Rock the Right Haircut
Ever wondered why you looked completely different when your hair is pinned up versus when it's down? Depending on your natural features and facial proportions, the hairstyle—and cut—you choose can instantly change the way you look. A bob, for example, might look better on you than others, or beachy waves might suit someone else more than your face shape. The next time you're due for a cut, keep these 20 face-framing styles in mind.
1. Face-Framing Layers
If you have a rounder face shape, layers that begin around the cheekbones or jawline can soften your jawline or create more definition around your cheeks. The exact starting point matters, though, so make sure the cut is tailored to your individual features.
2. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs open through the center and sweep outward, which helps create a softer frame around your forehead and upper cheeks. Depending on their length, they can also bring more definition to your cheekbones.
3. A Deep Side Part
Not ready for a cut? No biggie, even simply moving your part to one side creates asymmetry, which can alter the apparent width and balance of your features almost instantly. Adding some lift near the roots can also make the upper part of your face appear longer.
4. A Blunt Bob
Sure, you might not want to look like Dora from Dora the Explorer, but a neatly cut bob can actually draw strong lines around the face, which can differ depending on its length. Its structured shape can make softer facial features appear more defined.
5. Long, Sleek Hair
Don't underestimate what a long mane can do! All that added length, with the right layering pieces, can make a rounder or wider face appear more elongated, particularly when the hair falls well below the shoulders. Keeping the sides from looking excessively poofy strengthens the effect even more.
6. A Textured Pixie
Going from longer hair to a pixie can feel like a gamble, but if you're willing to try new things, this cut can completely change which of your facial features stand out. Texture and height on top can visually lengthen the face, and if you have a broader forehead, you can opt for side-swept pieces.
7. Full Bangs
Another trick to cover up a broader forehead? Go for a full fringe! Since it falls just above the eyes, it can make a longer face seem more proportional. It can also bring more attention to your eyes and the middle of your face instead of your hairline.
8. A High Ponytail
Pulling the hair upward introduces extra height at the crown, which can create an illusion that your face is smaller and shorter. The more volume, the better! However, you'll also want to keep in mind that doing this hairstyle all the time can put stress on your temples, potentially leading to traction alopecia.
9. A Chin-Length Bob
If you're not keen on getting a blunt bob, you can also do a layered cut that ends at the chin. Depending on how it's styled, the framing pieces can highlight a defined jaw or soften it. Like it curly? Add some subtle waves to soften the outline.
10. Side-Swept Bangs
For those who don't like full fringes, you can also try side-swept bangs to draw a diagonal line that changes the way your face is visually divided. Longer versions are especially useful when you want noticeable framing but without all that extra heaviness.
11. An A-Line Bob
We know, we know—we've mentioned the bob cut twice already. But hear us out: an A-line bob is different, with a shorter cut in the back that gradually becomes longer toward the front, allowing elongated pieces to curve naturally along the face. It also makes for a killer side profile.
12. Wavy Hair
You don't need to wait until summer to bring out the beachy waves! These sweeping curls can instantly change your facial symmetry and can make your features look more sculpted from certain angles. Depending on how tight or loose your tufts are, they can look more structured or give you that effortless, just-came-back-from-the-beach vibe.
13. A Shag with Choppy Layers
Bring back the '70s with a textured shag cut! This hairstyle distributes texture through numerous layers, which means, depending on where those layers sit, you can build width around the cheekbones, reduce bulk around the jaw, or add height through the crown. It might look a little retro, but it does a great job of correcting proportions.
14. A Center Part with Long Layers
There's a reason why the younger generations (read: Gen Z) love the middle part: it provides symmetry, making facial proportions more noticeable. When paired with long layers, that vertical framing can also make the overall shape more streamlined.
15. A Voluminous Topknot
Just like a high ponytail, placing a bun high on the head adds height above the forehead, which can make your face look more elongated. Make sure to leave a couple of longer pieces around the face to soften the look—otherwise, a fully exposed hairline might look too severe.
16. Half-Up, Half-Down
Sometimes, you don't want to tie all your beautiful hair up and away. Why not settle for the middle ground by doing a half-up, half-down hairdo, then? First, pull the upper section of your hair away from your face to change how much of your temples and cheekbones are visible, then add a little lift at the crown. Don't forget the face-framing pieces!
17. A Slicked-Back Style
Some days, you do want all that hair up and out of your face. That's where the slicked-back style comes in, and it's particularly useful when you want to show off your natural features and jawline. It can look strikingly different whether your hair is long or short, too.
18. A Collarbone-Length Lob
Sitting between short and long hair, the lob helps bring attention to the collarbones rather than just your cheeks or jawline. Add subtle layers near the front, and you can create even more definition without sacrificing the overall appearance.
19. Soft Curls Around the Cheeks
To give your face-framing pieces some more oomph, curl them. Waves placed beside the middle of the face can add extra fullness to make your proportions appear shorter and broader. Keep in mind that moving those curls lower toward the jaw or higher toward the temples will create a different effect, so placement is everything.
20. A Low Bun with Loose Tendrils
If a topknot doesn't suit your style, a low bun still keeps most of the hair away without all the extra work. You can also make it intentionally messy for that chic, effortless look. Compared with a tightly slicked-back bun, the result can look less severe.
