain bangs
- Side-swept bangs
- Italian bob
- Voluminous layers
- Long, layered cuts
- Face-framing layers
- Textured lob
When styling, Sirianno says to channel that ‘90s supermodel glam look—bouncy, voluminous, and soft. “The key is to keep the overall silhouette soft and flowing,” he notes.
Best Haircuts for Oval Faces
Oval faces can pull off nearly any style thanks to their balanced proportions. “From pixie cuts to bobs, or even long, flowing styles like the iconic Cher look, this face shape is incredibly versatile,” Sirianno says.
Best haircuts for oval faces include:
- Pixie cuts
- Bobs
- Long, flowing styles
- Shoulder-length lob
- Layered shags
- Curtain bangs
- Face-framing layers
- Choppy bobs
“If you feel like changing it up, don’t be afraid to chop it off and try something different. Hair will always grow back, and you’ll look good at every length in between,” Sirianno says,
Best Haircuts for Heart Faces
True to its name, a heart-shaped face has a broader forehead and cheekbones that taper down to a narrow, pointed chin. Some even have a widow’s peak that creates that natural heart shape! “For heart-shaped faces, shorter face-framed layers, such as curtain or longer swept bangs, are another option that works well,” Gueldner says.
Best haircuts for heart faces include:
- Face-framing layers
- Curtain bangs
- Layered pixie cut
- Shoulder-length shag
- Long layers
- Chin-length lob
- Layered lob
- Blunt bob
When choosing a haircut for a heart-shaped face, consider styles that add volume near the jawline, such as chin-length bobs or layered lobs. Also, bangs—particularly curtain or side-swept styles—help create softness while showcasing your eyes.
For any of the above face shapes, Gueldner says that you don’t have to commit to a big chop (unless you’re going after the drama factor). “I always like switching up the face-framing more than chopping off the length,” she says. “I think adding a curtain bang or adding layering around the front does more for changing up your look and enhancing your face shape than one length around the face and going from long to short.”
