Heart Face Shape Hairstyles: 44 Cuts, Fringes and Updos, Sorted by How Much Forehead They Show

Hairstyles heart face shape work best when they balance two key elements. A wider forehead needs to be balanced by a narrower chin. This guide covers more than 44 specific styles. They are organized by category, so you can find the right cut fast. Do you have a wider forehead that tapers to a pointed chin? You likely have a heart shaped face. This guide will help you find your best look.

How to Tell If You Have a Heart Face Shape

A heart face shape has a wider forehead and cheekbones. These taper down to a narrow, pointed chin. Many people with this shape also have a widow’s peak, which is a small point at the center of the hairline.

Look in the mirror. Check where your face is widest. Is it your forehead or cheekbones? Does your jaw narrow down from there? If so, you likely have a heart shape.

This shape is often mistaken for an oval face. The difference comes down to the chin. Oval faces have a soft, rounded chin, while heart faces have a chin that comes to a visible point. Square faces have a strong, angular jaw instead. Round faces have a similar width from the forehead to the chin, with soft edges throughout.

It also gets mixed up with a diamond face. The giveaway there is the forehead: a diamond face narrows at both the forehead and the jaw, leaving the cheekbones as the clear widest point. If that sounds more like your reflection, our diamond face shape hairstyles guide will suit you better.

Celebrity Heart Face Shape Hairstyles Worth Copying

Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift are regularly named as examples of this face shape. In each case, the brow and cheek area is noticeably wider than the chin.

Their go-to styles line up closely with the advice in this guide. Witherspoon has worn side-swept bangs through much of her career, often with soft waves or a layered lob that adds width near her jaw. Swift’s bangs have become one of her signature looks, and whenever she wears them, the focus moves away from her forehead. Johansson switches between sleek bobs and loose waves, which shows how much range this face shape really has.

Best Bangs and Fringe for a Heart Face Shape

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs part down the middle and sweep to each side, framing the face. This style highlights your cheekbones and softens the width of your forehead. It is one of the easiest fringe styles to grow out, which makes it a safe first fringe if you have never had bangs before. It works at nearly any hair length and pairs easily with a lob or long layers.

Long Piecey Bangs

Long piecey bangs sit between the brows and the lashes. They offer movement without the heaviness of a full fringe. The separated, textured ends prevent a hard line across the forehead. This length works well for soft framing. You do not need to commit to shorter bangs.

Side Swept Bangs

Side swept bangs create gentle asymmetry, which breaks up a wide forehead. The diagonal line draws the eye toward the cheekbones rather than the hairline. These bangs blend easily into layers, lobs, or long hair, giving an effortless, face-framing effect.

Softened Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs can work on a heart-shaped face, but they need some softening first. Celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko told InStyle that blunt bangs help balance the wider forehead area of this face shape. The catch is texture: a straight, heavy fringe with no movement can still make the forehead look wide. Ask your stylist to feather the ends, keep the length just above your brows, and pair the cut with a layered style underneath for movement.

Feathery Fringe

Feathery fringe offers a softer alternative to blunt bangs. Your stylist cuts the ends vertically, not straight across. This removes bulk and keeps the look light. This style works especially well with natural wave. The texture blends right into the feathering.

Messy Bangs

Messy bangs work at nearly any length. They suit a heart shaped face by shifting focus away from a wider forehead. Heart shaped faces typically carry more width up top. A slightly undone, textured fringe softens that area. It also avoids looking overly styled.

Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs are thin, light, and airy. They sit just above or at brow length. This works particularly well on shorter cuts like a pixie. The softness of the fringe balances a shorter overall shape. It also keeps the forehead from feeling exposed.

Round Bangs

Round bangs follow a slight curve rather than a straight line. This softens the transition from fringe to face. Pair them with a pixie or short bob. This shape reduces the appearance of forehead width. It still gives a clean, defined look.

Best Short Hairstyles for a Heart Face Shape

Piecey Pixie

A piecey pixie puts your cheekbones on full display. A hint of fringe balances a wider forehead. The choppy, separated texture adds lightness. It keeps the cut from feeling too structured or severe.

Curly Pixie

A curly pixie highlights cheekbones and jawline. Your natural curl pattern adds shape and body. This cut works well since curl volume fills out the sides of the head. This softens the taper toward the chin.

Long Pixie

A long pixie has the character of a traditional pixie without the ultra short length. Celebrity stylist Jennifer Matos told Byrdie that this cut gives a heart-shaped face texture and softness, and that combination gives the hair enough movement for real versatility. It also looks good with nearly any bang style, including curtain or wispy fringe.

Shaggy Bixie

A shaggy bixie sits between a pixie and a bob. It offers more length and versatility while staying light and textured. The layered, slightly undone shape softens a heart shaped face. It does this without feeling severe. It also has an easy, forgiving grow out phase. It blends into a bob over time.

Textured Bob

A textured bob adds gentle volume near the jaw. This helps offset a narrower chin. Choppy, layered ends create movement. A completely smooth bob would not do the same. This makes it a strong choice for anyone who wants dimension without much daily styling.

Blunt Bob

A blunt bob accentuates a heart shaped face. It does not soften it. The clean, straight line draws attention directly to the jaw and cheekbones. This is a bold choice. It suits anyone who wants to highlight their shape rather than balance it.

French Bob

A French bob sits at or just above the jawline. It adds width exactly where a heart shaped face needs it most. This helps visually balance a narrower chin. It keeps the look soft and modern. It pairs beautifully with curtain bangs.

A Line Bob

An A line bob is structured. Longer front pieces frame the face. The length gradually shortens toward the back. The longer sections at the front add visual weight near the jaw. This works in favor of a heart shaped face’s proportions.

Curly Bob

A curly bob flatters heart shaped faces. It adds balanced volume around the jawline. For the best result, see a stylist experienced in curly cuts. They can shape the layers to enhance your natural curl pattern. This keeps the shape from looking bottom heavy.

Best Bob and Lob Styles for a Heart Face Shape

Long Layered Lob

A long layered lob is short enough to feel low maintenance day to day, but long enough to wear up when you want to. Ask for a collarbone-length cut with face-framing layers. Jennifer Matos has recommended keeping a lob for this face shape closer to the collarbone than the jawline, since a shorter lob can make the face look boxy. The face-framing layers emphasize your cheekbones and put your bone structure on display.

Wavy Lob

A wavy lob adds texture and movement. This softens angular features and creates volume below the cheekbones. It helps build a more balanced silhouette. If your hair tends to fall flat, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots. This helps the waves hold their shape through the day.

Choppy Bob

A choppy bob works well for anyone who wants a bit more edge. The textured, uneven ends add visual interest. They help balance a narrower jawline. Styling is usually easy, especially on wavier hair. Work a mousse or texturizing paste through damp hair. Let it air dry for an effortless finish.

Flipped In Lob

A flipped in lob has a retro feel. The ends curl inward toward the jawline. This subtle inward bend adds softness. It helps visually balance a narrower chin. It pairs nicely with curtain or side swept bangs for a cohesive, face framing effect.

Shoulder Length Lob

A shoulder length lob is one of the most consistently recommended lengths for a heart shaped face. Layers that break away at the collarbone draw attention downward. This pulls focus away from the forehead. This length also elongates the face’s overall look.

Side Part Straight Lob

A straight lob worn with a side part is a flattering option, and layered ends add to the effect. The off-center part breaks up the width across the forehead, while the volume at the sides keeps attention away from the hairline. Finishing just above the collarbone elongates the face rather than shortening it.

Flicked Ends Lob

A lob with flicked out ends adds a playful, on trend detail to a classic shape. The slight outward flick at the ends draws the eye horizontally. This helps balance the vertical taper of a heart shaped jaw and chin.

Best Medium and Long Hairstyles for a Heart Face Shape

Long Wavy Hair

Long, loose waves create the illusion of volume around the jawline. This helps balance a narrower chin. If your hair is especially thick, ask for invisible layers around the face. This removes unwanted bulk so your waves look full rather than heavy.

Butterfly Cut

Face framing layers are less a haircut than a finishing detail, and they can be added to almost any length. The shortest pieces usually start around the cheekbones, which is where they do the most good on this face shape: they break up the line of a wide hairline and pull the eye toward the middle of the face. As the layers fall lower, they add a little movement near the jaw, so the chin looks less pointed. If you are not ready for a full restyle, ask for face framing layers at your next trim

Long Layers With Bouncy Curls

Long layers paired with bouncy curls create fullness right where heart shaped faces need it most. That area is around the lower face. This style works best with naturally curly hair. Straight or wavy strands can achieve the same look with a bit of styling.

Shoulder Length Shag

A shoulder length shag pairs beautifully with the delicate features of a heart shaped face. Ask your stylist for choppy layers cut throughout. This creates a lived in, textured finish. Use a volumizing spray at the roots if your hair needs more lift. If your hair has a natural wave, our guide on how to style shoulder length wavy hair covers air-drying and diffusing techniques that work well with this cut.

Feathered Layers

Feathered layers cascade through the mid lengths and ends. They add movement and volume without unnecessary bulk. Because of the lightweight feel, this style suits finer hair well. An experienced stylist can tailor the technique for thicker strands too.

Medium Layered Cut With Side Swept Bangs

A medium layered cut with side swept bangs creates asymmetry. This visually elongates and balances the face. The angled fringe draws attention to the eyes. It softens the forehead too. It works across a range of hair types, from fine and straight to thick and wavy.

Face Framing Layers

Face framing layers of any length help balance the proportions of a heart shaped face. The layers soften the forehead. They also highlight the cheekbones. They can make the chin area appear slightly fuller by adding movement near the jaw.

Long Layers

Long layers elongate the face. They add fullness around the jawline. This makes them one of the most reliable choices for a heart shaped face. The style is versatile too. It works with side swept layers, beachy waves, or loose curls.

Beachy Waves

Beachy waves add width around the jaw. Their tousled, natural looking texture does the work. Use a curling iron on alternating sections. Follow with a light shake out using your fingers. This creates the kind of loose movement that flatters this face shape.

Best Updo Styles for a Heart Face Shape

Low Bun

A low bun is an easy, versatile go to for busy days. Keep it slightly relaxed. Pull out a few face framing pieces at the front. This softens the look and draws attention to your cheekbones.

Slicked Back Bun

A slicked back bun is the sleekest updo on this list, and it is a highlighting style rather than a softening one. With every strand pulled back, the forehead and hairline are fully on show, so this works best when you want your cheekbones to be the focus. If you would rather keep it softer, use a deep side part instead of brushing straight back, and leave one or two thin pieces loose near the jaw. Smooth down any flyaways for a polished finish.

Wavy High Ponytail

A high ponytail with loose, face framing curls softens the angles of a heart shaped face. It also adds volume around the jawline. The result works equally well for daytime errands or an evening look.

Deep Side Part

A deep side part is an easy way to play up naturally prominent cheekbones. No haircut is required. The asymmetry adds a slightly sculpted effect. Switching from a middle part to a deep side part can instantly change your whole look.

Bouffant Updo

A bouffant updo adds lift at the crown through light teasing at the root. On a heart-shaped face, keep that lift moderate and pair it with a side part, since tall crown volume over a center part can make the forehead look wider. Leaving a few soft pieces near the jaw keeps the shape balanced and adds a slightly retro, romantic touch.

Top Knot

A top knot pulls hair up and away from the face. This puts your cheekbones on full display. It works especially well if you want to highlight your bone structure rather than soften it. It also takes only a minute or two to achieve.

Half Up Style

A half up style keeps volume at the top. It lets hair fall near your jaw. This creates balance without fully exposing your forehead. It is one of the most versatile options on this list for everyday wear.

Crown Braid

A crown braid wraps around the top of the head. This creates a soft halo effect. It helps balance forehead width. It works particularly well for more formal occasions, since it feels a bit more elevated than a simple bun or ponytail.

Best Hairstyles for Men With a Heart Face Shape

Crew Cut With Fade

A crew cut with a fade is a classic option. It complements a wide variety of face shapes, especially heart shaped faces. Hair stays shorter on the sides and longer on top. This helps balance a wider forehead against a narrower jaw.

Modern Shag

A modern shag works well for men who prefer a longer look. This cut features messy layers that add volume to the chin and lower face. It works especially well with natural texture that needs minimal daily styling. For more cuts at this length, see our roundup of long hairstyles for men.

Messy Bangs

Heart shaped faces typically carry a wider forehead. Messy bangs work well on any hair length for men, too. This simple addition takes attention away from the forehead. It does not require a full restyle.

Hairstyles to Avoid for a Heart Face Shape

A few styles can throw off the proportions of a heart-shaped face. None of them are strictly off limits, and each one can work with a small adjustment.

Exposed Widow’s Peak and Slicked Back Styles

Pulling hair fully away from the face creates an unwanted focal point at the hairline. So does tucking it behind the ears in a way that exposes a widow’s peak. This draws attention to the forehead rather than balancing it. Softening the hairline with bangs or looser pieces generally creates a more flattering result.

High Volume Center Parts

A center part paired with a lot of volume at the crown accentuates the width of the cheek and brow area. This makes the forehead look wider. It makes the chin look narrower by comparison. A side part tends to work better for this shape. So does a center part with less volume up top.

One Length, Completely Flat Styles

Hair with no layering can sit heavy through the length. It skips the volume a heart shaped jawline benefits from. This does not mean one length styles are off the table entirely. Adding soft layers helps. So does a side part, or some texture.

Accessories and Makeup That Complement a Heart Face Shape

Earrings and Jewelry Placement

Bold, eye catching earrings work well for heart shaped faces. Look for styles that add width near the jawline. Dangly earrings or large hoops draw the eye downward. This balances the width already present at the forehead and cheekbones.

Sunglasses Shapes That Balance a Heart Face

Frames that are slightly wider at the bottom, or rounded, rimless and light-colored styles, help counterbalance a wider forehead. Avoid frames that are heavily weighted or decorated along the top, including dramatic cat-eye shapes, since they echo and exaggerate width at the brow.

Contouring and Makeup Placement Tips

Contour the temples and the sides of the forehead with a slightly darker shade. This helps visually minimize width in that area. Focus blush a little lower on the cheeks, rather than high on the cheekbone. This also helps keep the overall look balanced.

Styling Tips: Highlight or Soften Your Heart Face Shape

Softening a heart-shaped face is a choice, not a requirement. Plenty of people with this shape prefer to highlight it instead, and both approaches look good.

Styles That Bring Attention to the Shape

Exposing the face always brings more attention to its natural shape. Simple styles like a ponytail, a bun, or braids show off strong, defined features. Going shorter has the same effect. A textured bob or blunt bob makes the shape more prominent rather than less.

Styles That Soften and Balance the Shape

To soften the shape, add volume near the jaw and keep some hair forward around the forehead. Curtain bangs, long layers and a deep side part all help with this. If you are cutting shorter, aim for a length that lands around the collarbone, with layers breaking away at that point. This tends to elongate the face while pulling focus away from the forehead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a heart shaped face?

Check where your face is widest. If your forehead or cheekbones are the widest point, and your jaw narrows to a point, you likely have a heart shaped face. A widow’s peak at the hairline is another common sign.

Can heart shaped faces have short hair?

Yes, short hair works well when it adds softness or width near the jaw. Pixies with soft fringe are a flattering choice. So are textured bobs, since both avoid fully exposing the forehead.

Does long hair suit a heart shaped face?

Yes, especially with layers or waves near the jaw and below. Long, one length hair without layering can look less balanced. Adding movement through the ends helps.

What bangs are best for a heart shaped face?

Curtain bangs are the most flattering choice. Side swept fringe works well too. Both soften a wide forehead without adding heaviness. Blunt bangs can work too, but only with some feathering at the ends.

I have a wider forehead and pointed chin, what hairstyles should I avoid so I don’t make my forehead look wider?

Avoid slicked back styles. Avoid high volume center parts too. Both draw extra attention to your forehead. A side part will balance your proportions much better than a fully exposed hairline. Soft bangs work well too.

What’s the actual difference between a heart shaped face and an oval face, since people seem to confuse them?

The chin is the key difference. Oval faces have a soft, rounded chin. Heart shaped faces taper to a visible point instead. Heart shapes also tend to have a wider forehead relative to the jaw.

Is curly hair good for a heart shaped face?

Yes, curly hair adds natural volume near the jaw. This is exactly where this face shape benefits most. Keeping curls a bit longer, rather than very short, tends to create the most balanced look.

Conclusion

The best cut for a heart-shaped face is the one that deals with both ends of it: some softness at the hairline and some movement down near the chin. Curtain bangs and side swept fringe handle the forehead. Long layers, lobs and textured bobs take care of the jaw. If you love your cheekbones, a top knot, a blunt bob or a pixie will show them off instead.

Bring a photo of the style you like to your appointment, and ask your stylist to check how your hairline falls before cutting any fringe. For more ideas, browse our other face shape guides.

Explore more of our hairstyle guides to find your next look with confidence.