A few years ago, I tried a new hairstyle for an important business meeting. It looked great in the salon, but when I saw myself in the office mirror, something fell off. My stylist later told me it was because the cut didn’t match my face shape.
Choosing the right hairstyle isn’t just about trends. It’s about finding what works best for face features and enhances professional image.
So I’ve researched the best hairstyles for different face shapes using insights from experienced stylists and industry professionals.
In this article, we’ll go beyond general styling advice and break down eight hairstyles designed to suit different face shapes.
By the end, you’ll have a clear approach to helping clients choose styles that highlight their best features.
So let’s get started.
1. Soft Waves (Oval Face)
I’ve seen it time and time again—clients with oval faces walk into the salon, unsure of what will suit them best, but leave loving soft waves. This style works because it enhances their natural symmetry while adding just the right amount of movement. It’s one of those effortlessly polished looks that’s easy to recommend and even easier to upsell.
Salon Techniques for Achieving Perfect Soft Waves
- Choosing the Right Curling Tool – A 1–1.25-inch curling iron is ideal for creating soft, natural-looking waves. Adjust heat settings based on hair type to maintain hair health and prevent over-styling.
- Sectioning for Even Curl Distribution – Divide the hair into horizontal layers, working from the bottom up. Curl away from the face to create a natural, flowing look that frames the face.
- Using a Consistent Curling Technique – Hold each section around the barrel for a few seconds, then release and let the curl cool before touching. This helps waves hold their shape without excessive product use.
- Enhancing Volume and Movement – Gently loosen curls with fingers or a wide-tooth comb to create a soft, lived-in effect. Lightly mist with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain bounce without stiffness.
- Finishing for a Polished Look – Add a lightweight shine serum or texturizing spray to enhance the waves while preventing frizz. Avoid heavy products that could weigh down the hair.
Upselling Soft Waves Services: What to Offer
- Blowout and Soft Wave Styling Package – Have you ever had a client love their waves in the salon but struggle to recreate the same volume and bounce at home? A professional blowout before styling ensures a fuller, longer-lasting wave pattern that holds throughout the day. When they see the difference in body and movement, they won’t want to skip this add-on again.
- Moisture and Heat Protection Treatments – Pair the service with a deep conditioning or heat protectant treatment to maintain hair health and shine.
2. Loose Beach Waves (Square Face)
Loose beach waves are a go-to style for clients with square faces, offering a soft and effortless look that balances strong jawlines. This relaxed style adds movement and volume, making it a salon favorite for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Salon Techniques for Achieving Perfect Loose Beach Waves
- Prepping for Texture and Hold – Apply a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray to damp hair before blow-drying. This enhances grip, helping the waves last longer while adding volume.
- Curling for a Relaxed, Tousled Effect – Work in vertical sections, curling away from the face to maintain an open, soft look. Leave the ends slightly straight for a more modern, effortless finish.
- Enhancing Volume and Shape – Lightly finger-comb through the waves to separate them and create a fuller look. Avoid using a brush, as it can flatten the waves and make them appear too structured.
- Finishing with the Right Products – Set the style with a dry texturizing spray or sea salt mist for an airy, lived-in effect. Use a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain movement without stiffness.
Upselling Loose Beach Waves Services: What to Offer
- Blowout and Beach Wave Styling Package – Offer a complete blow-dry and wave-styling service for a long-lasting, voluminous finish.
- Scalp and Hair Hydration Treatments – Pair the service with a deep-conditioning treatment to maintain hair health and improve wave definition.
- Express Styling for Business and Events – Clients don’t always have time for a full salon visit, but they still want to look polished. Offering a quick beach wave styling service gives them a professional yet relaxed look . When they know they can stop in for an effortless but refined style, they’ll keep coming back.
3. Side-Parted Layers (Heart-Shaped Face)
Ever experienced someone complain that their forehead feels too prominent or that their hair doesn’t frame their face the way they want? Heart-shaped faces naturally have a wider forehead and a more tapered chin, which can make some styles feel unbalanced.
Side-parted layers solve this by shifting volume to one side, softening the upper half of the face while adding fullness around the jawline.
Salon Techniques for Achieving Perfect Side-Parted Layers
- Choosing the Right Layering Technique – Use face-framing layers that start around the cheekbones to create softness. Keep the ends light and blended to maintain a natural flow.
