Flattering Hairstyles for Square Faces: A Comprehensive Guide

Those with a square face shape typically have a chiseled jawline and sharp, defined features with plenty of flattering angles. While everyone should feel free to embrace any hairstyle, the best hairstyles for square faces tend to be softer styles that put those striking features on full display. If you have a square face and need help narrowing down your options, keep reading.

Square faces tend to be as wide as they are long and have a strong, defined jawline. Your features are typically angular, rather than rounded, and there isn’t much of a difference in width between your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw.

Understanding the Square Face Shape

Before diving into specific styles, it's important to understand the characteristics of a square face. Square faces are generally equal in length and width, featuring a prominent jawline and a broad forehead. The goal when choosing a hairstyle is to soften these angles, create the illusion of length, and maintain a balance that complements your features.

Key Considerations for Square Face Hairstyles

Hairstyles for square faces require careful consideration of length, texture, and framing to achieve the most flattering look for this angular facial structure.

• Softening Angular Features: The primary aim is to soften the strong, horizontal lines of a square face.
• Adding Height and Movement: Haircuts that add height at the crown and create movement around the widest parts of your face are ideal.
• Creating Asymmetry: Asymmetrical styles can disrupt the natural symmetry of a square face, adding visual interest and softening harsh lines.

Best Hairstyles for Square Faces

Short Haircuts

1. Layered Bob: A layered bob is super flattering on square face shapes since it helps draw attention to your cheekbones for a harmonious, balanced look. This versatile cut is an especially great pick for those with curly and wavy hair as the layering removes bulk while giving your style body and movement. For added bounce, mist L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free throughout damp hair before styling. Most types of bob haircuts suit square faces when executed with the proper technique. A soft, layered bob that falls between your chin and collarbone creates a lovely, delicate frame for angular features. Ask your stylist to create subtle layers that begin around your cheekbones and gradually increase toward the ends. This technique softens the harsh lines of a traditional bob while maintaining the style’s sophisticated appeal.
2. Angled Bob: Hair for a square face shape doesn’t have to be wavy or textured. If you have straight strands-and don’t want to commit to curling your hair every day-consider asking your stylist for an angled bob. The asymmetrical cut helps visually lengthen your face, creating harmony and balance without tons of effort.
3. Shaggy Pixie Cut: There’s no need to skip out on a short, edgy style like a pixie haircut when you have a square face. Try a shaggy take on this classic short cut, as the piecey nature of this style helps create balance with your strong jawline. Work the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty through dry hair, then tousle your pixie to style it.
4. Touseled Bixie: Whether you’re craving a big chop or already working with shorter strands, you can’t go wrong with a touseled bixie. The cut’s fluid layers subtly soften your face’s sharper angles, while at the same time showcasing that chiseled jawline and beautiful bone structure.
5. French Bob: The French bob is among the most flattering haircuts for square faces. This elegant, timeless style features a chin-length cut with ends that curl slightly inward toward the face. Typically, it’s paired with short curtain bangs, though fringe is optional. Either way, the effect is soft, feminine, and chic-not to mention, fairly low-maintenance.
6. Voluminous, Curly Bob: Embrace your natural curls and show off your bone structure with a voluminous, curly bob. The bouncy look helps draw attention to your cheekbones and allows your texture to shine. To keep your curls defined all day long, we recommend washing your hair with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, then working L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner throughout your mane while your hair is still damp.
7. Classic Crew Cut: Simple yet stylish, the crew cut is a timeless choice. Its clean lines complement a square face by emphasizing symmetry.
8. Buzz Cut: A buzz cut is bold and easy to maintain. It highlights the jawline while keeping the look sharp and masculine.
9. High and Tight Fade: This military-inspired cut is both neat and modern. The fade creates contrast, giving your face a refined edge.

