Choosing the Right Cut for Your Face Shape

Half the cuts we redo are because someone brought a photo of a great cut on the wrong face shape. Here's the version we use behind the chair: five shapes, what works, what to avoid.

Oval

You can wear almost anything. Lucky. Quiff, side part, modern fade, all good. Avoid only super-heavy bowl cuts that hide the natural balance of the face.

Square

Strong jawline means you can lean into softness up top. Textured crop, brushed-back medium, anything that adds vertical height. Avoid hard buzz cuts, which double down on the angularity.

Round

You want height and angularity. Pompadour, high fade, anything that lifts up. Avoid round cuts that mirror the face shape, like curtain cuts or bowl shapes.

Heart-shaped

Wider forehead, narrower chin. Medium length with side-swept fringe balances it. Avoid super-short sides with volume on top, which exaggerates the imbalance.

Long or oblong

You want width, not height. Side part, mid fade, fuller sides. Avoid tall pompadours, which stretch the face further.

The cheat code

If you're not sure, ask your barber to feel the bone structure during the consultation. Two seconds, no awkwardness, and the cut will fit.