Never underestimate the power of a good haircut.
Just like your clothes, haircuts are never one-size-fits-all. Yet, unlike your clothes, you can’t take a crap haircut off after a day of you looking at the mirror and not liking what you see. This is why before going under the barber’s scissors, it’s worth knowing which styles best suit your face shape. After all, that extra inch of facial hair here or there can make all the difference.
What Face Shape Do I Have?:
Good question!
It’s simple. First, arm yourself with a flexible tape measure. Then, take the following measurements, recording each as you go.
- Forehead: Measure across your face from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the opposite arch.
- Cheekbones: Measure across your cheekbones, starting and ending at the pointiest part below the outer corner of each eye.
- Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the point at which your jaw angles upwards. Multiply that number by two to get your jawline measurement.
- Face Length: Measure from the centre of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Once you have taken these measurements, note which is the largest of the above four features and then compare this to the seven main profiles to find out where your face falls. Keep scrolling.
- Oval:
Face length is greater than the width of the cheekbones, and the forehead is greater than the jawline. The angle of the jaw is rounded rather than sharp.
The trick with an oval face shape is to wear your hair off the forehead to create some volume and angles on top. The most suitable style is a classic short back and sides and slightly longer on the top, with a side-swept parting. You’ll also want to avoid a forward fringe as too much heaviness on the forehead softens features and increases the roundness of the face. Also, feel free to ditch the beard. You don’t need facial hair to fill out any disproportionate gaps, in this case, so feel free to go clean-shaven.
- Rectangle:
Face length is the greatest measurement. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in size.
The longest of the face shapes, a rectangular face falls somewhere between an oval and a square. Guys here have to be careful as such shape requires a subtly tweaked hairstyle to ensure the face doesn’t appear even longer than it is. Because a rectangular face looks longer, it’s important to avoid making the sides too short if keeping length on the top, as this would only accentuate the length of the face. Try a well-proportioned style that doesn’t make the sides too short or leave too much length on top. A full beard only elongates the face, so instead try facial hair that ranges in length from stubble to a short beard to fill out any gaps.
- Triangular:
Jawline measures greater than cheekbones, which measure larger than the forehead.
Due to its narrow forehead and wide jawline, a triangular face requires the opposite treatment of a heart shape. A style with volume is king with this face shape. Opt for longer, nose-length haircuts with fuller sides, which work to add depth. As for the beard, some light stubble is good enough. But really, given the prominence of the jawline in this case, it is best to go the clean-shaven way.
Round:
Cheekbones and face length have a similar measurement. They are larger than the forehead and jawline, which also have a similar measurement. The angle of the jaw is soft and much less defined.
If you’ve got a round face shape, think square as you need to create the illusion of structure with your hair. A style with height on the top that’s taken tight at the sides works well to add structure. Square corners in the high recession area of your hair will sharpen up any soft edges. A full square beard will also help thin the chin area, giving the appearance of a more chiselled jaw.
- Heart:
The forehead measures greater than the cheekbones and jawline. The chin is pointed.
Wide at the temples and hairline, gradually narrowing to a point at the chin, men with the heart face should go for cuts that are very tight, as these will accentuate the narrowness of the chin and the width of the forehead. Facial hair is also key in this case, adding some much-needed bulk to a narrow chin and jawline. Just like the diamond face shape, a beard helps a heart shape gain fullness in the lower, narrower half of the head.
- Square:
All measurements are fairly similar. The angle of the jaw is sharp rather than rounded.
Considered the masculine ideal, a square face shape is characterised by a razor-sharp jawline, even proportions and an overall chiselled appearance. It’s a great foundation for most styles and is versatile enough to work with both extremely short and longer hairstyles. Classic, neat haircuts complement a square shape best, side partings as well as short layers. Some light stubble also gives the sharpness of your jawline a little welcome texture without blurring its line.
- Diamond:
Face length measures largest. Then, in descending order: cheekbones, forehead, and the smallest is the jawline. The chin is pointed.
Narrow in the chin and brow, with the width in the cheeks, the diamond is one of the rarer face shapes. Hairstyles that add width at the forehead and chin area are your best bet to add texture to the forehead. Don’t make the sides too short because it will only make your ears look bigger. Softer lines and layers are better for this face shape, working to soften its natural angles.
Now that you know what style suits the shape of your face, go ahead and dazzle the world with your looks.
Do you have any questions or comments? Do share with us in the comment section.