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Plus tips on choosing the best facial hair
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If you have a square face—meaning it’s roughly equal in width and height with a sharp, angular jaw—it can sometimes be a little hard to find the perfect cut. Some cuts add too much width, which can make your face look a little blocky. But the right cut will make your face look longer, emphasizing your masculine jaw without widening it. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know to choose the perfect short , medium , or long cut for your square face.

Best Haircuts for Men with Square Faces

Some of the best haircuts for men with square faces include the Ivy League, brush up, quiff, and pompadour. If your hair is thinning or receding, a buzz cut, high fade, low taper fade, or textured crop could be a good option.

Section 1 of 8:

Short Cuts for Men with Square Faces

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  1. 1
    Fully shaved Whether your hair is thinning on top or you’re just looking for a low-maintenance, no-nonsense look, a square face shape is perfect for pulling off the fully bald look. It doesn’t get any easier than this.
    • Best for: Anyone—just rock it with confidence
    • Style tips: Use a specially designed head shaver to keep stubble to a minimum, and consider a goatee or light stubble to add a rugged look.
  2. 2
    Buzz cut If you want to keep your hair short but you’re not sure the fully-bald look is right for you, try a buzz cut. This cut keeps your hair clipped short all the way around, showing off your angled features in the best way. [1]
    • Best for: Anyone
    • Style tips: Get regular trims to keep this cut sharp. Especially avoid overgrowth on the sides, which will add width to your face. Buzz cuts look great with light stubble. [2]
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  3. 3
    High fade A high fade is clean-cut and a little edgy at the same time. Your hair is clipped very short or shaved completely starting from your temples down. You have a lot of options for how to style the top—keep it cropped close, wear it textured and messy, or pair it with a trendy style like a quiff. By keeping your hair short on the sides and a little longer on top, you’ll balance and complement a square face perfectly. [3]
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Style tips: See your barber or stylist every 2–4 weeks for touch-ups to keep your fade looking its best.
  4. 4
    Crew cut A crew cut is especially well-suited for square faces. This cut is short on the sides and back and just a little longer on top. It’s neat, clean, and low-maintenance, and the added height will make your face look longer and slimmer.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Style tips: Like other short styles, this one needs to be touched up regularly to look its best. Consider pairing it with a high fade for a modern, edgy twist.
  5. 5
    Ivy League If you want a polished, clean-cut look, it doesn’t get any better than the Ivy League . This cut is shorter on the sides and back and longer on top, usually worn pushed back or parted on the side. The height on top and slight side part are great for flattering a square face. [4]
    • Best for: Straight hair with thin to medium density
    • Style tips: Work in a little matte pomade while your hair is damp to hold the style in place without adding shine.
  6. 6
    Low taper fade A low taper fade is longer on the top, then fades down to very short or bare skin around the ears and neckline. This is an extremely popular haircut right now, and it’s flattering for square faces because it tends to have a rounded shape that balances out your angular features.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Style tips: Ask your barber or stylist to cut a little texture into the top, then use sea salt spray or texturizing powder and style your hair upwards for a slightly messy look with extra volume.
  7. 7
    Side part/Comb over Side parts (sometimes called comb overs ) are especially flattering on square faces because they add roundness and asymmetry to your look. This accentuates and balances a square jaw while adding height that elongates your face. [5]
    • Best for: Thin to medium density hair
    • Style tips: Use a light-hold gel for hold, then comb your hair into a sleek side part while it’s still damp.
  8. 8
    Undercut Undercuts are longer on top and shorter on the sides and back, and there’s a sharp transition between the longer and shorter sections. If you wear the top styled upward, it will add height that will lengthen your face, while the close-cropped sides will keep your face from looking overly wide. [6]
    • Best for: Thin to medium density hair
    • Style tips: Work in a small amount of matte paste to add definition and hold to your style. A full beard looks great to balance for this style.
  9. 9
    Textured crop A textured crop is cut close on the back and sides, tapering to a longer section on top with plenty of messy layers. This casually unkempt look is super trendy right now, and the asymmetry and movement of the layers on top help soften the angular features of a square face. [7]
    • Best for: Thin to medium
    • Style tips: Use a tiny amount of matte paste or light-hold hair clay to give your hair definition and hold without weighing it down.
  10. 10
    French crop A French crop is an ultra-trendy men’s cut that is shorter on the sides (usually with a fade). The top is longer and often textured, with a short fringe that’s cut straight across the forehead. Most of the volume is concentrated at the crown, which will help make a square face appear longer and more rounded. [8]
    • Best for: Any hair type, but it’s an especially stylish option for thinning or receding hair
    • Style tips: Work in a dime-sized amount of hair wax , matte pomade , or hair clay for a tousled, casual look, or opt for light-hold hair gel if you prefer a sleeker look.
  11. 11
    Caesar A Caesar cut is similar to a French crop, but the fringe is cut a little shorter so it falls higher on the forehead. Because more of your forehead shows, this timeless cut is especially good at elongating and slimming a square face. [9]
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Style tips: This is a pretty low-maintenance style, but you can add a little matte pomade , hair clay , or wax if you need extra hold, or spritz on some sea salt spray to add texture and movement. Get regular trims to maintain the shape of this cut.
  12. 12
    Classic taper A classic taper is slightly longer on top, with a smooth transition to shorter hair on the back and sides. This style is timeless, simple, and versatile—subtle variations can be added to flatter any hair type or face shape, including square.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Style tips: Get regular trims to keep your taper looking sharp. Style your hair up, back, or to one side
  13. 13
    Short spiky If your style is a little more edgy or playful, try a short spiked look . Keep your hair trimmed close on the sides and back, then wear the top a little longer, textured, and spiked straight up. The added height will lengthen your face, accentuating and flattering your angled features.
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair density
    • Style tips: Apply a dime-sized amount of gel , wax , or pomade to your hair while it’s damp, then use your fingers to twist your hair into spikes. Finish with hairspray if you want extra hold.
  14. 14
    Close-cut curls If your hair is naturally curly, try a cut where your hair is shorter or faded on the sides and just long enough on top to show off your curl pattern. This is a neat, professional way to embrace your hair’s natural texture, and the soft volume on top will flatter a square face and angled jaw.
    • Best for: Anyone with naturally curly or coily hair
    • Style tips: Use styling cream , gel , or mousse specifically designed for curls.
  15. 15
    Brush up With a brush up, your hair is left longer on the top, then the front is styled straight upwards—usually with plenty of messy texture for a casual, cool look. This style is super versatile, and a skilled stylist or barber can customize the angle of your brush up to perfectly flatter your face shape.
    • Best for: Thin to medium density hair
    • Style tips: Use a tiny amount of matte pomade or hair clay for texture and hold.
  16. 16
    Flat top Flat tops are back in style—have your barber or stylist shape your hair so it’s cut close on the sides and longer but flat on top. The height will lengthen a square face, while the angled sides will accentuate a sharper jaw. Modern flat tops are usually faded and shaped to suit the shape of your head and face.
    • Best for: Medium to thick density hair
    • Style tips: Get regular trims to maintain the shape of this cut.
  17. 17
    Brush back In a brush back, the hair on the top of your head is left longer, then you brush it straight back. (Don’t slick it back, though—leave it styled back loosely to create more volume.) This creates height on top that’s flattering for a square face. This cut is versatile because you have a lot of options for the length and layering on top, which means it can be styled to work with most hair textures.
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Style tips: If your hair is naturally wavy, consider a longer cut and use a lightweight gel or styling cream to enhance your hair’s natural texture without weighing it down. If your hair is straight, opt for a slightly shorter cut and use a product like pomade to hold it in place.
  18. 18
    Short cut with long fringe This is a perfect option when you want a cut that’s a little shorter overall but still offers a little length. A long fringe—especially worn pushed to one side—can help balance out an angular face, but keeping the back and sides short helps avoid too much width on the sides.
    • Best for: This style looks especially good with wavy or curly hair.
    • Style tips: Try a texturizing spray or powder to add definition and volume to your fringe without leaving it looking limp and greasy.
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Section 2 of 8:

