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You’ve probably encountered face shape references while shopping for glasses or researching haircuts—both of which are influenced by your face shape. But what if your face shape isn’t easy to categorize, or doesn’t fit a specific type? Here’s what you need to know about determining your face shape and why it’s important.
Why is knowing your face shape important?
While face shape may not be a huge factor in the grand scheme of life, understanding yours can help you make better choices about things that frame your face—like hairstyles, makeup, glasses, hats, and other accessories. Keep in mind, you might have a mix of different face shapes, and your shape may change as you age.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
At first, understanding face shapes can be tricky. Sure, a round face is easy to identify, but what does a triangle-shaped face really look like? And when you start hearing about heart or diamond shapes, they can seem more like shapes on a cereal box than on a person's face.
As Wendy Rose Gould shares in an article for Real Simple, the first step in identifying your face shape is to take some measurements. Ideally, you'll want to use a flexible measuring tape, but she notes that a phone app can work as well. Here’s how to measure, according to Gould—just make sure to jot everything down so you’ve got the details on hand:
Face Length:
Measure from the top of your hairline to the bottom of your chin.
Forehead Width:
Measure across the center of your forehead, from one hairline to the other. Be sure not to curve the tape—keep it flat for accuracy.
Cheekbone Measurement:
Locate the highest point of your cheekbone and measure from one side of your face to the other. Ensure the measuring tape remains flat and doesn't curve against your skin.
Jawline Measurement:
Position the tape just beneath your ear and trace it down to the center of your chin. Afterward, multiply the result by two. Here, it’s fine to curve the tape so it fits closely against your skin.
Understanding Face Shapes: Key Features
To determine your face shape, combine both your measurements and visual traits. Dr. Robert Sigal, a board-certified plastic surgeon, shares insights with Real Simple about this process:
Triangular Face Shape
Key Features: Prominent cheekbones with a narrow jawline
Dimensions: The width of the forehead and cheekbones is greater, while the chin tapers to a narrow, pointed shape, either softly rounded or sharply defined.
Round Shape
Key Features: Soft, rounded hairline and jawline
Dimensions: The width and length of the face are almost identical in measurements
Square Shape
Key Features: A broader, more noticeable jawline and forehead
Dimensions: The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width. Although the measurements resemble those of a round face, the face’s overall structure is more angular with minimal curving.
Diamond Shape
Key Features: A sharper, more angular version of the oval face; the chin is narrow and pointed, and the hairline forms a distinct angular point; the cheekbones are prominent and high-set
Dimensions: The distance between the cheekbones is slightly wider compared to the length of the forehead
Oval Shape
Key Features: A forehead shape that blends square and round qualities, with a more rounded jawline and chin
Dimensions: Generally, the forehead is narrower than the width of the cheekbones, and the face is longer than it is wide
Heart Shape
Key Feature: A widow's peak hairline
Dimensions: The jawline and cheekbones are broader than the forehead, with a narrow, pointed chin.
Rectangle Shape
Key Features: Commonly observed in older individuals when skin from the cheeks and jowls droops into the lower half of the face
Dimensions: The face is longer than it is wide, with the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw all having similar widths
Even if your face doesn’t fit neatly into one category, you can usually narrow it down to a few specific shapes, which can be useful when choosing a new hairstyle or a pair of glasses.
