A little known fact is that the shape of your face is one of the best ways to pick a hairstyle. This same philosophy applies to kids—although I’m sure your daughter will look adorable regardless! To make sure she’s sporting the most flattering haircut possible, you must first identify her face shape.
This same philosophy applies to kids—although I’m sure your daughter will look adorable regardless! To make sure she’s sporting the most flattering haircut possible, you must first identify her face shape. If you have trouble determining round from square, and square from heart-shaped, it’s not uncommon. It’s difficult to determine what shape face she has while she’s still growing up. In fact, the shape of your child’s face will even change as she gets older.
But since it wouldn’t be advice from me if we didn’t have some fun with it, here’s a trick to figure out the shape: Tie your daughter’s hair back and sit her in front of the bathroom mirror. With lipstick or eyeliner trace the shape of her face. Make sure you let her put the finishing touches on this one chance pass to draw on the mirror—the smiley face!
Hairstyles for Oval Faces
For oval faces, like Nancy Drew star Emma Roberts the length of the face is about one and a half times the width.
Love It: Oval faces are very versatile, and will work with mostly any haircut.
Leave It: Heavy bangs or shaggy styles that hang in the face can obscure its shape.
Hairstyles for Round Faces
A round face is, well, round! Like Selena Gomez, the face is as wide as it is long, and she may have apple cheeks or a rounded chin.
Love It: Full styles with volume at the crown, cute flips, wispy bangs, and fringy cuts that angle towards the face.
Leave It: Chin length hair that surrounds the face will make a round face appear even wider.
Hairstyles for Square Faces
On a square face, like iCarly star Miranda Cosgrove, the forehead and jaw line are almost the same length.
Love It: On square faces, opt for a style that softens the angles. Try soft waves, wispy layers and bangs.
Leave It: Styles that are too straight and sleek can make the angles of the face look severe.
Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
Taylor Swift’s heart-shaped face is defined by her wide cheekbones and forehead, narrow jaw, and pointed chin.
Love It: A classic chin length bob highlights the face’s cheekbones, as do side parts and side bangs.
Leave It: Be careful of going too short—some shorter styles can make the chin look extra pointy.
If you’re still undecided, you can always ask your hairstylist the next time you bring your daughter in for a cut. The hairstylist will be able to give you a few suggestions for what will flatter her most. And moms, don’t forget to identify your face shape too!
Find out more about the best hairstyles for face shapes in my book, Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair
I welcome your questions or comments!
-Cozy
I’m Cozy Friedman, the Founder & President of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids in New York City and I’m also the author of the book Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair ,where this information and much more can be found! To get my Expert Advice right in your inbox, please consider subscribing. Thank you for visiting!