How to Choose the Right Haircut for Your Face Shape
Choosing the right haircut is not just about keeping up with trends. It is about understanding what suits your unique features and enhances your natural shape. The secret to a great haircut lies in one key factor: your face shape. At Salt City Barbershop, we tailor every cut to complement your face, hair texture, and lifestyle. If you have ever walked out of a barbershop thinking something felt off, chances are the cut did not match your facial structure.
This guide will help you figure out your face shape, learn which styles work best, and understand why professional insight can take your haircut from decent to exceptional.
Step One: Identify Your Face Shape
Before you pick a style, you need to figure out your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back and trace the outline of your face using a washable marker, or take a selfie looking straight ahead. Here are the main face shapes and their characteristics:
Oval
Forehead slightly wider than the chin
Rounded jawline
Face length is about one and a half times the width
Round
Equal width and length
Rounded jaw and cheeks
Soft angles, no sharp lines
Square
Jaw, cheekbones, and forehead are nearly the same width
Strong, angular jawline
Rectangular (Oblong)
The face is longer than it is wide
Similar width across forehead, cheeks, and jawline
Heart
The forehead is the widest point
Cheeks taper down to a narrow, pointed chin
Diamond
Cheekbones are the widest point
Forehead and chin are narrow
The face is longer than it is wide
Step Two: Match Styles to Face Shapes
Each face shape benefits from certain haircuts that highlight strengths and soften angles.
Best Cuts for Oval Faces
You are lucky. Most styles work with an oval face. Keep it balanced without heavy fringes that cover your forehead.
Recommended: Side parts, quiffs, pompadours, slick backs
Best Cuts for Round Faces
The goal here is to add angles and length. Volume on top helps elongate the face.
Recommended: High fades with volume, textured crops, faux hawks, side parts
Avoid: Buzz cuts and full fringes that make the face appear even rounder
Best Cuts for Square Faces
You already have a great definition. You just need a style that complements those strong lines.
Recommended: Classic side part, undercut, crew cut, taper fade
Avoid: Very flat styles that make the head look boxy
Best Cuts for Rectangular Faces
You want balance. Avoid styles that make your face appear longer.
Recommended: Side parts, brush backs, medium-length styles with volume on the sides
Avoid: Long beards or tall pompadours that extend face length
Best Cuts for Heart-Shaped Faces
Focus on adding volume at the jawline and avoid too much height on top.
Recommended: Fringe styles, textured layers, medium-length side sweeps
Avoid: Tight fades or cuts that add height without width
Best Cuts for Diamond Faces
The goal is to soften the cheekbones and bring balance to the narrow forehead and chin.
Recommended: Messy fringe, layered quiffs, styles that can be tucked behind the ears
Avoid: Very short sides that make the cheekbones look wider
Expert Tips from Salt City Barbershop Pros
At Salt City Barbershop, we consider more than just face shape. Our barbers take into account:
Hair texture and density
Personal style and maintenance preferences
Daily routine and time available for styling
Any skin sensitivities or grooming challenges
We do not believe in one-size-fits-all haircuts. We listen, assess, and advise so you leave the chair with a style that works for you long after the appointment ends.
Why Professional Advice Beats DIY Cuts Every Time
You might be tempted to try a trending cut you saw online, but it may not work for your hair type or face shape. A professional barber understands how different hair behaves and how a slight change in angle can change the entire look of a haircut.
Trying to DIY your cut or relying on generic advice can lead to disappointment and frustration. At Salt City Barbershop, we offer:
Precision cutting based on your individual features
Guidance on styling products and daily maintenance
Honest feedback on what will work best for your face
Ready for Your Best Cut Yet?
Choosing a haircut that suits your face shape and lifestyle does not have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can find a look that not only suits you but also makes you feel confident every day.
Visit Salt City Barbershop at 752 E Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT 84047 and let our experienced barbers help you find your best look.
📅 Book your appointment today and get a haircut that truly fits you.