Medium-Length Hairstyles

1. Lob (Long Bob): The lob is the perfect compromise between short hair and long hair, and it just so happens to be one of the best haircuts for square faces. As mentioned with the previous two hairstyle choices, layers are key here. That’s because they can help create movement while softening your features. We love pairing this chic cut with loose waves and plenty of undone texture.
2. Shoulder-Length with Texture: If you’re torn between short and long hair, consider opting for a hairstyle that hits right at your shoulders. Add in lots of texture and you’re looking at a super flattering haircut for square faces. All that texture creates a playful and dynamic look that can be styled in any number of ways.
3. Timeless Pompadour: This iconic style adds volume and height, making it perfect for square faces. It exudes elegance and confidence.
4. Textured Crop with Taper Fade: A textured crop offers a trendy, casual vibe. The taper fade enhances the haircut by adding definition to the sides.
5. Slick Back: A slick back is ideal for formal settings. It’s sleek, stylish, and complements the strong lines of a square face.

Long Hairstyles

1. Sweeping, Bouncy Layers: If you favor longer hair, consider opting for sweeping, bouncy layers. This flattering hairstyle for square faces visually softens sharp angles and looks gorgeous worn up or down. Ask your stylist to start your first layer around your chin, then cut cascading layers throughout the rest of your hair. Then, have them blow dry your hair with an inward curl at the ends for soft movement.
2. Long, Middle-Parted Hair: Long, middle-parted hair is an incredibly flattering hairstyle for square faces, because the harmonious cut helps accentuate the natural symmetry of your face. And if you have naturally fine or straight strands, the look takes little effort to achieve-just part your hair in the middle, brush it, and get on with your day. If you tend to struggle with oily roots, consider adding the L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair.
3. Butterfly Cut: The butterfly cut is an airy, layered cut that starts a bit shorter in front and softly tapers to a longer length toward the back. Typically, it’s styled with the ends flipped outward, and the resulting shape is vaguely reminiscent of butterfly wings (hence the style’s name). This feminine cut is a great way to soften your look without detracting from your sculpted, defined features.
4. Shag Haircut with Layers: A shag haircut with layers is easily one of the best haircuts for square faces. It instantly adds fluid movement and softness to the well-defined lines of this face shape, and the texture and dimension are just flattering all around.
5. Shoulder-Length Waves: For men who prefer longer hair, soft waves create movement and contrast against angular features.
6. Messy Layered Look: Messy layers offer a carefree, rugged appearance. They add depth and balance to a square face.
7. Man Bun: The man bun continues to be a fashionable option for long-haired men. It pairs well with a square face’s bold structure.

Bangs and Fringes

1. Side-Swept Bangs: If you want to experiment with fringe, side-swept bangs are a great pick for those with square faces. Ask your stylist to part your hair on one side, then cut long, face-framing bangs that hit around your cheekbone. Bangs dramatically alter the appearance of square faces when cut and styled correctly. Side-swept bangs that begin from a deep side part create asymmetry that softens harsh geometric lines. Avoid straight-across bangs that create a horizontal line across your forehead. Instead, opt for wispy, graduated bangs that seamlessly blend into the rest of your hairstyle.
2. Wispy Fringe: If you like the idea of bangs but don’t want to fully commit to the full deal, opt for wispy fringe instead. This hairstyle option-which pairs with everything from long layers to a classic lob-softens the forehead and helps balance out a square face shape. Whether you prefer to wear it straight and sleek or with a slightly tousled texture, this look is customizable, versatile, and easy to dress up or down.
3. Curtain Bangs: Curtain bangs are another alternative to classic bangs that flatter square faces-and they’re much easier to grow out, too. This style beautifully frames the face, drawing attention to your defined features. If you want to make your cheekbones pop, ask your stylist to cut your curtain bangs so the longest layers graze the tops of your cheekbones.
4. Long, Tapered Fringe with Curls: Level up your go-to curly cut by asking your stylist to add in some long, tapered fringe. The shortest pieces should hit just around your eyebrows, while the longer sides can fall around your cheekbones. This graduated cut can help draw attention to the center of your face while allowing your natural texture to shine.
5. Asymmetrical Fringe: This modern cut is unconventional and artistic. It softens the face while adding flair.

