How To Choose The Perfect Haircut For Your Face Shape

Imagine walking out of the barbershop, not just with a new haircut, but with a newfound confidence. That's the power of knowing how to choose the perfect haircut for your face shape. It's not about chasing fleeting trends, but about unlocking a style that truly complements your unique features and elevates your daily look.

In this guide, we'll strip away the guesswork, simplifying how to identify your face shape and revealing the haircuts that will make you look and feel your absolute best.

Why Face Shape Matters When Choosing a Haircut

Why does face shape matter when you're choosing a haircut? Simply put, the right cut enhances your best features and brings balance to your face. Too often, men pick styles based on trends or what looks good on someone else, but not every haircut works for every face.

Tailoring your hairstyle to your unique shape—whether it's oval, square, round, or anything in between—creates a more flattering and harmonious look. Beyond just style, a well-chosen haircut simplifies your grooming routine, making it easier to maintain a sharp, confident appearance every day.

How to Determine Your Face Shape

Before you can learn how to choose the perfect haircut, you need to identify your face shape. This involves measuring your face and comparing those measurements to the characteristics of common face shapes.

It might sound complicated, but it's actually quite simple. Grab a flexible tape measure (the kind used for sewing works well) and follow these easy steps.

Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Your Face

1. Forehead Width: Measure across the widest part of your forehead, typically halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline.
2. Cheekbone Width: Measure from the outer corner of one eye to the outer corner of the other eye, passing over the highest point of your cheekbones.
3. Jawline Width: Measure from the tip of your chin to the point below your ear where your jaw angles upward. Multiply this measurement by two to get your full jawline width.
4. Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.

Identifying Your Face Shape

Now, compare your measurements with these common face shapes:

• Oval: Your face length is greater than the width of your cheekbones, and your forehead is slightly wider than your jawline. The angle of your jaw is rounded rather than sharp.
• Square: All your measurements are fairly similar, and you have a strong, angular jawline.
• Round: Your cheekbones and face length have similar measurements, and your face has softer, rounded edges. The jawline is less defined.
• Rectangle: Your face length is the largest measurement. Your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in size, with a more angular jaw.
• Diamond: Your face length is the largest measurement. Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a narrower forehead and jawline.
• Triangle: Your jawline is wider than your cheekbones, which are wider than your forehead.

Important Note: Keep in mind that most people's faces are a combination of shapes. If your measurements don't perfectly match one shape, don't worry! Identify the shape that's closest, and consider the characteristics of other shapes that might apply to you.

Need more help? Check out this guide.

By carefully measuring your face and understanding these characteristics, you'll gain a solid understanding of your face shape. This knowledge will empower you to choose haircuts that flatter your features and give you a confident, stylish look.

Best Haircuts for Each Face Shape (Men's Guide)

Ready to learn how to choose the perfect haircut for your face shape? This is where the magic happens! By matching your haircut to your unique facial structure, you'll unlock a look that's not just stylish but also flattering and easy to manage.

Oval Face Shape

Considered the most versatile face shape, oval faces have balanced proportions. The face length is slightly longer than the width of the cheekbones, and the forehead is a bit wider than the jawline. The jawline is gently rounded, creating a harmonious overall appearance.

• Best Haircuts:
  • Classic Quiff: Adds volume and height on top while keeping the sides neat, accentuating your balanced features. Think of a classic James Dean look.
  • Modern Pompadour: A high-volume style that adds height, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
  • Short Sides, Long Top: Versatile and stylish, this allows for creativity with texture and length on top. Consider a textured crop or a messy fringe.
  • Side Part: A timeless and polished choice that enhances your natural symmetry. Think of a neat side part with a smooth comb-over.
  • Avoid: Heavy fringes or styles that cover your forehead, as they can make your face appear rounder.

Square Face Shape

Square faces are defined by a strong, angular jawline and roughly equal width at the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. This creates a masculine and chiseled look.

• Best Haircuts:
  • Undercut with Volume: Creates a contrast between short sides and a voluminous top, balancing your strong jawline.
  • Fade Haircuts: High, mid, or low fades draw attention upward, softening angular features.
  • Classic Side Part: A timeless choice that complements your angular features.
  • Textured Crop: Adds a touch of softness and movement, breaking up the strong lines of your face.
  • Avoid: Boxy or overly structured styles that can exaggerate your angularity.

Round Face Shape

Round faces have equal width and length, with softer features and less defined angles. This gives a youthful and approachable appearance.

• Best Haircuts:
  • High-Volume Styles: Pompadours, quiffs, or faux hawks add height, creating the illusion of length.
  • Angular Fringe: A fringe with sharp angles adds definition and structure.
  • Asymmetrical Styles: An uneven fringe or side part can break up the roundness.
  • Undercut or High Fade: Short sides with length on top elongate the face.
  • Avoid: Buzz cuts or full fringes, which can emphasize roundness.

Rectangle Face Shape

Rectangle (or oblong) faces are longer than they are wide, with a straight profile and an angular jawline.

