Find the Perfect Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

Just like fashion and make-up trends, hairstyle trends are constantly changing. Following the latest trends helps you look and feel up to date, but it is hardly a way to stand out from the crowd. On top of that, a certain trend may not suit everyone because of individual features such as eye or face shape, body proportions and so on.

When choosing a new hairstyle it is especially important to know your face shape and its features. Whether your face is oval, square, round, heart-shaped or triangular largely determines which hairstyle balances your face best. If you only follow the trend, the end result may not be quite what you were hoping for.

How to find your face shape

It is quite easy to work out your face shape yourself. Take a straight-on photo of yourself with your hair tied back so that the shape of your face shows clearly. If the shape is not obvious at a glance, draw a line around the outer contour of your face in a bright colour.

There are five main face shapes: oval, square, round, heart-shaped and triangular. Compare your proportions with these five types and you should find your own. For example, if your face is almost as long as it is wide, your face shape is either round or square. With a triangular face shape the forehead is much wider than the lower part of the face.

Which hairstyle suits my face shape?

A hairdresser will gladly help you find out which hairstyle suits you best. In a consultation you can discuss different options and choose the best one. Try to think in advance whether you want a style that is easy to do or whether you are happy with one that needs more care every day.

Square face shape

With a square face shape you should try layered haircuts, which help soften a strong jawline and forehead. You can add volume and texture to a layered cut with, for example, a volumising spray. Strands of a suitable length also bring out beautiful cheekbones. To balance the squareness of the face a little, the parting could sit more to the side. A softer fringe suits a square face, for example a curtain fringe.

Oval face shape

People with this face shape can wear almost any hairstyle, thanks to their mostly balanced features. If you want something striking, a short straight cut or a medium-length cut with light layers will certainly deliver. If you want long hair, avoid too much choppiness and style it in curls or waves. A natural parting often suits this face type best.

Heart-shaped face

A heart-shaped face has a wider forehead and cheekbones and a narrower jawline. The wider upper part of the face is best balanced by a side-swept parting, long strands and light waves. For a short style, a layered pixie cut combed to one side is a good choice. It is also easy to maintain: just tousle it a little in the morning and add a little hair oil to smooth frizz and add shine.

Round face shape

With a round face, the length is almost the same as the width and the cheeks are rounder. Long hairstyles and layers that start at the jawline help to visually lengthen the face a little. A short side fringe that ends at eye level also helps to elongate it. It is best to avoid straight cuts of one even length.

Triangle face shape

A triangular face has a strong jawline that is wider than the forehead, and a chin that is rather square. Hairstyles that balance the difference between the upper and lower parts of the face suit this type. Layers ending at the eyes or cheekbones help draw the eye away from the jawline. Avoid short straight cuts that end below the chin, because they emphasise the wider jawline even more. Instead of a full fringe and a long side-swept parting, go for a light, short fringe.