Find out whether you’re a heart, oval, round or square because there’s a perfect (and not so perfect) way to wear your hair. It’s time to flaunt those features, pretty girl…
Your face shape: OVAL/LONG
You fall into this category if the widths of your brow, cheekbones and jaw are almost equal, and you have a gently rounded hairline.
FAMOUS FACES
Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba
YOUR SUPER SNIP
“This is the most versatile face shape. You can pull off almost any look—short or long, straight or wavy,” explains celebrity stylist Riccardo Maggiore of Riccardo Maggirore Salon in New York City. “Sophisticated bobs, bangs and long, beachy waves are especially flattering.”
Your face shape: ROUND
Your hairline and chin are rounded, and your face is nearly as wide as it is long.
FAMOUS FACES
Fergie and Drew Barrymore
YOUR SUPER SNIP
Try cuts that fall just below the chin. “Soft layers are great because they’ll make your face appear slimmer and tend to remove bulk from the sides,” shares celebrity stylist Riccardo Maggiore of Riccardo Maggirore Salon in New York City. “Bangs are flattering, too, but keep them long or sideswept.”
Your face shape: SQUARE
If you have a strong, straight jawline and an equally straight hairline, and the length of your face is almost equal to its width, you’re a square face type.
FAMOUS FACES
Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault
YOUR SUPER SNIP
The key to your best style is a cut that softens your angular jaw and forehead. “Soft, long layers around the face with a long, sideswept bang work fantastically,” notes hair pro Benjamin Mohapi, director of the Galvin Benjamin Salon Group. Are you more of a cropped cutie? “You can also get away with a short, spikey cut,” says celebrity stylist Riccardo Maggiore of Riccardo Maggirore Salon in New York City.
Your face shape: HEART/DIAMOND
This is you if you’re face is wide at the brow and near the hairline but especially narrow at the jaw.
FAMOUS FACES
Kim Kardashian and Reese Witherspoon
YOUR SUPER SNIP
The goal is to draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. “Brow-grazing fringe, sideswept bangs, a strong part and hair that falls at or below your jawline will look amazing,” comments celebrity stylist Riccardo Maggiore of Riccardo Maggirore Salon in New York City. “If you want a short cut, keep top layers soft and long. If you are opting for a longer look, go for long layers that graze your cheekbones.”
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Does ashlee simpson have and oval-shaped face?!?!?!?!?
Hi, Bryce!
Ashlee Simpson has a long or oblong face shape. She’s worn many different hairstyles from a chin-length bob to long, sleek strands to lush waves.
Who are some other celeberties that have oval shaped faces???
Hi, Jennifer!
Some of our favorite celebrity beauties with oval face shapes include Emma Watson, Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba. It’s one of the most versatile face shapes as you can pull off almost any hairstyle! Bobs, bangs, beachy waves…anything!
I was wondering if you could put pictures of a haircut that would show not only the front but the sides and back of the haircut. I alway have a problem when getting my haircut that the stylist doesn’t really know how it should look so she just does it the way she thinks it should be.
Hi, Robin!
Thanks for the suggestion! We try hard to feature as many photos as possible and we’ll do our best to show as many views of each look as we can.
Why is it always necessary to “round” a square jawline and not emphasize it instead? I have a square jawline and it seems the cuts that look best on me are blunt bangs and no layering or pixie cuts. Whereas in hair articles they always suggest you veer away from these cuts for various reasons, almost always making it sound like a square jawline is the worst shape to have. So, is there any way you can give suggestions for square faces and shorter haircuts or more “unconventional” haircuts?
Hi, Stacybeth!
Many ladies in America try to soften or eliminate prominent features in an attempt to create the perfect oval face shape. In Europe, stylists often seek to feature a strong jaw or nose or anything that is distinguishing on a woman. Bangs are a hot trend right now. They can make a powerful statement by being very short, square, angled or spikey—whatever it takes to make them dramatic. With that said, try a graduated bob with strong bangs in the shape you like most.
I have had every cut and color under the sun. Including long extensions and a cut about 2″ all over and everywhere in between. I have a very round face but my best haircut I’ve ever had has honestly been short. Maybe not 2″ all over but a little longer on the top and short in the back. How come when I look in these magazines I never see ppl with a round face and short hair? As long as its done correctly with more height at the top it can look great. Anyways, love your mag keep up the good work!!!
Hi, Jeannie!
