10 Hairstyles for Square Faces You Need to Try
Why are you not already wearing these?
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
Yes, in 2019, choosing your hairstyle or cut based on your face shape can feel a little, uh, dated. Seriously—the best haircut for your square little face is the one that makes you feel the most confident, regardless of whatever you read online (hi!).
Still, if you’re looking for specific styles that’ll emphasize your angles or you’re going in for a chop and have no idea where to start, you’re in luck: I rounded up the 10 best haircuts as seen on celebs like Rihanna, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Lopez that’ll get you inspired to try something new.
Graduated Long Layers
Copy one of Natalie Portman’s signature beauty looks: long, soft layers. According to Lily Mauro, a hairstylist at Bumble and Bumble in NYC, shorter, face-framing layers help accentuate cheekbones and flow over the corners of a square face without adding extra width.
A Cropped Cut
You might have (wrongly) assumed that a pixie would make a square face look even more angular, but Jennifer Hudson’s soft cut proves otherwise. Long, feathery bangs naturally work to soften the face while giving the illusion of a shorter, rounder shape.
A Shoulder-Grazing Bob
According to Jenny Balding, hairstylist and co-owner of Cutler Salon x Arlo SoHo in NYC, “A textured, shoulder-grazing bob like Olivia Wilde’s really flatters an angular jawline.” For a supersharp finish, run a flat iron over the ends.
A Halo of Curls
Regardless of your hair length, a head full of curls is the perfect addition to an angular shape. Try an updo with extra volume at your crown, like Rita Ora’s style, which “helps elongate the face and softly round it out,” says Mauro.
An Off-Center Part
Switch your part, change your life? Maybe. A slightly off-center part (just over the arch of your brow) like Keira Knightley’s will highlight the angles in your face while adding a touch of softness. To really frame your face, “try getting layers that start around your lips or cheekbones,” says Balding.
A Sky-High Topknot
A sleek, tight topknot like Rihanna’s will help elongate your face and accentuate your cheekbones. And a little sweep of Killawatt Highlighter doesn’t hurt either.
Sleek and Straight
When you have a curtain of sleek hair covering your face, like J.Lo, your square shape basically becomes nonexistent (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on how much you’re currently ~feeling~ yourself). To keep the shape from looking heavy, add subtle long layers that taper off toward the ends.
Sideswept Bangs
Emily Deschanel’s swooping bangs naturally draw the eyes inward and break up the angles of her face. “Her length also sits just below the collarbone and curves inward, making the overall shape look rounder,” says Mauro.
A Low Chignon
If you want to wear your hair back, go for a relaxed low chignon with a slightly off-center part, keeping the style loose and messy. Tug a few pieces loose around your temples to help frame your face.
A Below-the-Collarbone Cut
Graduated layers—as seen on Lucy Liu—naturally cut off the broadness of the jawline and the cheekbones. “The length of this haircut elongates the face, while the slightly turned-in ends help add movement,” says Mauro.
Carly Cardellino is a seasoned beauty expert and the former beauty director at Cosmopolitan.
Readers Also Read
Best Olympic Figure Skating Outfits of All Time
Unique Gifts That Your BF Will Actually Like
Your Definitive Guide to Every Nail Shape
These Are the Best Colognes to Gift for V-Day