Medium Cuts for Men with Square Faces

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  1. 1
    Messy fringe A messy, textured fringe is a great way to add texture and dimension to your cut. Leave the top, front section longer than the rest of your hair and ask your barber or stylist to scissor-cut texture into it. Wear it swept to one side for a flattering way to offset the sharp angles of a square face.
    • Best for: Medium to thick density hair
    • Style tips: Use texturizing spray or powder to bring out the messy, piecey look of this cut.
  2. 2
    Two block A two-block haircut is a trendy South Korean style that’s longer on top and shorter on the back and sides. Like an undercut, there’s a distinct separation between the longer and shorter sections. However, in a two-block haircut, the sides and back are left a little longer, and the top is usually styled upwards. [10]
    • Best for: This cut can be customized for any hair type
    • Style tips: Use strong-hold gel , pomade , wax , or hairspray to keep this style in place, especially if your hair is on the thicker side.
  3. 3
    Faux hawk Faux hawks are a trendy, stylish way to add flattering height to a round face. The slightly angled top will create a flattering balance to your sharper jaw and the close-cut sides will avoid adding too much width—all while giving off effortlessly cool vibes. [11]
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Style tips: Apply a little hair paste or clay to your hair, then use your fingers or a comb to style your hair straight upward while you blow dry it.
  4. 4
    High fade with quiff A quiff is a casually cool look that’s styled up and back. Sometimes called the gentleman’s cut, this classic, structured look works for professional settings, hanging out with friends, and everything in between. Pair it with a high fade for a look that’s modern, cool, and super-flattering on a square face. [12]
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair
    • Style tips: Use a small amount of hair gel or wax on damp hair, then use your fingers or a comb to style your hair up and back as you blow dry it. Avoid using too much product—it will weigh your hair down and make it hard to get the volume you want.
  5. 5
    Messy quiff A messy quiff is cut like a regular quiff, but the top is scissor-cut to add lots of texture and movement. This gives an even more casual, effortless look to this flattering style.
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair
    • Style tips: Use matte paste or clay for hold. Use your fingers to separate out small pieces to define the texture, and consider finishing with a little texturizing spray or powder .
  6. 6
    Curly quiff if your hair is curly, try a curly quiff—have your barber or stylist cut the back and sides short, then ask them to shape your curls so they’ll have plenty of upwards volume without too much width. The height will flatter your square face and your curls.
    • Best for: Naturally curly hair
    • Style tips: Use a curl cream to define your curls, then add a tiny amount of a matte pomade or clay for hold. Style your hair with your fingers and blowdry with a diffuser to avoid frizz.
  7. 7
    Pompadour A pompadour is a throwback look that’s never really gone out of style. Today’s pompadours are worn a little loose and styled with matte products to avoid the tightly-slicked back, shiny look of the original version. And like other voluminous styles, the added height is perfect for complementing a square face. [13]
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair
    • Style tips: Work a strong-hold pomade through your hair while it’s damp, then blow dry your hair up and back using a round brush . You may need to finish with hairspray for added hold.
  8. 8
    Side-swept pompadour Like a traditional pompadour, this cut is worn longer on top and styled up and back. But an added side part makes this look unique—and especially flattering on square faces.
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair
    • Style tips: Style this like you would a regular pompadour, but comb the hair up, back, and to one side instead of straight back.
  9. 9
    Longer slick back A long slick back can be a great way to flatter a square face. Wear your hair around chin length, but comb it back and behind your ears. The height on top will elongate your face, and the added hair behind your ears will soften angular features. Avoid width on the sides of your head, especially near your temples—this will make your face look wider.
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair, especially wavy or curly
    • Style tips: Work a little light-hold pomade or styling cream into your hair, then comb it back while it’s still damp.
  10. 10
    Medium-length side part Like the shorter version, this medium-length side part is a great way to add volume to the top of your head. The added length can also add softness to a sharp jawline, especially if your hair is wavy or curly.
    • Best for: Thin to thick hair
    • Style tips: Use a matte product like pomade or clay for hold, but avoid products that add a lot of shine or weigh your hair down.
  11. 11
    Medium-length layers If you like to wear your hair a little longer, adding layers to a medium-length cut can be a great way to add movement and softness that will flatter the sharp edges of a square face. This looks best on medium-density hair, especially if it’s curly or wavy.
    • Best for: Wavy or curly hair
    • Style tips: Wear this cut styled loosely to ensure you have plenty of volume at the top.
  12. 12
    Medium shag Shaggy cuts are super trendy right now. They feature lots of choppy layers for a casual, cool look, and the extra movement is great for softening a sharp jawline.
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Section 3 of 8:

