How to Choose the Best Haircut for Your Face Shape

November 8, 2024
Best haircuts for face shapes

Choosing the right haircut isn’t just about picking the latest trend or a celebrity style you love; it’s about finding a look that brings out your best features. Your face shape can play a huge role in what styles will work best, so understanding it is key. If you’re in Portsmouth, NH, and looking for a fresh cut, this guide will help you identify the styles that match your face shape. And with the ease of mobile salon Portsmouth NH services, you can even get the perfect cut right at home.


1. Find Your Face Shape


Before choosing a new haircut, let's identify your face shape. The most common shapes are:


  • Oval: Balanced proportions with a slightly narrower jawline.
  • Round: Equal width and height, with softer angles.
  • Square: A strong jawline, with equal width and height.
  • Heart: Wider at the forehead, narrowing down to the chin.
  • Long (or Oblong): Longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line.


If you’re not sure which one you have, try this quick tip: stand in front of a mirror, trace the outline of your face on the mirror with a washable marker, and step back. This will give you an outline to help you figure out your face shape.


2. Best Haircuts for Each Face Shape


Once you know your face shape, you’re ready to explore the hairstyles that will enhance your features. Here’s a quick guide to what works best for each shape:


Oval Face


Lucky you! If you have an oval face, most styles will look fantastic. Oval faces are naturally balanced, so feel free to play around with different lengths and textures.


  • Try: Layered cuts, soft waves, long or shoulder-length styles.
  • Avoid: Heavy bangs that cover your face, as they might throw off your natural balance.


Round Face


For a round face, your goal is to add height and angles to create the illusion of length. Avoid cuts that emphasize the roundness of your cheeks.


  • Try: Long layers, textured bobs, styles with volume at the crown, or a side-swept bang to add some definition.
  • Avoid: One-length bobs and round styles that end around the chin, as these can make your face look wider.


Square Face


Square faces have a strong, angular jawline that many people admire. The key is to soften these angles with layers and volume.


  • Try: Long layers, side parts, wavy or curly styles, and soft, face-framing layers.
  • Avoid: Blunt bobs or cuts that end at the jawline, as they can make your face appear even squarer.


Heart Face


A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and tapers down toward the chin. With this shape, it’s best to balance your face by bringing attention to the chin and jawline.


  • Try: Side-swept bangs, chin-length bobs, and long layers that begin around the chin.
  • Avoid: Very short cuts that add volume to the top, as they can make your forehead appear wider.


Long Face


If you have a long face, the goal is to add width and balance to your look. You’ll want to avoid styles that make your face appear even longer.


  • Try: Shoulder-length cuts, full bangs, waves, and curls that add width.
  • Avoid: Extra-long, straight styles that elongate your face, or high-volume styles at the top.


3. Considering Your Lifestyle


Beyond face shape, think about your lifestyle and how much time you’re willing to spend on styling. If you’re always on the go, you might want to stick with low-maintenance cuts that look great without a lot of effort. On the other hand, if you love experimenting with your hair, a style that offers versatility may be right for you.


4. Try Before You Cut


One fun tip: use apps that let you “try on” different hairstyles. Many apps can give you a preview of how various cuts might look, which can help you avoid any surprises after the cut. It’s a great way to experiment with length, bangs, and layers virtually!


Wrapping Up


With so many options out there, finding the right haircut can feel overwhelming. But when you consider your face shape and lifestyle, you’ll be well on your way to finding a style that suits you perfectly. Whether you’re looking to make a big change or just need a trim, the right cut can give you a fresh, confident look.


For those in Portsmouth, NH, who want the convenience of a professional haircut at home, mobile salon services are a great option. Our team is here to make sure you get the style that complements you best—right in the comfort of your own space. Contact us today and let’s bring out the best in your look!

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