There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying a wig: color, cap construction, hair type, and something else people usually forget about: face shape.
And just like with choosing the right wig color, choosing the right wig for your face shapes will guarantee a flattering look.
Don’t know how to determine your face shape and aren’t sure which styles are best for it?
We put together a list of the primary face shapes, and some celebrity hair inspiration to take the guesswork out of buying the right wigs, hairpieces, and extensions for your face shape.
What’s my face shape?
The 7 Basic Face Shapes
While it’s true that no two faces are the same, our faces do come in similar shapes.
These are the seven basic types and general guidelines for picking flattering hairstyles for each shape.
Oval
Oval faces are longer than they are wide.
Look in the mirror. Are your cheekbones wider than your jaw? You probably have an oval face shape.
If you have an oval shaped face, congratulations! You’ve hit the face shape jackpot.
People with oval-shaped faces typically have very symmetrical faces. That means you can rock any length with any cut.
To accentuate a specific feature of your face - eyes, cheekbones, lips, or chin - add soft layers around that area.
Round
People with this shape have almost perfectly round faces.
Usually, these people have wide hairlines and full cheeks below their cheekbones, if their cheekbones are visible at all.
If you have a round face, avoid shorter hairstyles. A short look will accentuate the roundness of your face and make it look larger than it is.
Opt for long styles that will lengthen and slim out your face.
Want layers? Go for long layers under your jawline. Short layers will emphasize the roundness of your face.
Side swept or straight cut bangs can also add dimension to a round face.
Square
Square faces are almost exactly as long as they are wide.
If your forehead and jaw are almost the same widths, and your chin blends into your jawline, you probably have a square-shaped face.
Because of their boxy appearance, people have square shaped faces need to add height to their looks to elongate their faces. Deep side parts, texture, and soft bangs will also help balance out this face type.
Have a square shaped face and want to show off a strong jawline? A long, straight look will punctuate your features.
Diamond
Diamond face shapes are characterized by narrow chins, narrow foreheads, and wide cheekbones.
Do you have a widow’s peak and small chin? You might have a diamond face shape.
Bobs are great hairstyles for this shape because they don’t “drag down” your face.
Bangs and face-framing layers can also add dimension to a diamond-shaped face. Love a pulled back look? Ponytails and ballerina buns look fantastic on women with diamond-shaped faces.
Heart
This face shape is characterized by wide foreheads and a narrow chins.
People with heart-shaped faces typically have very wide foreheads. To narrow your forehead, adopt side swept bangs or add layers near your cheekbones.
Layers around your jawline will add weight and fullness to a narrow chin.
Pear
Pear shaped faces are also called triangle faces. People with pear-shaped faces have small, narrow foreheads and broad jawlines.
Have a pear-shaped face and want to disguise a prominent jaw? Go for a longer hairstyle with layers.
If you’re thinking about a shorter style, invest in some root lifter to add volume and fullness to the top of your face.
Oblong
Oblong faces are characterized by long, narrow bone structures.
These people have jaws, cheekbones, and foreheads that are all the same width.
Long hairstyles will pull these faces down and make them appear even longer. Choose a medium length or shorter hairstyle with short layers around your face.
Curly or wavy styles also look great on people with oblong faces. They add width and dimension to your face.
The Best Hairstyle for Your Shape Face
And your celebrity face look-a-likes
Figured out which face shape you have and still can’t decide which hairstyle to choose? Channel your celebrity look-a-like for inspiration.
Celebrities with Oval Faces
If you have an oval-shaped face, you’re in company with an Oscar winner, American Icon, and future Queen of England.
Julianne Moore, Oprah, and Kate Middleton (aka Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) all have oval faces.
Celebrities with Round Faces
Some of our favorite round shaped face celebrities include funny-woman-turned-serious-actress Emma Stone, multi-Grammy winner Adele, and model-turned-cookbook-author Chrissy Teigen.
Celebrities with Square Faces
Many of our favorite actresses have square-shaped faces, including Lucy Liu, Olivia Wilde, and Natalie Portman. All three have angular faces and layered, textured looks that soften their faces.
Celebrities with Diamond Faces
What’s something that Tyra Banks, Halle Berry, and Freida Pinto all have in common? Diamond shaped faces.
Another thing they have in common is that they all know that adding height - whether that be volume or curls - helps add dimension to their hairstyles.
Quick note: We know that Tyra isn’t afraid to rock any hairstyle, but we think one of her best looks was in season four, episode seven of ANTM.
We’re rooting for you to buy this wig. We’re all rooting for you.
Celebrities with Heart Faces
Some of our favorite celebrities with heart-shaped faces appropriately fall into the ‘America’s Sweetheart’ category: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Eva Longoria.
Celebrities with Pear Faces
Selena Gomez, Minnie Driver, and Linda Evangelista all have pear shaped faces. All three of them have been known to balance their looks with a flirty fringe, big curls, or lots of layers.
Celebrities with Oblong Faces
Liv Tyler, Meryl Streep, and Carrie Underwood are all experts at adding dimension and shape to their oblong faces.
Want to learn more about choosing the right wig? Check out our Ultimate Looks First Time Buyer’s Guide, Choosing the Right Wig Color, or Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair.