How to find your face shape, and the haircut that suits it

Your face shape is the single best clue to which haircut, beard and hairstyle will flatter you. You can find it in two ways: let B4GLOW read it from a selfie, or measure it yourself with a mirror and a tape.

The quick way: scan your face with B4GLOW

B4GLOW maps your face from a single selfie and tells you your face shape, along with your skin type, hair texture and the colours that suit you. It takes about 30 seconds.

Free face shape scan by B4GLOW, made by ArtZee. Your photo never leaves your phone.

For the most accurate result, pull your hair back, face a window for even light, and hold the phone at eye level.

The manual way: measure your face at home

Stand in front of a mirror with your hair tied back. Use a soft tape measure and note four numbers:

  1. Forehead width: Measure across the widest part of your forehead, halfway between your eyebrows and hairline.
  2. Cheekbone width: Measure across your cheekbones, from the outer corner of one eye to the other, at the widest point.
  3. Jawline length: Measure from the tip of your chin to just below your ear, then double it.
  4. Face length: Measure from the centre of your hairline straight down to the tip of your chin.

Now see which measurement is the largest, and compare your numbers with the shapes below.

The 6 face shapes and what suits each one

Oval face

  • Face length is about 1.5 times the width
  • Forehead slightly wider than the jaw
  • Softly rounded chin

Balanced proportions with a slightly narrower jaw. Almost every cut works, so you can choose by lifestyle. Best styles: Textured Quiff, Classic Side Part, Long Soft Layers, Blunt Lob. Avoid: Heavy blunt fringes that hide your balanced features.

Round face

  • Face length and width are almost equal
  • Full cheeks, soft jaw with no sharp angles
  • Cheekbones are the widest part

Width and length are similar, with soft curves at the cheeks and jaw. Height on top and clean sides make the face look longer. Best styles: Pompadour with Fade, High Fade Faux Hawk, Long Layers Below Chin, Deep Side Part. Avoid: Chin-length bobs that end at the widest point; Full, rounded volume at the sides.

Square face

  • Forehead, cheekbones and jaw are similar widths
  • Strong, angular jawline
  • Face length close to width

A strong, wide jaw with a forehead of similar width. Soft texture balances the angles, though sharp cuts can play them up. Best styles: Classic Crew Cut, Textured Crop, Soft Waves, Wispy Side Bangs. Avoid: Blunt, straight-across fringes; Very flat, slicked styles that make the jaw look boxier.

Oblong face

  • Face length is clearly the largest measurement
  • Forehead, cheeks and jaw are similar widths
  • Long, straight cheek line

The face is noticeably longer than it is wide. Width at the sides and less height on top keep it in proportion. Best styles: Side Part with Low Fade, Forward Fringe, Shoulder-Length Waves, Full Blunt Bangs. Avoid: Tall pompadours or a lot of height on top; Very long, straight hair with no layers.

Heart face

  • Forehead is the widest part
  • Jaw narrows to a pointed chin
  • Often a widow's peak hairline

A wider forehead tapering to a narrow chin. Styles that add fullness near the jaw and soften the forehead work best. Best styles: Textured Fringe, Medium Side Sweep, Side-Swept Bangs, Chin-Length Bob. Avoid: Lots of volume at the crown and temples; Very short, slicked-back sides that widen the forehead.

Diamond face

  • Cheekbones are the widest part, and high
  • Narrow forehead and narrow jaw
  • Pointed or angular chin

Wide cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. Adding width at the forehead and jaw balances the cheekbones. Best styles: Fringe Up, Textured Mid-Length, Chin-Length Bob with Fringe, Deep Side Part Waves. Avoid: Volume at cheekbone level; Middle parts with very flat sides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common face shape?

Oval and round are the most common. Many people are a mix of two shapes, so go with the one your widest measurement points to.

Can my face shape change?

Your bone structure stays the same, but weight changes, age and a beard can make your face look rounder or more angular.

Is the B4GLOW face shape test free?

Yes. B4GLOW is free to try, and the scan happens on your phone, so your photo is not uploaded.

Which face shape suits every haircut?

Oval faces have balanced proportions, so most cuts work. Other shapes look best when the cut adds what the face lacks, such as height for round faces or width for oblong ones.