While we all know how a good haircut can seriously uplevel your total look, it’s not always straightforward when it comes to choosing the right style. A cool cut that your mate recently got might not work for you and vice versa. Let alone the fact that at some point you notice that the style that used to be your go-to for many years doesn’t look quite as great as it used to.
Our guide to the best male haircuts for every face shape will give you some insight into finding the hairstyle right for you.
Which Hairstyle Suits Me: Male
Speaking of picking the most suitable haircut, your choice must be determined by such factors as your hair texture and density, its growth pattern, and primarily – your face shape.
Traditionally, the most common terms to define different face shapes are oval, round, square, triangular, oblong, and diamond-shaped. Whilst it may sound complicated to start with, we’ll give you some guidance to identify what your face shape is.
If your face is the same width as length, it’s quite likely that it’s a round shape. However, if with the same proportion, you have quite a defined and strong jawline and chin, perhaps your face is closer to a square. A triangular or heart-shaped face features a wider forehead and a more narrow, even pointy chin line. However, the diamond shape is known by a strong, wide cheekbone line paired with narrower forehead and chin areas. Those blessed with a proportional, balanced face would recognize their shape as an oval, while thinner faces are commonly called oblong.
Let’s look at some haircut ideas suitable for each of the male face shapes and features.
1. Men’s Haircuts for Oval Face Shape
Perfectly proportioned, oval faces can pull off literally any hairstyle from a buzz cut to a ponytail. Although you are totally lucky to pick and choose any style purely based on your preferences, we’d like to highlight some of the most flattering options.
Instagram / @barbergreg
A pompadour haircut, as well as a quiff, features shorter sides and a full, swept-back top. Elegant and classy, it looks equally good with a beard, stubble or a clean shave. This type of hairstyle is great for thick hair, it won’t be the best choice for a receding hairline though. Also, consider spending some time every morning to make sure your hair sits right.
Instagram / @joshlamonaca
Middle-length hair is another option for those with oval face shapes. Whether it be the middle part, slicked-back style, or even a man bun, this hairstyle is very versatile and sophisticated. Yet don’t think you’ll be able to skip your hair appointments – quite on the contrary, longer hair requires more maintenance than a generic short haircut.
Instagram / @duplexbarberia
2. Men’s Hairstyles for Round Face Shape
When it comes to choosing the right hairstyle for round faces, essentially, we are aiming to create a more elongated silhouette. A higher top, combined with shorter sides is probably the easiest way to achieve this goal. We recommend avoiding middle parts, long fringes, ultra-short cuts as well as outgrown sides (sorry but perhaps the mullet cut is not your best bet).
Instagram / @barbergreg
A side part or a side-swept top creates an illusion of visual length and that’s exactly what our intent is. Try a skin fade on the sides and keep the top long and textured for a flat top or a pompadour style. Not only it will balance out your features, but also add a couple of inches of height.
Instagram / @jpvintagebarber
Those gifted with ample facial hair should try growing a beard and keep their sideburns fuller. This works particularly well for darker hair colors.
Instagram / @steve_the_barber
3. Square Face Hairstyle for Men
A square face shape is the most masculine of all the shapes, thanks to the prominent angles of the jawline and chin. Make your choice of a haircut based on whether you would prefer to show off your manly features or opt for a softer look.
Instagram / @kevinluchmun
A middle part is a classic choice for the squared shape and it’s a perfect way to emphasize the symmetry and clean lines of the face. On the other hand, curtain bangs would conceal a narrow forehead and make a more balanced silhouette.
Instagram / @kesmanmalegrooming
If you’d like to highlight your perfect bone structure, try a faux hawk or a quiff. Also, a simplistic buzz cut, or a classic French crop would serve the purpose.
Instagram / @duplexbarberia
4. Male Hairstyles for Diamond Face Shape
Angular and defined, diamond-shaped faces look extremely strong and manly. Still, some might still want to balance out the chiseled jawline and cheekbones for a visually more proportional physique.
Instagram / @papiblendzz
Textured and tousled hairstyles disguise the sharpness of the lines and craft an effortless and less dramatic look. You might also want to try a side part or side-swept top, paired with a stub or a short, neat beard.
