How to Highlight Your Face Structure with the Right Haircut

Trying to determine your face structure is not always easy. Your face shape can change as you get older – volume shifts from the upper to the lower part – which can make a once oval silhouette look more rectangular with age. Losing or gaining weight can also affect your face structure due to the changes in fat and muscle. Below, find out how to determine your face shape and complement it with the right haircut.

Knowing your face shape makes it easier to choose the right hairstyle, do your makeup, and find the perfect pair of glasses for your features. Determine your face shape by looking at your forehead width, cheekbone width, and jawline or facial length.

Measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline to look for the widest part of your face. Use a measuring tape for this if it's not apparent.

Measure the length of your face from your hairline to the tip of your chin. Comparing the length against the width of your face lets you know if your face is longer than it is wide or vice versa.

Study the shape of your jaw. Knowing if it's round, square, or sharp and pointed can help you determine your face shape.

When it comes to finding the right cut for your face shape, creating symmetry is key. Here, we list the six common face shapes and the hairstyles that suit them.

This shape is considered the most balanced face structure and portrays a youthful and feminine look that's considered universally attractive. It is only slightly widest at the cheekbones before narrowing to a rounded chin and jawline. The oval face shape is proportional throughout and can rock almost any hairstyle. The only limitation you may have would be making sure the style suits your hair type and texture.

A round face shape is smooth and without angles. It's short and slightly wide along the cheekbones, with a softly rounded jawline and chin. Avoid styles that add more width to the cheek area like shorter cuts with huge curls around the cheeks. Instead, opt for additional height at the head or go for long, romantic layers to elongate your face.

A square face shape is recognizable for its straight and angular lines, with the forehead, cheekbones, and jawlines almost at the same width throughout. Like a square, it's as long as it is wide. Softening the angles of this shape is key when choosing your cut. Think side-swept bangs, wavy texture, lots of layers – long or short, and tousled 'dos. A curly pixie cut is perfect for softening this face shape.

The rectangular face shape is like the square face but longer. It features straight lines and is generally the same width from its forehead to its angular jawline. Avoid emphasizing this strong bone structure with short haircuts that can make it look more masculine. Go for styles that highlight movement, such as soft waves and long layers. Try a shoulder-length cut with curls or a tousled long bob. The key is to create volume at the sides and below to create balance.

Much like an inverted triangle, a heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead and then tapers at the chin. It's characterized by broad cheekbones, a narrow jaw, and a pointed chin. Choose styles that balance the forehead and cheeks by creating more volume at the sides and ends – mid to long hairstyles with movement and fullness from layers, waves, and curls. Soft bangs also help minimize a prominent forehead.

Widest at the cheekbones with a pointed chin, this face shape has a narrow forehead and a more defined jawline. Achieve balance with a cut that softens the angles of your high cheekbones and jawline. Go for long and soft waves, face-framing layers, and side-swept bangs. Sleek bangs and a shoulder-length bob create symmetry by widening the forehead while adding fullness to the chin area.

Now that you know what cut suits your face structure, you can make the most of your hairstyle with hair maintenance products such as the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum for hair that’s silky but still full of natural movement.

Keeping your hair healthy and damage-free is also key to maintaining a salon-fresh style. Choose an advanced 3-in-1 conditioning system such as Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Repair & Shine Ultra Conditioner to tame rebellious frizz, revive damaged locks, and restore extremely dull tresses. Do you know what your face structure is? Bookmark this article for your next trip to the salon.