Long Cuts for Men with Square Faces

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  1. 1
    Long layers If your hair is between chin- and shoulder-length, ask your barber or stylist for layers that will add movement and softness to your hair. This will complement your square face, enhancing your strong jawline without making it seem overpowering.
    • Best for: Medium or thick hair
    • Style tips: If you’d like, add a little styling cream while your hair is damp to prevent frizz, but avoid heavy products that will make your hair look weighed down or greasy.
  2. 2
    Tousled waves Show off your hair’s naturally wavy texture with long, soft layers. The movement and length will soften your jawline, while the longer length will help elongate your face.
    • Best for: Wavy hair
    • Style tips: Apply a little styling cream or lightweight gel while your hair is damp to add definition and prevent frizz.
  3. 3
    Man bun A man bun (or topknot) is a great way to flatter a square face. The height on top will make your face on longer, while wearing your hair pulled back and away from your face will show off your masculine, angled jaw. [14]
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Style tips: Try pairing this with an undercut to keep the topknot from feeling too heavy on top of your hair.
  4. 4
    Braided Wear your long hair in braids to show off your long natural hair and chiseled jawline. Cornrows and box braids are both strong masculine options—but you can also opt for locs if you prefer.
    • Best for: Coarse or coily hair
    • Style tips: Avoid wearing your hair braided too tightly—tight hair styles are associated with a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. [15]
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Section 4 of 8:

Best Facial Hair for a Square Face

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  1. Opt for light stubble or a mustache and chin hair. Heavy beards can cover up your strong, masculine jawline. If you do want to rock facial hair, consider sticking to light stubble rather than a full beard. Or, if you’d prefer, try an “anchored” style, which is a mustache with either a light chin beard or a soul patch. [16]
    • Anchored facial hair will keep the focus on the center of your face, which can help offset a wider jawline.
Section 5 of 8:

What is a square face shape?

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  1. A square face is equal in width and height with angular features. It’s similar to a rounded face—if you measure your face , the height from your forehead to your chin will be roughly equal to the width across your cheekbones. But unlike a round face, a square face tends to have sharper cheekbones and a more angled jawline.
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Section 6 of 8:

Choosing a Cut That Suits a Square Face

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  1. The best haircuts for square faces are shorter on the sides and taller on top. The added volume helps make your face look longer and slimmer, which can help balance your wider jawline. If your hair is thinning or your hairline is receding, short styles like a buzzcut, Caesar, or crop are also very flattering. [17]
Section 7 of 8:

Haircuts to Avoid for Square Faces

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  1. Avoid heavy fringes or styles with too much volume on the sides. Cuts with a lot of bulk on the sides of your head will make your face look wider. Opt for styles that are cut closer on the sides to help narrow your face and emphasize the masculine angles of your jawline. [18]
    • Also, avoid heavy fringes. These will shorten your face, which can make your wide jawline look disproportionate.
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Section 8 of 8:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Is a square face shape attractive for men? Attractiveness isn’t determined just by face shape, so it’s hard to give a definitive yes or no answer to that. However, square faces are usually symmetrical, with strong, masculine features, so many men with square faces are considered conventionally handsome.
  2. 2
    Which face shape is best for males? Attractiveness is subjective, so there’s not any one face shape that’s universally attractive for all men. That said, oval and square faces are both considered especially attractive because of their symmetry.
  3. 3
    What is the best haircut for men with square faces who have thinning hair? Shorter haircuts like buzz cuts, crew cuts, Caesars, and tapered crops are all great options if you have thinning or receding hair and a square face.
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