What hairstyle suits me is really five smaller questions: what is my face shape, how tall is my forehead, how thick and curly is my hair, how long is my neck and how much time do I want to spend. This guide takes you through them with a mirror and a phone, so you can narrow down the best haircut for your face before you book. For the longer step-by-step version, see what haircut should I get.
The mirror quiz, question by question
Pull your hair back and stand in daylight. Take a front-facing photo if you can.
- Face shape. Is your face longer than wide, about equal, wider at the forehead, the cheekbones or the jaw? Use the face shape detector or the face shapes guide.
- Forehead. Is it tall, average or short? A tall forehead suits bangs, and a short one suits swept-back hair.
- Hair texture. Is it straight, wavy, curly or coily? Is it fine, medium or thick?
- Neck and shoulders. A short neck looks longer with shorter cuts or updos. A long neck suits almost anything.
- Routine. How many minutes will you spend each morning? Be honest.
Hairstyles that suit your face shape
| Face shape | Cuts that suit it | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Round | long layers, a lob, side-swept bangs, volume on top | add length and angles |
| Oval | most cuts | the shape is balanced |
| Square | soft layers, waves, a side part | soften the jaw |
| Oblong | a chin-length bob, bangs, waves | add width, shorten |
| Heart | a chin-length cut, curtain bangs | balance the chin |
| Diamond | a bob with bangs | add width at forehead and chin |
| Triangle | volume at the crown, layers | balance the jaw |
For detail, read round face hairstyles, oval face shape, square face shape, heart-shaped face, diamond face shape, oblong face shape and triangle face shape.
Match the cut to your hair texture
- Fine hair: blunt lines look fuller. See hairstyles for fine hair.
- Thick hair: layers remove bulk. See hairstyles for thick hair.
- Wavy hair: shags and lobs show the movement. See hairstyles for wavy hair.
- Curly hair: cuts shaped dry. See hairstyles for curly hair.
- Straight hair: blunt bobs look sharp. See hairstyles for straight hair.
The best haircut for my face: other features that matter
Face shape is only part of the answer.
- High forehead: bangs or a fringe.
- Receding hairline (men): a textured fringe or a short crop. See receding hairline hairstyles.
- Strong jaw: soft layers and waves.
- Prominent ears: hair that covers them partly, or a very short cut that makes them part of the outline.
- Glasses: bangs that sit above the frames and layers that do not hide them.
Hairstyle ideas by length
Short: a pixie cut or a bob. Medium: a lob or layers. Long: layers with curtain bangs. For men, see short haircuts for men, medium length haircuts for men and long hairstyles for men.
When you are between two options
Pick the one that needs less daily work. Then look at your closet and your hair color: does the cut work with the colors you wear most? Ask a friend whose taste you trust, or, better, ask your stylist which option your hair texture will hold best. A cut that suits your hair will always look better than one that fights it.
If short hair scares you
The usual fear is that short hair cannot be undone. Choose a middle step, such as a lob or a long pixie, then go shorter at the next trim. Longer hair offers more styling options, and shorter hair offers an easier routine.
Check your routine before you commit
A cut that needs a blow dry every morning is a bad fit if you wash and go. A short cut needs a trim every four to six weeks, and a long cut can go three months. If you tie your hair back for work or sport, keep enough length for a ponytail.
See your top picks before you cut
After the quiz, pick three or four options and see them on your own face. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and compare them side by side, then show the best one to your stylist.
Related reading: what haircut should I get, face shapes and low maintenance haircuts.
FAQ
How do I know what hairstyle suits me?
Combine your face shape, forehead height, hair texture and styling routine, then preview two or three options on your own photo.
What is the best haircut for my face?
It depends on your face shape. Round faces suit length and layers, square faces suit soft waves, long faces suit bangs and heart faces suit chin-length cuts.
Does hair texture matter more than face shape?
Both matter. Texture decides what a cut will do day to day, and face shape decides how it balances your features.
Can an app tell me what hairstyle suits me?
Tools like a face shape detector and a hairstyle try-on can narrow the choices, but your stylist knows your hair texture best.
