A square face has a strong, angular jaw and a forehead, cheekbones and jaw of similar width. It photographs well and reads as confident and defined. The best haircuts for square faces soften the angles with movement and layers, or deliberately lean into them for a bold look. Here's how to tell if your face is square and which cuts work best.
What is a square face shape?
You likely have a square face if:
- your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width,
- your face is about as long as it is wide (or only slightly longer),
- your jaw angle is sharp and the jawline is fairly straight,
- your hairline may be fairly straight across.
If your face is clearly longer than it is wide with the same straight sides, you may be oblong instead. Confirm with the free face shape detector.
Haircut rules for square faces
- Add softness: waves, curls, layers and texture break up straight lines.
- Avoid blunt lines at the jaw: a cut that ends exactly at the jaw makes it look wider.
- Use side parts: a center part with flat sides emphasizes symmetry and angles.
- Add length or height: lengthening the face reduces the "boxy" effect.
Best hairstyles for square faces (women)
Short
- Textured pixie with side-swept fringe.
- Wavy bob ending just below the jaw.
- Asymmetrical bob with soft layers.
Medium
- Shoulder-length layers that start below the chin.
- Lob with soft waves and a side part.
- Shag with wispy curtain bangs.
Long
- Long layers with face-framing pieces that curve around the jaw.
- Loose beachy waves.
- Side-swept long hair for a soft diagonal line.
Bangs
- Side-swept bangs and curtain bangs soften a wide forehead and draw attention to the eyes.
- Avoid heavy blunt bangs, which add another horizontal line.
Best haircuts for square faces (men)
Men with square faces often have the "classic" strong jaw, so many short cuts work. To keep balance:
- Short sides with a little length on top: crew cut, textured crop, Ivy League.
- Side part with a taper.
- Buzz cut: shows off the jaw.
- Messy fringe or curtains to soften angles.
- Quiff if your face is wide and short.
For beards, a rounded full beard or circle beard softens a square jaw. See beard styles by face shape.
Styles to avoid with a square face
- Chin-length blunt bobs that end at the jawline.
- Slicked-back, flat styles with a center part (if you want a softer look).
- Very straight, heavy one-length hair.
- Heavy blunt bangs.
Glasses for square faces
Round, oval and cat-eye frames soften angular features. Thin metal or rimless frames also work. Avoid boxy, very angular frames that echo the jawline. More in glasses for your face shape.
Makeup and brows
A rounded, softly arched brow balances a square face. Contour along the outer jaw corners and forehead edges softens the outline, and blush applied in a circular motion on the apples of the cheeks adds roundness. See eyebrow shapes for your face.
Try it on
See how soft layers, side-swept bangs or a short textured cut look on your square face with the hairstyle try-on.
FAQ
How do I know if I have a square face?
Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width, your face is roughly as long as it is wide, and your jaw has a sharp angle.
What is the best haircut for a square face?
Cuts with softness and movement: wavy bobs below the jaw, long layers, shags with curtain bangs and side-swept styles. For men, short sides with texture on top or a side part.
Do bangs suit a square face?
Side-swept, curtain and wispy bangs suit square faces. Heavy blunt bangs can make the face look wider.
What should a square face avoid?
Blunt cuts that end at the jaw, flat center-parted hair and boxy glasses frames.
Is a square face attractive?
A strong, defined jaw is widely considered an attractive feature for all genders. Hairstyles can either soften it or highlight it, depending on the look you want.
