Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style Guidance

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Plus, the most flattering hairstyles for each face shape
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Face shape can be a significant factor when selecting haircuts, eyeglasses, and even makeup and clothing choices. Do you want to make an informed style decision based on your face shape? We’ve got answers answers and guidance for you! Read on to learn about the 8 types of face shapes in women , including the basic traits for each shape so you can determine your shape. We're also sharing which hairstyles, eyeglasses, and accessories look best for each face shape, with input from professional hairstylists and makeup artists.

The 8 Types of Face Shapes (Women)

The 8 face shapes for women are oval, round, square, heart, diamond, rectangle (oblong), triangle (pear), and inverted triangle.

Section 1 of 5:

8 Types of Face Shapes in Women

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  1. 1
    Oval Oval face shapes are slightly longer than they are wide (about 1 ½ times longer). Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, which is sometimes referred to as being “egg-shaped.” Those with an oval face shape are known for having both a soft jaw and forehead, and are considered the most balanced of the 8 face shapes. [1]
    • How to recognize: Slightly longer than wide, wider cheekbones, narrow forehead and chin.
    • Best hairstyles: Long bobs, pixie cuts, layered styles, long and straight hair.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Blunt, heavy bangs, too much volume on top.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Most styles work; choose frames like cat eye or aviator styles that are wide at the widest part of your face. [2]
    • People with oval-shaped faces: Rihanna, Jessica Alba, Beyoncé.
  2. 2
    Round The length and width of your face are nearly equal. You also have a soft, rounded jaw with little to no angles. For those with a round face shape, the cheekbones are the widest part of the face. [3]
    • How to recognize: Rounded jaw, non-angular, wide cheekbones.
    • Best hairstyles: Long layers, side-swept bangs, long straight hair, or varied textures.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Chin-length bobs, blunt bangs, one-length cuts.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Angular frames (square, rectangular) to add slimness to the face. [4]
    • People with round-shaped faces: Selena Gomez, Kate Upton, Ginnifer Goodwin.
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  3. 3
    Square Those with a square face have a forehead, cheekbones, and jaw that are equal in width. They’re known for their square-shaped jaw and strong cheekbones. Some square-shaped faces are as wide as they are long, while others appear more rectangular. [5]
    • How to recognize: Symmetrical, strong jaw and cheekbones.
    • Best hairstyles: Long layers, curls or waves, long bobs, side-swept bangs.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Blunt bobs, straight bangs, slicked back styles.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Round or oval frames to soften the forehead and the jawline. [6]
    • People with square-shaped faces: Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde, Bella Heathcote.
  4. 4
    Heart Your forehead and cheekbones are the widest part of your face. Heart-shaped faces tend to have a widow’s peak forehead and a narrow jaw. Many of those with heart faces also have an angled, pointy chin. [7]
    • How to recognize: Wide forehead, prominent cheekbones, narrow chin.
    • Best hairstyles: Long layers, side swept or curtain bangs, short bob, pixie cut.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Styles focused on the widow’s peak, volume near the cheeks and forehead, avoid parting your hair down the center.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Aviator, square, or rectangular frames. [8]
    • People with heart-shaped faces: Kourtney Kardashian, Ruby Rose, Scarlett Johansson.
    • Master hairstylist Ambia Elms believes that the best hairstyles for a heart-shaped face are ones that “create a straight line—you want your layers to fall right near your jawline to fill out around your face and give more balance to it. Anything from a bob to a long length look will work with a heart-shaped face.”
  5. 5
    Diamond Someone with a diamond face shape has cheekbones that are the widest part of the face. Your face also has a narrow forehead and jaw, and may include a pointed or round chin. Diamond-shaped faces can be similar to heart or inverted triangle face shapes, but diamond faces have a narrow hairline. [9]
    • How to recognize: Widest at cheekbones, pointy or narrow chin and forehead.
    • Best hairstyles: Long, layered hair, curtain bangs, chin-length or longer bobs.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Short, blunt cuts, styles with center parts.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Cat-eye or oval frames to highlight the eyes and cheekbones. [10]
    • People with diamond-shaped faces: Zendaya, Halle Berry, Selma Blair.
  6. 6
    Rectangular (Oblong) A rectangular or oblong face shape is much longer than it is wide. Your forehead, cheekbones, and chin are nearly the same length, while your chin is rounded. Those with a rectangular face also typically have a rounded forehead and are considered a longer version of an oval face shape. [11]
    • How to recognize: Long length, straight sides, rounded jawline.
    • Best hairstyles: Chin to shoulder-length cuts, soft curls or waves, bangs.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Long, straight hair without layers, short bangs, center parts.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Aviator, round, or oval frames with a thicker top rim. [12]
    • People with rectangular-shaped faces: Cher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Riley Keough.
  7. 7
    Triangle (Pear) Your face is longer than it is wide. The jaw is the widest part of your face when you’re a triangular (or pear) shape . This shape is also known for having a narrow forehead and cheeks. In addition to a strong jawline, your chin can be pointed or rounded. [13]
    • How to recognize: Wide jaw, pointed or rounded chin, narrow forehead and cheeks.
    • Best hairstyles: Layered shag, bangs, chin-length bob with volume or waves/curls.
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Cuts with volume at the jawline, tight curls, very long hair.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Browline frames with detailing on the top half to balance the jawline. [14]
    • People with triangle-shaped faces: Jennifer Aniston, Kelly Osbourne, Ellie Kemper.
    • Hair stylist Shun Pittman suggests “bangs with a horizontal line to create a narrow forehead for a triangular face. A cut that includes vertical lines running parallel to the jaw can narrow the bottom.”
  8. 8
    Inverted Triangle For those with an inverted triangle-shaped face, your forehead is the widest part of your face. Your face is longer than it is wide; the forehead tapers down to a narrow, pointy chin. Inverted (or upside-down) triangle faces are similar to heart-shaped faces, but inverted triangles have a straight or slightly rounded forehead and hairline, instead of a widow’s peak. [15]
    • How to recognize: Wide forehead with straight or rounded hairline, narrow pointy chin.
    • Best hairstyles: Chin-length bobs, cuts with face-framing layers, bangs (side swept, curtain, wispy).
    • Hairstyles to avoid: Long, straight cut, blunt or heavy bangs.
    • Best eyeglasses styles: Oval, round, and cat-eye frames, plus aviator and rimless frames to soften the face. [16]
    • People with inverted triangle-shaped faces: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Chloë Grace Moretz, Demi Moore.
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Determine Your Face Shape: 2 Methods

