1. Introduction: Why Face Shape Matters for Hairstyles
The right hairstyle can do more than just change your look—it can enhance your facial proportions, creating balance and symmetry. Certain haircuts and styles can highlight your best features, soften sharp angles, or add volume where needed. By understanding your face shape, you can choose styles that complement your natural structure and bring out your most flattering look.
Two common yet distinct face shapes are heart-shaped and diamond-shaped. A heart-shaped face typically features a wider forehead that tapers down to a narrower chin, often with prominent cheekbones. On the other hand, a diamond-shaped face has a more balanced width, with high cheekbones being the widest point and a slightly narrower forehead and chin. These differences mean that the same hairstyle can look completely different on each shape.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best hairstyles for both heart-shaped and diamond-shaped faces. Whether you want to enhance your cheekbones, balance a prominent forehead, or create a soft, harmonious look, there’s a perfect style for you. From layered cuts to soft waves and strategic parting, we’ll cover how to make the most of your unique features. Get ready to discover the hairstyles that will highlight your natural beauty and boost your confidence!
2. How to Determine If You Have a Heart or Diamond Face Shape
Finding the right hairstyle starts with knowing your face shape. Two similar yet distinct shapes are the heart and diamond face shapes. While both feature prominent cheekbones, they have key differences that affect which styles will flatter them best.
Heart-Shaped Face Traits
A heart-shaped face is characterized by a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a pointed chin. This shape often has a soft or slightly widow’s peak hairline. The broad forehead gradually narrows down to the jaw, creating a "heart" silhouette. People with this face shape may want to balance their proportions by softening the forehead width and adding fullness around the jawline.
Diamond-Shaped Face Traits
A diamond-shaped face is defined by high cheekbones as the widest point, with a narrow forehead and a sharp, angular jawline. Unlike the heart shape, the forehead is not as wide, and the chin is usually more pointed rather than rounded. This shape benefits from styles that add softness to the jaw and forehead while enhancing the cheekbones.
Simple At-Home Test: How to Measure Your Face Shape
To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and follow these steps:
1. Measure Your Forehead: Use a tape measure to find the width of your forehead from one temple to the other.
2. Measure Your Cheekbones: Find the widest point across your cheekbones.
3. Measure Your Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to just below your ear, then multiply by two.
4. Compare Proportions:
If your forehead is the widest and your chin is pointed, you likely have a heart-shaped face.
If your cheekbones are the widest, with a narrow forehead and angular jawline, you likely have a diamond-shaped face.
Celebrities with These Face Shapes
Looking at celebrities can also help you identify your face shape. Taylor Swift is a great example of a heart-shaped face, with her broad forehead and softly tapered chin. Megan Fox, on the other hand, has a classic diamond-shaped face, with defined cheekbones and a sharp jawline.
Understanding your face shape allows you to choose hairstyles that enhance your best features. Whether you’re heart-shaped or diamond-shaped, the right style can create balance and highlight your natural beauty!
3. The Best Short Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
A heart-shaped face features a wider forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a gently pointed chin. The key to flattering this face shape is choosing styles that soften the forehead while adding volume around the jawline for balance. Here are some of the best short hairstyles for heart-shaped faces.
Side-Parted Pixie Cut – Softens a Wide Forehead
A pixie cut with a deep side part works beautifully for heart-shaped faces by creating asymmetry, which draws attention away from a broad forehead. This style also enhances the cheekbones while keeping the overall look soft and feminine. A bit of texture on top adds volume and prevents the cut from appearing too flat.
Textured Bob – Adds Volume Around the Chin for Balance
A textured bob is one of the most versatile short hairstyles for heart-shaped faces. The added layers create movement, while the length around the jawline helps balance the narrower lower half of the face. This cut works well with both wavy and straight hair, and adding soft waves can enhance the overall flattering effect.
Asymmetrical Lob – Frames the Face and Draws Attention Downward
An asymmetrical lob (long bob) is slightly longer on one side, creating a visually interesting and face-framing effect. This style works by elongating the face and shifting focus downward, which helps balance a prominent forehead. It’s a modern and stylish choice that adds an edgy yet flattering touch.