Instagram / @pixiejaaah
Some elements like a choppy fringe, skin fade or defined sideburns would, on the other hand, accentuate the edginess of the diamond face shapes.
Instagram / @braidbarbers
5. Best Hairstyles for Triangle Face
Triangle-shaped faces’ key features are a prominent forehead and a narrow chin. We recommend adding some volume and face framing for a flattering and harmonious look.
Instagram / @ali_bar.ber
Probably, medium-length layers would be the best haircut for a triangle face shape, yet we appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Let’s talk about some other options. A longer, angular fringe would disguise the wide forehead, while a short, well-shaped beard would add some volume to your chin line.
Instagram / @alan_beak
Also, more textured and messy looks suit this face shape the best. Thus, don’t hesitate to use products that help define your naturally curly of wavy hair.
Instagram / @muj_the_barber
6. Male Hairstyles for Heart Face Shape
Just like with the triangle shape faces, the core goal is to establish a balance between the small chin and wide and heavy forehead. This is where plenty of texture and volume is essential.
Instagram / @barber.balogh.emi
Talking about the style itself, we’d suggest trying side bangs, mid-length men’s hairstyles, and certainly, beard styles. The guys conscious about a soft chin line will appreciate the benefits of the latter. On the flip side, be careful with sideburns as excessive volume around the temple area may break all the effort.
Instagram / @yaseminhassan95
What to do if you have a thinning hair problem? Well, actually, a buzz cut will help to get rid of the unneeded bulk on the top while a longer (but tamed) beard would create that sought-after volume at the bottom.
Instagram / @anthonythebarber916
7. Oblong Face Shape Hairstyles
The simplest solution for an oblong face shape is to keep your hair nice and short. If you would like to add some volume to the middle part of your face, why not try a full beard? Also, a short choppy fringe would distract from the face length and help to restore the proportion.
Instagram / @papiblendzz
Our advice is to stay away from extra bulk on the top. Unfortunately, some of the fashionable hairstyles like pompadour or Elvis’ style quiff quite likely won’t suit you.
Instagram / @_barber_dora_
If you like a slicked-back look or wear long hair, make sure it stays flat at the crown area. This undercut men’s bun is a great example.
Instagram / @thebreakdownbarber
8. Haircuts for Skinny Guys
If you’re wondering what hairstyle to pick for a slim face and boyish build, the answer is – any that you fancy. Longer, surf-style tresses align with a youthful style, whilst a neater, swept-back cut is great to highlight your bone structure.
Instagram / @duplexbarberia
Men with a skinny body shape often look younger and if you would rather prefer to make a more solid impression, think about a classic taper cut, Caesar cut, or a crew cut.
Instagram / @alan_beak
For sure, a beard and moustache can visually add you a couple of years. However, we believe in embracing your features even if they are not exactly classically symmetric. Making the most out of what you’ve got is best way to create the most attractive style (think Timothée Chalamet).
Instagram / @kesmanmalegrooming
9. Best Haircuts for High Forehead
A comb-over is known to be the best hairstyle for guys with large foreheads. Grow your hair longer on the top and wear it brushed over to the side, semi-covering a part of your forehead.
Instagram / @kolortwisthair
A longer side fringe is another way to neutralize the weight of the top part of your face.
Instagram / @sugardaddyie
However, if you prefer to wear your hair short and off your face, keep the top short and textured and avoid too much bulk.
Instagram / @show_barbershop_and_academy
10. Haircuts to Make You Look More Mature
Having a baby face can be a blessing or a curse, and if your current goal is to look more mature and masculine, try some of our tips.
Instagram / @ppatrickmarinho
Classic and structured haircuts are generally associated with a higher status and authority. Think of such gentlemanlike attributes as sideburns, flat top hairstyle, sharp lines and of course, always freshly done haircut.
Instagram / @javi_clipz
Messy bead-head hairstyles with stubble can help you look a bit older too. Just make sure the style looks maintained and deliberate.
Instagram / @mixes_the_barber
You now know the best men’s haircuts for your face shape. But there are other factors to consider when choosing a hairstyle, such as hair type and personal style. The best way to find a flattering cut is to experiment with different styles until you find one that makes you feel confident and happy. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your barber for advice—they’re experts at finding the right cut for each individual client.
