How to Determine Your Face Shape

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The shape of your face can affect which hairstyles, glasses, or makeup effects look best on you. To determine your face shape, start by getting familiar with the basic shape categories. Identify your face shape with a few measurements, and use your new-found knowledge to help you pick hairstyles, makeup styles, and accessories that flatter your face.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Measuring Your Face

PDF download Download Article
  1. To truly see the shape of your face, you need to pull your hair back into a ponytail or bun. You should also pin back your bangs or loose hair around your face. Having your face clean and uncovered will allow you to see all the factors that determine your face shape.
    • You might also want to wear a top that does not cover your neck and chin, so try a scoop neck or v-neck shirt. You can also go topless. [1]
  2. To measure your face, you will need the kind of soft fabric tape measure that tailors use. These are easy to come by at most department stores. It doesn’t matter whether the ruler is in inches or centimeters. The important part is how the measurements compare to each other, not the exact numbers. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. If your hair is long, put it up or tie it back. Slick back or clip up shorter styles.

    Tip: Don’t try to measure your face with a stiff retractable measuring tape. Not only will this be a lot more difficult, but you could hurt yourself if you accidentally retract the tape during a measurement.

  4. In order to determine your face shape with measurements, you will need to write down each measurement as you go so that you can compare them all when you are done. Get something to jot down your measurements with. [3]
  5. Make sure the mirror is large enough that you can see your whole face. It also needs to be hung on a wall or able to sit up on its own so you can use both your hands. Make sure the room you're in is well-lit and that your face is in full light. You will need to be able to see each edge of your face and you don't want to misread the shape of your face due to shadows. [4]
  6. It’s easiest to measure your face if you can see what you’re doing. Stand or sit in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Face the mirror front on, with your chin level. [5]
  7. This is typically located midway between your eyebrows and your upper hairline. Measure the distance straight across from the hairline on 1 side of your forehead to the other. Write down the result. [6]
    Expert Answer
    Q

    A wikiHow user asked: "When measuring the width of my face, should I measure all the way to the hairline?"

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Laura Martin :

    Laura Martin, licensed cosmetologist, answers: "Yes - if you're measuring the width of your forehead, start at the hairline on one side and stop at the hairline on the other side. This should help you get the most accurate measurement."

  8. This measurement can be a little tricky. Feel for the most prominent part of your cheekbones with your fingertips. This is usually located just below the outer corner of each eye. Once you’ve located the right spot, measure straight across from 1 cheekbone to the other. [7]
    • You can also stand in front of the mirror with your face centered on the mirror's surface. Mark the edges of your face. You can either draw the whole area of your face now or you can place dots around your face, noting the top and edges of your forehead, the edges of your cheekbones, points on the edges of your jawline, and the bottom of your chin. Once you've placed the dots, move to the side and connect the dots, making a facsimile of your face shape. [8]
    • You can also do this in the bathroom mirror after you get out of the shower. All you have to do is outline your face in the steam. Make sure to take note of the shape before the condensation fades away. [9]
    • If you don't have a mirror, take a picture of yourself head-on with a relaxed face and draw around the outside of your face. You will get the same result.

    Tip: Keep in mind that the bridge of your nose can push out the tape measure and make this width appear greater than it really is. To get a more accurate measurement, hold the tape measure straight across in front of your face and eyeball where it lines up with each cheekbone. If you do this, be sure to hold the measuring tape away from your face for your other measurements as well.

  9. Place one end of the tape measure at the corner of your jaw below your ear, and bring the other end to the tip of your chin. Do the same on the other side and add the results together, or just multiply the first measurement by 2. This will give you your total jawline length. [10]
  10. Take your tape and measure from the center point of your upper hairline down to the tip of your chin. If you have a receding hairline or a shaved head, estimate where your hairline would be. [11]

    Note: If you have a prominent nose, this can throw off your length measurement. Instead of closely following the contours of your face, hold the measuring tape straight up and down in front of your face and eyeball where it lines up with your hairline and chin.

