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Defining your face shape is a helpful first step before deciding which hairstyle to go for.
Lots of women have a square face, and because of this, there are so many stunning styles out there that are suited to the symmetry and angular nature of square faces.
So, to help you choose the best hairstyle for square faces, we introduce you to ten stunning cuts with examples and reveal two haircuts that you should definitely avoid if you have this face shape.
The main features of a square face shape
The square face is an extremely common face type, with lots of people around the world looking for the best ways to style their hair with this type of face. Symmetry is key to a square face.
The jawline, cheekbones, and forehead are the same width, while there are angular features around the chin and nose.
Here’s a run-through of the key features of square faces to bear in mind:
✅ A wide hairline and jawline
✅ Symmetry – the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead are the same (or similar) width
✅ Angular facial features
Celebrities with square faces
If you’re wondering who to turn to for further inspiration when styling your hair, here’s a list of some of the best-known celebrities with square faces:
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Demi Moore
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Sandra Bullock
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Minnie Driver
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Natalie Portman
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Salma Hayek
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Katie Holmes
Why do you need to know about your face shape?
Understanding which type of face you have can be helpful for numerous reasons:
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Hair styling: The main reason for knowing your face shape is so you can style your hair correctly. Some styles suit angular, square faces, while others are much better suited to people with softer, rounder faces.
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Jewelry: Pairing your hairstyle with suitable earrings or necklace can also be influenced by the shape of your face. Loopy earrings can help to elongate your face, for instance, and can be a handy addition to many hairstyles.
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Eyeglasses: You should also think about your face shape before choosing eyeglasses or sunglasses. This can help you to decide whether to go for square, rectangular, or circular frames, for instance, and you can speak to your optician about the best options for your face type.
10 hairstyles for square shape faces
So, what are the best hairstyles for square-faced females?
Here are some iconic looks that are made for people with square, symmetrical faces:
1: Rounded bob with fringe
While you should steer well clear of angular, sharp bobs if you have a square face, softer, rounded bobs can look great.
We feel like the cut beautifully elongates the face, drawing attention away from its angular features.
Moreover, the striking fringe is a great addition and offers deeper texture and complexity to your look.
2: Choppy pixie
One of the reasons why we love the short, choppy pixie is that it’s a youthful and playful cut that is suited to women with square faces.
We love how the cut softens some of your facial features, while bringing attention to the eyes.
You can get creative with coloring and chopping your fringe, as in the example above, to add further texture to the style.
3: Modern shag
One of the best things about the shag cut is that it can work so well with numerous face types, particularly with some refinement.
If you have a square face shape, the modern shag is a stunning way to go. It opens the face and rounds the jawline, helping to frame your face without accentuating its angles.
Length is entirely up to you with this one, but we think allowing the shag to run beyond the shoulder line is a great way to finish the style.
4: Deep side part
As classic as the middle part is, switching to a deep side-parting is a stylish option for women with square faces.
This option helps to soften the angular features, particularly those of your cheekbones while helping your hair to look more voluminous at the crown.
Don’t forget to find your hair’s natural parting before deciding which way to part your hair.
5: French bob
The French bob consistently ranks as one of the best hairstyles for square faces.
It’s extremely flattering, serving as an elegant, timeless cut that’s easy to style.
We recommend pairing this bob with curtain bangs, but you can mix things up depending on your preferences.
The result is a feminine style that beautifully frames your square face.
6: Messy bun
Though you might be reluctant to wear your hair up regularly if you have a square face, the messy bun can be your go-to style on days when you don’t want to spend a great deal of time in front of the mirror.
Letting some of your hair naturally fall to the side to frame your face is essential if you have a square face, as it helps to soften your features.
We recommend applying a volumizing mousse if your hair tends to fall flat when you wear it up.
7: Beachy waves
Frankly, long, beachy waves can work for most face types, and they’re a great hairstyle for square-shaped faces.
This low-maintenance hairstyle is flattering and multidimensional. It gives laid-back vibes while helping to elongate your face. It’s worth applying a texturizing spray or a sea salt spray to your waves for an instant texture boost.