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  1. 1
    Compare the length and width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. Pull your hair back and look into a mirror with even lighting. Ensure there aren’t any noticeable shadows that could make your face shape appear different. As you focus on these areas, try to visualize the overall shape that they form. Which ones are wider and which appear more narrow? Then, look at your face length and try to determine if it’s longer than or equal to the width of your face. [17]
    • Oval face shapes are slightly longer than they are wide; they have a forehead that is slightly wider than the chin.
    • Round face shapes are nearly equal in length and width; they have a rounded jawline and soft cheekbones.
    • Square face shapes are equal in length and width; they have a strong jawline.
    • Heart face shapes are longer than they are wide; they have a wide forehead, narrow cheekbones, and a narrow jawline.
    • Diamond face shapes are longer than they are wide; they have a narrow forehead and jawline, along with prominent cheekbones.
    • Rectangular (Oblong) face shapes are much longer than they are wide; they have a square forehead and jawline.
    • Triangle face shapes are longer than they are wide; they have a narrow forehead and a jawline that is wider than the forehead.
    • Inverted Triangle (Pear) face shapes are longer than they are wide; they have a forehead that is wider than the cheekbones and the jawline.
  2. 2
    Use a tape measure for a more precise way to determine the shape. To determine your face shape , place a tape measure at your temple and measure straight across to the opposite temple to measure your cheekbones. Write the number down on a piece of paper. Measure your jawline by holding the tape measure across your jaw, starting and ending beneath each ear (and record the number). Measure your forehead by measuring your hairline side to side (and write down the number). Then, measure vertically from the middle of your hairline to the center of your chin. [18]
    • Oval = Length is 1 ½ times the width.
    • Round = Length equals width.
    • Square = Length nearly equals width (more angular).
    • Heart = Narrow jaw, wide cheekbones and/or forehead.
    • Diamond = Face is widest at cheekbones.
    • Rectangular (Oblong) = Length larger than width.
    • Triangle = Jawline wider than cheekbones; cheekbones wider than forehead.
    • Inverted Triangle (Pear) = Forehead wider than jawline.
    • Take our face shape quiz to find out which face shape you have!
    EXPERT TIP

    Anjuli Yera, MD

    Certified Professional Makeup Artist
    Dr. Anjuli Yera is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based out of West Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in makeup artistry, airbrush application, and bridal and wedding party makeup. Her work has been featured in St. Louis Bride, STL Today as well as the Miami Times. She has received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Best of The Knot Award, and Top Pro Status on Thumbtack. Additionally, Anjuli has been invited to KSDK’s, 'Show Me St. Louis,' to cover Makeup Trends of the year. Anjuli is a self-taught professional makeup artist who received further training from the Artistry Makeup Academy.
    Anjuli Yera, MD
    Certified Professional Makeup Artist

    You can determine your face shape easily and quickly. Divide your face into 2 halves; from your cheekbones up, analyze the hairline on your forehead and temples to see its shape. Then, do the same by looking at the lower half. Join the 2 halves together to tell what shape it is.

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Section 3 of 5:

Can you have more than one face shape?

