An individual’s facial shape is determined by bone structure and genetics. Understanding your face’s geometry helps in selecting hairstyles and accessories that complement your features, allowing for an intentional approach to personal style that suits your natural contours.
Identifying Your Face Shape
To determine your face shape, you will need a flexible measuring tape and a mirror. The process involves taking four specific measurements to compare the proportions of your face. It is best to do this in a well-lit room to ensure accuracy.
First, measure the width of your forehead at its widest point, which is typically halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline. Next, identify the widest part of your cheekbones, usually just at the outer corners of your eyes, and measure the distance between them.
The third measurement is your jawline. Measure from the tip of your chin to the point just below your ear where your jaw angles upward and multiply that number by two for the combined length. The final step is to measure the length of your face, from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin. Once you have these numbers, compare them to find your face’s widest part and its length-to-width ratio.
The Common Facial Shapes
An oval face is longer than it is wide, with the forehead being slightly wider than the jawline. The jaw is rounded, and the cheekbones are the widest part of the face. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian are examples of an oval face shape.
A round face has a length and width that are nearly equal. This shape features soft, curved lines, with the cheekbones being the widest part and a less defined jawline. Individuals with round faces include Selena Gomez and Drew Barrymore.
Square faces are defined by a strong, angular jawline, with a forehead, cheekbones, and jaw that are all approximately the same width. This creates a distinctly square proportion, as seen in celebrities like Pedro Pascal and Angelina Jolie.
A heart-shaped face features a forehead that is wider than the jawline and a chin that comes to a point. The cheekbones are high and prominent, and the overall structure resembles an inverted triangle. David Beckham and Nick Jonas are recognized for having this facial structure.
Diamond faces are widest at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jawline that are roughly equal in width. This shape is less common and has high cheekbones and a pointed chin. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya have diamond-shaped faces.
An oblong or rectangular face is longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all similar in width. This shape, seen on celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Adam Levine, can have either rounded or angular corners depending on the individual’s bone structure.
Styling Based on Face Shape
The goal of styling based on face shape is to create an illusion of balance and proportion. Selecting specific hairstyles, eyewear, and accessories can accentuate certain features while softening others to complement your natural bone structure.
For a square face, the goal is to soften the strong, angular jaw. Hairstyles with waves or curls add softness, while side-swept bangs create a more rounded appearance. When choosing glasses, round or oval frames provide a gentle contrast to the face’s angular features.
Round faces suit styles that add length and create more defined angles. Hairstyles with volume at the crown or asymmetrical cuts can help elongate the face. Angular or geometric glasses frames, such as rectangular styles, add definition.
An oblong face can be balanced by creating the illusion of more width. Hairstyles with volume on the sides, such as chin-length bobs or soft waves, are a good choice. Frames that have more depth than width can help make the face appear shorter and more balanced.
For a heart-shaped face, the goal is to add width to the lower part of the face. Chin-length bobs and hairstyles with layers that start at the jawline can create fullness. Glasses that are wider at the bottom, like aviator styles, can also help balance a wider forehead.