The Most Flattering Haircuts for Every Face Shape, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
The Most Flattering Haircuts for Every Face Shape, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
Nicole Catanese, Krista Carter, Giana LevyThu, August 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM UTC
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Emma Stone at the ‘Bugonia’ photocall in 2025.Credit: Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty ImagesThe Gist -
Experts emphasize considering your face shape when choosing hairstyles for balance and feature enhancement.
Long layers complement oval faces, while pixie cuts with volume suit round face shapes.
Heart-shaped faces benefit from hairstyles like side-swept bangs to balance wider foreheads.
While celebrities and seasonal trends are valid sources of inspiration, you may also want to consider your face shape when deciding on a haircut. “The goal is always to create a flattering shape or silhouette to draw attention to the best features,” explains celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher. “When a haircut complements your face shape, it can accentuate your eyes, highlight your cheekbones, or create the illusion of a more balanced silhouette,” adds hairstylist Jennifer Nast. This can be achieved through bangs, layers, length, and styling.
Of course, these are suggestions only and not rules. The best hairstyle for you will ultimately come down to personal preference. But you might just prefer to cut your hair according to your face shape because it looks better. To learn how to do this, keep reading for more tips from Streicher, Nast, and celebrity stylist Harry Josh.
Meet Our Expert -
Ashley Streicher is a celebrity hairstylist and R+Co Collective Member. Her clientele includes Emily Blunt, Lily James, and Kiernan Shipka.
Jennifer Nast is a senior stylist for Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon.
Harry Josh is a celebrity hairstylist for Kerasilk hair care. His clients include Priyanka Chopra and Gisele Bündchen.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
“To determine your face shape, look in the mirror and consider the proportions of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline,” instructs Nast. “You can also trace the outline of your face with lipstick or a washable marker on the mirror to get a clearer view of the shape.” Once you determine your face shape, you can use it to find a hairstyle that achieves balance, meaning, a cut that elongates a round face or one that softens a square jaw or even a look that adds volume to an oval shape, notes Streicher.
Haircuts for Oval Face Shapes
Oval faces are longer than they are wide. Those with oval faces tend to have elongated foreheads too. Nast explains that oval faces have a jawline that is soft and slightly rounded, with cheekbones as the broadest part of the face. She considers an oval face the most versatile shape.
Long Layers
Jessica Alba at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.Credit: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Long layers like Jessica Alba’s complement oval faces because they highlight their natural symmetry without adding unnecessary width or length. “With a tall forehead that is only a bit wider than the chin, layering around the face is great to enhance the key features of an oval face,” says Josh. If you have an oval face shape, you may want to consider avoiding center parts since this can make your forehead appear larger, he adds.
Bob Cut
Kelly Rowland at the 2022 American Music Awards.Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
A classic bob works well with oval shaped faces, drawing attention to the jawline and cheekbones. Consider adding a fun detail, like Kelly Rowland’s statement curl, to give your style a little something extra.
Side-Swept Bangs
Kerry Washington at Netflix’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premiere in 2025.Credit: JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images
Considering getting bangs? Kerry Washington’s side-swept pair is low-maintenance and complementary. “These can add a touch of sophistication while framing the face beautifully, without obscuring the proportions of the oval shape,” Nast explains.
Haircuts for Round Face Shapes
“Round faces typically feature softer angles, with the sides of the face curving slightly outward instead of going straight,” says Josh. Those with this face shape often have full cheeks and a softer, less defined jawline.
Long Layers With Volume on Top
Gabrielle Union at he 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
To lengthen the face, try a longer haircut, such as Gabrielle Union’s layered look. “Layers help break up the roundness and add dimension,” says Nast. If you want a shorter length, style your tresses with a simple hair flip. “Adding height at the crown elongates the face, creating the illusion of an oval shape,” she adds.
Lob or A-Line Bob
Selena Gomez at the 97th Annual Oscars in 2025.Credit: Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
“When working with a round face, longer hair and layers two inches below the chin can help to elongate the face,” says Nast. Selena Gomez’s retro lob, which hovers just above her shoulders, is gorgeous. Alternatively, an A-line bob, which is longer in the front and shorter in the back, elongates the face while adding angles that counteract the roundness, she adds.
Pixie Cut With Volume
Emma Stone at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2025.Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
If you think that round faces can’t pull off short ‘dos, think again. “A pixie cut with volume at the top can create the appearance of a longer face, balancing out the roundness,” says Nast. Emma Stone’s mussy layers are the epitome of It Girl cool.
