Flattering Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces

Wondering which hairstyles suit a heart-shaped face? You’re in the right place. The key is to understand your features and pick cuts that highlight what you love while balancing your proportions. A heart-shaped face usually has a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrower, sometimes pointy, chin. The aim is to soften the upper face and add a bit of fullness near the jaw. This guide takes a close look at how to do that, giving you a full set of ideas so you can look and feel great.

From chic pixies to long layers and more, we’ll cover many styles that flatter this face shape. You’ll also see common mistakes to skip and simple tips to keep your style in good shape. Get ready to find a hairstyle that celebrates your heart-shaped features.

What is a heart-shaped face?

A heart-shaped face is easy to spot and often admired. Think of a heart: wider at the top and narrowing to a fine point at the bottom. That’s the basic outline. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift show how well this shape works with the right haircut.

Figuring out if your face is heart-shaped is the first step to picking the best cut. Once you know your traits, you can choose styles that make your features stand out and look balanced.

Identifying facial features

Typical signs of a heart-shaped face include:

• A broader forehead

• Wide, high cheekbones

• A jaw that narrows to a small, sometimes pointy, chin

• A widow’s peak (in many cases)

Many people with this shape also have striking eyes and standout cheekbones. The right haircut can highlight these areas and bring attention to the center of your face.

How to tell if you have a heart-shaped face

Here’s a quick method: stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and trace your face outline with eyeliner or a lip pencil. Step back and look. If it shows a wider forehead and cheek area that narrows to a smaller, pointed chin, you likely have a heart-shaped face. If your forehead and cheekbones are about the same width and both wider than your jaw, that’s another clue.

No two heart-shaped faces are exactly the same, and small differences are normal. Still, the main pattern-broad at the top, tapering to a narrow chin-stays the same. Don’t assume your face is simply round. Look at your hairline, the width and length of your face, and your jaw shape to get it right.

How do hairstyles impact heart-shaped faces?

For heart-shaped faces, hairstyles work like a visual trick. The right cut can balance your features by softening a wider forehead and cheekbones while adding a little volume near the jaw and chin. Hair and face should work together to create a smooth, balanced look.

The wrong style can make the top half look wider and the chin look smaller. Knowing this is key so you can choose styles that play up your strengths and downplay anything you’re less sure about. Aim for a soft, balanced look that shows off your natural beauty.

Balancing proportions and highlighting features

Your main goal is balance. That means making the forehead look less wide and drawing the eye downward to add the feel of a fuller jawline. Good ideas include soft waves, layers that begin near the jaw, or bangs that soften the forehead. These choices can give the face a more oval look, which many people like.

Beyond balance, smart cuts can highlight your cheekbones and eyes. Face-framing layers, side-swept fringes, and updos with loose pieces can pull focus to those features.

Common mistakes with heart-shaped faces

• Too much volume at the cheekbones or crown, which can make the top look wider

• Pulling hair straight back and fully exposing a widow’s peak without softening the hairline

• Strong center parts with lots of volume, which can widen the forehead

• Very short bobs that hit at the chin, which can make the chin look sharper

It’s usually better to keep height and bulk away from the upper face and add softness and movement lower down.

Which hairstyles best suit heart-shaped faces?

There are many great choices for heart-shaped faces. Pick cuts that soften a wider forehead, add fullness around the jaw, or bring attention to your cheeks and eyes. Whether you like short, medium, or long hair, you can find a style that feels fresh and flattering.

Remember: aim for balance and a cut that works with your features. Whether you want a big change or a small tweak, the styles below work with your face shape so you can feel confident every day.

Short cuts: Pixies, bobs, and lobs

Short hair can look amazing on heart-shaped faces if it’s cut with care. A piecey pixie with light, wispy layers shows off cheekbones and draws focus to the eyes. For curly or coily hair, a tapered pixie with volume on top and shorter sides is easy to wear-think of Lupita Nyong’o.

Bobs also work well. A long bob (lob) that skims the collarbone adds width near the jaw and balances a narrower chin. Stylist Jennifer Matos suggests keeping lobs on the longer side to avoid a boxy look. A French bob that hits just below the jaw can be very flattering, especially with soft curtain bangs to center the focus. A choppy, razor-cut bob can also frame a heart-shaped face with an effortless vibe.

Medium styles: Layered cuts, shags, and curtain bangs

Medium lengths give you movement and volume where you want it. Flowing layers can lengthen the face while adding fullness near the jaw. Layers that start just under the cheekbones frame your features-Nicole Richie’s long layers swept back are a good example.

Shags bring an easy, retro feel that suits this face shape, especially with brow-skimming bangs. Razor-cut bangs that melt into choppy layers add airy texture. Curtain bangs are another hit: they fall near the tops of the cheekbones, soften a wider forehead, and keep the look relaxed and modern.

