If you’re a woman on the internet, you likely know the generations are having drama about which way you should part your hair. Gen Z says every face shape looks best with a middle part. Millennials are stubbornly married to the side part. Some folks even have an opinion on which side of the face you should part your hair on—the discourse is endless!
Here’s the truth: it does matter where you part your hair, but the TikTok drama is totally irrelevant this time. Whether it’s better to part hair in the middle or the side is directly down to your face shape. Put down social media and the rattail comb and continue reading to learn more about parting your hair according to face shape.
Why You Should Part Your Hair Based on Face Shape
Understanding the shape of your face can help you choose the most flattering haircut for you. We all have features we prefer to highlight or hide, and hair is a powerful tool for doing that. If you love your cheekbones, hate your forehead, or want to show off your eyes, hair can do just that.
How to Learn the Shape of Your Face
Before we get into the fun of styling, you need to learn what shape your face truly is. Luckily, technology has come a long way in making this easier than ever before. While you could go to the effort of literally measuring and doing the math, that’s thankfully unnecessary.
Today, learning the shape of your face is as simple as downloading an app, trying a filter, or asking AI. If you prefer a more analog option, this guide from MasterClass is both comprehensive and straightforward.
Depending on who you ask, face shapes come in 5-9 different varieties. We will review the main 7 shapes to help you begin your journey of self-discovery!
Diamond
The diamond face shape is like a sharper heart-shaped face. Women with diamond-shaped faces usually have a narrow forehead, high, wide cheekbones, and a pointy or narrow chin.
Heart
Heart-shaped faces look just the way their name describes them. Women who have heart-shaped faces often have a pointed hairline or widow’s peak, wide cheekbones, and a delicate or pointy chin.
Oval
Oval faces are soft, not pointy, and longer than they are wide. People with this face shape often have a rounded chin and their forehead may be the widest point of their face. Another name for an oval face is oblong, which can also describe rectangular faces.
Rectangle
A rectangle face shape is longer than wide, as well, but quite balanced and proportional. Not too soft or too pointy, a rectangle face will have a forehead, cheeks, and chin of roughly equal width.
Round
Round faces are short, soft, and wide, with the cheekbones at the widest point. The forehead and jaw are soft and about the same width.
Square
Square faces are like shorter rectangles, but a square face shape is equally long and wide. Square and rectangle faces both feature equal widths and a strong jawline.
Triangle
A triangle face shape is striking and comes in two variations. A woman with a triangular face will either have a wide forehead and narrow chin, or a narrow forehead and wide, angular jaw. Many, though not all, folks with triangular faces will have high cheekbones.
How to Part Your Hair for Your Face Shape
Diamond
Diamond face shapes need extra softness, so we recommend a side part. However, you don’t want to shrink your forehead, so you should avoid cutting bangs!
Heart
A side part will soften your chin and cheekbones. However, if you have a widow’s peak, you may need to follow your hair’s natural parting.
Oval
Everyone says that oval-shaped faces look good with any haircut, and we agree! Experiment with middle, side, and deep side partings to determine your preference. Bangs can shrink the length of your face.
Rectangle
Bangs are perfect for long faces, and a soft curtain bang can soften the angles of a rectangular face.
Round
A middle part will make your face feel more symmetrical and add length, as will a deep side part. Both have the bonus of visually slimming your face. Avoid layers and shaggy cuts to not add width.
Square
A side part with a delicate swoop of bangs will add softness to your face’s angles.
Triangle
If you have a wide forehead, a deep side part will be flattering. We also recommend a side part for those with wide chins, rather than a middle part.
How to Change Your Hair Part
Though it may seem scary, changing the way you part your hair is a fun and easy way to mix up your look! This quick TikTok tutorial will teach you—or you can continue reading to learn how to do it yourself.
This simple process only includes 3 steps:
- Dampen your hair with water (or do this straight out of the shower!).
- Use a rattail comb to gently trace the location of your new part.
- Use a hair dryer to set the new part, with your hands directing the hair to lay as you prefer.
Changing your part truly is just that easy!
Flatter Your Face with Luxury Human Hair Wigs
No matter what shape your face is, hair makes a difference. For those who struggle with thin or patchy hair or just want a change, wigs will bring things to the next level.
The Lauren Ashtyn Collection’s line of luxury human hair wigs will flatter any face and skin tone. Our wigs are 100% Europen remy human hair, hand-tied with a free parting so you can style to your heart’s content. These beautiful hairpieces are adjustable, breathable, and fully customizable.