- Creating the Perfect Side Part – A deep side part helps shift volume to one side, making the forehead appear narrower. Adjust the parting based on the client’s hair density for a flattering finish.
- Blow-Drying for Volume and Shape – Use a round brush to lift the roots and shape the layers. Direct airflow downward to smooth frizz while maintaining bounce and movement.
- Texturizing for a Natural Look – Lightly point-cut the ends to remove bulk and enhance movement. This technique prevents the layers from looking too heavy or blocky.
- Finishing with the Right Products – Apply a lightweight volumizing spray or mousse for hold without stiffness. Avoid heavy serums that can weigh down the layers and reduce their natural movement.
Upselling Side-Parted Layer Services: What to Offer
- Express Updo Training for Clients – Host a mini session where clients can learn how to recreate or maintain their side-parted layers at home with simple techniques.
- Deep Conditioning Add-Ons – Recommend a moisture or protein treatment to improve hair health and maintain the layered style. Clients are more likely to return if their hair looks and feels healthy.
4. Sleek Low Ponytail (Diamond Face)
Diamond face shapes have high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a defined jawline. A sleek low ponytail helps streamline these features by keeping the top smooth and drawing attention to the face’s natural structure. This style is popular in salons for its versatility—it works well for corporate clients, bridal styling, and red-carpet looks.
Salon Techniques for Achieving a Sleek Low Ponytail
- Prepping for a Smooth Finish – Start with a heat protectant and blow-dry the hair straight using a flat brush. Apply a lightweight smoothing serum to control frizz without weighing the hair down.
- Creating a Defined Part – A center or deep side part adds structure and complements the client’s facial angles. Use a fine-tooth comb to ensure a sharp, clean parting.
- Securing the Ponytail for an Ultra-Sleek Look – Gather the hair at the nape and secure it with a strong-hold elastic. Wrap a small section of hair around the band to conceal it, adding a polished touch.
- Perfecting the Sleek Texture – Use a flat iron to smooth any flyaways and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. A light mist of shine spray adds a glossy, high-end finish.
Upselling Sleek Low Ponytail Services: What to Offer
- Keratin or Smoothing Treatments – Offer a pre-styling keratin or smoothing treatment for clients who struggle with frizz or unruly texture. This increases service value while ensuring long-lasting sleekness.
- On-the-Go Hair Refresh Service – Provide a same-day or next-day hair refresh appointment where clients can come in for a quick touch-up to extend the life of their styled look.
5. Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves (Long Face)
A long face shape often benefits from styles that create width and movement. Curtain bangs frame the face, drawing attention to the cheekbones, while loose waves add body and prevent the hair from falling flat. This style is versatile, easy to maintain, and suits various hair textures, making it a profitable service for salons.
Salon Techniques for Achieving Perfect Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
- Cutting the Bangs for a Flattering Shape – Start with face-framing layers, keeping the bangs longer at the sides to blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair. Adjust the length based on the client’s features for a customized look.
- Blow-Drying for Volume and Softness – Use a round brush to lift the curtain bangs at the roots, creating natural volume. Dry the bangs inwards and slightly outwards at the edges for a soft, feathered effect.
- Creating Loose Waves for Balance – Curl the hair in large sections with a 1.25-inch curling iron, focusing on mid-lengths while leaving the ends slightly straighter. Alternate curl directions for a natural, effortless finish.
- Finishing for Movement and Hold – Lightly tousle the waves with fingers and apply a dry texture spray to enhance volume. Use a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.
Upselling Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves Services: What to Offer
- Blowout and Styling Packages – Offer a curtain bangs trim with a professional blowout and styling service. This allows clients to see how the style should be maintained while increasing service value.
- Customized Layering and Face-Framing Cuts – Provide a tailored layering service to complement the bangs, ensuring the entire hairstyle works harmoniously with the client’s face shape.
- Photo-Ready Finishing Service – Offer a finishing touch-up service where clients receive additional shine sprays, flyaway control, and final adjustments to ensure their style looks flawless for photos.
6. Voluminous Curls (Oval Face)
Oval face shapes can carry most hairstyles, but voluminous curls add dimension and create a striking, balanced look. This style helps frame the face without overwhelming features, making it a go-to option for clients who want a glamorous yet natural finish.
Salon Techniques for Achieving Perfect Voluminous Curls
- Prepping for Maximum Volume – Apply a lightweight mousse or root-lifting spray on damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush to build body at the roots.