Long hair: Soft waves, feathered layers, and side parts

Long hair can look beautiful on a heart-shaped face. Add movement so the hair doesn’t hang straight down and point to the chin. Long, glossy waves are a classic choice, adding softness around the lower face. You can go natural or use a curling iron; apply a heat protectant like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In if using heat.

Feathered layers also help. Light, fine layers soften the jaw and add fullness, great for thin or straight hair. Modern feathering gives body without teasing. A deep side part can change the whole look by showing off cheekbones and adding a sharp, flattering angle. You don’t need a new cut-just switch your part and use a strong hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray-Unscented to keep it in place.

Bangs: Blunt, wispy, curtain, and side-swept options

Bangs are a smart pick for heart-shaped faces. Since the forehead is often the widest area, bangs can make it look narrower and bring attention to your eyes and cheeks. There’s a fringe style for everyone.

Keep piecey bangs just below the brows to avoid a schoolgirl look, and sweep them aside when you want a change. If you choose blunt bangs, keep them longer and pair with tousled waves for a softer effect. Curtain bangs remain a favorite for their easy styling and face-framing shape. A long side-swept fringe is often the best match for heart-shaped faces, slimming the forehead and grazing the cheekbones.

Updos and ponytails: Flattering ways to style up

Up styles can still flatter a heart-shaped face. Skip styles that are very tight or top-heavy. Look for soft shapes, volume lower down, or loose pieces around the face.

Ideas to try:

• Messy top knot with a few face-framing strands to show off your bone structure

• High ponytail with loose curls near the face to add fullness at the bottom

• Curly high bun for a simple, polished look-use a frizz-taming leave-in first

• Sleek topknot with baby hairs smoothed using L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Above It All Invisi Gel

Tip: follow the line of your jaw up to place your bun or ponytail where it flatters most, like Jennifer Lopez often does.

How to choose a fringe for a heart-shaped face

The right fringe can change your look in the best way. Since the forehead is usually the widest point, a good fringe can balance your features and pull focus to your eyes and cheeks. Pick styles that work with your natural lines and don’t add bulk where you don’t want it.

Fringes are flexible for this face shape. From soft and wispy to more defined, you can choose how much of your forehead you want to cover or soften.

When to opt for side-swept or curtain bangs

Side-swept bangs and curtain bangs are often the most forgiving choices. A long, side-swept fringe creates a diagonal line that breaks up width and blends into the rest of your hair. It draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones and softens angles without a harsh edge.

Curtain bangs part in the middle (or slightly off-center) and sweep outward to frame the face. They soften a wide forehead and lift the cheeks. Both styles reduce forehead width without committing to a full, heavy fringe.

When to avoid blunt or heavy fringes

Blunt bangs can work if kept longer and paired with texture, but very short or heavy versions can widen the forehead and make the chin look narrower. A strong, straight line across the forehead can add width instead of softening it.

Very heavy, rounded bangs can also shorten the face and sharpen the chin area. If you like blunt styles, keep them lash-grazing and add textured waves to soften the look.

What hairstyles should heart-shaped faces avoid?

Some styles fight your natural balance by widening the top half or pointing to a narrow chin. Knowing what to skip helps you choose looks that flatter your features every time.

By avoiding the common traps below, you’ll keep your hair working with your face shape instead of against it.

Styles that exaggerate width at the forehead

Skip cuts that add bulk at the temples or across the forehead. Very full sides near the upper face can make your face look top-heavy and pull attention from your best features.

Instead of hard, straight lines or thick volume near the forehead, choose styles that fall softly, frame the face, or break up the forehead with bangs.

Hairstyles adding volume at the crown

Big lift at the very top can make the forehead look wider and the chin look narrower. You want balance, so move volume to the jawline and shoulders instead.

If you like a bit of height, keep it soft and pair it with face-framing layers or a side part to spread volume evenly.

Centre parts with high volume

A sharp center part with lots of volume on both sides can highlight the widest part of your face and make the chin look smaller. If you have a widow’s peak, a hard center part can also draw attention to it.

Try a deep side part or a slightly off-center part so hair falls across the forehead. This breaks up width and points the eye to your cheekbones.

What are the best haircuts for different hair types?

Your hair type affects how any cut sits and moves. For heart-shaped faces, it helps to adapt styles for fine, thick, curly, or wavy hair so they are easy to wear and flatter your features.

Here’s how to adjust popular cuts for different textures.

Fine or thin hair: Volume-boosting tips

If your hair is fine, create the look of fullness near the jaw without adding width up top. Try long, feathered layers that start below the cheekbone to add movement and soften the jaw. A lob also works well and can be styled to add width near the jaw. Flipping your hair to one side adds instant lift and can slim a wide forehead.

Short styles can shine too. A piecey pixie gains body from products like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty. For bobs, a volume mousse such as L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse helps add body and texture so the cut doesn’t fall flat. Focus volume where the face narrows, and use texture instead of heavy lines.