  11. After you’ve made all the measurements and written them down, determine which measurements are greatest and which are smallest. Compare the proportions of your face with those typical of the common face shapes. [12]
    • For example, if your face is about as long as it is wide, it is probably round or square. A square face has a wider, more angular jaw than a round face .
    • If your face is longer than it is wide, it may be oblong, oval, or rectangular. To determine which, look at how your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline measure up.
    • If your measurements get gradually narrower from forehead to jawline, your face is heart-shaped or oval. If they’re similar all the way down, your face may be oblong, square, or rectangular.
    • If your face gets wider from forehead to jawline, it’s triangular.
    • Once you've drawn your face, it's time to analyze the dimensions of your face. Look at the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline as well as the length from your forehead to your chin. Compare each side, judging which area is most prominent, which area is smallest, and how they relate to one another. [13] Keep in mind a few questions. How wide is my forehead compared to my jawline? How wide are my cheekbones compared to my forehead and jawline? How long is my face? These spatial relationships are what determine your face shape. Look at the next section to figure out what shape your face is and understand what each face shape means.
      • If your face seems to be in between two shapes, you can try a more exact method to determine which areas on your face are larger than others. In a mirror, measure the length between the side edges of your forehead, between your cheekbones or temples, between the edges of your jaw, and from your chin to your hairline. Use these exact measurements to determine what the largest and smallest areas of your face are.
      • If you aren't exactly sure about the shape of your face, have a relative or close friend help you decide. Sometimes it's easier for others to decide because they see your face more often than you see your own. [14] Another option is to look for a face chart online and compare the basic shapes with your face. [15]
    12. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Flattering Your Face Shape

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose a flattering hair length for your face shape. The length of your hair can affect how long and wide your face looks. Go with a length that balances out the dimensions of your face. [16]
    • Long, straight hair is an excellent choice for round and square faces, because it adds length and minimizes width.
    • Extremely short cuts with more volume on top, such as a pixie cut , can also lengthen short faces and draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
    • Medium to short cuts, such as a chin-length or shoulder-length bob , can make long faces look shorter and add fullness to the face. This is a good choice for oval or oblong faces.
  2. Style your bangs to fit your face. The shape of your face is an important factor in determining what kind of bangs look best on you (or whether you should have them at all). Consider the following when deciding on bangs: [17]
    • Long, feathery bangs that frame the forehead in an A-shape can help soften the look of a square face.
    • Side-swept bangs are flattering on a variety of face shapes, including round, heart-shaped, and oval or oblong.
    • Blunt, long, straight-across bangs can make narrow foreheads appear wider and minimize the length of longer faces.
  3. Pick frames that balance out your face shape if you wear glasses. Glasses can change the appearance of your face quite a bit. If you wear glasses, select frames that complement the shape of your face rather than exaggerating it. For example: [18]
    • Maintain the balance of an oval face with frames that match the width of your face.
    • If you have a heart-shaped face, minimize the breadth of the upper half of your face with light-colored or rimless frames. You can also choose frames that are wider at the bottom.
    • For long faces, such as oblong or rectangular, choose wide frames with low bridges and decorative temple elements that add width.
    • For faces that are narrower on top, such as triangular faces, pick frames that are wider on top, such as cat-eyes.
    • Choose narrow frames for short, wide face shapes, such as square or oval. Curved frames balance out more angular faces, while angular frames work best with round faces.
    • Soften the look of an angular diamond face shape by choosing oval frames.
  4. If you wear makeup, apply it in ways that balance the proportions of your face and bring out your best features. For example: [19]
    • Add width to an oblong face by putting blush on the apples of the cheeks and blending out toward the temples. Reduce length by adding bronzer to the hairline and jawline.
    • Use bronzer to minimize the width of the forehead on a heart-shaped face.
    • Give structure to a round face by applying bronzer around the entire outer perimeter of the face and under the cheekbones. Highlight the central part of the face (middle of the forehead, bridge of the nose, high point of the cheeks, and chin).
    • Soften square faces by contouring the forehead, temples, and jawline, and adding highlighter to the cheeks.
    • For face shapes with narrower foreheads, such as diamonds and triangles, widening the space between your brows a little can give the illusion of greater width at the top of the face.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing the Basic Face Shapes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Divide your face into 2 halves, then check and determine the shape of top half of your face. [20] If your face is oblong but tapers slightly from forehead to jaw, you may have an oval-shaped face. Oval faces tend to be about 1 ½ times longer than they are wide. [21]
    • You have an oval face if your cheekbones and jawline are pretty much the same width with your forehead just a bit wider, your face is only slightly longer than it is wide, and your chin is slightly rounded and smaller than the width of your forehead.
    • Because the oval face is so proportionate, there are very few hairstyles that do not look good. Bangs, no bangs, long, or short, this face shape can pull off any style and look good while doing it. It is often considered the ideal face shape due to its proportions and ability to be styled in any way. [22] [23]
  2. You can identify the shape of the face by examining the lower half of your face. [24] Round faces are widest across the cheekbones, with rounded foreheads and jawlines. Another good rule of thumb is that the round face is typically about as long (measuring from hairline to chin) as it is wide (from cheekbone to cheekbone). [25]
    • Those with this face shape often consider their cheeks to be chubby, but the cheeks usually give them a young, youthful appearance. [26] [27]
      • For round faces, avoid hairstyles that fall directly at the chin line because they accentuate the short, round qualities in your face. Instead, wear styles that fall below your chin, giving your face the appearance of added length.
  3. [28] Heart-shaped faces are widest across the forehead, and gradually narrow as you move down to the chin. The forehead should be wider than the cheekbones, and the jaw narrower than the cheekbones and the forehead. [29] }