Curtain Bangs with a Bob – Helps Reduce Forehead Width
Curtain bangs are a great addition to a bob for heart-shaped faces. These long, face-framing bangs part in the middle and softly drape on either side, minimizing the width of the forehead while enhancing cheekbones. Paired with a chin-length bob, this look brings balance and a stylish retro-inspired vibe.
Celebrity Inspiration – Reese Witherspoon’s Signature Heart-Shaped Face Styles
Reese Witherspoon is known for her heart-shaped face and often chooses hairstyles that complement her features. She has rocked everything from side-parted pixie cuts to soft bobs with curtain bangs. Her textured, shoulder-length styles also show how layers and movement can enhance a heart-shaped face.
Short hairstyles can be both stylish and flattering for heart-shaped faces. The right cut will create balance, highlight your best features, and bring out your natural beauty!
4. The Best Short Hairstyles for Diamond-Shaped Faces
A diamond-shaped face is defined by high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a sharp jawline. The goal when choosing a short hairstyle is to soften angular features while adding balance to the upper and lower parts of the face. Here are some of the most flattering short hairstyles for diamond-shaped faces.
Soft Pixie Cut with Side-Swept Bangs – Softens Sharp Angles
A soft pixie cut with side-swept bangs works wonders for diamond-shaped faces by reducing the prominence of angular cheekbones and a pointed jawline. The side-swept bangs create a flattering diagonal line that softens facial structure, while the short length keeps the style fresh and modern. Adding subtle layers gives the cut a more delicate, feminine touch.
Chin-Length Bob with Layers – Adds Fullness to the Lower Face
A chin-length bob with layers is a great choice for diamond-shaped faces because it enhances fullness around the jawline, creating a more balanced look. This cut prevents the face from appearing too sharp while still accentuating the natural bone structure. Light layers around the face add movement and volume, making this style both chic and flattering.
Wavy Lob with a Deep Side Part – Highlights High Cheekbones
A wavy lob (long bob) with a deep side part draws attention to the high cheekbones, one of the best features of a diamond-shaped face. The waves add texture and soften sharp angles, while the deep side part creates asymmetry, helping to balance the face’s natural proportions. This effortless, trendy style works well with natural waves or can be enhanced with heat styling.
Wispy Bangs with a Short Cut – Breaks Up Angular Features
Wispy bangs paired with a short cut can make a diamond-shaped face appear softer and more delicate. The feathery texture of wispy bangs adds a lightness that counteracts sharp angles, especially around the forehead. This style works well with a bob or a pixie cut, making it a versatile option for those who want a softer, more romantic look.
Celebrity Inspiration – Vanessa Hudgens’ Flawless Short Hair Looks
Vanessa Hudgens has mastered short hairstyles that perfectly complement her diamond-shaped face. Whether she’s rocking a textured bob, a deep side part, or soft waves, her hair choices consistently enhance her natural beauty. Her ability to play with volume and layers shows how the right short hairstyle can highlight cheekbones while maintaining overall balance.
For diamond-shaped faces, the best short hairstyles are those that add softness and volume in the right places while enhancing the face’s natural symmetry. Whether you prefer a pixie cut, a bob, or a lob, the right style will bring out your best features and create a beautifully balanced look!
5. The Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
A heart-shaped face is characterized by a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a pointed chin. The goal of a great medium-length hairstyle is to soften the forehead, add balance to the lower half of the face, and enhance the cheekbones. These styles help create harmony while complementing natural features.
Long Layers with Side Bangs – Softens the Forehead While Elongating the Face
Long layers with side bangs are an excellent choice for heart-shaped faces because they help balance out a wider forehead while elongating the overall face shape. The side bangs create an illusion of a narrower forehead by drawing attention diagonally rather than straight across. Meanwhile, long layers add movement and frame the face beautifully, creating a softer and more proportional look.
Shoulder-Length Waves – Adds Balance Without Emphasizing the Jawline
Shoulder-length waves are a great option for those with heart-shaped faces who want a soft, effortless style. Loose waves help to add width to the lower part of the face, preventing the chin from looking too pointed. This style also adds volume and bounce, making the face appear more balanced. The key to this look is to keep the waves soft and natural rather than overly structured.
