The best haircuts for heart- and square-shaped faces

Here in the real world, unflattering hairstyles don’t grow out overnight (and money still doesn’t grow on trees, we checked!). So before you make a spontaneous appointment with your stylist for a life-changing hair transformation, consider whether the life change is likely to be a positive one.

Queen of hearts

Heart-shaped faces are wider at the top and end in a narrow chin, so the goal is to find a cut that helps balance this out.

Famous faces 

Rihanna, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Ashanti, Christina Ricci

Styles that work 

•    Most jaw-length or longer hairstyles that frame the face will suit you, particularly those that flick out a bit around the chin. 
•    A long, side-swept fringe looks fantastic on heart faces as it draws attention away from the forehead, and down towards the eyes. 
•    Pixie styles are also a winner, but your hair needs to be straight to pull it off. If yours isn’t, consider going for a straightening treatment or using a relaxer, such as Dr. Miracle’s No Lye Relaxer Kit. Ask your stylist for a modified pixie that’s a little longer in the front and on the sides, and keep it well defined with mouldable putty.

Styles that don’t

Styles without a fringe that are pulled back sharply into buns, ponytails, etc, are anything but flattering for heart-shaped faces. Face framing is the goal for this face shape. 

Square sistas

A square-angled jaw line is the hallmark of a square face. This shape looks best with a haircut that softens the face’s angles.

Famous faces 

Olivia Wilde, Jennifer Hudson, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu

Styles that work

•    Just about any length will flatter, provided you add a few layers to frame your face and soften your jaw line. 
•    Soft curls or waves suit this shape as they help to balance the facial angles. For a sexy tousled style, give your hair a good misting. Then blow dry and style your hair in a side parting. Next, wrap a few sections around a wide barrel curling iron to create soft-looking waves. When you’re done, brush them out so they look casual and loose. Spritz a little Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray through your locks. This will act as a mild fixative while adding a bit more texture.
•    As far as fringes go, anything that’s slightly long and worn a bit to the side should flatter your face.

Styles that don’t

Avoid sharp or harsh cuts, like angled bobs or a blunt-cut fringe, which will emphasise an already-broad forehead and chin.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com