How do I find my natural part?

To find your natural part, start with towel-dried hair. Working in sections, comb your hair back toward your crown, then pull your head forward and let your hair naturally fall. Notice where it splits—this will be your hair part.

My hair naturally parts in the middle. How can I create a side part?

If your hair naturally parts down the middle, create a side part by parting your hair while it is wet, then apply a gel to hold the new part in place. Use a fine-toothed comb to direct your hair as you blow dry.

How to Pick the Perfect Part for Your Face Shape, According to Pro Hairstylists

Zendaya and Bella Hadid with parted hairstyles — Getty Images / Byrdie

Say it with us: Every face shape is beautiful. Whether your visage is stunningly square or sharp as a diamond, it's perfect exactly as it is. That said, it's also totally fine to play up—or de-emphasize—our features as we choose. Such is the power of hair and makeup. And one way to create the illusion of a different face shape is to switch up how you part your hair.

To learn more about the most flattering ways to part hair based on face shape, we tapped pro hairstylists Mika Fowler and Chaz Dean. Read on for their tips and tricks.

Meet the Expert

Mika Fowler is an editorial and red-carpet hairstylist who specializes in dry-cutting hair.
Chaz Dean is a professional hairstylist and colorist and the founder of WEN Hair and Body Care.

01 of 06

Round Face: Middle or Deep Side Part

Chrissy Teigen with a deep part in her hair — Steve Granitz / Getty Images

“If you have a round face shape, the ideal part line is down the middle or a deep side part,” Fowler says. “Both of these parts will give the illusion of length and create symmetry around your face.” She warns against adding too many layers to your hairstyle if your face is round and you're not looking to play up your natural shape: “Add just enough to slim the face,” she says.

02 of 06

Square Face: Side Part With Bangs

Zendaya with supermodel hair at the NAACP Awards — Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Fowler says that a soft, side-swept part with bangs or a swoop will add softness to a square face.

While Dean recommends an extra-deep side part to elongate your features—“The sides of the face are commonly straight, meaning an extra-deep side part is your new best friend”—Fowler suggests not going too deep. “You don’t want to make the part too deep—this will accentuate [the angles] of a square face,” she counters. Instead, show just enough skin on your forehead and allow your bangs to offset your angled jawline.

03 of 06

Oval Face: Anything Goes

Tessa Thompson with long, center parted box braids — Samir Hussein / Getty Images

Fowler says this is the most "ideal" face shape for any part, and oval-faced folks can get away with pretty much anything.

Since this is the easiest face shape to style for, Dean recommends playing with your part and mixing things up. "Deep side, middle, and side-swept all generally work well with the oval face shape," he says.

04 of 06

Heart-Shaped Face: Deep Side Part

Stephanie Hsu with a slick, deep side part hairstyle — Emma McIntyre / Getty Images

Fowler says a deep side part will break up the chin line, which can be pointy if you have a heart-shaped face. "You want to soften your cheekbones as well," she says. "A deep side part will brush softly against your face and give this illusion," adds Dean.

That said, Dean encourages experimenting with a middle part and playing around with layers to help enhance your features. "Also, try a half-up, half-down look to emphasize the eyes and shape of your face," he says. "Heart-shaped faces are unique, so show them off as much as you can."

05 of 06

Diamond-Shaped Face: Side Part

Olivia Culpo with a side-parted hairstyle — Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images

If you have a diamond-shaped face, a side part will play up your natural assets. “A side part really complements your strong cheekbones and bone structure,” Fowler remarks. She adds that shorter hairstyles work best for this look since diamond-shaped folks have smaller foreheads. Anything too long and dramatic will overshadow your face.

06 of 06

Oblong Face: Middle Part or Bangs

Bella Hadid at the Cannes Film Festival with a center-part hairstyle — Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images

Fowler suggests a middle part to add the illusion of roundness to oblong faces. “Bangs also work very well for this look because they help shorten the long face shape,” Fowler says. She recommends asking for a haircut with layers to bring out your cheekbones and strong jawline.

FAQ

How do I find my natural part?

To find your natural part, start with towel-dried hair. Working in sections, comb your hair back toward your crown, then pull your head forward and let your hair naturally fall. Notice where it splits—this will be your hair part.
My hair naturally parts in the middle. How can I create a side part?

If your hair naturally parts down the middle, create a side part by parting your hair while it is wet, then apply a gel to hold the new part in place. Use a fine-toothed comb to direct your hair as you blow dry.