8: Classic curtain bangs
While we don’t recommend blunt bangs for people with square faces, classic curtain bangs are a stylish option.
They frame your face beautifully – the signature of curtain bangs – helping to draw attention to your most defined features.
You can ask your stylist to work your curtain bangs down to your cheekbones for an eye-catching feature.
9: Messy layers
Styling your hair with loose, messy layers is a great way to add depth and volume. Tousled layers work really well, and you can even add some highlights through your hair to elevate the look.
This is a great medium-short hairstyle for women with square faces over 40, as it helps you to look young and vibrant, while disguising some of the thinning sections of your hair.
10: Formal updo
If you’re looking for super smart and sleek hairstyles for square faces, the formal updo can work really well.
We recommend asking your stylist to soften the hair around your cheekbones to draw attention away from your face’s sharp angles, but other than that, this is a great look for weddings or any special occasion that requires you to dress up.
The worst hairstyles for square faces
❌ Blunt, straight bangs: Straight, blunt bangs are unflattering for people with square faces. On most people, they accentuate the angular features of the face and give off boxy vibes. If you’re keen on bangs, go for softened, rounded styles with wispy or curtain bangs.
❌ Angular bobs: The last thing people with square-shaped faces need is additional angles, so angular bobs are off the menu. We also think straight, chin-length bobs are best avoided if you have a square face, as they can accentuate the jawline in an unflattering light.
How to style hair for a square face: Top tips
✅ Avoid blunt & angular cuts: Blunt and angular cuts aren’t complementary to square faces. Ask your stylist to soften your hair wherever possible to draw attention away from your face’s natural angles.
✅ Depth & texture work well: Tousled, layered, and textured hairstyles work particularly well on people with square faces, as the additional depth helps with intricate styling.
✅ Don’t be afraid to wear your hair up: Though people with square faces often worry about wearing their hair up, updos and top knots can work well. We recommend leaving some hair down naturally to frame your face, though, as this can help with definition and style.
Final words
There are so many stunning hairstyles for square faces that you’re spoiled for choice.
The key thing to remember is to avoid styles and cuts that accentuate the angles of your square face.
Any haircut that softens and frames your face works particularly well, helping you to draw attention away from the shape of your face and towards your best features.
Feel free to try out any of the styles above, and follow our blog for more tips on how to style your hair like a professional this year.
FAQs
1. What hairstyles work best for square face shapes?
Hairstyles that soften sharp angles tend to work best for square face shapes. Cuts with layers, waves, or rounded edges help reduce the appearance of strong jawlines.
2. Are short haircuts suitable for square faces?
Short haircuts can suit square faces when styled with softness and shape. Textured pixie cuts, layered bobs, or styles with volume on top help offset angular features. Very blunt or boxy cuts may emphasize the jawline, so softer outlines usually look more balanced.
3. Why should some hairstyles be avoided for square faces?
Certain hairstyles can highlight the natural angles of a square face too strongly. Straight, blunt cuts or styles that end exactly at the jawline may exaggerate width.
4. Do layers make a difference for square face hairstyles?
Layers make a noticeable difference by adding movement and breaking up strong facial lines. They help soften the jaw and cheekbones while preventing hair from sitting flat.
5. Are bangs a good idea for square face shapes?
Bangs can work well for square faces when styled with softness. Side-swept or curtain bangs help reduce angularity and draw attention upward. Heavy, straight-across bangs may create a boxy effect, so lighter options are often more flattering.
6. What hair length is most flattering for square faces?
Medium to long hair lengths tend to flatter square faces by elongating facial proportions. Styles that fall below the jawline help soften strong angles. Shoulder-length cuts also work when paired with layers or waves that add movement and reduce sharpness.
7. How does parting affect hairstyles for square faces?
Hair parting plays an important role in balancing a square face. Side or off-center parts introduce asymmetry, which softens strong features. Center parts can work too when combined with long layers that frame the face and reduce the focus on angles.
8. Can styling techniques improve hairstyles for square faces?
Styling techniques can significantly enhance hairstyles for square faces. Soft waves, textured finishes, and volume at the crown help balance strong lines.
