Introduction – Understanding Face Shapes
In this guide, we break down the most common face shapes and recommend suitable haircuts to help you achieve your desired look without much effort or breaking the bank. Hopefully, you’ll find an appropriate men’s haircut for your face shape and a couple of hairstyles to avoid. The generally agreed upon human face shapes are round, oval, square, diamond, and heart-shaped. Whatever face shape you have, there’s a hairstyle that works best for your features and lifestyle.
Importance of Choosing The Right Haircut
Choosing the right haircut is more than just a style choice—it is crucial for enhancing your overall appearance and confidence. A well-selected haircut can complement your face shape, highlight your best features, and align with your lifestyle.
The wrong cut, however, can throw off your proportions and make styling more challenging. At Jesse’s Barbershop, we emphasize the importance of a tailored haircut that suits your unique look, ensuring you look sharp and feel confident. Whether aiming for a bold, trendy style or a classic, timeless look, the right haircut makes all the difference.
How Face Shape Influences Your Haircut Options
Your face shape is key in determining which hairstyles will look best on you. The generally agreed-upon human face shapes are round, oval, square, diamond, and heart-shaped. Understanding your face shape is essential when choosing a haircut that complements your natural features. Certain cuts can enhance your facial features, while others might not complement your natural proportions.
What Face Shape Do You Have?
By understanding your face shape, you can choose a hairstyle that complements your natural features, enhancing your overall look and creating balance. For example, oval faces tend to have balanced proportions and can pull off multiple styles, while heart-shaped faces may benefit from cuts that add volume at the bottom to balance a wider forehead. Knowing your face shape helps you make informed style decisions that enhance your look.
Here’s a quick overview to help you determine your face shape:
- Round: Equal width and height, soft curves; lacks angles.
- Oval: Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide.
- Square: Strong, angular jawline with equal width.
- Diamond: Narrow forehead and chin, widest at the cheekbones.
- Heart: Wide forehead, narrow chin, and cheekbones are the widest parts.
- Oblong: Longer than wide, narrow overall with minimal curves.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the characteristics and descriptions of the most common face shapes:
Round Face Shape
A round face is almost as wide as it is tall, with a softer appearance due to the absence of sharp angles. The cheeks are usually the fullest part of the face, giving it a youthful look.
Key Characteristics:
- Lack of strong angles or defined lines.
- Rounded jawline and hairline.
- Equal width and height, with soft, curved edges.
Heart Face Shape
A heart-shaped face features a wider forehead that tapers down to a narrow jawline and chin. The key here is to balance the top-heavy aspect of your face while adding width to the lower half.
Key Characteristics:
- Wide forehead that tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin.
- Cheekbones are the widest part of the face.
- Often has a widow’s peak.
Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is often considered the ideal face shape for men because it offers the most versatility when it comes to hair styling. With balanced proportions and no dominant angles, nearly every haircut suits an oval face.
Key Characteristics:
- Slightly longer than wide, with a rounded jawline.
- The forehead is slightly wider than the jawline.
- Balanced and proportionate features.
Square Face Shape
A square face shape is considered strong and masculine due to its well-defined jawline and overall symmetry. The best haircuts enhance your natural structure while maintaining balance.
Key Characteristics:
- Strong, angular jawline.
- Equal width across the forehead, cheeks, and jaw.
- Broad forehead and prominent jawline.
Diamond Face Shape
Men with a diamond face shape have striking features, such as high cheekbones and a narrow forehead and jawline. The goal is to soften those angles and create width at the forehead and jaw to balance the face.
Key Characteristics:
- Narrow forehead and chin.
- Wide, high-set cheekbones.
- Angular features with a pointed chin.
Oblong (Rectangular) Face Shape
Oblong face shapes are defined by length, with the face appearing elongated and straight from the forehead to the jawline. Go for hairstyles that add width and volume on the sides to counterbalance the length.
Key Characteristics:
- Longer than it is wide.
- Straight cheekbones, jawline, and forehead with minimal curves.
- Often narrow overall with a long chin.
Haircuts for Round Faces – Best Hairstyles for Round Face Shapes
If you have a round face shape, your goal should be to create the illusion of more structure and definition. This means going for haircuts that elongate your face and add sharpness. To achieve a balanced look, hairstyles that add height and structure are recommended, as they help elongate the face and add definition.
