Frequently Asked Questions
How many face shapes are there?
Every face is beautifully unique, with countless subtle variations in shape and size. To simplify, faces are commonly grouped into five main shapes: heart, square, oval, rectangular (or diamond), and round. Features like cheekbones, jawline, forehead, and face proportions determine where a face fits — though many faces blend traits from multiple categories.
What are the 7 face shapes?
- Round
- Square
- Oval
- Rectangle/Oblong
- Heart
- Diamond
- Triangle
What is the rarest face shape?
The most rare face shape is Diamond. Diamond faces have wide cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin, creating a distinctive angular silhouette that's uncommon in both men and women.
What is the most common face shapes for females and males?
The most common face shapes for women are oval, round, and heart-shaped. For men, the most common face shapes are square, oval, and triangle.
What is the most attractive face shape for a man?
There's no single "most attractive" face shape — every shape has its strengths. Oval is considered the most versatile because it suits almost every hairstyle, beard, and glasses style. Square is associated with strong, defined features. Round faces often appear more youthful. The key is working with your shape through the right haircut, facial hair, and accessories.
Can my face shape change over time?
Yes. Face shape can change due to weight fluctuation, aging, and hormonal shifts. Weight gain often makes angular faces appear rounder, while weight loss can reveal more defined cheekbones and jawlines. Aging can cause the jawline to soften and the face to elongate slightly. If you notice changes, re-measure using the method below.
What face shape do most models have?
Male models most commonly have oval, square, or diamond face shapes. The prominence of cheekbones and jawline definition are often key features. However, successful models exist across all face shapes — the fashion industry values distinctive features as much as conventional proportions.
How do I measure my face shape at home without a tape?
If you don't have a flexible tape, use a piece of string or even a phone charging cable. Hold it against each measurement area, mark the length with your fingers, and compare it against a ruler or the edge of a standard sheet of paper (8.5" wide). The exact numbers matter less than the ratios between measurements.
What hair/beards/glasses/sunglasses would suit my face shape?
Now that we have dedicated guides for each, explore the ones that match your shape:
- Best Haircuts for Oval Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Round Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Square Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Heart Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Diamond Face Men
- Best Glasses & Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
- Best Beard Styles for Your Face Shape
Can I take a picture or use an app to find my face shape?
While apps like HiFace can help identify face shapes, results can vary widely depending on the app used. The most reliable method is measuring your face directly. If there's still uncertainty, try an app like HiFace to compare results.
Gather The Tools
In order to figure out your face shape, you need to measure your face using a few tools:
- Flexible measuring tape or Tailor's Tape (or a piece of string and ruler)
- Somewhere to write down the measurements — pen & paper, notes app, etc.
- (Optional) Download an app to help verify your face shape
Measure Your Face
Use a tailor's tape to take the following measurements, writing them down as you go. Measure each area twice to ensure accuracy. Remember, the goal is to get as close as possible — it doesn't have to be perfect.
Forehead
Measure from one side hairline to the other, focusing on the widest part of the forehead, typically halfway between the eyebrows and the hairline. Ensure the tape is level for an accurate measurement.
Cheekbones
Measure from just beyond the outer corner of one eye, across the bridge of your nose, to just beyond the outer corner of the other eye.
Length
Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin. If you have a shaved head or receding hairline, estimate where your hairline used to be.
Jawline
Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the point where your jaw angles upwards. Multiply that number by 2 to get your full jawline length.
Determine Your Face Shape
Measurements can vary slightly depending on technique, so allow for a margin of 0.5–1 inch (1.25–2.5 cm). It's also common to fit into multiple similar face shape categories.
Oval
- Length is greater than cheekbones.
- Forehead is greater than jaw.
- Angle of jaw is rounded rather than sharp.
Example: Forehead: 8.5" | Cheeks: 7.5" | Length: 9" | Jaw: 8"
Square
- Forehead is similar to cheekbones.
- Length is similar to jaw.
- Angle of jaw is sharp rather than rounded.
Example: Forehead: 6" | Cheeks: 5.5" | Length: 9.5" | Jaw: 7.5"
Round
- Length and cheeks are similar but larger than forehead or jawline.