- Using the Right Curling Tool – A 1.5-inch curling iron or hot rollers create full, bouncy curls without making them too tight. Adjust heat settings based on hair texture for a smooth, long-lasting result.
- Curling for Movement and Lift – Work in large sections, curling away from the face to create a natural, open look. Hold the curl for a few seconds before releasing for maximum shape.
- Finishing for Hold and Bounce – Finger-comb curls for softness, then apply a flexible-hold hairspray. For extra lift, use a light dusting of volumizing powder at the roots.
Upselling Voluminous Curls Services: What to Offer
- Blowout and Curl Packages – Clients love big, bouncy curls, but they don’t always know how to achieve lasting volume. A professional blowout before curling creates the perfect foundation for curls that stay lifted and full all day. Once they experience the difference, they’ll want this every time.
- Deep Conditioning Add-Ons – Recommend hydration or protein treatments to improve hair health, ensuring curls remain soft and manageable.
- Retailing Curl-Enhancing Products – Suggest volume-boosting sprays, lightweight curl creams, and anti-humidity serums to help clients maintain their look between salon visits.
7. High Messy Bun (Round Face)
Round face shapes have softer, curved features that benefit from added height and structure. A high messy bun draws attention upward, balancing proportions while keeping the style light and airy. This makes it an excellent option for clients looking for a flattering, low-maintenance updo.
Salon Techniques for Achieving a Perfect High Messy Bun
- Prepping the Hair for Texture and Grip – Use a dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling to create volume and prevent the bun from slipping. Light teasing at the crown adds extra lift.
- Positioning the Bun for a Balanced Look – Gather the hair at the crown, securing it with a strong elastic. Keeping the bun high elongates the face and avoids a bulky appearance at the sides.
- Creating the Perfect Messy Effect – Loosen the bun slightly by pulling out strands for a relaxed look. Lightly tug at the roots for volume and let a few face-framing pieces fall naturally.
- Securing the Style for All-Day Hold – Use large pins instead of small bobby pins for better grip. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain structure without stiffness.
Upselling High Messy Bun Services: What to Offer
- Event Styling Packages – Offers a high messy bun as part of a bridal, prom, or corporate styling package to increase service value.
- Hair Padding and Volume Boosting Add-Ons – Suggest volume inserts or clip-in extensions for clients who want extra height and fullness.
- VIP Styling Memberships – Create a subscription-based service where clients receive priority bookings for styling, touch-ups, and hair maintenance on a regular schedule.
8. Side Braid (Square Face)
Square face shapes have defined angles that can benefit from softer, more relaxed styles. Upon researching, I discovered that side braid helps create asymmetry, drawing attention away from the jawline while maintaining a balanced and elegant look. It’s a versatile option that can be adjusted for different hair types and client preferences.
Salon Techniques for Achieving a Perfect Side Braid
- Prepping for Grip and Texture – Apply a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray to add volume and prevent the braid from slipping. Blow-dry with a diffuser for additional texture.
- Choosing the Right Braid Style – A loose fishtail, Dutch, or three-strand braid works best to create softness. Keep the braid slightly undone to avoid a tight, rigid look.
- Positioning the Braid for Balance – Start the braid slightly off-center, directing it over one shoulder. This helps break up strong facial angles while keeping the style flattering.
- Pulling for a Fuller, Natural Look – Gently tug at the braid sections to loosen them, creating volume and a more effortless appearance.
- Finishing for Hold and Shine – Set the style with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain structure without stiffness. A lightweight shine spray can enhance the final look.
Upselling Side Braid Services: What to Offer
- Express Braid Services – Provide a quick braid styling option for clients who need a polished look in under 30 minutes.
- Braid and Scalp Treatment Add-Ons – A healthy scalp is the foundation for long-lasting styles. Pairing a scalp massage or deep conditioning treatment with a braid service keeps hair strong, hydrated, and easier to style.
- Seasonal Braiding Packages – Offer special braid styles for different seasons, incorporating accessories or weather-resistant styling products.
Conclusion
Every face shape deserves a style that enhances its best features. Whether it’s soft waves for oval faces or a high messy bun for round shapes, the right cut and technique make all the difference.
I’ve seen clients leave a salon feeling transformed, not just by their hair but by the confidence it gives them. Isn’t that what great styling is all about?
Now it’s time to bring that experience to your clients. Which of these styles will you add to your services first?
Let’s create something beautiful together—contact us today!