Recommended Haircuts for Round Faces
- High Fade with Pompadour: The height on top combined with a close fade adds sharpness and elongates the face.
- Textured Crop: A short, textured crop with a messy fringe adds some roughness, breaking up the roundness.
- Side Part: A deep side part can create angles and balance out the softer curves of your face.
Hairstyles to Avoid
Full bangs or haircuts that emphasize the roundness by adding bulk around the sides.
Haircuts for Oval Face Shapes – The Hairstyling Versatility of Oval Faces
An oval face is often considered the ideal shape due to its symmetry and balance. The proportions allow for versatility when it comes to hairstyles. Most styles work well with this face shape, from short to long, and textured to sleek. Oval faces can pull off nearly any haircut, making them a canvas for a wide range of looks.
Recommended Haircuts for Oval Faces
- Crew Cut: Short on the sides and back, with slightly more length on top, this cut emphasizes the natural balance of your face.
- Quiff or Pompadour: If you want a little flair, go for a voluminous style like a quiff or pompadour. These cuts work well with an oval face by adding height and structure.
- Buzz Cut: A Buzz Cut is a clean, low-maintenance look, that suits the oval face’s natural symmetry.
Hairstyles to Avoid
Hairstyles that fall forward into the face, as they can make your face look rounder and less defined.
Haircuts for a Square Face Shape – Suitable Hairstyle Options for Square Face Shapes
A square face is defined by its bold, masculine structure. The straight lines and sharp angles, especially around the jaw, give it a strong and defined appearance. Hairstyles that soften the angles, such as those with texture or length on top, are often the best choice, while styles that are too short or flat may exaggerate the angularity.
Recommended Haircuts for Square Faces
- Undercut: This cut highlights your square jaw while keeping the look modern and edgy.
- Buzz Cut or Crew Cut: Short styles like these emphasize your sharp features and showcase the natural structure of your face.
- Side Part with a Fade: This adds a clean, polished look while keeping the focus on your face’s angles.
Hairstyles to Avoid
Overly voluminous styles that could make your face appear unnecessarily boxy.
Haircuts for Diamond Face Shapes – Hairstyles to Soften the Angles
The diamond face shape is distinctive, with its widest point at the cheekbones and a narrow forehead and jawline. This face shape benefits from hairstyles that add width at the forehead and chin while softening the angles. Volume and texture are key to balancing the sharp features, making medium-length hairstyles and fringe good options.
Recommended Haircuts for Diamond Faces
- Fringe Haircut: A textured fringe helps reduce the width of your cheekbones and balances your proportions.
- Messy Quiff: Keeping the sides shorter and the top longer adds width to your forehead while maintaining a casual vibe.
- Tapered Fade: This look emphasizes the cheekbones but softens the angularity with a gradual fade.
Hairstyles to Avoid
Styles that make the forehead and chin appear even narrower, like very short or tight cuts.
Haircuts for Heart Face Shapes – Ideal Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
A heart-shaped face is characterized by its broader forehead and narrower chin, creating an inverted triangle appearance. Hairstyles that add volume to the lower half of the face help balance the wider forehead. Styles like side parts, medium-length cuts, and beards can provide a more proportional look, and will even out the overall shape.
Recommended Haircuts for Heart Faces
- Textured Fringe: Adding volume around the forehead and soft texture at the chin helps balance the facial structure.
- Mid-Length Hair: Opt for styles with medium length on the sides, which reduce the width of the forehead while giving a fuller appearance to the lower part of your face.
- Side Part with Layers: This style helps divert attention from the forehead while adding some weight to the sides.
Hairstyles to Avoid
Haircuts that accentuate the width of the forehead, such as slicked-back styles.
Haircuts for Oblong Faces – Hairstyles That Complement Long Face Shapes
If you have an oblong face shape, the key is to avoid hairstyles that elongate your face even more. Instead, aim for styles that add width and volume while complementing the length of your face and straight jawline.
Recommended Haircuts for Oblong Faces
- Crew Cut with Fade: This keeps the length in check while adding some volume and width to the sides, making your face appear more proportionate.
- Side Swept Fringe: A fringe adds volume to the upper face and shortens the appearance of a longer face.
- Medium-Length Taper: A taper adds balance, creating an illusion of a wider face.
Hairstyle to Avoid
Very short sides with too much height on top, as this can further elongate your face.
