Bradpitt

If Brad Pitt can figure out which haircuts work for his face shape, so can you

How do you make sure every grooming move is a win? By figuring out your face shape!  

On the hunt for a fresh new haircut to try this year? Before you decide to take a trip to the barbers, there’s something you should know: your face shape matters. Yep, what works on one gentleman (be it a pompadour, buzz cut, or Caesar cut) might not work on you.

Now, we know it’s tricky to find out which style will work best for you, but if Brad Pitt can figure out which haircuts work for his face shape, so can you. How? With the help of your quick face shape guide, below.

Your guide to choosing the right men’s haircut for your face shape

close up shot of a infrographic of a man with an oval face shape, with a short back and sides hairstyle
You can experiment with a lot of looks with an oval face shape.

Oval faces

An oval face shape is both symmetrical and evenly proportioned, meaning it can suit a variety of hairstyles. And one of our all-time favourite men’s haircuts for an oval face, has to be the timeless short back and sides with some length on top.

Not only will this ‘do help make your face appear slightly more angular, but it’ll also make sure you get through any occasion in style.

Editor’s tip: Looking for a new product for your face shape? Well if you haven’t tried the TONI&GUY’s Men’s Texturising Fibre, now’s your chance.

This product is perfect for creating undone styles with a matte finish, as your hair won’t look too ‘done’ but extra stylish and on-point, instead.

close up picture of Chris Hemsworth with swept back hairstyle on the red carpet, wearing white shirt and suit jacket
Chris Hemsworth makes the most out of his oval face shape with a swept-back style. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Other hairstyles you can rock: You can make the most out of your oval face shape with either a swept-back hairstyle, a pompadour or an undercut with a slick comb over.

What to avoid: Keep in mind that a fringe will cover up your forehead and make your face appear rounder.

close up shot of a drawing of a man with a square face with a close military fade hairstyle
Brad Pitt should be your hair god.

Square faces

A square face is typically seen as very masculine due to it’s dominating features, such as a striking, angled jawline. This means that, like the oval face shape, it’s perfectly compatible with a variety of men’s hairstyles, from no-fuss buzz cuts to softer, more modern quiffs.

However, if we had to recommend a fail-safe hairstyle for a square face shape, we’d probably go with a military-inspired high and tight fade, because really, who doesn’t want to look like a solider?

close up shot of brad pitt with crew cut hairstyle, wearing black top and posing
Will you be joining the crew with this cut? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Other hairstyles you can rock: You can also experiment with a textured comb over, a high fade with a quiff, a crew cut and pretty much any other ‘do that Brad Pitt has pulled off.

What to avoid: Luckily, most hairstyles will look good with a square face shape, but try to avoid styles that stick straight up, as you don’t want to look overly boxy. Instead go for cuts that add softness.

close up shot of drawing of man with round face with a pompadour hairstyle
Turn that round face into a piece of art with a side-part.

Round faces

For circular faces, look for a hairstyle that will help add definition and structure, like a pompadour or a quiff. These hair-raising styles will help to elongate your face and make it appear longer than it is!

Editor’s tip: To rock the look like Elvis, grab your VO5 Matt Clay and take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to style your pompadour, right here.

close up shot of leonardo dicaprio on the red carpet with side part hairstyle, wearing suit and tie
Turn that round face into a piece of art by getting side-part. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Other hairstyles you can rock: Give your round face some extra definition either with a classic side-part or a daring bald fade with a sharp, slicked-back quiff.

What to avoid: A hairstyle that isn’t taller at the top, as it will not help balance out your unique round features.

close up shot of a drawing of a man with long, rectangular face shape, with a caesar haircut
Here’s how to make the most of your face shape!

Rectangular faces

The key to choosing the perfect hairstyle for a rectangular face (AKA a long face shape), is to ensure that you don’t make the face look any longer than it is. To do this, you need to opt for an evenly proportioned style, where the sides and top are of equal length, like a modern Caesar cut.

With it’s tightly cut sides and blunt fringe, this look is one that can be worn by almost anyone, no matter if you have straight, curly, or even wavy hair.

close up shot of adam levine with side swept hairstyle, wearing bow tie and suit on the academy awards red carpet
There’s nothing wrong with being long! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Other hairstyles you can rock: You really can’t go wrong with trying out a French crop, a side-swept crew cut or even an edgy, spiky hairstyle.

What to avoid: Be careful with pairing your look with a long beard, as that could make your face look even longer than it already is. Just look at Adam Levine’s mane and beard combo, for example, and you’ll be good to go.

 

 

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