Barber Tips: How to Choose the Perfect Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

Choosing the right hairstyle is a total game-changer. It can boost your confidence and highlight your best features.

But where do you start? Your face shape plays a huge role in finding a style that truly works for you. Whether you’re after something trendy, classic, or low-maintenance, it’s all about balance.

Not sure where to turn? Hair salons in Flatiron District are known for their expert stylists who can help you nail the perfect look. Let’s talk about figuring out your face shape and how to pick a hairstyle that fits you like a glove.

You’ll leave with a style you’ll absolutely love!

Understanding Face Shapes

Before jumping into hairstyles, it’s important to figure out your face shape. This helps you highlight your best features and find balance.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the five most common face shapes, along with some pointers to help you identify yours:

Oval Face Shape

Oval is often considered the “ideal” face shape for flexibility. With slightly wider cheekbones and a gentle taper toward the chin, oval faces work with nearly any hairstyle. Lucky you!

Round Face Shape 

Round faces have softer lines with roughly equal width and height, giving them a youthful look. The goal here? Add angles to create structure.

Square Face Shape 

Square faces are characterized by a strong jawline and bold, angular features. It’s all about softening the edges and highlighting that chiseled jaw.

Heart Face Shape 

Heart-shaped faces are widest at the forehead and taper down toward a narrower chin. Balancing the top of your head with the lower portion is the name of the game.

Diamond Face Shape 

Diamond-shaped faces are sharp and striking, with a narrow forehead, wide cheekbones, and a tapered chin. Hairstyles should soften the angles and widen the forehead and jaw.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about your face shape, try tracing the outline of your face in the mirror with a washable marker. Step back and see which category it most closely matches!

Hairstyle Guidelines for Each Face Shape

Once you’ve identified your face shape, it’s time to find a style that enhances your natural features. Here are some suggestions:

Hairstyles for Oval Faces 

Almost anything works for oval faces! However, avoid styles that fall forward and cover the forehead, as these can make your face appear shorter. 

Top picks:

  • Textured quiff
  • Pompadour
  • Slicked-back styles 

Why it works: These styles accentuate your balanced proportions and draw attention to your cheekbones.

Hairstyles for Round Faces 

The goal for round faces is to add height and angles to elongate the face. 

Top picks:

  • Faux hawk
  • High fade with a pompadour
  • Spiky textures 

Why it works: These styles create the illusion of length and add structure to softer features.

Hairstyles for Square Faces 

For square faces, the key is softening the angles while still showing off that strong jawline. 

Top picks:

  • Side part
  • Classic crew cut
  • Undercut with texture 

Why it works: These styles strike the perfect balance between sharp and soft, complementing your bold features.

Hairstyles for Heart Faces 

Heart-shaped faces benefit from styles that reduce width at the forehead while adding volume near the chin to create balance. 

Top picks:

  • Fringe or bangs
  • Textured crop
  • Side-swept undercut 

Why it works: These styles help soften the forehead while balancing the jawline.

Hairstyles for Diamond Faces 

Diamond faces look best with styles that add volume to the forehead and jawline, balancing the narrow forehead and pointed chin. 

Top picks:

  • Messy fringe
  • Medium-length textured layers
  • Side-swept hairstyles 

Why it works: These styles soften angular features and widen the appearance of the forehead and jaw.

Tips for Communication with Your Barber

Getting the perfect cut isn’t just about knowing your face shape; it’s also about effectively communicating with your barber. Here’s how to do it like a pro:

  1. Bring References: Photos are your best friend. Show your barber clear examples of what you’re aiming for and explain what you like about each style.
  2. Be Honest About Your Routine: If you’re not someone who spends 20 minutes styling hair every morning, speak up! Your barber can tailor a style that’s easy to maintain for your lifestyle.
  3. Ask for Advice: Barbers are experts. Don’t be afraid to ask which hairstyles they recommend for your face shape and hair type.
  4. Be Specific About Lengths: If you say, “Keep the sides short,” what does “short” mean to you? Use measurements (e.g., “half an inch,” “#2 clipper guard”) to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Maintenance and Styling Tips

A fresh haircut looks amazing—but only if you keep it that way. Here’s how to maintain your new style:

  • Wash and Condition Regularly: Keep your hair clean, but don’t overdo it. Shampooing every other day is plenty unless your barber suggests otherwise.
  • Invest in the Right Products: The right hairstyling products (think pomades, clays, or gels) can elevate your look. Don’t hesitate to ask your barber for product recommendations during your visit.
  • Trim Often: Regular trims (every 4-6 weeks) keep your cut looking sharp and polished.
  • Learn to Style It Yourself: Ask your barber in Flatiron for a quick styling demo before you leave. They’ll show you a foolproof way to recreate the look at home.

Discover Your Perfect Style Today

Your hairstyle is more than just hair—it’s a form of self-expression and confidence. By understanding your face shape and working collaboratively with your barber, you can find a style that truly suits you. Don’t be afraid to experiment—after all, hair grows back!

Your next great cut awaits—ready to own it?

Book an appointment today and step into your best look!

What Our Clients Say

This is my favorite barbershop in NYC

This is my favorite barbershop in NYC. I started coming here 5 or 6 years ago after a string of disappointing experiences at other barbershops in the area. After a few cuts here I knew this was the place for me.

Dave M

been coming here for 5 years and it's nothing but class

Best barbershop in town, ive been coming here for 5 years and it's nothing but class all around. Can't go on a trip or to an event without seeing these guys. Manny the owner is a really down to earth guy, very fair with his prices and provides excellent service not only from himself but his sensational staff. Their product is top of the line as well.

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It’s the best spot in the city

I have been going to Park Ave barbershop for about a year consistently. It’s the best spot in the city that I’ve been too, and Nick my barber is very thorough and always does an amazing job. Highly recommend for someone looking to find their barber in Manhattan.

Harrison Kovachick

Vibe in the barbershop is fun

Been going here for more than a year now. Jon is my barber and he does a great job with both my beard and hair. Highly recommend. Vibe in the barbershop is fun too

Aaditya Chowdhry

Staff is very friendly and professional

This has been my main spot for a while. Staff is very friendly and professional but also know how to make you laugh. The haircuts are always on point, I’ve never gotten a bad cut here. Jon is my main barber but the whole staff are very skilled. Great barbershop overall. Plus free beer it’s doesn't get any better than that.

Ilya Ivraghimov