Face-Framing Layers – Highlights Cheekbones and Softens Angles
Face-framing layers work wonders for heart-shaped faces because they emphasize the cheekbones while reducing the width of the forehead. By having layers that start just below the cheekbones and blend down to the ends, this style adds softness and draws attention to the best features of a heart-shaped face. This cut is particularly flattering for those who want a more structured yet natural look.
Feathered Ends with a Side Part – Creates a Flattering, Natural Look
Feathered ends give a light, airy effect that prevents the style from looking too heavy around the jawline. When paired with a side part, this look becomes even more flattering, as it creates asymmetry that balances out the face’s natural proportions. The soft, feathered texture also helps to frame the face gently, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a relaxed yet polished hairstyle.
Celebrity Inspiration – Selena Gomez’s Effortless Mid-Length Styles
Selena Gomez is a perfect example of how medium-length hairstyles can flatter a heart-shaped face. She often opts for long layers, soft waves, and face-framing styles that enhance her natural beauty. Whether she’s rocking a shoulder-length cut with soft curls or a sleek, layered style, her hair choices highlight her cheekbones while maintaining balance and softness.
For heart-shaped faces, medium-length hairstyles should focus on creating balance while enhancing the face’s best features. Whether you prefer layers, waves, or feathered ends, the right cut can make all the difference in achieving a flattering and stylish look!
6. The Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Diamond-Shaped Faces
A diamond-shaped face is defined by high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a sharp jawline. The best medium-length hairstyles for this face shape aim to soften angular features, add width to the forehead, and highlight the cheekbones without making the face look too long. Here are some of the most flattering styles for diamond-shaped faces.
Shaggy Lob with Curtain Bangs – Adds Width to a Narrow Forehead
A shaggy lob (long bob) with curtain bangs is perfect for balancing a diamond-shaped face. The layered, tousled texture creates volume around the forehead and jawline, softening sharp angles. Curtain bangs, which frame both sides of the face, add the illusion of width to the forehead, helping to create a more proportionate look. This effortless, slightly undone style works well for those who want a relaxed yet stylish cut.
Layered Waves – Enhances Natural Volume and Highlights Cheekbones
Since diamond-shaped faces already have well-defined cheekbones, layered waves help enhance this natural feature without making the face look too angular. Layers add movement and volume, especially around the lower half of the face, which prevents the jawline from appearing too sharp. Soft, natural waves work best for this style, making it a great choice for those who love a laid-back, beachy vibe.
Straight, Sleek Lob – Elongates the Face Without Exaggerating the Jawline
For those who prefer a more polished look, a straight, sleek lob is a great option. This style elongates the face while maintaining balance, thanks to its even length. Unlike super short cuts, a lob (which falls around the collarbone) prevents the jawline from looking too prominent. A center or deep side part can enhance the overall shape, making this a chic and sophisticated choice for diamond-shaped faces.
Shoulder-Length Curls – Softens Sharp Angles and Adds Bounce
Curls are a fantastic way to add softness and dimension to a diamond-shaped face. A shoulder-length curly hairstyle helps balance out sharp angles while adding bounce and movement. Whether natural or styled, curls create width around the lower face, making the jawline appear softer and more harmonious. This style works particularly well for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, as it enhances the hair’s natural volume.
Celebrity Inspiration – Rihanna’s Versatile Mid-Length Hairstyles
Rihanna is a great example of how diamond-shaped faces can pull off various mid-length styles. She’s rocked everything from sleek lobs to voluminous curls, often using layers and texture to enhance her facial features. Her ability to switch between ultra-glamorous straight styles and effortlessly tousled waves showcases the versatility of medium-length cuts for diamond-shaped faces.
For those with diamond-shaped faces, the key to choosing a flattering medium-length hairstyle is finding a style that softens sharp angles while adding volume where needed. Whether you prefer waves, curls, or sleek styles, the right cut can enhance your natural beauty and create a balanced, flattering look.
7. The Best Long Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces are characterized by a wider forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a narrow, pointed chin. The key to flattering this face shape with long hairstyles is to create balance by softening the forehead and adding volume around the lower half of the face. These long hairstyles are perfect for enhancing your features while maintaining a harmonious look.