Haircuts for Square Face Shapes
According to Josh, square face shapes feature a strong, angular bone structure and jawline. The width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are similar, says Nast, adding that it’s typically broad. Rather than opt for haircuts with blunt and hard edges, Josh suggests going for softer, flowier styles since they serve to round out angular features.
Soft Face-Framing Layers
Zoë Kravitz at the 2026 Met Gala.Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG26/Getty Images
Wispy bangs and/or face-framing layers can complement square-shaped faces. “These can soften the angles of the face, especially the strong jawline, creating a more rounded appearance,” says Nast. If you’re wearing your hair in an updo, follow Zoë Kravitz’s lead and pull out a few pieces in front for an effortless and appealing finish.
Long, Soft Layers
Olivia Wilde at ‘The Invite’ UK screening in 2026.Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
“Long layers that start below the jaw can add softness and movement, reducing the emphasis on the squareness of the face,” says Nast. Add some waves and you’ll bring the beachy vibes like Olivia Wilde does here.
Side-Parted Styles
Demi Moore at the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival in 2026.Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Changing up your hair part is an easy, instant way to turn up your look. “A deep side part can break up the symmetry of a square face, adding softness and shifting focus away from the jawline,” Nast says. Alternatively, a cool girl hair flip, like Demi Moore’s, gives a boost of volume and that certain je nais se quois.
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Haircuts for Diamond Face Shapes
Nast describes diamond face shapes as having a narrow forehead and jawline with wide, prominent cheekbones. You can find balance with softer styles or draw attention to your killer bone structure with your haircut’s layers and length.
French Bob
Halle Berry at ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ red carpet in 2025.Credit: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/WireImage)
“A short bob adds width to the narrow jawline and helps to balance the face’s proportions,” Nast says. Soft curls, like those seen on Halle Berry’s French bob, will also favor diamond-shaped faces.
Layered Pixie Cut
Michelle Williams at the CHANEL Dinner in 2024.Credit: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
“A layered pixie with fullness around the temples can balance the narrowness of the forehead and jaw, while drawing attention to the cheekbones,” Nast explains.
Side-Swept Bangs
Ariana Grande at the 2026 AFI Awards.Credit: JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images
“A side-swept bang can soften the angles of the face and reduce the prominence of the cheekbones, creating a more balanced look,” says Nast. Pull out a few face-framing pieces from your updo, like Ariana Grande does here, for an ultra sultry style.
Haircuts for Heart Face Shapes
According to Streicher, a heart face shape is wider than it is long. It also features a wider forehead and a pointed chin, adds Josh.
Long, Side-Swept Bangs
Zendaya at the Bulgari Hotel Roma in 2023.Credit: Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Bulgari
Josh’s go-to for a heart-shaped face is side bangs. “Side bangs are great to soften and bring out cheekbones to balance the face,” he says. “These can balance a wider forehead and bring attention to the eyes and cheekbones while softening the chin,” adds Nast. Don’t want to commit to bangs? Get a similar look with a deep side part and sweeping hair across the forehead, like Zendaya here.
Chin-Length Bob
Ciara arrives at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.Credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
“A bob that hits right at the chin helps to add width to the lower part of the face, balancing the narrow chin with the broader forehead,” says Nast. Ciara’s version is a little shorter but still appealing. Tucking ends under lends the cut a rounder feel while the bangs conceal the widest part of the face—and add major style points.
Wavy Lob
Scarlett Johansson at the ‘Asteroid City’ red carpet in 2023.Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
“A wavy lob can add volume and width around the jawline, balancing out the face’s shape,” Nast says. Scarlett Johansson’s chic waves seem to have been achieved by a flat iron, the bends hitting in all the right places.
Frequently asked Questions
What else is important to consider when determining my face shape?
“You need to also consider your hairline, bone structure, and both the length and width of your face and head,” says Streicher.
What else should you consider when choosing a haircut?
According to Josh, color is crucial when determining your hairstyle. “I’m always a fan of everyone going slightly lighter than natural color with a little bit of dimension—not only does it bring out the haircut, but softens the entire look.”
When would my face shape not factor into what haircut to choose?
“Face shape might not be as critical if the individual has other dominant features such as a very long neck or particularly prominent eyes, which they might prefer to highlight or minimize,” Nast says. “Personal style, hair texture and lifestyle also play significant roles in determining the best haircut, too.”
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