Thick or curly hair: Shaping and layering strategies

Thick or curly hair gives you natural volume and texture to balance your face. The aim is to remove bulk where needed and avoid adding width up top. Long layers are key for thick hair; they take out weight and stop bobs and lobs from turning into a “mushroom” shape. Layers add movement around the jaw and flatter the face.

For curls, try a curly bob or curly shag. Curls naturally widen the jawline, which helps balance a narrow chin. Think bouncy curly bangs and a shag that brushes the collarbone. A curly high bun or high ponytail with loose curls near the face also looks great. For short curls, a curly pixie like Amandla Stenberg’s adds lift and length to the face, with a few curls grazing the forehead.

Wavy hair: Cuts that flatter natural movement

Wavy hair pairs beautifully with heart-shaped faces. The soft bends reduce angles and add fullness where you want it. A wavy lob is a chic, easy option. Start layers just under the cheekbones to frame your features.

Long, wavy layers also look great. They lengthen the face and add fullness near the jaw. Boost natural waves with mousse or use a curling iron for beachy waves (use heat protectant). A wavy pixie is a low-effort short style that adds movement without lots of work.

How to style and maintain hairstyles for heart-shaped faces

After you pick a cut, daily styling, smart product use, and regular trims keep it looking its best. A great cut is only part of the story; upkeep helps it stay flattering.

Use the tips below for quick everyday routines and to know when to book your next trim.

Everyday styling techniques

Day to day, focus on adding a bit of volume near the jaw and softening the forehead. With a lob or longer hair, try a deep side part to show off cheekbones and add a cool angle. Hold it in place with a strong hairspray, especially if you have a cowlick. If you have waves or curls, embrace them-scrunch with mousse or diffuse to add fullness lower down.

When blow-drying, angle airflow down and away from the roots at the top to avoid extra height there. Style curtain bangs with a round brush so they curl outward and point to your cheekbones. For side-swept bangs, a light-hold product keeps them in place. With updos, pull out a few soft strands to frame your face.

Products for definition and hold

The right products make styling easier. For short, fine hair, L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty adds body and shape. For choppy bobs, L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse gives lift and texture. To set a deep side part or tame flyaways, use a strong hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray-Unscented.

Before heat styling, apply a heat protectant such as L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In. Curly hair benefits from a frizz-taming leave-in like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Leave-In. For sleek updos, a styling gel or cream keeps baby hairs smooth and the finish polished.

Salon advice for cut and colour

Regular visits to a skilled stylist matter a lot. Trims keep layers fresh, bangs neat, and the overall shape flattering. Short cuts like pixies need more frequent visits to keep their clean shape. Talk about your face shape with your stylist-they can offer ideas suited to your features and hair type.

Colour can help too. Face-framing highlights brighten your complexion and pull focus to the eyes. Ombre is a good pick: the gradual shift from dark to light adds interest and grows out nicely. Bold, solid shades like deep brown or black can also make a strong statement. Share your goals, face shape, and texture so your stylist can plan a look that fits you.

Frequently asked questions about flattering hairstyles for heart-shaped faces

Can heart-shaped faces pull off short styles?

Yes! Short cuts can look amazing. Pixies with piecey or wispy layers highlight cheekbones and eyes. A tapered pixie with volume on top and shorter sides is a great match. Bobs and lobs that hit at the chin or collarbone add width near the jaw to balance a narrow chin. A French bob with soft curtain bangs also shapes the forehead and narrows to the chin nicely. If you want to go short, choose a cut that matches your proportions.

Do certain hairstyles make the jawline look softer?

Yes. Styles that add movement and fullness near the lower face soften the jaw and chin. Try long layers that start near the chin or collarbone, soft waves or loose curls, and lobs that sit just above the shoulders. Even a high ponytail with loose curls near the face can add fullness where it helps most. The idea is to bring volume to the area that naturally narrows.

How can older women with heart-shaped faces update their look?

Older women can refresh their style with cuts that add softness and lift. A wavy pixie gives airy movement without much effort. Medium layered cuts inspired by ‘70s feathering add gentle lift and keep ends moving so hair doesn’t sit flat-this is often named the best choice when you need length balance and have thicker hair. Long layers with bouncy curls add fullness to the lower lengths, framing features without widening the upper face. Soft side-swept or curtain bangs can also reduce forehead width and draw attention to the eyes.

Bringing out your best: Final tips for heart-shaped faces

Finding hairstyles for a heart-shaped face doesn’t have to feel hard. The main idea is to balance the wider top with softness and a little volume near the jaw. Your face shape is beautiful and unique. The right cut and styling choices help you show it off.

Hair isn’t the only tool. Accessories and makeup can help too. Try earrings that add width near the jaw-dangly styles or large hoops work well. Scarves or necklaces that sit at or below the collarbone, or longer pieces that reach the chest, guide the eye downward. For makeup, light contouring can downplay width near the brows, and bold lip colors create a focal point. Most of all, wear what makes you feel confident-when you feel good, you shine.

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