Best Facial Hair for Face Shapes: Finding the Right Style

Let’s be honest - not everyone is suited to the same style of beard. While some of us are fortunate enough to be able to grow long, thick beards and can pull it off, others are more suited to a more structured, neat, or heavy-on-the-moustache beard. 

Yes, certain beard styles are more suited to different face shapes. Unofficially, there are seven main face shapes: round, square, oval, rectangle, triangle, heart, and diamond. Finding the right beard style for your face shape will accentuate your features, as well as take your beard grooming to the next level. 

Below, we’ve compiled the best facial hair for different face shapes, as well as a breakdown of how to determine your face shape. So, let’s get into it. 

 

How to measure your face shape

To find the right facial hair style, you’ll need to figure out the face shape you have. Dust off your tape measure and grab the following measurements: 

1. Face length: Starting at the top of your head, run a tape measure around to the base of your chin. 

2. Forehead: Measure the edge of one eyebrow to the other. 

3. Cheekbones: Measure the distance between the outer corners of each eye. 

4. Jawline: Measure from the bottom of your chin to the point where your jawline angles upwards. 

Types of face shapes

No - we’re not going to tell you whether you have a big head or not. Your measurements are going to help determine your face shape through proportions.

Round

A round face will be similar in face length and cheekbone width, as well as similar forehead and jawline length. A round face also generally means a softer jawline, rather than sharp. 

Square

A square face shape has similar measurements for length and width. The jawline is sharp and relatively wide. 

Oval

An oval face shape has a face length longer than the width of the cheekbones, and the forehead is longer than the jawline. The jawline is more rounded with an oval face shape. 

Rectangle

A rectangular face shape has a face length longer than the width of the cheekbones and jawline. The jawline can be both sharp and angled. 

Triangle

A triangular face has a jawline that measures longer than the cheekbone, and the cheekbones are wider than the forehead. 

Heart

A heart-shaped face has a forehead measurement longer than the cheekbones and jawline. The chin is more pointed, resulting in a heart shape.

Diamond

The largest measurement of a diamond-shaped face is the length of the face, followed by the cheekbones, forehead, and jawline. The chin is sharp.

Best facial hair for face shapes

Now’s the time we’ve all been waiting for – time to figure out what facial hair is best for your face shape. 

 

Beard styles for round face shape

If you have a round face shape, you’ll want to show off a beard style that is shorter on the sides, longer at the bottom, and creates a more structured jawline. This will elongate the face. Avoid short beards or stubble, as that will highlight the roundness of your chin. Beard styles suitable for round face shapes include: 

• The Goatee

• The Van Dyke

• The Hollywoodian

 

Beard styles for square face shape

Square face shapes have broad jawlines, which we can use to our advantage when finding the right beard style. The best facial hair for a square face shape is close-cropped, round, and triangular. This will help make your face look longer and soften the jawline slightly. The best facial hair for a square face shape includes: 

• A Stubble 

• The Goatee

• The Circle Beard

• A moustache with stubble

 

Beard styles for oval face shape

If you have an oval face shape, you’re in luck – most beard styles and shapes will look good on you. Your proportionate angled features and round, softer edges mean you can rock full beards, stubble, moustaches, and anything in between. The world is your oyster - we recommend experimenting to find your ultimate style. But, if you need a bit of direction, below are some of the best beard styles for oval face shapes: 

• The Verdi

• Short-Boxed Beard

• The Hollywoodian

 

Beard styles for a rectangular face shape

Beard styles for rectangular face shapes are all about creating thickness. With an already long face shape, avoid beard styles that accentuate the length. Instead, opt for short beard styles or ones with more hair on the sides of the face. The best facial hair for rectangular face shapes includes: 

• The Chin Strap 

• A Trimmed Full Beard 

• A Moustache with Stubble

• Short-Boxed Beard

 

Beard styles for a triangle face shape

Triangular face shapes are complemented by beard styles that add width to your narrow jawline and fill out your pointed chin. This includes short-faced beards and stubble beards. Avoid styles that add width to your cheekbones, like the mutton chop. Styles you’ll want to try out if you have a triangular face shape include: 

• A Stubble

• Short-Boxed Beard

• The Soul Patch

 

Beard styles for heart face shape

If you have a heart-shaped face, choose a shorter and fuller beard style. This will allow you to balance your top-heavy features and sharpen your jawline. Avoid facial hair that highlights your pointed chin, like a goatee or the Van Dyke. The best styles for a heart face shape include: 

• The Anchor 

• A Trimmed Full Beard 

• The Box 

 

Beard styles for diamond face shape

To style a diamond face shape, opt for a softer beard style that adds hair to the chin and width on the cheeks. This will offset your angular jaw, sharp cheekbones, and pointed chin and flatter your unique features. It's best to avoid styles that accentuate your cheekbones. The best facial hair for diamond face shapes includes: 

• The Classic Full Face 

• The Circle Beard

• A Round Goatee