Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

1. Name what you want: more forehead on show, fringe, a visible jaw or more hair at the sides. That is more useful than asking only for a cut that suits your face shape.
2. Set the limits: how short you will go, whether it must tie back, whether you will blow-dry it, and how often you can return for a trim.
3. Explain which part of a reference photo you like: the parting, fringe length or shape of the ends. If the model’s hair differs from yours, ask how the cut would need to change.

The men’s and women’s filters are browsing shortcuts, not restrictions on who can try a style.

If you want a longer-looking outline, change where the volume sits rather than removing every strand at the sides.

For a shorter cut

Compare a side-parted crop or a modest quiff. Ask to see how the top sits without styling product; a tall quiff may need daily drying and hold.

For medium or longer hair

Try face-framing pieces that continue below the cheek area, or move the part to one side before changing the cut. Keep whichever outline you prefer in a front-facing mirror.

Use hair texture and upkeep to narrow the options. An oval label cannot tell you whether you will enjoy a fringe or a very short cut.

For a shorter cut

Compare a taper, textured crop or a close cut by how much forehead and ear you want to show. Check the side view as well as the front.

For medium or longer hair

Choose the finish you want: a blunt perimeter, moving layers or fringe. If your face already looks long, check whether a high crown makes that more noticeable.

You can make the jaw a feature, or put softer movement next to it. Choose the effect you actually want.

For a shorter cut

A short crop can expose the jaw; a loose, textured top gives another option. Compare where the sideburn and side length end instead of relying on the cut’s name.

For medium or longer hair

If you want less emphasis on the jaw corners, compare soft waves or layers that move past them. A straight bob ending at the jaw is an option if you want to emphasise that line.

If you want less contrast between the upper face and the chin, compare a lighter forehead outline and some fullness lower down.

For a shorter cut

Try a side-swept or textured fringe before committing to a high swept-back style. Check the hairline and natural part so the fringe can sit where you want it.

For medium or longer hair

Compare chin-length movement, shoulder-length layers or curtain fringe. Show your stylist where you want the fullest part to sit, not only the final length.

Choose between showing the cheekbones clearly and keeping more hair around the narrower upper and lower outline.

For a shorter cut

A side sweep or fringe can keep hair around the temples. Before a very close fade, compare how fully exposing the sides changes the emphasis on the cheekbones.

For medium or longer hair

Compare chin-level layers and a soft fringe, or tuck one side back to show the cheekbone deliberately. A temporary change in parting can help you choose before cutting.

If you want the face to look less long, compare how much forehead is visible and how much width remains at the sides.

For a shorter cut

Compare a moderate top with a side-swept fringe. Very tight sides and a high top increase the contrast between length and width, which may not be the effect you want.

For medium or longer hair

Compare fringe, waves or shoulder-length volume at the sides. Long hair is still an option; look at where it gains width rather than treating length as a ban.

• Fine hair that lies flat: Ask whether your hair can hold the proposed shape without styling. The height in a reference photo may come from drying and product, not the cut alone.
• Natural curls or waves: Discuss where the hair will sit once dry before choosing fringe and layer lengths. A straight-hair reference may need substantial adjustment.
• A cowlick or strong natural part: Fringe may separate or lift. Have the stylist inspect the growth direction before choosing its length and weight.
• Little time for daily styling: Say that you want a cut you can wear after air-drying. Ask what it will look like without straighteners, curling tools or hold products before deciding.

“My cheekbones look wider than my jaw. I want to keep some fringe and avoid very close sides. My hair is fine, and I only want a few minutes of styling each morning. In this photo I like the parting and the ends, rather than needing the whole cut copied. What would you change for my hair?”

If you are unsure, first move the parting, tuck one side back or try a fringe position. Compare in similar light and from the same angle. This can show your preference more clearly than relying on a shape label alone.

Further reading: L’Oréal Paris on discussing texture, reference photos and maintenance. These notes are general styling references, not a prediction of your haircut.