So much goes into choosing the perfect hairstyle for you. One of the major things to think about (that is often overlooked) is the shape of your face. All face shapes can rock a variety of hairstyles, but exactly what type of pixie cut or bob you go for is going to make a difference in how it turns out. You might love the look your best friend has, or envy that celebrity you’ve been following on Instagram. But if you don’t have the same face shape, her hairdo won’t look the same on you! Today, we’re going to focus on the heart-shaped women out there. What are the best hairstyles for heart-shaped faces?
How to Determine Face Shape
There are four basic face shapes, and you can easily determine which one you have by taking stock of a few of your main features. First, what is the widest part of your face? Second, what is the shape of your face? Finally, is your face short or long?
A long face with a wide forehead is an oval face shape. A short face with wide cheekbones and a round jaw is a round face shape. A face with a wide jaw and square jawline is a square face shape. And, last but not least, a face with a wide jaw that has a pointy jawline (which tapers toward the chin) is a heart face shape.
I also find it helpful to compare myself to celebrities with the same face shape as me when choosing hairstyles to try. Some good examples of heart-shaped celebrities are Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Campbell, and Scarlett Johansson. For contrast, Drew Barrymore and Mila Kunis have round faces, Rihanna and Emily Deschanel have square faces, and Tina Fey and Jessica Alba have oval faces.
Heart-Shaped Hairstyle Guidelines
I’ll get into some specific hairstyle options I recommend for a fresh summer cut in a minute, but first some general guidelines for you to keep in mind when getting a new cut. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that layers will help to offset the width of your cheeks and jaw to give you a gentler look in general. Long layers will be the best for this, but it will make a difference even with shorter hairstyles.
If you’re looking for a short cut, side-swept bangs are your friend. They’ll frame your face with a nice line if you go for a pixie or short bob. Medium length hairstyles will look the best if they fall just below your jawline. The hair will help fill the space on either side of your chin so the sharp point of your jaw isn’t accentuated so much. For long hair, stick to a side part. Center parts are coming back in style, but your face will look way more elegant with a side part and swept bangs.
If you want to be adventurous, just go and ask your stylist for a new do with these general guidelines! If you were hoping for a little more direction, though, here are twelve styles to try.
1. Loose Waves
This looks the best on shoulder-length hair. It helps to draw attention to your jawline without making it look to blunt or harsh. Katherine McPhee rocked this look a few years back.
2. The Lob
As mentioned above, a hairline that falls just below the jawline will naturally soften your chin and make you look effortlessly elegant. You can leave it straight or add some bouncy curls, whatever makes you feel the most confident!
3. Long, Side-Swept Bangs
Anything that accentuates your eyes will naturally draw attention away from your chin and forehead. Any bangs will do for that purpose, but my favorite look is the long piecey ones that give your face a sweet, whimsical feel.
4. Shaggy Pixie Cut
If you really want to try something new, try chopping off your locks and going for a shaggy pixie cut. A really short boy cut probably isn’t going to be your best look, but something with more volume would be perfect to send out the summer. Think the look Jennifer Lawrence was rocking not too long ago.
5. Magic Side Part
Briefly mentioned above, but any look with a side part is going to frame your face beautifully. The more dramatic it is, the greater the effect will be. Don’t be afraid to push your part a little further out from the recommended center-of-one-eyebrow point to really accentuate the look.
6. Long, Straight Layers
If you have straight hair and want to keep it long, lean into the chunky layers. In general, the more volume you have in your hair, the better it will accent your face shape.
7. AVOID Top-Heavy Looks
Updos are great in certain contexts, but when the occasion presents itself, opt for something that gathers your hair lower down on your head. If you pile it all up, your jawline will be left hanging, making it look even more pointy than normal.
8. Embrace the Big Curls
If your hair is curly, or if you want a curly look, go for the really big ringlets or waves. Frizzy curls will look chaotic and draw attention back to your face in all the wrong places.
9. Go for an Ombre Dye Job
Remember that the general idea here is to de-emphasize your forehead and make your jawline look softer. What better way than to rock the ombre locks?
10. Loose Side Ponytail
Sometimes tight looks will look great, but more often than not you want to let your hair flow around your shoulders. A loose, wispy ponytail can be great for this.
11. Tight Bun
If you prefer the tightly drawn back look or feel (I do, personally), a tight bun at the back of your head can be super flattering. It doesn’t draw too much attention to the top of your face and can be extremely elegant for special occasions.
12. Messy Braid
Similar to the loose ponytail, a messy braid gives that wispy look without being too much work to get ready in the morning!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, as with any look, the key is confidence! There are four basic focus points for styling a heart-shaped face. Take attention away from your forehead and chin, accentuate your cheekbones, pick a hairstyle that makes your cheeks and jaw seem fuller, and try bangs! Whatever you decide to try, wear it like you know you rock it, and no one will tell you otherwise.
Are you a heart-shaped woman? What is your favorite hairstyle to wear for fancy events and just lounging around? Are you excited to try one of these for the first time? Let me know in the comments.