How to Choose the Best Haircut for Your Face Shape as a Man

Abiran Thevarajah
3 minutes ago
4 min read

Choosing the right haircut can transform your appearance and boost your confidence. But with so many styles available, how do you know which one suits your face shape best? Understanding your face shape is the key to finding a haircut that highlights your best features and balances your proportions. This guide will help you identify your face shape and suggest haircuts that work well for each type.

Eye-level view of a man with a classic short haircut highlighting his oval face shape — Classic short haircut on an oval face shape

How to Identify Your Face Shape

Before picking a haircut, you need to know your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back and trace the outline of your face on the mirror using a washable marker or lipstick. Step back and observe the shape you created. Most men's faces fall into one of these categories:

Oval: Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide, with a gently rounded jawline.
Square: Strong jawline, broad forehead, and a face roughly as wide as it is long.
Round: Full cheeks and a rounded jawline, with the width and length of the face being similar.
Rectangle (or Oblong): Longer face with a squared jawline and forehead.
Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with wide cheekbones.
Heart: Wider forehead and cheekbones with a narrow, pointed chin.

Knowing your face shape helps you choose a haircut that complements your natural features.

Haircuts for Oval Face Shape

Men with oval faces have the most versatile shape. Almost any haircut suits this face shape because of its balanced proportions.

Short textured crop: Adds a bit of edge without overwhelming the face.
Side part: Classic and clean, it enhances the natural symmetry.
Pompadour: Adds volume on top, balancing the face length.
Buzz cut: Works well because the oval face can carry off the simplicity.

Avoid hairstyles that cover the forehead completely, as this can shorten the face visually.

Haircuts for Square Face Shape

Square faces have strong, angular features. The goal is to soften the jawline and add some height to the top.

Crew cut: Keeps the sides short but leaves some length on top for styling.
Textured fringe: Adds softness to the forehead area.
Side-swept hairstyle: Breaks the symmetry and adds a casual vibe.
Undercut with volume on top: Creates height and elongates the face.

Avoid blunt cuts that emphasize the squareness of the jaw.

Haircuts for Round Face Shape

Round faces benefit from styles that add height and angles to create the illusion of length.

High fade with quiff: The fade slims the sides, and the quiff adds height.
Angular fringe: Creates sharp lines that contrast with the roundness.
Pompadour: Adds volume on top, elongating the face.
Side part with volume: Breaks the roundness with asymmetry.

Avoid cuts that add width on the sides, like bowl cuts or full curls.

Haircuts for Rectangle (Oblong) Face Shape

Rectangular faces are longer than they are wide, so the goal is to reduce the length visually.

Medium length with waves: Adds width and texture.
Fringe or bangs: Shortens the forehead area.
Side part with volume: Balances the length with width.
Layered cuts: Add fullness on the sides.

Avoid very short cuts on the sides and top, which can make the face look even longer.

Haircuts for Diamond Face Shape

Diamond faces have wide cheekbones and narrow forehead and jawline. The goal is to balance the width of the cheeks.

Textured crop: Adds volume on top without emphasizing the cheekbones.
Side swept fringe: Softens the forehead and jawline.
Taper fade: Keeps the sides neat and draws attention upward.
Longer styles on top: Help balance the narrow forehead.

Avoid styles that add width to the cheeks, such as full curls or bushy sideburns.

Haircuts for Heart Face Shape

Heart-shaped faces have a broad forehead and narrow chin. The goal is to reduce the forehead's width and add volume around the jawline.

Side part with volume: Draws attention away from the forehead.
Textured fringe: Covers part of the forehead.
Medium length with waves: Adds fullness near the jaw.
Beard or stubble: Adds weight to the chin area.

Avoid styles that add volume on top without balancing the lower face.

Tips for Choosing the Right Haircut

Consider your hair texture: Some styles work better with straight hair, others with curly or wavy hair.
Think about maintenance: Choose a style that fits your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend styling.
Consult a barber: A professional can help tailor a haircut to your face shape and hair type.
Try virtual hairstyle apps: These tools let you see how different cuts look on your face.