    Note: This face shape is often associated with a pointy chin.

  4. If your face is long, widest at the cheekbones, and narrow towards the forehead and chin, you have a diamond-shaped face. [30]
  5. Oblong faces are long, but also rounded at the top and bottom. They tend to be about equally wide across the cheekbones and jawline. [31]
  6. Square faces tend to have a jaw that is about as wide as, or even wider than, the cheekbones. Square faces typically have a wide forehead as well. The slope from the corners of the jaw to the chin is gentle, and the chin is usually fairly wide, rather than pointy or rounded. [32]
    • You have a square-shaped face if your face is nearly as wide as it is long, your cheekbones and jawline are nearly the same size, your hairline is flat, and your jawline is defined with minimal chin curves. The forehead can be large and is typically the same width as the cheekbones. [33]
  7. Like round faces, square faces are usually about as wide as they are long. If you have a square jaw with a longer face, your face shape is rectangular rather than square. [34]
  8. A square jawline can also be a feature of a triangular face. If your forehead and cheekbones are significantly narrower than your jawline, your face is triangular. [35]
  9. You have a heart-shaped face if your forehead and cheekbones are wider than the bottom of your face, your jawline is angular, and your chin is prominent and pointy. These individuals often have a large forehead and may also have a widow's peak, which is the element that lends the shape its name. This shape is also described as an inverted triangle shape, given the prominence of the chin and width of the forehead and cheekbones. [36]
    • For heart-shaped faces, wear your hair long and wavy with a thick bang, which hides your larger forehead and balances out your face or wear it chin length, which helps even out the prominence of your jaw. Avoid hairstyles that are above the chin because they can make your face appear unbalanced.
    • For square-shaped faces, wear long hairstyles that add length, retracting from your wide, prominent jaw. You can also have soft curls around your face to soften the harsh angles of your jaw or an off-center part to draw attention across your face, adding length. Avoid blunt bangs and straight bobs because they accentuate the harsh angles of your face. [37]
  11. You have an oblong face if your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are almost the same width, your face is long, your forehead is long, and your chin is slightly pointed. Your face will be noticeably longer than it is wide, at least 60% longer, which is what sets this shape apart from the oval face. This type of face is often called rectangular shaped as well. [38]
    • For oblong faces, wear hairstyles that add width to your face such as long, wide curls. The bigger your hair is around your cheekbones, the wider your face will look. You can also shorten your face with a thick bang or a side part.
  12. You have a diamond-shaped face if your chin is narrow and pointed, your cheekbones are high and prominent, and your forehead is smaller than your cheekbones. These individual's faces are slightly longer than they are wide and can have a wide jawline that tapers into the pointed chin. [39] [40]
    • For a diamond-shaped face, wear your hair in a chin-length bob to accentuate your chin, and side-swept bangs help hide your small forehead and show off your prominent cheekbones. You can also rock a pixie cut because it draws all attention to your cheekbones and jawline. [41]
    13. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Why is oval the ideal face shape?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Oval is sometimes considered ideal because it is the most classically proportional, but this can also make oval face shapes sometimes look plain. Oval faces can wear the widest variety of hair and makeup styles.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 41
  • Question
    Which face shape is the best?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    No one face shape is necessarily better than another, but the oval face is considered the most classically proportioned.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 40
  • Question
    How do you measure your face shape?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use a flexible non-retractable tape measure or you can trace and measure your reflection in a mirror. Just be aware that your reflection is smaller, so don't try to combine these methods.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 22
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Some articles about face shape make claims about which face shape is “ideal” or “most desirable.” These kinds of judgments are totally subjective, however. There is no one face shape that is better than any other.
        Thanks
        Helpful 24 Not Helpful 7
      • Determining your face shape is not an exact science, even when you are taking measurements. Use your best judgment to decide which shape category is the best fit for your face.
        Thanks
        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
      • To look your best, keep your face shape in mind when deciding on how to style your hair and apply your makeup. Also, consider your face shape when picking out accessories such as hats and glasses.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Determine Your Body Shape
      How to
