How do you find your face shape?
Pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror. Notice the widest part of your face: forehead, cheekbones or jaw. Then compare the length of your face with its width, and see whether your jaw is soft and rounded or angled.
- Oval: a little longer than wide, with a soft jaw and balanced features.
- Round: about as wide as it is long, with full cheeks and a soft jaw.
- Square: a strong, angled jaw, with forehead and jaw about the same width.
- Heart: wider at the forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to a smaller chin.
- Long: clearly longer than wide, often with a high forehead.
Which haircuts suit a round or square face?
For a round face, cuts with height at the crown and length below the chin help the face look longer. Long layers, a deep side part and a longer bob that falls past the jaw all work well. Very short, rounded bobs that end at the cheeks can make the face look fuller.
For a square face, softness is the goal. Wispy layers, side-swept bangs and soft waves near the jaw ease strong angles. A blunt bob that ends right at the jawline can make it look wider, so many people choose a length a little above or below it.
Which haircuts suit a heart-shaped or long face?
Heart-shaped faces look lovely with fullness near the chin. Chin-length or shoulder-length cuts with soft volume at the ends balance a wider forehead. Side-swept or curtain bangs soften the top of the face.
Long faces do well with width at the sides and less height on top. Bangs shorten the look of the face, and waves or layers around the cheeks add width. Very long, sleek, straight hair can make a long face look longer.
What if you have an oval face?
Oval faces are balanced, so most cuts work. That freedom means your texture and lifestyle should guide you. Choose a length you can style easily and a shape that shows off what you love most, whether that is your cheekbones, your eyes or your neckline.
Why do texture and lifestyle matter as much?
The same cut can look very different on fine, thick, straight or curly hair. Fine hair often looks fuller with blunt ends and fewer layers. Thick hair may need weight taken out so it doesn't puff at the sides. Curly hair should be cut with the curl in mind, because it springs up as it dries. Read more in haircuts for fine or thin-looking hair.
Be honest about your mornings too. If you air-dry most days, ask for a cut that falls into shape on its own. If you love a smooth blowout, a cut built for a round brush will reward you.
How Esther shapes your cut
Esther listens first, takes her time, then shapes the cut for your hair, face and lifestyle. A signature women's cut & style is $100, and a signature cut with no blow-dry is $70. Length and thickness can change the price, and the free consultation gives you the exact quote.
“Best designer ever! Meticulously attentive to every detail. I would literally travel cross country to have Esther create my look.”
— Carol S., haircut & blow-dry
See more about women's haircuts, or text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation.
Questions clients ask
Do I need bangs for my face shape?
No. Bangs can soften a square jaw, shorten a long face or balance a wide forehead, but they are always optional. If you are unsure, try soft side-swept or curtain bangs first. They grow out easily and blend into face-framing layers.
Can I wear short hair with a round face?
Yes. A short cut with height at the crown, some length past the cheeks and a side part can look great on a round face. A good stylist shapes it so the lines lead the eye up and down, not across.
Does my face shape change as I get older?
Many people notice their features soften over time, so a cut that suited you years ago may need a refresh. Soft face-framing and movement near the cheeks often look fresh. For more ideas, see hairstyles for women over 50.