- Jaw and forehead are similar.
- Angle of the jaw is soft and much less defined.
Example: Forehead: 7.8" | Cheeks: 8" | Length: 8.5" | Jaw: 7.2"
Rectangle or Oblong
- Length is one of the top 2 largest measurements.
- Forehead and cheekbones are similar in size.
- Jawline is close-ish to forehead and cheeks.
Example: Forehead: 6.5" | Cheeks: 6.2" | Length: 8" | Jaw: 7.5"
Diamond
- Length is the largest measurement.
- Then from largest to smallest: Forehead, cheeks, and smallest is jawline. The chin is more pointed.
Example: Forehead: 8" | Cheeks: 7" | Length: 9.5" | Jaw: 6.75"
Triangular
- Jawline greater than the cheekbones.
- Cheeks similar or larger than the forehead.
- Omit the face length measurement.
Example: Forehead: 6" | Cheeks: 5.5" | Length: 9.5" | Jaw: 7.5"
Heart
- Forehead is the largest measurement.
- Cheeks are second largest.
- Jawline is smallest measurement. The chin is more pointed.
- Omit the face length measurement.
Example: Forehead: 8.5" | Cheeks: 8" | Length: 9" | Jaw: 7"
Face Shape Comparison Table
| Shape | Widest Point | Jaw Angle | Chin | Key Identifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oval | Cheekbones | Rounded | Slightly narrow | Length > cheekbones, forehead > jaw |
| Square | Even | Sharp | Broad | Forehead ≈ cheekbones, angular jaw |
| Round | Cheekbones | Soft | Rounded | Length ≈ cheekbones, soft jaw |
| Rectangle | Even | Angular | Broad | Length is dominant, forehead ≈ cheekbones ≈ jaw |
| Diamond | Cheekbones | Angular | Pointed | Cheekbones > forehead > jaw |
| Heart | Forehead | Tapered | Pointed | Forehead > cheekbones > jaw |
| Triangle | Jawline | Wide | Broad | Jaw > cheekbones > forehead |
Now That You Know Your Shape
Explore our dedicated guides for haircuts, glasses, and beard styles matched to your face shape:
- Best Haircuts for Oval Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Round Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Square Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Heart Face Men
- Best Haircuts for Diamond Face Men
- Best Glasses & Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
- Best Beard Styles for Your Face Shape
For complete hair guidance beyond face shape, see our ultimate haircuts guide.
How to Measure Your Face Shape at Home
You don't need a professional or special tools — a flexible measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler) is enough.
Step 1: Pull hair back. Tie back or wet your hair so your full face is visible. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror.
Step 2: Measure forehead width. Place the tape across your forehead from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the other. Record in inches or centimeters.
Step 3: Measure cheekbone width. Find the sharpest point of each cheekbone (just below the outer corner of each eye). Measure across.
Step 4: Measure jawline. Start at the base of your ear, follow the jaw to the tip of your chin, then multiply by two. This gives full jawline width.
Step 5: Measure face length. From the center of your hairline straight down to the tip of your chin.
Compare your four numbers. The relationships between these measurements determine your face shape — refer to the comparison table above. If your measurements are close to each other, you likely have a round or square shape. If face length is significantly longer than width, you may be rectangular or oblong.
Pro tip: Take photos from directly in front, with consistent lighting. Compare your measurements against the shape descriptions in our guide above.
Face Shape and Sunglasses
Choosing sunglasses based on your face shape creates natural visual balance.
Round face: Angular frames like wayfarers and rectangular shapes add structure. Avoid round or oversized frames that echo the face's curves.
Square face: Round or aviator frames soften strong angles. Thinner frames work better than heavy, angular styles.
Oval face: The most versatile shape — most frame styles work. Aviators, wayfarers, and clubmasters are all strong options.
Heart face: Bottom-heavy frames (aviators, round frames) balance a wider forehead. Avoid top-heavy or oversized styles.
Diamond face: Cat-eye, oval, or rimless frames complement narrow forehead and jawline. Avoid narrow rectangular frames.
For a complete breakdown with recommendations by brand and style, see our glasses and sunglasses for face shape guide.