One of the most important things we consider when recommending a haircut is face shape.
A haircut can completely change the way your features appear. The right shape can highlight your best features, create balance and make styling your hair much easier.
At The Strand, we always think about suitability first, because the most beautiful haircuts are the ones that work in harmony with your face.
The Goal: Creating Balance
In hairdressing, the face shape often considered the most balanced is the oval shape.
This doesn’t mean everyone needs an oval face but when we design a haircut, we often aim to create the illusion of a softer oval shape through clever use of length, layers and volume.
By adjusting the hair shape, we can visually balance the face and highlight the features you want to draw attention to.
Flattering Different Face Shapes
Here are a few simple examples of how haircuts can complement different face shapes.
Round face shape
Round faces often benefit from styles that create length and movement. Longer layers, soft texture and volume at the crown can help elongate the face shape.
Square face shape
Square faces usually have strong jawlines. Soft layers, waves or textured ends can help soften the angles and create a more balanced look.
Heart-shaped face
Heart-shaped faces are typically wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Styles with movement around the jawline or cheekbones can help create balance.
These are general guides, but every person’s hair texture, density and lifestyle will also influence what works best.
Another Way to Look at It: Highlighting Your Features
Another approach we often take is focusing on your best features.
Think about where we apply makeup usually around the eyes, cheekbones and lips.
With the right haircut we can draw attention to these same areas.
For example:
- Layers around the cheekbones can highlight the face beautifully
- A fringe can bring attention to the eyes
- Face-framing pieces can enhance the jawline or lips
A well-designed haircut should guide the eye towards the areas you want to showcase.
How to Work Out Your Face Shape
If you’re unsure about your face shape, there are a few simple ways to get an idea.
Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back and look at the overall outline of your face.
Ask yourself:
- Is it longer than it is wide?
- Is the jawline strong or softer?
- Is the forehead wider than the chin?
You can also trace the outline of your face in the mirror with a washable marker or lipstick to see the shape more clearly.
The Most Important Thing: Suitability
While face shape is a helpful guide, the perfect haircut also depends on other things like:
- your hair type and thickness
- how much time you like to spend styling
- your lifestyle
- how bold or natural you want the result to be
That’s why a personal consultation is such an important part of the appointment at The Strand.
Our job is to find a haircut that not only suits your face shape but also works for your life and makes you feel amazing every day.
