When it comes to men’s haircuts, one size does not fit all. The style that looks incredible on your favorite athlete or celebrity might not work as well for you, and there’s a good reason for that: face shape. Understanding your face shape is one of the most important steps in choosing a haircut that highlights your best features and balances out any less-favorable angles.
At Knockouts Haircuts and Grooming, we believe in providing more than just a quick trim—we deliver personalized consultations to ensure you walk away looking and feeling your best. This guide will walk you through the various face shapes, offer style recommendations, and provide pro tips on how to make sure your haircut suits you perfectly. Ready to discover the look that’s truly you? Let’s dive in.
1. Identifying Your Face Shape
Before you commit to a new style, you need to know your starting point. While there are several ways to measure your face shape (including using a tape measure or analyzing your reflection in a mirror), these are the six most common shapes and their defining features:
- Oval
- Forehead and jawline are about the same width
- Subtly rounded jawline
- Length of face is longer than the width of cheekbones
- Round
- Equal width and length of the face
- Rounded cheeks with less-defined jawline
- Face appears more circular overall
- Square
- Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are roughly the same width
- Strong, angular jaw
- Face appears equally wide across forehead and jaw
- Rectangle/Oblong
- Face is longer than it is wide
- Cheekbones, jawline, and forehead are similar in width
- Jawline is often sharp or defined
- Triangle
- Jawline is wider than the cheekbones
- Forehead is the narrowest part of the face
- Face angles upward from the chin to the forehead
- Diamond
- Cheekbones are the widest part of the face
- Forehead and jawline are narrower
- Defined chin with angular features
Not sure which category you fall into? No worries—our experts at Knockouts can help you quickly identify your face shape during your next visit.
2. Best Haircuts for Each Face Shape
2.1 Oval Face: Almost Anything Goes
Key Features: Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide
Goal: Keep the face visually balanced without adding too much length or width
Recommended Styles
- Short Fade or Crew Cut: The clean sides emphasize the natural balance of an oval face.
- Quiff or Pompadour: Adds a bit of height without overextending face length.
- Side Part: A classy style that draws attention to your forehead and eyes, maintaining a well-proportioned look.
Knockouts Pro Tip: An oval face is highly versatile, so feel free to experiment. Just avoid extreme styles (like overly long bangs) that can obscure your forehead and throw off the balance.
2.2 Round Face: Add Definition and Angles
Key Features: Circular appearance, full cheeks, equal width and length
Goal: Create the illusion of length and structure
Recommended Styles
- High Fade with Volume on Top: Tapered sides slim the silhouette, while added height elongates the face.
- Angular Fringe: A textured or angular fringe can add sharper lines to a softer face shape.
- Short Sides, Layered Top: Emphasizes vertical length without adding width to the cheeks.
Knockouts Pro Tip: A well-groomed beard with angled edges can help add definition to a round face. Our stylists can show you how to pair the perfect beard shape with your haircut for an overall sharper look.
2.3 Square Face: Soften the Angles
Key Features: Strong jawline, equal width at forehead and jaw
Goal: Compliment your naturally masculine features while avoiding overly boxy cuts
Recommended Styles
- Textured Crop: A bit of texture on top offsets a sharp jaw, creating a softer frame.
- Side Part with a Medium Fade: Slight volume on top balanced by a gradual fade on the sides.
- Short Slick Back: Keep it slightly longer on top to avoid accentuating the square shape.
Knockouts Pro Tip: Square faces benefit from subtle layering. Ask for a bit of texture around the top and avoid styles that are too tight on the sides, as these can overly emphasize the squareness of your jaw.
2.4 Rectangle/Oblong Face: Balance the Length
Key Features: Face is longer than it is wide, often with sharp angles
Goal: Shorten the appearance of the face by adding width and minimizing excessive height
Recommended Styles
- Side Swept Fringe: This brings the focus to the cheekbones and eyes, effectively reducing face length.
- Mid-Length Layered Cut: Layers add volume on the sides, balancing out a longer face.
- Slicked-Back Undercut: Keep the top at a moderate length. Extremely tall pompadours can overextend the face shape.
Knockouts Pro Tip: Avoid piling your hair too high. Instead, focus on building volume around the sides. Pair this with a beard that isn’t too long on the chin to prevent elongating the face further.
2.5 Triangle Face: Create Width at the Forehead
Key Features: Jaw is wider than cheekbones, forehead is the narrowest point
Goal: Balance a wide jawline by adding volume or structure higher up on the head
Recommended Styles
- Longer Fringe or Quiff: Drawing attention upward broadens the appearance of the forehead.
- Layered Scissor Cut: Subtle layers and a medium length on top add height and width to balance the jaw.
- Short Sides and Full Top: Keep the sides tidy while leaving more volume on top for added balance.
Knockouts Pro Tip: A neat, trimmed beard can help shape the jawline to appear less pronounced. Aim for a style that tapers inward toward the chin rather than outward.
2.6 Diamond Face: Balance a Narrow Forehead and Jaw
Key Features: Wide cheekbones, narrow forehead, pointed chin
Goal: Minimize the width of the cheekbones while adding fullness to the forehead and jaw area
Recommended Styles
- Layered Side Part: Creates some volume at the forehead, drawing attention away from the widest part of the face.
- Textured Fringe: A bit of fullness over the forehead evens out a narrower hairline.
- Medium-Length Swept Back: Keeps the focus on the center of the face, softening angular cheekbones.
Knockouts Pro Tip: A fuller hairstyle around the forehead and a well-groomed goatee or short beard can add symmetry, making the chin area appear broader.
3. Styling Tips & Tricks for Any Face Shape
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about your face shape or which styles suit you best, book a consultation at Knockouts. Our stylists are well-versed in tailoring cuts to different face shapes.
- Use the Right Products: Pomades, waxes, creams, and sprays can help you sculpt or add volume where needed. Our team can recommend the best options based on your hair type.
- Consider Facial Hair: Beards, goatees, or stubble can dramatically change the proportions of your face. For instance, a beard can lengthen a round face or fill out a triangular jawline.
- Regular Maintenance: Even the best haircut loses its shape if you don’t maintain it. Schedule regular touch-ups to keep your style fresh and flattering.
4. How Knockouts Haircuts and Grooming Can Help
At Knockouts Haircuts and Grooming, our stylists don’t just give you a haircut; we craft a look designed to bring out your best features. Here’s what you can expect when you trust us with your new style:
- Personalized Consultation: We’ll assess your face shape, hair type, and personal preferences to recommend styles that fit your lifestyle.
- Skilled Execution: Our team stays updated on cutting-edge techniques, ensuring you get a precise, polished result every time.
- Aftercare Guidance: Unsure how to replicate the style at home? We’ll provide product recommendations and styling tips so you can easily manage your new haircut.
- Relaxing Experience: Enjoy a sports-themed, male-focused environment designed to help you unwind while we work our magic.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Look with the Right Cut
Choosing a hairstyle that suits your face shape can transform your appearance and boost your confidence. Whether you’re oval, square, round, or somewhere in between, there’s a perfect haircut out there that plays to your strengths and complements your unique features.
Ready to find your ideal style? Schedule an appointment at Knockouts Haircuts and Grooming today. Let our experienced stylists help you identify your face shape, recommend a cut that’ll leave you looking sharper than ever, and show you how to keep it looking salon-fresh every day.