Beachy Waves with a Center Part – Creates Balance and Movement
Beachy waves are a go-to style for heart-shaped faces because they add movement and create a soft, effortless look. A center part helps distribute volume evenly, minimizing the width of the forehead while drawing attention downward. This style works well on naturally wavy hair or can be easily achieved with a curling wand or heatless styling methods. Beachy waves are ideal for both casual and elegant occasions, making them a versatile choice.
Long Layers with Face-Framing Pieces – Draws Attention to the Eyes
For those who prefer a more structured look, long layers with face-framing pieces work wonders. Layers add dimension and prevent long hair from looking too heavy, while soft pieces around the face help balance a wider forehead. These layers naturally draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, making them the focal point. Whether styled straight or curled, this haircut complements the natural structure of a heart-shaped face.
Voluminous Curls – Softens the Jawline and Adds Fullness
If you love glamorous, voluminous curls, this style is perfect for you. Big curls add body and softness, which helps counterbalance a pointed chin. By keeping the curls loose and full, you create a sense of width in the lower part of the face, achieving a more symmetrical look. For best results, use a large-barrel curling iron or rollers to achieve soft, bouncy curls.
Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles – Keeps Volume Controlled While Adding Elegance
A half-up, half-down hairstyle is an excellent way to style long hair without overwhelming a heart-shaped face. By pulling back the top portion of the hair, you reduce volume at the crown while keeping softness around the chin. This style can be as polished or relaxed as you like—whether it’s a sleek ponytail, a braided crown, or a loose half-up twist. It’s perfect for special occasions while still being an easy, everyday look.
Celebrity Inspiration – Blake Lively’s Iconic Long, Wavy Hairstyles
Blake Lively is a prime example of a heart-shaped face rocking long hairstyles effortlessly. Her signature long, wavy hair complements her facial structure perfectly by adding softness and movement. Whether she’s wearing beachy waves, voluminous curls, or a half-updo, her hairstyles always enhance her natural beauty.
For those with heart-shaped faces, long hairstyles should focus on adding width below the chin while softening the forehead. Whether you prefer waves, curls, or layered styles, these options will enhance your features and keep your long hair looking stunning and balanced.
8. The Best Long Hairstyles for Diamond-Shaped Faces
Diamond-shaped faces are defined by high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a sharp jawline. The key to flattering this face shape with long hairstyles is to create balance by adding width at the forehead and jawline while softening angular features. Whether you prefer waves, sleek looks, or updos, these styles will enhance your natural beauty.
Soft Waves with a Deep Side Part – Adds Volume Where Needed
Soft waves are a perfect way to add volume to a diamond-shaped face while maintaining a natural, effortless look. A deep side part helps break up the symmetry of high cheekbones and adds more width to the upper part of the face. This style works beautifully with both natural waves and heat-styled curls, making it a versatile option for different occasions.
Straight Hair with Long Layers – Helps Frame the Face Naturally
If you prefer a sleek and polished look, straight hair with long layers is a great option. Layers help frame the face while keeping the hair lightweight and full of movement. This style works well for diamond-shaped faces because it prevents hair from looking too flat while subtly adding softness around the jawline. Whether worn with a middle or side part, this style is timeless and sophisticated.
Messy Braids with Tendrils – A Romantic Look That Softens Sharp Angles
For a more bohemian or romantic vibe, messy braids with soft tendrils are an ideal choice. Whether it's a loose side braid, a fishtail braid, or a Dutch braid, this style helps create a relaxed, face-framing effect. Loose strands around the face break up the angularity of the jawline and add a touch of softness, making it a great option for casual outings or formal events.
Sleek Ponytail with Volume at the Crown – Adds Width at the Forehead for Balance
A sleek ponytail is a go-to look for a diamond-shaped face, but adding volume at the crown is key to achieving balance. Since diamond-shaped faces tend to have a narrow forehead, teasing the crown slightly before pulling the hair back creates a more proportional look. This style elongates the face while ensuring that the forehead doesn’t appear too small in comparison to the cheekbones. It’s a chic and polished hairstyle that works for both day and night.
