How to Find Your Face Shape (6 Face Shapes + the Best Hairstyles for Each)
A simple guide to finding your face shape — oval, round, square, heart, diamond or oblong — with measuring steps and the most flattering haircuts for every shape.
By the Aesthetica Team3 min read
Knowing your face shape is the fastest shortcut to a better haircut, better glasses and a more flattering beard. The problem: most people guess wrong in the mirror. Here's how to find your face shape properly — and what to do with the answer.
The 6 face shapes
| Face shape | Key features |
|---|---|
| Oval | Longer than wide, forehead slightly wider than jaw, softly rounded chin |
| Round | Length and width about equal, full cheeks, soft jawline |
| Square | Forehead, cheekbones and jaw similar width, strong angular jaw |
| Heart | Wide forehead and cheekbones, narrow pointed chin |
| Diamond | Widest at cheekbones, narrow forehead and jaw |
| Oblong | Noticeably longer than wide, straight sides |
Many people are a mix — oval/square and round/heart are very common.
How to find your face shape: 3 methods
Method 1: Measure it
Pull your hair back and use a soft measuring tape (or a front-facing photo and a ruler):
- Forehead: across the widest part, midway between brows and hairline.
- Cheekbones: across the widest point, just below the outer corners of the eyes.
- Jawline: from the tip of the chin to below the ear, then double it.
- Face length: from the center of the hairline to the tip of the chin.
Then compare: Is the length clearly bigger than the widths? Which of the three widths is largest? Is your jaw angular or rounded?
Method 2: The mirror trace
Stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face with a washable marker or lipstick. Step back and compare the outline with the table above. It's quick, but lighting and angle make it imprecise.
Method 3: Use an AI face shape detector
The fastest and most consistent method is an AI tool that measures your facial landmarks automatically. Aesthetica's AI face shape detector classifies your face shape from a selfie in seconds — including mixed shapes — and suggests hairstyles that suit you.
Best hairstyles for each face shape
Oval face
The most versatile shape — almost everything works. Try textured crops, quiffs, side parts, long layers, curtain bangs or a sleek bob. Avoid heavy fringes that hide your balanced proportions.
Round face
Aim to add height and angles. Men: pompadours, quiffs and faux hawks with short sides; an angular beard adds definition. Women: long layers, side parts, and asymmetrical lobs. Avoid chin-length rounded bobs and very full sides.
Square face
Soften the strong jaw or lean into it. Men: textured crops, side parts and slightly longer tops; buzz cuts work well with a strong jaw. Women: soft waves, side-swept bangs and layers around the jaw.
Heart face
Balance a wider forehead with fullness at the jaw. Men: medium-length textured styles and fuller beards. Women: chin-length bobs, side-swept bangs and waves that start around the cheekbones.
Diamond face
Add width at the forehead and chin. Men: fringes and textured tops; a fuller beard. Women: deep side parts, curtain bangs and chin-length cuts.
Oblong face
Avoid adding more length. Men: keep the top moderate and the sides slightly fuller; fringes work well. Women: bangs, shoulder-length cuts and volume at the sides.
Glasses for your face shape
A good rule of thumb: choose frames that contrast your face shape. Angular frames suit round faces, round frames soften square faces, and wide frames balance longer faces.
FAQ
What is the most common face shape?
Oval and round shapes are among the most commonly reported, but many people have a combination of two shapes.
What is the most attractive face shape?
Oval is often considered the most balanced because its proportions sit close to classical ideals, but every face shape can look great with the right styling. See Golden Ratio Face.
Can your face shape change?
Your bone structure doesn't change, but weight changes and aging can shift how your face shape looks — for example, losing weight can make a round face appear more oval or square.
How do I find my face shape from a photo?
Use a straight-on photo with your hair pulled back and compare the widths of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw with your face length — or upload it to an AI face shape detector.