Ever notice how some guys look like their hairstyle was designed just for them?
Well—it probably was. It’s all in the science.
Nope, you can put the Bunsen burner away.
We’re talking about the science of aesthetics.
Aesthetics have a lot to do with shapes, symmetry, and angles. And they all come together in making up your face shape.
Below, we’re going to explore the best men’s hairstyles sorted entirely by face shape.
Whichever category you fall into, there’s a style lying in wait for you.
Skip Ahead
How To Figure Out Your Face Shape
This is really easy to do. It’s all measurements at the end of the day and you can simply eyeball it.
The length and width of your face, as well as size, angular lines, your forehead and cheekbones, all come into play.
Here are a few characteristics of the various male face shapes:
Oval: Your face length is longer than the width of your cheekbones. Similarly, your forehead is wider than your jawline, which is usually more rounded than angular.
Square: The length and width of your face is roughly the same. Your jaw is more angular and sharp than an oval face shape.
Round: Longer measurements on your forehead and jawline, and potentially a little more body fat storage in your face (genetics can be cruel sometimes).
Oblong: Your face is longer than it is wide, while your forehead, cheekbones and jawline are all fairly the same size.
Diamond: A longer face, pointier chin, and a chiseled jawline. Your cheekbones are angular, complimenting the shape of your features.
Triangle: The Jawline is the widest part of the face, while the cheekbones are larger than the forehead. Basically, your jaw is front and center.
Once you understand your face type, you can start looking at the hairstyles that commonly compliment you.
While some cuts are going to put emphasis on your facial features, others can draw attention away from potentially disproportionate features.
Your hair can’t change your face shape, but it can put some smoke in mirrors.
If you're chasing a more intentional / groomed lock, a little shine goes a long way. And PATRICKS S2 delivers on the shine front and more with a fantastic smelling medium hold paste that feels great in your hair without weighing it down.
Men’s Face Shapes and Hairstyles
Here’s a rundown of a few different hairstyles for each face shape.
This will give you a better understanding of what to ask for at the barber and how to how to maintain your new look.
To help illustrate the different types of haircuts, our friends at MensHairstylesToday.com have put together this comprehensive infographic. So we thought we’d let it do the talking.
Give it a look below to learn more about the best hairstyles to try for your face shape:
Hairstyles for Oval Faces
Although most hairstyles look good on an oval face, shorter cuts are generally the best suited.
By pairing a fade or undercut on the sides with a trendy comb over, quiff, pompadour, slick back, or spiky style, guys will maximize the look.
JH's Clay Pomade became my favorite pomade this year for three reasons. Firstly, it actually gives a true 12+ hour all-day hold. Secondly, it's only made from four ingredients so you dodge the chemicals that other brands pile in. And lastly, it smells manly fresh. Unless they change something, this is my new go-to.
On the other hand, we highly suggest you avoid fringes and bangs that may make your face appear round.
Also, facial hair is optional. Because of the smoothness of the jawline, we suggest you go clean-shaven.
Hairstyles for Round Faces
The best haircuts for round faces are those that make your face seem longer (surprise!). To achieve this, ask your barber for shorter sides and a longer top.
For example, a skin fade or disconnected undercut on the sides with a textured brush back, comb over with volume, messy quiff, spiky hair, or faux hawk. Ultimately, anything that adds height to the top is a good look.
If you're chasing a more intentional / groomed lock, a little shine goes a long way. And PATRICKS S2 delivers on the shine front and more with a fantastic smelling medium hold paste that feels great in your hair without weighing it down.
As for facial hair, consider a thick stubble beard or short, full beard for a more chiseled jawline.
Hairstyles for Square Faces
Square faces are usually very masculine, with sharp angles to create chiseled jawlines and cheekbones.
Fortunately for you square faced gentlemen, you have a lot of choice. Most hairstyles will look good on square faces, but the better options are really short or short to medium length.
This means you can get a buzz cut, messy crop, or crew cut, or opt for a longer style that adds volume, such as a brush up, quiff, pomp, slick back, or thick comb over.
To balance the sharpness of the chin and jawline, guys can grow some stubble.
Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
Also called oblong, long faces don’t need any more volume on top.
The best haircuts for long faced men tend to be short ones, such as a buzz cut, crew cut, textured crop, or short fringe. However, if you want a medium length hairstyle, you can add some length to the sides to balance it out.
Instead of a bald or high fade, consider a low taper fade with a number 3 or bigger clipper guard.
Then you can style your hair with a side part, slick back, or spiked style. Moreover, we wouldn’t recommend growing out a beard.
Hairstyles for Diamond Faces
Some of the coolest styles for diamond faces include thick, layered cuts such as fringes, faux hawks, brush ups, shags, messy crops, and side swept hair.
Diamond-faced men have angular jaws; facial hair can be used to soften the look.
Hairstyles for Triangle Faces
Men with triangle faces will want hairstyles that create volume on the top but maintain some length on the sides too.
Medium length hairstyles paired with clean-shaven faces are ideal in this case.
Ask your barber for a pompadour, quiff, angular fringe, side swept bangs, shaggy hair, or any popular haircut that will offset the forehead.
Choose the Right Haircut for Your Face Shape, Every Time
Choosing a proper haircut for your shape is a matter of science.
Just because a hairstyle looks good on a billboard or magazine cover, doesn’t mean it’s a fit for everyone.
Stave-off the misconceptions, and stick to one that’s right for you.
Start by researching current men’s hairstyles to get a few ideas, and the world will be your oyster.
Remember that at the end of the day, your barber is going to have a volley of experience and information; don’t be too shy to ask for advice.