Thanks for the suggestion! We try our best to feature different haircuts for all kinds of face shapes.
Has anyone else noticed that all the hairstyles bar one are the same with the addition of fringe (bangs) or not???
Christian:
Thank you…we’re having our art director look at and repost the correct illustrations!
I like how you have described the way to tell your face shape i seem to have lots of problems figuring out my shape and this is helping me somewhat. What about a search engine that would group hairstyles in the face shape catagory..ie..heart and short syles, heart and long styles, oval and short, oval and long, etc. I don’t find any websites that do this? Sure would help us who are still kinda clueless as to the exact cuts!Love yalls magazine,keep oup the good work!
Hi, Stacie!
Thanks for stopping by and being a loyal reader of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide. We’re happy you love our little guide here! We work very hard to be able to help out readers such as yourself.
Love your magazine. It’s my splurge when I’m looking for something lighter to read.
So I have a round-ish face and my hair length hits just around my collar bone. It’s on the finer side and very thick. For the most part it’s straight with a tad bit of natural body. The cut I have right how is layered (the shortest layer being around ear length) and long bangs. (scared to death of going back to short bangs)
I’m not one to go for a big extravagant hairstyle but would like something new. Without cutting it all off, any suggestions?
Brandi:
Thank you for writing. The best bet, because we can’t see you, is to select several great hairstyles from Sophisticate’s that you love and show to your hairdresser. Tell them about your concerns–they should be able to tell you what would work best. Spring is here–it’s time for a change! Good luck…
I am not sure what style would be good for me, I am not sure what type of face shape I am, I could be round or I could be
oval, I am not sure. How do I make the right choice?
Joy:
You need to go to a good stylist (one that is recommended by your friends or co-workers) and tell them you want a consultation. They should be able to give you guidance. Show them styles from our magazine that you think look great; see if they think they would work on you. Thanks for writing!
I have a long face. The last time i got my hair cut back in january i got it cut in layers, its a little past my shoulders. I want something new but i can’t seem to find anything that i think would look good with my face shape.
Hi Brittany:
Select new looks from our Clip & Snip section and take to your hairdresser…see what they think. Or, if you’re really game, go to a local beauty supply store and try on a few wigs…you might be surprised at what looks good!
Hi!
I’m 24 and have a round face shape. Could you tell me of 5 celebrities with round faces who are in their 20s and 30s? Thanks! P.S. I’m also petite.
Hi, Elizabeth!
Here are some of our favorites: Cameron Diaz, Mandy Moore, Fergie, Kate Bosworth, Emma Stone and Kelly Osbourne. Check out Kelly’s awesome haircut in the June issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, which is currently on stands.
i have a roundish face shape and i want an “emo/scene” haircut… what exactly should i get? i live overseas, so its harder to tell the hairstylists what i want rather than the states… so links to pictures could really help…. front back and side views could really help.. my hair is a couple inches past my shoulders with side bangs and many layers from 3-4 inches to the longest length. my hair is thin and the color is brown with purple on the top layers of the crown and bangs please help me.. i really want a different hairstyle/cut
Hi Ultra Violet:
It sounds like you already love to play with color and styles, so there’s a whole world of styling options out there for you. A lot of women will be rocking short cuts this summer. Since you already have layers, a piecey pixie snip may be a nice option. You mentioned you live overseas—we’re international! Pick up the latest issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, which goes on sale Tuesday. This issue is packed with fun, fresh looks. Choose one you love and bring it to the salon to show your stylist. If you’re unsure about a particular hairstyle, it’s always a good idea to get a hair pro’s opinion on how you would look with a particular cut and style.
The best cut I ever had was called Taper Caper. I got the photo from your magazine and used it several time for a great style. Unfortunatly I have lost it so sad I haven’t been able to get the same look since. Ohh No
Hi, Rhonda!
Thanks for reading the magazine! We’re sorry you lost the photo, but we do feature tons of great cuts and styles in our Clip & Snip section of every issue!
I am enjoying see in new cuts but when you are in your 50′s, well there are not many cuts for our age and short to mid length, everything is for the younger crowd.
Judy:
We keep all our readers in mind and try to reflect all age groups.
Thanks for the nice note and we will keep you in mind in our editing!
