Learn how to choose a hairstyle that complements your unique facial structure. This guide covers face shape analysis, hair type considerations, hairstyle recommendations and styling tips for men.

How to Analyze your Face Shape

Understanding your face shape is the first step toward choosing a hairstyle that enhances your features. Here's how to determine your face shape and find styles that complement it:

Methodology for Determining Your Face Shape

• Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled away from your face.

• Use a washable marker or soap bar to trace the outline of your face on the mirror.

• Using a face shape chart that you can easily find on the Internet, determine your face shape.

Face Shapes and Ideal Hairstyles

Oblong Faces

Your face is longer than it is wide, so styles that add width and minimize additional length will look best.

• Do: Opt for cuts with volume on the sides, such as fades with textured tops or classic side parts.

• Don't: Avoid overly tall hairstyles (like pompadours with extreme height) or very short buzz cuts that emphasize your face length.

• Styling Tips: Side-swept fringes or layers can help create the illusion of width.

Square Faces

You have a strong, defined jawline and angular features. Styles that soften those angles while adding a touch of length will be your best bet.

• Do: Embrace layers and texture. Think a textured crop top with a short fade, tousled waves, or even a classic side part with some length left on the side.

• Don't: Avoid overly blunt cuts or boxy hairstyles that accentuate the angularity of your face.

• Styling Tips: A bit of facial hair, like a well-groomed beard, can further soften your sharp features.

Oval Faces

This is the most balanced face shape. Play around and experiment with different styles, as most will work for you.

• Do: Almost every hairstyle suits this face shape. Just keep hair off your forehead to avoid making your face appear rounder.

• Don't: Limit excessively long hairstyles that might obscure your features, throwing off your natural balance.

• Styling Tips: Emphasize your balanced shape with styles that add a little height and showcase your cheekbones.

Round Faces

Characterized by a soft, circular shape with fullness around the cheeks and a less defined jawline.

• Do: Opt for styles with height and angles. Pompadours, quiffs with some volume, or angular fringes all work well.

• Don't: Choose very short buzz cuts or styles with excessive roundness, as these can emphasize the softness of your features.

• Styling Tips: Even a subtle fade on the sides can help elongate your face. Consider some light facial hair to add dimension around your jaw.

Diamond Faces

Your face is widest at your cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and chin. Focus on styles that add width to these areas while softening the prominence of your cheekbones.

• Do: Fringes, layers, and textured styles are your friends. Side-swept styles or longer hair with some volume around the temples are a good choice.

• Don't: Avoid styles that add too much height on top, as this can exaggerate the length of your face.

• Styling Tips: Let some hair fall subtly over your cheekbones to visually minimize their prominence.

Triangular Faces

Your forehead is the widest part of your face, narrowing towards a pointed chin. Aim for styles that add fullness around your jawline and minimize the width of your forehead.

• Do: Opt for styles with volume around the chin and jawline. Medium-length textured cuts, side-swept styles, and textured fringes work well.

• Don't: Choose styles that add excessive height on top (like tall pompadours) or emphasize the width of your forehead (like slicked-back looks).

• Styling Tips: Consider a beard or stubble to add width and visual weight to your chin. You can also style your hair with a slight side part to break up the symmetry of your forehead.

Heart Faces

You have a broader forehead and a narrower chin. Choose hairstyles that create fullness and width in the lower thirds of the face.

• Do: Go for medium-length styles, side parts, textured fringes, or even tousled waves that add volume below the temples.

• Don't: Opt for styles that emphasize the width of your forehead, like very short buzz cuts or slicked-back looks.

• Styling Tips: A beard or a bit of stubble can visually widen your chin, creating a more balanced look.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Texture

• Straight: Lacks natural curl or wave and typically lies flat.

• Wavy: Forms gentle S-shaped curves.

• Curly: Ranges from loose spirals to tight coils.

• Coily: Exhibits very tight "Z" or zigzag patterns.

Volume (Density)

• Thin: Individual strands are thin, and your scalp might be slightly visible.

• Medium: The most common hair type, with moderate strand thickness and scalp coverage.

• Thick: Individual strands are coarse, and you have a lot of hair on your head.

Product Pairing

• Thin Hair: Prioritize lightweight formulas. Volumizing mousses, texturizing sprays, and dry shampoos can add lift and volume without weighing hair down.

• Thick Hair: You may need heavier hold products or richer textures. Creams, waxes, and gels offer more control.

• Curly/Coily Hair: Hydration is vital! Leave-in conditioners, defining creams, and curl gels help control frizz and maintain definition.

Choosing the Right Styling Products

Pomades

• Best For: Classic styles requiring shine and strong hold (pompadours, slicked-back looks).

• Consider: Oil-based pomades are traditional but can be heavy. Look for modern, water-based options for easier application and less buildup.

Waxes

• Best For: Natural-looking styles needing medium hold and a bit of texture.

• Consider: Waxes come in varying strengths and finishes, from matte to satin. Choose based on your desired hold and shine level.

Clays

• Best For: High-hold styles demanding volume and a completely matte finish.

• Consider: Clays can be drying, so start with a small amount and focus application at the roots to avoid an overly stiff look.

Tips for Effective Styling

• Adding Volume and Texture: Use a round brush and volumizing products to lift hair at the roots, and direct airflow upwards. Diffusers are ideal for textured or curly hair.

• Products: Texturizing sprays, sea salt sprays, and powders offer instant volume and a tousled look.

• Styling Techniques: Scrunching or twisting hair while styling can enhance natural waves or curls.

• Comb vs. Fingers: Combs offer precise styling; fingers create a more relaxed look.

Managing Your Style

• Product Choice: Hairspray offers a final layer of hold, especially for combating humidity. Lighter-hold sprays maintain flexibility.

• Reapplication: Stash travel-sized products in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups of wax or clay.

Maintaining Your Hair Health

• Washing: Choose shampoos and conditioners formulated for your hair type (dry, oily, color-treated, etc.). Limit washes to every 2-3 days for most hair types to avoid dryness.

• Deep Conditioning: Restores moisture and shine, especially important for thick, curly, or coily hair. Aim for a weekly or bi-weekly treatment.

• Heat Styling: Minimize the use of hot tools (blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons). Always apply a heat protectant to damp hair beforehand.

• Haircut Frequency: This depends on your style and how quickly your hair grows, but in general getting your hair cut every 4-6 weeks should be sufficient.

If and When to Adapt to Trends

• Classic: Classic, timeless hairstyles offer enduring appeal and remain flattering regardless of current trends. These styles provide a consistent and reliable foundation for your grooming routine.

• Trends: While following trends can be beneficial to enhance your appearance for the duration of the trend, remember that they don't suit everyone. Experiment by adapting elements of a trend to complement your individual features and style preferences. Select aspects that align with your face shape, hair type, and personal aesthetic.