To look your best, you need an impeccable haircut – but what looks model-worthy on one man may be confused and out of proportion on the next. At 18|8 Carmel, we’re experts in providing incredible haircuts for men, and we’ve helped countless men throughout the Carmel and Westfield areas achieve an incredible look through salon-quality haircuts. To help you look your best, here’s our guide on choosing the perfect haircut based on your face shape.

Figuring Your Face Shape

The first step to choosing the right haircut is understanding what shape your face has. While every man is different, most faces fit into one of several categories based on the proportions of the jawline, cheekbones, length, and width of the face. Use these criteria to see what category your own mug fits into:

  • Oval: Your face is longer than your cheekbones are wide, your forehead is wider than your jawline, and your jaw is fairly rounded. A well-balanced shape that handles almost any cut.
  • Oblong: A longer shape with equal widths of the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead along with a more squared jawline.
  • Square: A sharp jawline with fairly equal measurements across the board.
  • Heart: A wide forehead with thinner cheekbones and jawline, plus a pointed chin. The face looks like the outline of a heart.
  • Diamond: Face length is the longest, with wider cheekbones and a shorter forehead and jawline. Just imagine the shape of a diamond.
  • Round: Face length and cheekbones measure roughly equally, with the forehead and jawline slightly smaller. Gentle curves around the face instead of sharp angles.
  • Triangle: Cheekbones are larger than the forehead and jawline larger than the cheekbones. Generally a long face with a powerful jawline and a small forehead.

Choosing the Best Haircut for Your Face

To get the best look overall, you’ll want to choose a hairstyle that complements your natural facial features. You should look for a cut that balances out any overly prominent facial features while making up for anything that’s extra small. Generally, lean towards the following guidelines:

  • Oval: Lucky you! This well-rounded shape can handle almost any cut. For you, the right haircut is all about preference and personal style.
  • Oblong: Long top and short sides will exaggerate an already long face, so opt for cuts with fairly similar lengths on the top and sides. Generally, shorter is better.
  • Square: Go for length and volume on top to lengthen the face and soften the square shape. While too much length on the sides can make the head appear too wide, you can handle medium sides when it’s balanced by volume on top.
  • Heart: Lean away from short styles, opting for more length and volume on the top and the sides. A pompadour is a great option, especially when complemented by facial hair.
  • Diamond: Messy, textured styles are perfect for you. Keep the sides fairly long, as cropping them too close can make your head appear too long.
  • Round: You’ll want your hair to create angles and dimension, so go for cuts with short sides and a long top. Facial hair doesn’t hurt, either.
  • Triangle: You need your hair to make up for your powerful jawline and comparatively small forehead. Opt for big, high-volume looks with full sides to give yourself a well-rounded appearance.

Contact Your Carmel, IN Barbershop

Of course, if you really want the perfect cut for your unique facial shape, just leave it to the pros. At 18|8 Carmel, we’ve developed an expertise in helping the men of Carmel and Westfield, IN find their perfect style – and we’d be thrilled to do the same for you. Book an appointment online to get one of our signature Executive Style Haircuts. We promise you – you’ll look like a brand new man, and yes, everyone is going to notice.