Celebrity Inspiration – Megan Fox’s Long, Sleek Styles
Megan Fox is a prime example of a celebrity with a diamond-shaped face who knows how to style her long hair perfectly. She often wears sleek, straight hairstyles with subtle layers, deep side parts, and soft waves that enhance her facial structure. Whether she’s rocking a sleek ponytail or tousled waves, her hairstyles complement her sharp jawline and high cheekbones effortlessly.
For those with diamond-shaped faces, the goal is to add volume where needed while maintaining balance and softness. Whether you prefer waves, straight hair, or elegant updos, these long hairstyles will help you highlight your best features while keeping your look polished and flattering.
9. Best Bangs for Heart & Diamond Face Shapes
Bangs can dramatically change the way your face shape is perceived by enhancing your best features and balancing proportions. Whether you have a heart-shaped or diamond-shaped face, the right bangs can soften angles, frame the face beautifully, and add dimension.
Best Bangs for Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces are characterized by a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrower, pointed chin. The key to flattering this face shape is choosing bangs that soften the forehead while balancing the jawline.
Curtain Bangs – One of the best options for heart-shaped faces, curtain bangs are parted in the middle and frame the sides of the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. They help balance a wider forehead while adding softness.
Wispy Bangs – These light, airy bangs are a great way to reduce forehead width without overwhelming the face. Wispy bangs blend seamlessly with layered hairstyles for a natural look.
Long Side Bangs – Side-swept bangs that start long and blend into the rest of the hair help create an elongated look, drawing attention away from the width of the forehead and adding balance.
Best Bangs for Diamond-Shaped Faces
Diamond-shaped faces have high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a defined jawline. The best bangs for this shape will soften the angles and create the illusion of a slightly wider forehead.
Soft, Side-Swept Bangs – These bangs create an effortless, face-framing effect that softens sharp angles while maintaining balance. A side part with sweeping bangs is ideal for enhancing cheekbones without making the forehead appear too small.
Bottleneck Bangs – A modern variation of curtain bangs, bottleneck bangs start narrower at the forehead and widen as they blend into the rest of the hair. This style adds width at the top while maintaining balance with the jawline, making it perfect for diamond-shaped faces.
What to Avoid
Blunt Bangs on Diamond Faces – A straight-across fringe can make the forehead look even smaller and emphasize sharp angles, making the face appear unbalanced.
Super Short Bangs on Heart Shapes – Micro bangs or ultra-short fringes tend to highlight a wider forehead, which can make the heart shape appear more exaggerated rather than balanced.
Celebrity Inspiration
Dakota Johnson (Curtain Bangs) – The actress’s signature curtain bangs beautifully complement her heart-shaped face by softening her forehead while enhancing her cheekbones.
Zendaya (Soft Side Bangs) – Zendaya has effortlessly rocked side-swept bangs that complement her diamond-shaped face, highlighting her high cheekbones while keeping her look sophisticated and elegant.
Choosing the right bangs for your face shape can make a huge difference in how your features are framed. Whether you go for curtain bangs, side bangs, or a trendy bottleneck style, the key is to enhance balance and bring out your best features.
10. Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
Choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape can make all the difference in enhancing your natural features. For heart-shaped faces, styles that balance a wider forehead and soften the chin—such as long layers, curtain bangs, or voluminous curls—are ideal. Meanwhile, diamond-shaped faces shine with styles that add width to the forehead and soften sharp angles, like side-swept bangs, layered lobs, and soft waves.
When selecting a hairstyle, consider how it frames your face, enhances symmetry, and complements your features. The right haircut or bangs can highlight your cheekbones, balance proportions, and bring out your best look effortlessly. Whether you opt for a sleek bob, a textured lob, or flowing waves, small adjustments in styling can make a big impact.
Ultimately, finding the perfect hairstyle is all about experimentation. Hair is one of the most versatile ways to express yourself, so don’t be afraid to try new cuts, colors, or textures. Whether you’re inspired by celebrity looks, hairstylist recommendations, or your own creativity, embrace the opportunity to explore different styles.
Confidence is the key to pulling off any hairstyle. No matter your face shape, the best look is the one that makes you feel great. So have fun with your hair journey, and enjoy the process of discovering styles that make you look and feel your best!