BEST HAIRCUTS FOR HEART SHAPED FACES

In this edition of our Face Shape Series we’re focusing on the most ‘lovely’ face shape – the Heart!  In this series, we are looking at how a haircut or color can affect your face shape and vice versa.

Heart shaped faces are widest in the cheekbone to forehead area and then move into a narrower chin. Because of this, those with the heart-shaped face will want to choose a cut that will keep their facial features looking proportionate, AKA narrowing the top-half of the face and widening the jaw line. Let’s do it!

Making the cut

As our goal is to go for an oval shape, we want to narrow the forehead and cheekbone area while softening the jaw line and chin. Here are our favorite ways to accentuate the heart:

• Go for one length styles, long or short. Naomi Campbell is the perfect example, with the infamous center-part, long one-length cut that completely narrows her face.

• If you want layers, have them start low and around the jaw line or shoulder so you can soften the narrow point while taking advantage of the heavy vertical line of the one-length around the forehead and cheekbones.

• Bring on the Soft Tendrils and Side Swept Bangs!

• Long narrow wavy locks or straight sleek shapes are great for this shape.

• Side parts and side swept hair, like Julia Roberts, also have the perfect narrowing affect.

• We love fringe on heart shaped faces (as long as they are not rounded to the cheekbone!). Go for a side-swept bang or a piecey short bang like Reese with a one-length or long layered cut.

What to avoid?

Looks that cut off the sides of the face are optimum, so no face framing layers or slicked back styles here. Curtain bangs are a tricky fit on this shape. They could work if they are longer as to not sweep out around the cheekbone; however, be careful that they don’t accentuate the sides and leave the chin out in the dust. Round or square layers and rounded beveled bobs are not optimum as they round out the face shape even more and narrow around the chin area. For instance, look at these four looks on Jennifer Love Hewitt. 

Jennifer Love Hewitt is the perfect example of the heart shaped face. As you can see in the upper left photo, Jennifer’s heavy swept bang and long layers were beautiful and softened her chin while cutting off her cheek area. On the other hand, the upper right photo shows that the width created at her cheekbone level accentuates her chin. The saving grace with this style was the heavy fringe; however, the placement of layers shows that this was not her most flattering cut.     

The bottom left photo displays exactly how a rounded bob hugs and accentuates the face shape, while a slightly longer one-length lob, as seen in bottom right, is much more flattering.  
Try not to create width at the top of the head, but again go for a vertical or triangle creating style.

Men's Hairstyles

Similarly, for the gorgeous men in our lives.  As the cheekbones and forehead can be wider set, avoid very short, buzzed or tapered haircuts as these will accentuate the width of the forehead.

Go for a mid-length style with a pompadour like Harry Styles to add height and make the temples look narrower. On wet hair, apply a volumizing mousse, like O&M Rootalicious Root Lift Mousse. Blow dry your hair upside down or using a 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch Olivia Garden Round Brush. Once dry, apply a texture balm, like Oway Supreme Matte Paste to create pieciness and hold. Finally, finish with a strong hold hairspray, like Living Proof Flex Hold Hairspray.

You can also go the opposite direction with side-swept length (aka the Zac Efron cut circa 2000s) to soften the forehead and cheekbone area. Cuts where the front sweeps forward slightly or adds a fringe are the best look for this shape. Apply a frizz control and texture creating product, like Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste. Let it airdry or blow out the bang area to ensure it dries the way you like it.


Experimenting with facial hair of some description is also a great idea as it can help to fill out the jaw and reduce the pointed look of the chin. Keep that beard feeling full and kissable with Cult & King Balm.

Ask the Experts

If your bathroom cabinet is full of products that are not right for your hair, let our experts help you shop this time. Tell us all about your hair texture, type, and goals and receive a personalized routine.

START THE QUIZ

USE COLOR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

When it comes to color, you want the eye to follow a vertical or triangle silhouette.  For a triangle, what does that mean? You want the eye to see narrowing at the forehead and cheekbone area and width at and below the chin.

One all over color or all-over consistent highlights can also work, as seen with Naomi and Reese above as it creates a vertical line.

We love ombres and lived in color for this face shape, however, ensure the highlights start much lower - like around the chin or below.

A “Money Piece” can also look great but ensure it starts at the root or chin area, not dead center of the forehead or cheeks.

Do it yourself

Accessories? A forehead scarf, 70’s style, or with a peek boo side swept fringe, like our model here wearing our New Paisley Neckerchief, is a great option.

Want to recreate this look using our favorite sustainable brands? We have you covered:

1. Smooth your hair back into a pony or low bun, leaving out your fringe or a 1-2-inch-deep triangle section at your center part. Use Aiir Texture Spray to create some texture so your bun stays put.
2. Style your fringe in a side sweep using our Denman Brush…the perfect brush for fringe.
3. Fold a scarf three – four times (in half, then in half again, and one more time with the point of the scarf in the interior). Wrap the scarf around the back of the head (under your bun or pony) with the two ends at the top of your head.
4. Leaving your triangle out toward your face, grab the two ends of your scarf, use a clear plastic band and wrap it around the two ends where it allows the scarf to feel tight and secure around your head. (way better than tying a knot). Place bobby pins behind your pony or bun to secure the scarf in place if needed.
5. Wrap the remaining piece of the scarf into a small bun and tuck the ends under the scarf and secure with a bobby pin.
6. Style your fringe or side part your length to look like a long side swept fringe. Apply Oway Thermo Detangling Cloud and curl your ends if your hair is longer for a little romance. So cute!

Looking for an upstyle for an upcoming event? No problem! Focus on a side swept fringe or low side part over a top-heavy swept back look.
Another styling option we love: hats! Hats can do the same thing as a fringe (narrow the forehead). Any hat with a small to medium-sized brim is perfect for someone with a heart-shaped face.

Want to know more about your face shape? Stay tuned for our monthly series where we will be dissecting each shape and sharing the best looks for you! Plus, don’t forget to take our hair type quiz to get the best products for your unique needs.

XOXO,
MANEPRINT

Written by Natalie Palomino

Natalie Palomino Is a Master Stylist, educator and Founder of MANEPRINT. Through advanced education and commitment to her craft, she built a vast clientele providing haircare education and hair services.

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