Additional Resources for Finding The Best Men’s Haircut for Your Face Shape
Finding the ideal men’s haircut goes beyond understanding your face shape. With today’s digital tools, you can get personalized recommendations and explore countless styles using your phone. With these resources, finding the perfect men’s haircut for your face shape has never been easier! Here are some additional resources to help you make the best choice:
Best Hairstyle Apps and Online Hairstyle Try-On Websites
There are apps and websites designed to help you test different hairstyles virtually. This lets you experiment with various cuts and styles before committing to one. They are a valuable resource for visualizing how a haircut complements your face shape and features. Here are some apps and websites that provide hairstyle recommendations for men:
- Your Perfect Hairstyle for Men: is an easy-to-use app that helps men find their ideal haircut. It offers a range of styles, from classic to modern, allowing users to upload photos and try different looks virtually. Whether experimenting with new trends or searching for a fresh style that suits your face shape, this app helps you visualize your next cut with realistic results. Available for download on iOS.
- BarberGPT: is an AI-powered platform designed to help individuals find the perfect haircut based on their unique face shape and preferences. With intelligent recommendations, BarberGPT simplifies the process of discovering styles that suit you best. Whether you’re looking for a modern cut or a timeless classic, this tool offers personalized suggestions, making it easier to choose a style that enhances your look and boosts confidence. Find your next hairstyle with ease at BarberGPT.
- Hair Makeover-Modiface: This innovative tool allows you to try on various hairstyles and hair colors virtually, helping you visualize how different looks will complement your face shape and personal style. Whether you’re considering a bold change or just curious about how you’d look with a new haircut, Hair Makeover-Modiface offers a fun and interactive way to experiment with your appearance. Available for download on Android.
- YouCam Makeup – AI Selfie Editor: is an advanced beauty app that leverages AI technology to offer virtual makeup try-ons and hairstyle changes in real-time. Users can experiment with different looks, including hair colors, makeup styles, and even skin enhancements, making it easy to find the perfect style before committing. The app also features an intuitive selfie editor for refining your photos with professional-level adjustments. Check it out on their website.
These apps and websites will help you visualize hairstyles before committing to a haircut, making it easier to find the one that complements your face shape.
The Ultimate Guide to Getting The Perfect Haircut
For a more in-depth look at selecting the right haircut, check out our comprehensive article, Get The Perfect Haircut, Every Time. This guide covers everything from face shape analysis to styling tips and product recommendations, ensuring you’re fully equipped to make the best decision for your next haircut.
Summary (with Comparison Table)
Choosing the right haircut based on your face shape can make all the difference in enhancing your overall appearance. By understanding the characteristics of different face shapes and aligning them with appropriate haircuts, you can highlight your best features and create a balanced, flattering look. Here’s a summary of key face shapes, their characteristics, goals, recommended haircuts, and styles to avoid:
| Face Shape | Characteristics | Hair Styling Goal | Recommended Haircuts | Hairstyles to Avoid |
| Round | Equal width and height, full cheeks | Add length and angles | Angular cuts, textured styles | Rounded cuts, excessive volume on sides |
| Oval | Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide | Maintain natural balance | Classic cuts, crew cuts, side parts | Extreme styles that disrupt natural balance |
| Square | Strong jawline, equal width and height | Soften angles and add texture | Tapered cuts, layered styles | Straight cuts, flat top styles |
| Diamond | Narrow forehead and chin, wide cheekbones | Soften angles and add width | Medium-length, layered cuts | Excessive volume on sides |
| Heart | Wide forehead, narrow chin | Balance forehead and chin | Side-swept bangs, textured layers | Volume on top, short sides |
| Oblong (Rectangular) | Longer than wide, angular features | Create width and balance | Fringe styles, side parts | Long, straight styles that add length |
Conclusion
Finding the ideal haircut for your face shape can enhance your appearance and confidence. While this guide provides a solid foundation for choosing the right style, experimenting with different haircuts is key to discovering what works best. Don’t be afraid to try new looks to see the perfect match. It is also always a good idea to consult a professional stylist to refine your choices.
For those in Orange County, CA seeking expert advice and a personalized experience, consider calling or visiting Jesse’s Barbershop. Our skilled team can help you explore various styles and find the perfect men’s haircut for your face shape.
Embrace the journey of finding your best look—it’s all about expressing yourself and feeling great with your appearance. We hope this detailed guide helped you and you’re welcome to leave your comments below!
