Choosing the Right Haircut for Your Face Shape
The perfect haircut can elevate your look, accentuate your best features, and simplify your styling routine. But how do you know which haircut is truly right for you? One of the most important—and often overlooked—factors is your face shape. At Hair By GV in Etobicoke, we work closely with each client to choose cuts that not only match their hair texture and lifestyle but also flatter their natural bone structure. In this guide, we’ll help you identify your face shape and explore the best haircut options for each one.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Before choosing a new style, you’ll need to figure out your face shape. Pull your hair back, stand in front of a mirror, and take a good look at the outline of your face. You can also trace the shape on the mirror with an erasable marker or take a selfie and outline the shape digitally.
Most face shapes fall into one of the following categories:
Oval
Round
Square
Heart
Diamond
Long (Rectangular/Oblong)
Once you’ve determined your shape, you can explore styles that balance, frame, or enhance your natural proportions.
Best Haircuts for Each Face Shape
1. Oval Face Shape
Characteristics: Forehead slightly wider than the chin, balanced proportions, gently rounded jawline.
Goal: You’re lucky—this face shape works well with most haircuts!
Flattering Cuts:
Long layers to enhance volume without elongating the face.
Blunt bob or lob for a timeless, balanced look.
Wavy styles with middle or side parts to add texture and movement.
Curtain bangs for softness and framing.
Avoid: Overly heavy fringes that can hide your natural balance.
2. Round Face Shape
Characteristics: Equal width and height, soft jawline, full cheeks.
Goal: Add length and definition to create the illusion of a more oval shape.
Flattering Cuts:
Long layers or angled cuts to elongate your face.
Side-swept bangs to break up roundness.
Asymmetrical bobs or lobs that graze the collarbone.
High ponytails or updos with volume on top.
Avoid: One-length cuts and chin-length bobs that emphasize roundness.
3. Square Face Shape
Characteristics: Strong jawline, broad forehead, equal width from forehead to jaw.
Goal: Soften angular features with texture and movement.
Flattering Cuts:
Textured layers to create softness.
Side parts or deep waves to balance symmetry.
Long, wispy bangs to reduce the appearance of a strong forehead.
Medium-length shag cuts for edge and softness.
Avoid: Blunt fringes and straight bobs that highlight the jaw.
4. Heart Face Shape
Characteristics: Wider forehead, high cheekbones, narrower chin.
Goal: Balance the width of the forehead with fullness near the chin.
Flattering Cuts:
Chin-length bobs or waves to add volume at the bottom.
Side-swept bangs or soft fringes to reduce forehead width.
Layered shoulder-length cuts to frame the face.
Pixie cuts with side volume.
Avoid: Short bangs or top-heavy styles that widen the forehead further.
5. Diamond Face Shape
Characteristics: Narrow forehead and chin, widest at cheekbones.
Goal: Highlight cheekbones while softening the edges.
Flattering Cuts:
Layered lobs and shags to balance width.
Chin-length bobs to soften sharp angles.
Side parts and swept-back layers to show off cheekbones.
Curly or wavy textures to add dimension.
Avoid: Flat styles or excessive volume at the sides.
6. Long/Oblong Face Shape
Characteristics: Face longer than it is wide, often with a high forehead.
Goal: Create width and avoid adding more length.
Flattering Cuts:
Shoulder-length styles with waves for width and movement.
Blunt bangs or curtain bangs to shorten the face.
Bobs with layers that hit at the chin or collarbone.
Soft curls or volume at the sides to balance vertical length.
Avoid: Super long, straight styles that elongate the face further.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Haircut
While face shape is important, it’s not the only consideration. At Hair By GV, we also look at:
Hair texture (straight, wavy, curly, coily)
Lifestyle and maintenance preferences
Hair thickness or density
Desired volume and movement
Neckline and posture
Hair goals (growing it out, keeping it short, etc.)
Combining all of these factors allows us to recommend a cut that flatters and functions for your day-to-day life.
How a Professional Consultation Can Help
We know that pictures online don’t always tell the full story. That’s why at Hair By GV in Etobicoke, we offer in-depth consultations before every cut to help you:
Identify your face shape and hair type
Discuss style inspirations and goals
Explore what level of maintenance is realistic for your routine
Get professional recommendations based on experience and precision
We also make minor customizations to traditional cuts to match your exact features—for example, shifting a part, changing bang length, or adjusting the weight of the layers.
Whether you’re ready for a full transformation or just a seasonal refresh, the right haircut can highlight your natural features, boost your confidence, and make styling easier every day. And when you work with an experienced stylist who understands your face shape, the results speak for themselves.
Visit Hair By GV in Etobicoke to book your personalized haircut and experience expert styling designed for your unique look. Schedule your appointment today at hairbygv.com or call us at 647-390-1254.
