
Posted on November 24th, 2025
Thinking about switching up your look? Let’s be honest, the world of haircuts can feel like a maze.
The secret to pulling off a new style isn’t buried in trends or celebrity photos. It’s sitting right there on your face.
'Face shape' isn’t just some fancy term stylists throw around. It’s the blueprint. And once you’ve clocked yours, choosing the right cut becomes a whole lot simpler.
This isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about knowing what works for you, not what’s splashed across your feed.
Your features, your vibe, and your routine: these are the real players in the game. The right style won’t fight your natural look; it’ll back it up.
So if you’ve ever left a salon wondering why your “inspo pic” didn’t quite translate, don’t stress. We’re about to make sense of it all. Let’s break it down, face by face.
Before jumping into layers, fringes or pixie cuts, it’s worth figuring out what you’re actually working with. Your face shape isn’t just a detail; it’s the foundation. Knowing it makes the entire haircut decision process feel less like guesswork and more like strategy.
The shape of your face influences how different styles will sit, frame, and flatter your features. Some shapes naturally balance most cuts, while others need a bit more thought to get that "just right" look. The goal isn’t to hide or fix anything. It’s to enhance what’s already there. That’s why correctly identifying your face shape is key. Get that right, and you’ve already cleared the first hurdle.
So, what are the main face shapes to consider? Let’s break them down:
Oval: Forehead slightly wider than the chin, with the length of the face about one and a half times the width. Known for its symmetry and versatility.
Round: Equal width and length, with softer angles and fuller cheeks.
Square: Strong jawline and a broad forehead, with the face being roughly as wide as it is long.
Heart: Wider forehead tapering down to a narrow, sometimes pointed chin.
Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with wider cheekbones.
Long (or Rectangular): Similar to oval but longer, often with a straighter cheek line and minimal curves.
To identify your face shape, grab a mirror and a flexible tape measure. Measure across your forehead at its widest point, across your cheekbones, and from the tip of your chin to just below each ear. Don’t forget to check your face length, from your hairline down to your chin. Comparing these measurements will help reveal your closest match.
Once you know what shape you’re working with, you can start filtering out styles that won’t play nice with your proportions. This way, you're not relying on trends or wishful thinking. You’re choosing a haircut that’s built to suit you.
This isn't about picking from a rulebook. It's about seeing the subtle details that make certain styles work better than others. Once that’s clear, you're ready for the next step: finding the haircut that brings out the best in your features. We'll get into that shortly.
Once you’ve got a solid read on your face shape, it’s time to get practical. Not all cuts are created equal, and not every trend is worth chasing.
The best hairstyles don’t just look good; they highlight your best features, adding structure, softness, or volume where it counts. It's not about hiding anything, just knowing where to place the visual emphasis.
If your face is oblong, meaning longer than it is wide, the aim is to break up that length and add some visual balance. Styles that sit around the cheekbones are especially helpful here. They pull the focus outward rather than letting it run vertically.
Curtain bangs soften a longer forehead, while loose curls or waves add dimension without going overboard. Keep the height at the crown to a minimum. Otherwise, it only exaggerates the length. A well-shaped bob or soft layers can completely shift how your features are perceived, making this face shape feel more balanced and defined.
If your jawline carries more width than your forehead, you’re likely in triangular territory. In this case, steer attention upward. Texture near the crown or a slightly messy side part works wonders. Structured bobs and soft waves can reduce the sharpness of the jaw without making the overall shape feel too top-heavy. Don’t shy away from movement either. A bit of bounce in the mid-lengths brings softness, and a slightly off-centre part can pull the eye in the right direction.
A heart-shaped face, sometimes called the inverted triangle, has its own set of strengths. With broader brows and a narrower chin, the key is to even things out. Styles that add weight lower down will help. Layers that hit just below the cheekbones are flattering, and a soft side fringe pulls attention from the forehead. Chin-length cuts or tousled ends work especially well here, offering a nice shift in balance.
Some general recommendations for a variety of face types include:
Soft curtain fringes paired with shoulder-length layers
Light waves starting at cheekbone level
Chin-length textured bobs with side parts
Identifying your shape is only half the equation. Knowing how to frame it makes all the difference. Keep your features in focus, play with proportion, and build a look that feels polished but easygoing.
Once you’ve got your face shape nailed down and a few favourite styles in mind, the next move is finding the right stylist to help bring it to life. Salon visits aren’t just about a quick trim or tidy-up. They’re a chance to shape your look with someone who understands how to work with natural features, not against them. A proper wash, haircut, and blow-dry can do more than clean things up; it can completely shift how your face is framed.
That’s where the magic happens. A good stylist isn’t there to copy-paste a look from your camera roll. They’re there to translate your ideas into a cut that complements your face shape, your texture, and your routine. And with the right technique, even small changes can have a big effect. From fringe placement to how layers fall, every detail plays a role in balancing your features.
Here’s how a pro stylist might tailor their approach based on your shape:
Working with a pro gives you the freedom to experiment, but with structure. You’re not guessing what might work; you’re building something that does. And while you’re at it, enjoy the full experience. Great hair, a bit of conversation, maybe a good coffee. Because styling isn’t just maintenance. It’s part of how you show up.
Analysing your face shape gives you the edge whenever it comes to choosing a hairstyle that genuinely suits you.
But it’s the next step, putting that knowledge into practice, that brings real results. A skilled stylist sees more than just hair. They recognise how each angle, line, and curve can be enhanced with the right shape, texture, and movement.
Ready to bring your perfect face-shape hairstyle to life? Book our Wash, Haircut & Blow-Dry service and let our stylist create the look that suits you best.
At ACAM Beauty Lounge, this isn’t just some service; it’s a personalised experience. Every appointment begins with a conversation and ends with a confident reflection in the mirror.
You’ll leave ACAM Beauty Lounge with more than a fresh cut. You’ll walk out with a style that feels intentional, effortless, and completely yours.
Have questions or want to chat with our team first?
Reach us anytime at [email protected] or call us directly on +44 7895 014529.