How do I determine my face shape?

To determine your face shape, you'll want to look at three things: First, measure the widest parts of your face like your cheeks, forehead, and jaw. Then, measure your jawline (decide if it's square, pointy, or round), and then determine if the entire length of your face is short or long.

What face shape is best for short hair?

All face shapes can rock a short style and you don't have to have a cut that "flatters" your face; however, if you want one that's considered complementary, you've got options. For example, short, beachy waves are great for square-shaped faces, while an angular bob looks super cute on people with a triangle-shaped face.

How can I know what type of bangs will look good with my face shape?

Generally speaking, side-swept bangs tend to favor round, square, diamond, and rectangle-shaped faces. Meanwhile, blunt bangs pair well with oval and heart face shapes. Of course, there are a lot more options when it comes to bangs, but it's worth considering your hair type and texture, as well as lifestyle, before deciding which fringe is right for you.

The Best Haircuts for Every Face Shape

jessica alba — @jessicaalba / Design by Michela Buttignol

Here's the thing: You can choose any haircut you want, no matter your face shape. If you want to wear a pixie, go for it. Love lobs? We're here for that, too. We want you to look and feel your best no matter what. That being said, there are cuts that traditionally flatter different face shapes, and we'd be remiss not to share that information with you.

Furthermore, it can be confusing what all that expert hairstylist lingo really means, so we wanted to shed light on the different lengths and styles that best complement your face. For instance, according to celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, if you have a round face, you want to create height and length. "A hairstyle with longer layers will make your neck and face appear more slender," she explains. We spoke to Potempa and other stylists for their tips on the styles to suit every shape.

From square to round, keep scrolling for the best styles for every face shape.

01 of 20

Square: Tousled Lob

Jennifer Lopez lob — Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Los Angeles-based hairstylist Enzo Angileri says a tousled bob or lob works well with a square-shaped face since it emphasizes layers and de-emphasizes squareness. And if you've got fine tresses, opt for blunt ends like JLo since they will help to feign fullness.

02 of 20

Square: Long and Voluminous

Zendaya Prom Hairstyles — Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Zendaya looks fierce with her long, brushed-out waves. "If you have a square face shape, you can feel free to play with some volume," says celebrity hairstylist and natural hair expert Kee Taylor. "Square face shapes go very well with volume on both sides, with the length cut pretty much to the chin. This style creates perfect symmetry between the face and hair."

03 of 20

Square: Angled Bob

Sandra Bullock with a long bob haircut — Theo Wargo / Getty Images

Sandra Bullock's chop is a perfect example of an angled look that makes a square face appear slimmer. "Go for angled bobs that are longer in the front and will cover the width of the cheeks," recommends Potempa. To get Bullock's photo-worthy finish, apply a bit of styling product for super-sleek hair.

04 of 20

Square: Curly Bob

Yara Shahidi curly, voluminous lob — Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images

Yara Shahidi's natural volume is fun and opens her face. According to celebrity hairstylist Kristan Serafino, "The best hairstyles [for square-shaped faces] will soften the edges of the face line with wispy layers, sweeping side fringe, and volume at the crown of the head."

If you have curly hair, ask your stylist to incorporate long layers into your cut. This is especially important for shorter styles since it will lend shape to your 'do which could otherwise frizz out.

05 of 20

Round: Long Wavy Layers

Longer lengths work to elongate a round face. Layers, like those seen here on Isla Fisher, highlight your features while simultaneously removing weight and adding movement to thicker tresses.

06 of 20

Round: Pixie With Deep Side Part

ginnifer goodwin — Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty

Just because a lengthier mane may be the traditional cut to complement a round face doesn't mean that you can't find shorter styles that work for you. Take Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie cut, for instance. A volumized crown and deep side part serve to lengthen her face, Serafino tells us.

Consider avoiding harsh angular styles, tight curls, and thick bangs, all of which can shorten the appearance of a round face.

07 of 20

Round: Textured Lob

Chrissy Teigen textured lob — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

No matter your face shape, there's a bob with your name on it. Chrissy Teigen's lob and its collarbone-grazing length pair perfectly with her rounder face shape. Work in a small amount of texturizing spray to get her tantalizing waves.

08 of 20

Round: Long Side-Swept Waves

Side-swept hair adds a touch of glam to an otherwise casual look. Use a large two-inch barrel and some hairspray for loose waves like Miranda Kerr's. To brighten your complexion, consider incorporating highlights, as well.

09 of 20

Round: Beachy Waves With Center-Part

drew barrymore beachy waves with center part — Axelle / Bauer-Griffin / Getty

A center part doesn't necessarily highlight the best features of every face shape, but for those with a round face, it works wonders. To get Drew Barrymore's long, beachy waves, part hair in the center and let it air-dry with a texturizing product, like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray ($28).