• Best Haircuts:
  • Side Parts and Layers: Add width to the sides, balancing the length of your face.
  • Medium Length with Volume: Keeping some volume on the sides prevents your face from looking longer.
  • Fringes: A fringe can visually shorten the face and highlight your eyes.
  • Slicked Back (with Caution): Can work if you avoid adding height at the crown.
  • Avoid: Very short sides with long tops, which can make your face appear even longer.

Diamond Face Shape

Diamond-shaped faces have a narrow forehead and chin, with the cheekbones being the widest point. This creates a unique and striking look.

• Best Haircuts:
  • Textured Fringe: Softens the cheekbones and balances the face.
  • Side-Swept Styles: Creates the illusion of width at the forehead.
  • Layered Haircuts: Add volume where needed to create balance.
  • Chin-Length Hair: Can help widen the jawline.
  • Avoid: Overly short sides, which can emphasize the width of your cheekbones.

Triangle Face Shape

Triangle-shaped faces feature a wider jawline and a narrower forehead.

• Best Haircuts:
  • Volume on Top: Styles like quiffs or pompadours balance the wider jaw.
  • Fringe Haircuts: A soft, layered fringe adds width to the forehead.
  • Classic Side Part: Adds structure to the upper face, balancing the lower half.
  • Medium Length with Texture: Adds volume and width to the top, balancing the jawline.
  • Avoid: Styles that are too tight on the sides, which can make the forehead appear narrower.

Choosing a haircut that complements your face shape is a game-changer. You'll not only look great but also project confidence and style.

With this guide, you're well on your way to mastering how to choose the perfect haircut for your face shape and achieving a look that's truly your own.

Product and Styling Techniques for Men's Hair

You've nailed the perfect haircut, now it's time to master the art of styling. With the right techniques and products, you can elevate your hair game and achieve a look that's both stylish and effortless.

Choosing the Right Products

The key to great hair lies in choosing products that work with your hair type and desired style. Here's a breakdown of essential styling products:

• For Volume:

  • Volumizing Mousses: Lightweight and airy, mousses add body and fullness without weighing hair down.
  • Lightweight Gels: Offer hold and lift with a flexible finish.
  • Root-Lifting Sprays: Designed to boost volume at the roots, giving your hair a lift.
  • Pre-Stylers: Applied to damp hair before blow-drying, these enhance volume and texture.

• For Hold:

  • Matte Clay: Provides a medium, pliable hold with a natural, matte finish. (We recommend our Beard Beasts Matte Clay).
  • Hairspray: A versatile option offering various levels of hold, from flexible to strong, to lock your style in place.
  • Pomades: Perfect for achieving sleek, polished looks with high shine.

• For Texture:

  • Sea Salt Spray: Creates a beachy, textured look with effortless movement. (Check out Beard Beasts Sea Salt Spray).
  • Texture Paste: Adds grip and definition for a piecey, textured style.
  • Hair Wax: Offers a pliable hold with a natural shine, ideal for defining layers and adding separation.

Mastering Styling Techniques

• Blow-Drying for Volume:

  1. Start with damp, towel-dried hair and apply a heat protectant spray.
  2. Use a round brush to lift hair at the roots as you blow-dry.
  3. Direct the airflow against your hair's natural growth direction for maximum lift.
  4. Finish with a cool shot of air to set the style.

• Combing Techniques:

  • Fine-tooth Comb: Use for creating clean, precise styles like side parts.
  • Wide-tooth Comb: Ideal for detangling and styling textured or layered cuts.
  • Fingers: Your fingers are great for creating natural, tousled looks or defining individual sections.

• Applying Products:

  1. Begin with a small amount of product and add more as needed.
  2. Warm the product between your palms to ensure even distribution.
  3. Apply to damp or dry hair, depending on the product and desired effect.
  4. Focus on the roots for volume and the mid-lengths and ends for texture.

Additional Styling Tips

• Less is More: Avoid overloading your hair with products, as this can weigh it down and make it look greasy.
• Heat Smart: Use heat styling tools sparingly and always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
• Know Your Hair:
  • Thick Hair: May require stronger hold products.
  • Fine Hair: Benefits from lightweight, volumizing products.
  • Curly Hair: Needs products that define curls and control frizz.

By mastering these styling techniques and choosing the right products, you'll be well on your way to achieving a look that's uniquely you. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a great hairstyle!

Conclusion: Mastering How to Choose the Perfect Haircut for Your Face Shape

Mastering how to choose the perfect haircut for your face shape is a game-changer when it comes to achieving a polished and confident look. It's about more than just looking good; it's about feeling confident, stylish, and ready to take on the world.

Remember, your face shape is the foundation of your hairstyle. By understanding its unique characteristics and choosing a haircut that complements them, you'll unlock a look that's truly flattering and easy to maintain. Whether you have an oval, square, round, rectangle, diamond, or triangle face shape, there's a perfect haircut out there waiting for you.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and products until you find what works best for you. Invest in quality products like Beard Beasts Matte Clay and Beard Beasts Sea Salt Spray to enhance your hair's natural texture and hold. And remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to styling.

With the knowledge and tools from this guide, you're well on your way to achieving a hairstyle that not only looks great but also boosts your confidence and reflects your unique personality. Because a great haircut isn't just a look—it's a statement. Make yours count.