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.
✔ Key Takeaways
- A heart face shape has a wider forehead and cheekbones. The chin narrows to a point.
- Curtain bangs soften a wide forehead. Side swept fringe does too.
- Long layers add width near the jaw. So do lobs and textured bobs. This balances a narrow chin.
- Some styles highlight the shape. Others soften it. Both work well.
- Slicked back styles widen the forehead further. High volume center parts do too.
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. This 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. 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.
Celebrities With Heart Shaped Faces
Several well known celebrities share this face shape. Reese Witherspoon is one example. Scarlett Johansson is another. So is Taylor Swift. Their faces all show the same pattern. A wider brow and cheek area narrows toward the chin.
Witherspoon often wears soft waves or a layered lob. Both add gentle width near her jaw. Swift has worn signature bangs for years. This softens her forehead in nearly every public look. Johansson moves between sleek bobs and flowing waves. This shows how versatile this face shape really is. These are not random choices. They follow the same balancing logic covered in this guide.
Best Bangs and Fringe Hairstyles Heart Face Shape
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs part down the middle. They sweep to each side, framing the face. This style highlights your cheekbones. It also softens the width of your forehead. It remains one of the most requested bang styles for heart shaped faces. It works at nearly any hair length. It 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. This breaks up a wide forehead. Celebrity stylist Jennifer Matos has noted that this style helps balance a heart shaped face. It draws the eye toward the cheekbones rather than the hairline. These bangs blend easily into layers, lobs, or long hair. The result is an effortless, face framing effect.
Softened Blunt Bangs
Blunt bangs can work on a heart shaped face. But they need some softening first. A straight, heavy fringe without texture can widen the forehead. Ask your stylist to feather the ends. Keep the length just above your brows. 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. But it skips the ultra short length. Celebrity stylist Jennifer Matos says this style lends texture and softness to a heart shaped face. It 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. It is also long enough to wear up when you want to. Ask for a collarbone length cut with face framing layers. These layers emphasize your cheekbones. They 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 middle part is a flattering option. Layered ends add to the effect. The volume at the sides deflects attention from a wider forehead. 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
A butterfly cut features cascading, airy layers. They flip inward around the face, creating a shape like butterfly wings. The face framing layers accentuate prominent cheekbones beautifully. The slightly longer length allows for plenty of styling options.
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.
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 offers a sleeker take on the classic updo. Brush your hair back. Twist it into a low or high knot and secure it. Smooth down any flyaways for a polished, elegant 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 creates height and fullness at the crown. Light teasing at the root achieves this. This voluminous, slightly retro style helps balance sharper features. It adds a touch of romance to the overall look too.
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. They add volume to the chin and lower face. It works especially well with natural texture that needs minimal daily styling.
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
Are there hairstyles that do not work well for a heart shaped face? A few styles can throw off the proportions. None of them are strictly off limits with the right adjustments.
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.
| Style Category | Best For Heart Face Shape | Balances |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain bangs | Any length | Forehead width |
| Long layers | Medium to long hair | Chin narrowness |
| Lob (long bob) | Medium length | Both forehead and chin |
| Textured pixie with fringe | Short hair | Forehead width |
| Crown braid | Any length, updo | Forehead width |
| Top knot | Any length, updo | Highlights cheekbones |
| Curly bob | Curly hair | Jaw width |
| Deep side part | Any length | Cheekbone emphasis |
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
Sunglasses with soft, rounded edges help counterbalance angular features. A cat eye shape works too. Avoid frames that are heavily weighted at the top. These can echo and exaggerate a wider forehead.
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
Do you have to soften a heart shaped face? Not at all. You can choose to highlight the shape instead. Both approaches are equally valid.
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 instead, add volume near the jaw. Keep some hair forward around the forehead. Curtain bangs work toward this goal. So do long layers and a deep side part. Keep length above the shoulders. Add layers that break away at the collarbone. 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
Finding the right hairstyles for a heart face shape comes down to understanding your proportions. It is not about chasing a random trend. A wider forehead paired with a narrower chin has dozens of flattering options. These range from soft bangs to long layers to a well placed updo.
Three things are worth remembering. Curtain bangs and side swept fringe both soften forehead width effectively. Long layers, lobs, and textured bobs add balance near the jaw. And you always have the choice to highlight your shape rather than soften it, since both looks work beautifully on this face shape.
Explore more of our hairstyle guides to find your next look with confidence.