10 of 20

Diamond: Blunt Bob

Jenna Dewan with a ear-tucked bob — Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

When deciding which look will best complement your diamond face shape, Serafino offers up her advice: "The best hairstyles will create the appearance of a fuller and wider forehead and chin, and soften the diamond shape." Jenna Dewan's blunt, chin-length bob frames her diamond face while a quick hair tuck shows off her cheekbones.

11 of 20

Diamond: Long Layers and Side-Swept

Rosario Dawson — Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

Potempa suggests long layers to offset the widest points of the face. You can try cutting layers yourself—if you're brave—otherwise, have your stylist angle them so that they frame your face. Finish with shine spray to get Rosario Dawson's hair gloss effect.

12 of 20

Diamond: Old Hollywood Waves

Megan Fox eye makeup look The Cinema Society 2012 event — Charles Eshelman/ FilmMagic/ Getty Images

Megan Fox takes a cue from the screen sirens of yesteryear with big, loose, curls that soften her angles. To get the look, curl sections of hair with a 1.5-inch wand, like Hot Tools Professional Gold Curling Iron ($55), and then gently brush them out with your fingers.

13 of 20

Diamond: "Pineapple" Updo

Rihanna pineapple updo — Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

"Diamond-shaped faces are so amazing," says Taylor. "The jawline is super defined, which makes it the perfect face shape for updos, shorter cuts, and tapers to show off those killer angles." Rihanna's pineapple 'do perfectly captures her cascading curls and her enviable bone structure.

14 of 20

Diamond: Natural Curly Bob With Bangs

Jill Scott volumized curly bob with bangs — Jerritt Clark / Getty Images

Singer Jill Scott's voluminous curls—bangs included—soften a diamond-shaped face. Moisture for this look is essential, so invest in a co-wash. We like Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash ($28), which fights frizz while moisturizing hair for up to three days, according to the brand.

15 of 20

Heart: Bangs

Naomi Campbell blunt bob with bangs — Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Your face shape is an important factor in deciding whether to fringe or not to fringe. "One of the best parts about a heart-shaped face is due to the width of the forehead, you have the perfect face for bangs," explains Taylor. "Adding bangs creates character, too, so many styles and can be very sexy. You can even shape the bangs to be a little longer on the sides for more in-depth framing of the face."

16 of 20

Heart: Face-Framing Layers

Jessica Biel — Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Heart-shaped faces can compensate for a wider forehead with long, face-framing layers. By styling her long layers "down and out" (i.e. curling them away from your face), Jessica Biel further opens her face up and draws attention away from her forehead.

17 of 20

Oval: Medium-Length Ombré

Our experts unanimously agree that oval face shapes can sport the most versatile cuts. Potempa says long layers allow for movement, especially when waving your hair. So take a cue from Jessica Alba and add a few subtle layers with ombré highlights for interest.

18 of 20

Oval: Side-Parted Lob

Kerry Washington — Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images

Not too long, but not too short either, a long bob is universally flattering. Add some interest to yours by loading up on volume. "Having an oval face is great for big hair, so don't be afraid to go for it!" exclaims Taylor. "Volume and length will both complement your overall features and help create overall balance." If you need extra help in the volume department, turn to a product like Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray ($30).

19 of 20

Oblong: Side-Swept Bangs

sandra oh — George Pimentel/Contributor/Getty

Oblong faces are best complemented with styles that have width at the cheekbones to distract from the length. Potempa suggests side-swept bangs to shorten the face, as seen here on Sandra Oh.

20 of 20

Oblong: Wavy Shoulder-Length

Kelly Rowland's shoulder-length hair with loose waves is the perfect example of a flattering cut for an oblong face. "A shoulder-length haircut is the most flattering—somewhere between the chin and shoulders. You want to create width, which you can easily do with waves," says Angileri.

FAQ

How do I determine my face shape?

To determine your face shape, you'll want to look at three things: First, measure the widest parts of your face like your cheeks, forehead, and jaw. Then, measure your jawline (decide if it's square, pointy, or round), and then determine if the entire length of your face is short or long.

LEARN MORE: From Round to Diamond, Find Your Face Shape and Its Best Hairstyles
What face shape is best for short hair?

All face shapes can rock a short style and you don't have to have a cut that "flatters" your face; however, if you want one that's considered complementary, you've got options. For example, short, beachy waves are great for square-shaped faces, while an angular bob looks super cute on people with a triangle-shaped face.
How can I know what type of bangs will look good with my face shape?

Generally speaking, side-swept bangs tend to favor round, square, diamond, and rectangle-shaped faces. Meanwhile, blunt bangs pair well with oval and heart face shapes. Of course, there are a lot more options when it comes to bangs, but it's worth considering your hair type and texture, as well as lifestyle, before deciding which fringe is right for you.

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