"Triangle face shape" can mean two opposite things. A triangle (or pear) face is wider at the jaw than at the forehead. An inverted triangle face is wider at the forehead and narrows to the chin. This guide covers how to recognize both and the hairstyles that balance each one.
Triangle (pear) face shape
How to recognize it
- Your jaw is the widest part of your face.
- Your forehead is noticeably narrower than your jaw.
- Your cheeks may be fuller toward the lower face.
Haircut rules
- Add volume at the crown and temples to widen the top.
- Keep the sides near the jaw sleek rather than full.
- Choose lengths that skim past the jaw instead of ending at it.
Best hairstyles (women)
- Layered pixie with volume on top.
- Chin-grazing bob with volume at the crown (avoid fullness at the ends).
- Shoulder-length cut with face-framing layers starting at the cheekbones.
- Long layers with root volume.
- Side-swept bangs to widen the forehead.
Best haircuts (men)
- Quiff, pompadour or textured top to add width and height at the forehead.
- Fuller sides near the temples (medium taper rather than high skin fade).
- Short, neat beard that doesn't add extra width at the jaw.
Inverted triangle face shape
How to recognize it
- Your forehead is the widest part of your face.
- Your face narrows to a smaller or pointed chin.
- It is very close to a heart shaped face; some systems treat them as the same.
Haircut rules
- Add width at the jaw and chin.
- Reduce forehead width with side-swept or curtain bangs.
- Avoid volume at the crown and temples.
Best hairstyles (women)
- Chin-length bob that adds width at the narrowest point.
- Lob with waves from the jaw down.
- Curtain bangs with long layers.
Best haircuts (men)
- Medium-length hair with some fullness at the sides.
- Fringe or side-swept styles.
- Full beard or goatee to add width at the chin. See beard styles by face shape.
Glasses for triangle and inverted triangle faces
- Triangle (pear): frames with strong top lines (browline, cat-eye) add width at the top.
- Inverted triangle: bottom-heavy, round or rimless frames balance a wider forehead.
More in glasses for your face shape.
Not sure which you are?
Upload a straight-on photo to the free face shape detector, or read the full face shapes guide. Then preview cuts for your shape with the hairstyle try-on.
FAQ
What is a triangle face shape?
A face that is wider at the jaw than at the forehead, also called a pear-shaped face.
What is an inverted triangle face shape?
A face that is widest at the forehead and narrows to the chin. It is very similar to a heart shaped face.
What haircut suits a triangle face?
Cuts with volume at the crown and temples and sleek sides near the jaw, such as layered pixies, crown-volume bobs and long layers. For men, quiffs and textured tops.
What haircut suits an inverted triangle face?
Chin-length bobs, lobs with waves at the jaw and curtain bangs; for men, fuller sides, fringes and beards that add width at the chin.
Is a pear-shaped face the same as a triangle face?
Yes, both describe a face that is wider at the jaw than the forehead.