Textured Styles

1. Beach Waves: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle to flatter your square face shape, consider beach waves. The loose, undone waves create softness and lend your look a breezy, laid-back vibe. Those with straighter strands can use a sea salt spray or texturizing spray to help give their strands body and movement without having to break out the hot tools. Soft waves and curls soften angular features. Textured beach waves are perfect because they create an effortless, tousled look that adds dimension to your face. The irregular wave pattern prevents your hair from creating straight lines that compete with your facial structure.
2. Wolf Cut: A wolf cut combines the modern mullet and the ‘70s shag cut. It’s a laid-back style with lots of layers, texture, and movement-and the perfect square face haircut to delicately frame a sharp jawline. To keep your wolf cut looking its best, consider adding L’Oréal Paris’ Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free to your haircare routine. The hyaluronic acid-infused duo provides deep hydration for bouncy, shiny, free-flowing locks.

Updos and Braids

1. Messy Bun: The messy bun is an easy go-to on those days when you want to embrace a low-key, effortless look but still look pulled together. Really lean into the “messy” vibe by letting loose pieces naturally fall around your face, which can help soften a square face shape.
2. Side Braid: You might have noticed a theme with asymmetry being an excellent approach when choosing both haircuts for square face shapes and hairstyles. A side braid that drapes over one shoulder contrasts the natural symmetry of a square face while also helping to visually lengthen your face. Try a fishtail braid, classic three-strand braid, or even a cute bubble braid-there are plenty of variations to choose from.
3. Braided Crown: A braided crown hairstyle softens the forehead and gives an instant air of romance, making it one of the best hairstyles for square faces. It effortlessly frames your face and creates a bit of extra height, which can elongate your face and help create harmony. This one’s perfect for all sorts of occasions, too, ranging from beach days to fall weddings to outdoor festivals.
4. Old Hollywood Waves: If you’re looking for a hairstyle for square faces suitable for a formal occasion, consider Old Hollywood waves. This soft, feminine hairstyle features sleek S-shaped waves that gently cascade around the face. For an ultra-shiny finish, we suggest prepping your mane with L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing Glaze.

Professional and Trendy Styles for Men

1. Undercut with Textured Top: The undercut adds sharpness, while a textured top provides balance and volume.
2. Quiff with Fade: A quiff is playful yet sophisticated. Pairing it with a fade gives a fresh, youthful appearance.
3. Side Part with Volume: This classic look is versatile and elegant. Adding volume elevates the style for square-faced men.
4. Comb Over with a Low Fade: A comb-over is neat and business-ready. The low fade adds a contemporary touch.
5. Ivy League Cut: This cut is both refined and functional. It’s perfect for men who value simplicity with style.
6. Brushed-Up Business Style: For professionals, this style is polished and easy to maintain. It highlights the forehead and sharpens the jawline.

Edgy and Bold Haircuts

1. Spiky Hairstyle with Undercut: Spikes bring energy to your look, while the undercut keeps it grounded.
2. Mohawk Fade: For a daring choice, the mohawk fade stands out. It’s bold, edgy, and a great fit for square faces.

Styling Tips for Square Faces

• Volume and Texture: Use lightweight products to create volume and texture. Avoid overly flat styles that can exaggerate angular features.
• Asymmetry: Embrace asymmetrical styles to break up the face's natural symmetry.
• Soft Waves and Curls: Opt for soft waves and curls to soften the face's angular lines.
• Avoid Harsh Lines: Steer clear of blunt cuts and harsh lines that can accentuate the squareness of the face.

Products That Make a Difference

Professional hair styling products are your secret weapon for creating and maintaining these flattering looks. Volumizing mousses applied to damp hair create lift at the roots, while texturizing sprays help lock in soft, tousled styles. Pomades, waxes, and matte clays work well for styling square-friendly cuts. Choose products that enhance texture and hold. Don’t forget to protect your tresses with a heat protectant! Finishing products like light-hold hairsprays maintain your style’s shape without creating stiffness that can emphasize geometric lines.

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tags: #hairstyles #for #square #faces

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