The 7 most common Face Shapes

One of the many things a Hair Stylist considers during a consultation with you will be your face shape.  The most complimentary haircuts are achieved by understanding the guidelines on face shapes.   In theory these guidelines help by balancing your facial features with shapes, angles and weight lines that will focus on your very best features and disguise others by slimming, lengthening or shortening, softening, etc. 

Historically the ideals of beauty have changed with each passing decade. While the Oval is considered the most ideal face shape (it is scientifically proven that symmetry = beauty), it is misleading because all of the face shapes have their own allure and beauty. Just look at the list of the female celebrities to the right and you will agree that each and every one are unique and beautiful! 

Hairline trivia: Marilyn Monroe altered her 'heart' shaped hairline dramatically by shaving at least an inch including a widows peak to create a more 'perfect' oval shaped hairline to achieve her now infamous image.

Oval

  As its name implies, the OVAL Shape Face is longer than wide, with a jaw that's narrower than the cheekbones. Because the oval shaped face has no dominant areas and is so proportional, this face looks good with just about any hairstyle, length or texture.

Square

The SQUARE Shape Face is characterized by a wide hairline and jaw. Square shaped faces need height on top and narrowness at the sides. Comb the hair off the forehead to add height to the face. Curly texture and wisps of hair around the face break the wide, straight lines common to the square face.

The "do/dont" picture to the right is not the best example for modern styles (but will appeal to more mature women). A woman with a strong jawline and youthful neck will look quite striking with the "Bob cut" ad the "don't" length.  Also, long and sleek, as Demi and Angelina both currently wear their hair. 

Round

The ROUND Shape Face is characterized by a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones and the neck may appear short. These faces look very good with a geometric or linear style. Avoid heavy bangs, as it will make the face appear wider, fuller.  Add height, when possible, and long, wispy side areas to make the cheeks look narrow. Comb hair close to the head on the side and at the nape.  Also, a sleek, layered cut that sits just at the collar bone will give length to the neck.

Oblong

The OBLONG Shape Face is characterized by a very long and narrow bone structure. The client who has an oblong facial shape often has a long, thin neck. Use a fringe or half-bang across the forehead by creating soft waves or curls in the crown and nape areas. This helps to create the illusion of an oval.

Heavy bangs/fringe look great on this face shape. 

Heart (or Inverted Triangle)

The HEART Shape Face is characterized by a wide forehead and a narrower chin. A  "widow's peak" hairline creates a true heart shape. Bring some hair onto the forehead to disguise its width along the temples. Keep hair close to the head at the eyes but make it slightly full around the jaw, and below and in front of the earlobes. If the chin is extremely narrow, you need width at the sides. Try your hair at around shoulder length and go for fullness from the chin down. Try soft waves and layers.
Rihanna and Reese look striking with their heavy bangs. However, avoid the  "Betty Page" type bang or fringe as a straight line will make the forehead appear wider. It is best to taper the sides downward to frame the eyes and reduce the appearance of a wide forehead.

Diamond

The DIAMOND Shape Face is characterized by a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones. Diamond shaped faces need narrow sides and fullness at the chin. Bobs work very well for this shape. Avoid wearing height on top or volume on the sides.

Pear (or Triangular)

Pear shaped faces have a narrow forehead and are widest at the jaw line, with a round chin. To make the illusion of an oval face, create width at the forehead and temples. Or create a full fringe to balance with the jaw. Consider layers as well as tucking your hair behind the ears to draw attention to them. The hairstyles that look best are those with longer hair and longer layers starting at the jaw line.

Debra Messing, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria


Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfeiffer, Demi Moore







Kirsten Dunst, Mandy Moore, Renee Zelwegger, Kelly Ozborne, Michelle Williams







Sarah Jessica Parker, Cher, Sigourney Weaver, Uma Thurman




Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, Brittney Spears, Charlize Theron, Cameron Diaz,









Amanda Peet, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Katherine Hepburn, Linda Evangelista, Sophia Loren.




Kate Hudson, Isabella Rossellini, Jennifer Anniston

Best Face Shape Guide & Hair Style Photos.... @ Stylist225.com