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  1. Yes, your face may meet the criteria for 2 or more face shapes. Many people are considered a hybrid of 2 different face shapes. For instance, a rectangular face is a combination of a longer oval face, along with a square jawline. Factors like your hairstyle (including bangs), makeup choices, eyeglasses, or even what you wear can slightly alter your face shape. [19]
    • For example, if you have an oval face and wear blunt, straight across bangs, your face will appear more round.
    • If you have a square face and wear long layers, your face will appear more oval, while wearing long, blunt hair will emphasize your square shape.
    • Wearing a V-shaped neckline can cause a round face to appear longer and more angular.
Section 4 of 5:

Best Hairstyles for Each Face Shape

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  1. 1
    Oval Styles with layers at the cheekbones can help create volume and movement for those with oval face shapes. Sleek, straight hair highlights your naturally balanced face shape, while a middle or side part can focus on symmetry or a bit of asymmetry as needed. Soft waves can add volume to more narrow oval faces as well. [20]
  2. 2
    Round For those who have a round face, choose haircuts that flatter your face with layers starting below the chin and volume at the crown to lengthen your face. A side part can also break up the symmetry of a round face. It can help your face appear longer and more oval in shape. [21]
  3. 3
    Square Pick a hairstyle featuring soft layers and waves, along with a side part, to help soften your jawline. Long, layered bobs can also minimize your jawline and flatter the face. Mid-length and long layers, along with sideswept bangs, can soften the angles of a square face. [22]
  4. 4
    Heart A textured bob (around chin length) with layers can soften the jawline, while A pixie cut also emphasizes the cheekbones and eyes; a textured pixie cut can elongate your face even more. Style-wise, a half-up, half-down style (especially with waves) adds volume to the lower part of the face. [23]
  5. 5
    Diamond Styles that include layered bobs, side-swept bangs, or textured waves help elongate the face and the forehead to appear broader. Longer hair with layers and curtain bangs can also make your chin appear more proportionate in relation to your forehead. Try an updo with soft waves to create more width around the jawline. [24]
  6. 6
    Rectangular Choose hairstyles that pull focus away from the forehead, like shorter cuts, bobs, lobs, and styles featuring bangs. Side parts and textured styles also add volume to the sides and help soften the angles of the face. [25]
  7. 7
    Triangular You might want to try a layered shag to create volume on top and balance your forehead and jawline. Having bangs, whether blunt, side swept, or curtain, can obscure a wide forehead, while a side part draws attention upwards. Wearing high ponytails can also balance your face between the forehead and the jaw. [26]
  8. 8
    Inverted Triangle Go for hairstyles that deemphasize the wideness of your forehead and soften the point in your chin, like chin-length bobs to add volume to the jawline. Styles with waves and curls can also accomplish this, while any side-swept styling at the forehead can balance your look by making your eyes and cheekbones pop. [27]
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Section 5 of 5:

Types of Face Shapes FAQs

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  1. 1
    Which face shape is rarest? The diamond face shape is considered the rarest one to have. A diamond-shaped face includes a narrow forehead and jawline, along with wide, prominent cheekbones. The overall appearance is quite angular and can include a pointy chin. [28]
  2. 2
    What face shape is the most attractive? The oval face shape is thought of as the most attractive of all, since it’s the most versatile of the group. Oval faces are generally well-proportioned and have the most symmetry. However, attractiveness according to face shape is also determined by factors like facial features, overall appearance, and individual preferences. [29]
  3. 3
    Does your face shape change as you age? Your face shape can change as you age, due to factors that include changes in the elasticity of your skin, gain or loss of volume in the face, and differences in how your features appear. As you age, your nose may also become slightly longer, and your mouth can appear smaller compared to how it looked when you were young. [30]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/a29527543/what-is-my-face-shape/
      2. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      3. ↑ https://theglowmemo.com/what-is-my-face-shape
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      5. ↑ https://theglowmemo.com/what-is-my-face-shape
      6. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      7. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/a29527543/what-is-my-face-shape/
      8. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      9. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/a29527543/what-is-my-face-shape/
      1. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      2. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/a29527543/what-is-my-face-shape/
      3. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      4. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/how-to-determine-face-shape-8659895
      5. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      6. ↑ https://theglowmemo.com/what-is-my-face-shape
      7. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape
      8. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a65086800/best-hairstyle-for-face-shape/#how-to-find-your-face-shape
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/godiz39cLpw?si=27Sh3mTHSgYLWSpn&t=14
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      12. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a65086800/best-hairstyle-for-face-shape/
      13. ↑ https://theglowmemo.com/what-is-my-face-shape
      14. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/how-to-determine-face-shape-8659895
      15. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a65086800/best-hairstyle-for-face-shape/
      16. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a65086800/best-hairstyle-for-face-shape/
      17. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-find-the-perfect-bangs-for-your-face-shape
      18. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-hairstyles-any-face-shape
      19. ↑ https://www.glam.com/1665287/rarest-face-shapes-features-expert/
      20. ↑ https://www.today.com/style/what-my-face-shape-learn-how-determine-your-face-shape-t139826
      21. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004004.htm

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