Hello,
I writing because I’m looking for a little help I’ve never had my hair cut, but I’m hoping to receive some guidance for a new look. I am senior in college and I want to change my look up a bit. I’m a bit plump, I have round face and my hair is past my shoulders. Lately bangs and bobs have caught my attention but I’m unsure if it’s a wise choice for my particular look. I know that soon I will have to cut my hair to some different length because trims are not helping to stop the breakage of my hair. Do you have any advice?
-Ashleigh
Hi, Ashleigh!
A bob would be a fantastic look on you, but the key is a long bob—one that hits at your shoulder or right below. Long, subtle layers gives the style fullness and movement, and including a side bang elongates your features. We also suggest some pieces cut to subtly frame your face below the chin.
Hello! I am 20 and looking for a haircut that is a keeper. I have very curly, brown hair and an oblong face shape. When its long it looks somewhat scraggly and when its short it sometimes looks like a tent. What style do you suggest?
Hi, Catherine!
Brown curly hair can be the most beautiful, desirable hair there is! It can also be the most difficult to work with if it is thick, coarse and heavy. A soft bang will balance the oblong face by shortening it a bit. I also like to open up the eye/cheek area with the cut to add a bit of width to the face, also creating balance. As far as optimal length, I look for something in the mid-range so that the length of the face is again balanced with layers in the cut to reduce the full, tent-like feeling around the bottom of the cut. The best cut is one that works both with the natural curl and hair that is straightened with a flat iron. I achieve this by doing the fundamental cut wet, then drying and straightening the hair and finally doing detail cutting on the dry hair to remove excess bulk. This adds versatility to the hairstyle.
I’m 16 years old and I have shoulder length hair. It’s thin and dull when it’s long, so I was thinking about getting it cut. I was thinking about getting it cut chin length and have choppy layers. Would this look good if I have a round face?
Brittany:
Thanks for writing…we’re enjoying the holidays and will be back to biz next week (week of January 4th)…thanks and look for your answer. Have a fabulous Sophisticate’s style new year!
The hairstyle you’re describing would be a good option with a couple of precautions. First, I recommend leaving it a little longer than chin length, which will help accentuate your face shape. Longer, choppy layers will work also as long as you do not flip it out as this will make your face appear wider. Finally, wear your hair sleek and opt for some face framing highlights and texture because it can soften the shape as well and you’re on your way to the perfect style.
Unfortunately, I’m 44 years old and still looking for my best haircut. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania and the hairstylists are either not up-to-date on current trends or the lack the skills necessary to achieve a great style. I have even taken your magazine along with me to the salon to show the stylist what I would like, but it never turns out. It seems like I’ve had the same boring hairstyle forever, and it’s making me look older than I am. I’m frustrated and definitely in need of a change. I just have to find the right creative stylist. Your magazine is a great resource and guide. Please keep it comin’.
Hello, Kimberly:
We’re sorry you’ve been having such problems finding the perfect stylist! One tip we’ve learned: if you see someone with a great haircut, ask her where she goes–referrals are always one of the best ways to find out who’s doing great tress work in your town. We’ll keep the inspiration and fabulous hairstyles coming! Good Luck!
Hello Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide
I plan on getting my hair cut in a week or two and I really want a new hairstyle. Right now, I have short, dark hair with side-swept bang. I want to cut my bangs like Jennifer Love Hewitt’s front bangs or Selena Gomez’s baby bangs. The only problem is that I have a round face and I do not want my bangs to make my face look rounder. I always tie my hair up into a ponytail because I look older and rounder with my hair down. Plus, I have always felt more comfortable with my hair up. To sum up my problem: I am looking for advices on how I should cut my hair if I want front bangs, have a round face, and always wear a ponytail tail. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.
Hello Phoenix:
Have you actually thought of growing your hair out? I agree that the shorter bang will accentuate your facial features because you’ll be cutting a hard straight line straight across the forehead area, which will create wider looking features. Softer bangs (or fringe) helps distract the eye and reduce the appearance of full features.
Dimensional color (deep chocolates or warm beiges) can also be helpful in creating fun movement in the hair. Ask your stylist for inverted layers (not square or round layers) so that the hair falls softly around the neck and shoulder area. Pulling the hair up can also add to the appearance of fuller features so try growing it out, adding soft layers, and keep the side swept bangs.
Who are some Celebrities with heart shaped faces???
Hi Jessie!
A few celebrities who have heart-shaped faces include Reese Witherspoon, Brittany Murphy, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Richie, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kristen Stewart.