      Become a More Interesting Person
      How to
      Determine Eye Shape
      How to
      Measure Jacket Size
      An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)
      How to
      Choose a Winter Jacket Size
      Soft Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide
      A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type
      The Ultimate Guide to the Soft Dramatic Kibbe Type
      How to
      Look Shorter if You're Tall
      Soft Natural Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Styling Guide
      Dramatic Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide
      Everything You Should Know About the Romantic Kibbe Body Type
      Theatrical Romantic Body Type: What It Means & How to Dress
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thechicfashionista.com/how-to-determine-your-face-shape-guide-to-styling-your-face-shape/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPwpc6XtY8
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPwpc6XtY8
      4. ↑ https://www.thechicfashionista.com/how-to-determine-your-face-shape-guide-to-styling-your-face-shape/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPwpc6XtY8
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPwpc6XtY8
      7. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/how-to-determine-your-face-shape/
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88NRNMfMZ1c
      9. ↑ https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/figure-out-face-shape/p77992/page2
      1. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/how-to-determine-your-face-shape/
      2. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/how-to-determine-your-face-shape/
      3. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/how-to-determine-your-face-shape/
      4. ↑ Cordelia Frost. Makeup Artist & Gothic Blogger. Expert Interview. 30 July 2021
      5. ↑ https://www.thechicfashionista.com/how-to-determine-your-face-shape-guide-to-styling-your-face-shape/
      6. ↑ Cordelia Frost. Makeup Artist & Gothic Blogger. Expert Interview. 30 July 2021
      7. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a23873/how-to-tell-if-short-hair-will-suit-you/
      8. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/hair/bangs/find-best-bangs-your-face-shape
      9. ↑ https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/eyeglasses_shape_color_analysis.htm
      10. ↑ https://www.prettydesigns.com/apply-makeup-complement-face-shape/
      11. ↑ Anjuli Yera, MD. Certified Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
      12. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/beauty/how-determine-your-face-shape#1667173
      13. ↑ https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/figure-out-face-shape/p78052/page8
      14. ↑ https://michellephan.com/beauty-school-finding-your-face-shape/
      15. ↑ Anjuli Yera, MD. Certified Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
      16. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/3-steps-to-finding-your-face-s
      17. ↑ https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/figure-out-face-shape/p78012/page4
      18. ↑ https://michellephan.com/beauty-school-finding-your-face-shape/
      19. ↑ Anjuli Yera, MD. Certified Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
      20. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/3-steps-to-finding-your-face-s
      21. ↑ https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-the-different-face-shapes.htm
      22. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/3-steps-to-finding-your-face-s
      23. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/3-steps-to-finding-your-face-s
      24. ↑ https://michellephan.com/beauty-school-finding-your-face-shape/
      25. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/how-to-determine-your-face-shape/
      26. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/how-to-determine-your-face-shape/
      27. ↑ https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/figure-out-face-shape/p78032/page6
      28. ↑ https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/figure-out-face-shape/p78112/page14
      29. ↑ https://michellephan.com/beauty-school-finding-your-face-shape/
      30. ↑ https://michellephan.com/beauty-school-finding-your-face-shape/
      31. ↑ https://www.thechicfashionista.com/styling-tricks-that-flatter-diamond-face-shapes/
      32. ↑ https://www.thechicfashionista.com/styling-tricks-that-flatter-diamond-face-shapes/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and make sure your hair is out of your face. Then, check if you have a wide forehead and narrow jaw to see if your face is heart-shaped. If it's not, see if your face is equally as long as it is wide, which means you have a round face. If it's not perfectly round but it seems roundish, check if your face is longer than it is wide, which means you have an oval face. If none of these seem like you, check if your forehead and jaw are wider than your cheekbones to see if your face is square-shaped. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to flatter your face shape with accessories or makeup, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,153,445 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Charlotte Slay

        Apr 28, 2017

        "Did not go and on about all the shapes and the celebrities who have this face shape. I wanted, and got from this ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement