The Best Haircuts for Square Faces

The best haircuts for a square face soften the angles: soft layers, side-swept bangs, long bobs that curve inward, waves around the jaw and deep side parts. Avoid blunt cuts that end at the jawline and severe center parts with flat sides. Below are six cuts, with the words to ask for each.

A square face has a strong jawline and a forehead of about the same width. It is a striking shape. The goal is not to hide it, but to add a little softness through curves and movement. Think of hair as the contrast to your angles.

What makes a cut flatter a square face

Three ideas guide most of the choices. First, add curves near the jaw, with waves, layers or rounded ends. Second, add height or volume at the crown to lengthen the face. Third, avoid cuts that stop at the widest part of the jaw. Everything below follows from those rules.

Six haircuts to try

Soft long layers

Long layers that start below the chin add movement around the jaw and keep length. This is a safe, wearable choice and works on most textures. Angelina Jolie is a commonly cited example of a strong jaw framed with long, soft hair.

How to ask your stylist: "Long, soft layers starting below my chin, with no hard lines around my jaw."

The collarbone lob with curved ends

A lob that sits below the jaw, with ends that curve in or out, softens the jawline. Avoid a blunt cut that ends at the chin.

How to ask your stylist: "A collarbone-length lob with soft, rounded ends and a little face-framing layer."

Side-swept bangs

Bangs swept to the side break up a broad forehead and soften the angles. Long, wispy versions are more flattering than blunt, straight-across fringe.

How to ask your stylist: "Long side-swept bangs, cut with texture so they blend into my layers."

Curtain bangs

Parted in the center and swept out, curtain bangs frame the face with curves. They add softness above the cheekbone and are easy to grow out.

How to ask your stylist: "Curtain bangs that start at the cheekbone and blend into long layers."

The textured pixie or soft crop

Short hair works if it has wispy texture and some height on top. Avoid sharp, geometric cuts. A pixie with feathered edges and a longer fringe suits the face shape well.

How to ask your stylist: "A textured pixie with length on top and soft, feathered edges, with nothing blunt near the jaw."

Loose waves and curls

Waves are the easiest way to add curves. Curls starting at the jaw or just below add width where you want softness. A deep side part adds asymmetry that breaks up symmetry.

How to ask your stylist: "Layers that suit loose waves, and a cut that keeps the most volume below my jaw."

How to check the shape of your face

Pull your hair back and stand in front of a mirror with good light. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw. If all three look close, and your jaw has defined corners, you likely have a square face. Many people sit between two shapes, for example square and round, or square and oval. That is normal. Use the shape as a starting point, then rely on your stylist to read how your features and hair work together.

Think also about your hairline and any cowlicks. A strong cowlick at the front can make bangs hard to wear, no matter your face shape, so ask your stylist to check before cutting. And remember that hair length changes the picture: the same cut worn at the chin, the collarbone or the shoulder blade will frame your face differently.

Parts, color and finishing touches

A deep side part is one of the most useful tools for a square face, since it breaks the symmetry and adds height at the crown. A center part works too if you add waves or curtain bangs so the sides do not look flat. Color can help: soft, face-framing highlights draw attention to the curves of the cheekbones, and lighter pieces around the jaw soften the line of the chin. Ask for a gloss or a few fine highlights rather than a big color change.

Square face and hair type

Straight hair can look severe near the jaw, so ask for long layers and a slight bend at the ends. Wavy hair already brings softness, and a layered lob or long cut makes the most of it. Curly hair naturally adds curves, but the volume at the jaw can add width. Ask for a shape that is fuller at the crown and trimmed in a rounded line. Fine hair benefits from lift at the roots and a textured, not blunt, finish.

If you want a bold look

Strong jaws suit strong styles. A sharp, chin-length bob, a buzz cut or a slicked-back style can look striking on a square face. These cuts show off the shape rather than soften it. If that is the effect you want, tell your stylist so they do not talk you into something gentler. A good stylist works from your goal.

What to avoid

• Blunt bobs that end at the jaw. They repeat the angle of your jawline.
• Heavy, straight-across bangs. They create a horizontal line that emphasizes width.
• Slicked-back, severe styles. They show every angle at once. They can still look striking, but they are not the softening choice.
• Flat, straight sides. Add volume or waves instead.

Styling at home

Soft shapes need a little styling to look right. A volumizing brush adds lift at the crown and curves at the ends. A 1-inch curling iron creates loose waves around the jaw. A drop of oil smooths the finish. Always use a heat protectant, and keep the temperature moderate.

1. Part your hair to one side, a deep side part is the most flattering.
2. Blow-dry the roots up and away from your face for lift.
3. Curl the lengths away from your face, starting at about jaw level.
4. Brush out the curls so they form soft waves.
5. Finish with a drop of oil on the ends.

Everyday upkeep

Soft layers and bangs need a trim every 6 to 10 weeks to keep their shape, and bangs may need a quick fringe trim in between. Many salons offer these small visits for little or nothing, so ask. Between appointments, a dry shampoo at the roots and a light brush-out of the waves keep the style fresh for a second day. If you change your part, give the new side a few days to learn where it wants to sit.

Talking to your stylist

Bring photos of people with a similar face shape and hair texture, and say which part you like. Ask where the cut will land on your face, and whether it will need daily styling. A good stylist will tell you honestly if the shape suits you. For help finding one, see our guide on how to choose a hair salon.

More ideas: the most-copied celebrity hairstyles and short hairstyles for women.