Matching Women’s Hairstyles to Their Face Shapes
We’ve all at some point, probably tried a celebrity hairstyle – with disappointing results. It may have been because the hairstyle didn’t match your face shape. Matching hairstyles to face shapes is a skill that’s unfortunately often only discovered through trial and error. Still, it can be a handy skill to master if you change hairstyles often because of work or simply enjoy that boost of confidence.
Face Shape Matters When Choosing a Hairstyle
Hair acts like a picture frame for your face. It can subtly affect the face’s dimensions, proportions, and balance. It can enhance or soften facial features and can also improve the symmetry of your face. A mismatched hairstyle does the complete opposite.
The first step in determining the hairstyles that would suit you is to identify your face shape.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Tie your hair back and take a good look at your face. It can help to use an easily erasable marker to outline your face on the mirror. Your face should fall within one of six shapes: oval, round, square, long, heart-shaped, or diamond-shaped.
Mark your most prominent facial features like chin, forehead, cheekbones, nose and jawline. Note the widest part of your face and the overall structure. These things matter when choosing a hairstyle that balances your look. Next, review the hairstyles below for your particular face shape and choose the ones that suit your hair type.
Common Face Shapes and Complementing Hairstyles
These are the best hairstyles for each face shape. We’ve also included the hairstyles to avoid.
The Common Oval Face
Try styles that complement the balance and symmetry of an oval face. Best hairstyles include:
- Blunt bobs above the shoulder
- Shoulder-length or longer cuts with subtle layers
- Side-swept bangs
- Sleek hairstyles that hug the face
Hairstyles to Avoid:
- Heavy bangs
- Single-length hairstyles
The Round Balanced Face
You should be aiming to elongate the face visually. Best hairstyles include:
- Textured long bob
- Deep side part
- Slicked-back high ponytail
- Pixie cut with a voluminous top
Hairstyles to Avoid:
- Soft wispy bangs
- Wide curls
The Strong, Square Face
Softening angular jawlines is the key. Best hairstyles include:
- Wispy, side-swept bangs
- Straight hair with long layers
- Short, subtle bangs that reach the cheekbones
Hairstyles to Avoid:
- Wide curls
- Slicked-back looks
- Thick, blunt bangs
The Elegant Long Face
Try styles that add width and volume at the sides. Best hairstyles include:
- Loose curls starting close to the roots
- Flat-iron waves
- Salon-styled voluminous blowouts
- Long layer breaking at the collarbone
Hairstyles to Avoid:
- Very long hair
- Sleek hairstyles
The Heart-Shaped Face
Balancing a broad forehead and narrow chin is the goal. Best hairstyles include:
- Shoulder-length long bob
- Deep side part with loose waves
- Layered style that breaks at the collarbone
Hairstyles to Avoid:
- Middle part
- Short, baby bangs
The Diamond-Shaped Face
The goal is to accentuate cheekbones while balancing a narrow forehead and jawline. Best hairstyles include:
- Long, side-swept bangs
- Short, textured long bob
- Sleek, straight hair with a central part
Hairstyles to Avoid:
- Heavy, rounded bangs
- Severe, straight bangs
How Hair Loss or Thinning Affects Your Hairstyle
Most hair models are chosen for their strong, healthy hair. The same hairstyles worn by people with thinning hair or noticeable hair loss will not look the same and may sit differently on the head. Thinning areas may make certain hairstyles unflattering or challenging to manage. If you notice signs of hair loss or thinning, it’s vital to seek early treatment to preserve your hair volume as well as your hairline.
Visit Grow & Glow Clinic
Grow & Glow Clinic provides thinning hair treatments that can make your hairstyles look picture-perfect.
Our hair clinic in Bangkok offers customized plans for thinning hair using treatments such as Meso Hair Grow, which increases nutrients and stimulates the blood supply to the scalp to nourish the hair.
We also provide Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) injections. This treatment starts with drawing your blood and separating the platelet-rich plasma, which is then injected back into your scalp. The plasma contains proteins and cytokines that promote hair growth and scalp health.
We also offer Low-level Laser Light (LLLT) therapy, which uses red laser light of about 650-680 nanometers to stimulate the hair follicles and scalp. It increases blood flow to the scalp, strengthening hair roots and increasing hair growth.
Discover how Grow & Glow Clinic provides hair thinning treatments so you can maintain the hairstyle you love.
References:
- Best hairstyles for Different Face Shapes – Retrieved July 31, 2025, from: https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/hairstyles-for-different-face-shapes?srsltid=AfmBOorgmISQb3dYQorcgMLrYY5O9vRhreeft03SNFqMyi7v1GEoPCTo&em-bypass=server
- PRP for Hair Loss – Retrieved July 31, 2025, from: https://www.healthline.com/health/prp-for-hair-loss
