The 13 Best Hairstyles for Square Faces

Still searching for the perfect, minimal effort hairstyle to flatter a square-shaped face? These styles will suit your shape and play up your features for the ultimate complementary look.

By Julie Ricevuto, Redbook

Still searching for the perfect, minimal effort hairstyle to flatter a square-shaped face? These styles will suit your shape and play up your features for the ultimate complementary look.

Dynamic-layered Lob

As a rule of thumb, square faces should steer clear of any haircuts with rounded layers. Soft, multi-length layers create movement and round out the corners of the face to counter the harsh edges, says Edward Tricomi, Master Stylist & Co-Founder of Warren-Tricomi Salons.

Dynamic-layered Lob

As a rule of thumb, square faces should steer clear of any haircuts with rounded layers. Soft, multi-length layers create movement and round out the corners of the face to counter the harsh edges, says Edward Tricomi, Master Stylist & Co-Founder of Warren-Tricomi Salons.

Short Fringe

When opting for a short cut, hair should hit just below the chin and be layered in the front to bring emphasis on cheekbones rather than the jaw. Bonus: A fringe cut will prevent hair from lying too flat, which is exactly what a square face doesn't need.

Angled Bob

Not a fan of those short, choppy layers? Try an asymmetrical cut with longer face-framing pieces that become shorter towards the back of the head in order to elongate the face shape. A cut like this is also one of the easiest to style during the morning rush, so you'll end up saving precious time.

Deep Side Part

"If you have a square face, it's best to part the hair to the side," explains Tricomi. "It cuts the square shape and creates a beautiful face frame." A deep side part like Sandra Bullock's will not only offset severe squareness, but will also deemphasize any asymmetry within the face — making this a good option for almost every face shape.

Curly and Voluminous

Straight hair can be pretty unforgiving on square faces since the features are already so linear. Tricomi advises rocking your natural curls, dragging out a curling iron, or even just adding volume at the root of the hair with a product like the Suave Luxe Style Infusion Volumizing Weightless Blow Dry Spray ($5) to lengthen the face.

Long, Piece-y Layers

While it's true that short layers can accentuate chiseled cheekbones, longer layers that fall beside the borders of the face can actually hide the width of a strong jawline. Add definition to the layered ends by using a texturizing cream like the Sexy Hair Slept In Texture Cremé ($18) throughout your strands.

Side Bangs

"People with square faces are often weary of cutting bangs, but I think that it's important to celebrate the square," says Tricomi. Avoid blunt bangs since they can add unwanted structure to an already straight-lined face and even accentuate a wide chin. Try feathered side bangs that fall along the cheekbones instead.

Light, Tapered Ends

We've already established that layers are a staple for square-faced women, but in order to make those layers truly work for you, ask your stylist to sheer them out for a lighter finish. Overly blunt or evenly cut ends will add an unintended heaviness to the bottom of your face.

A Textured Updo

No matter what your hair type, an updo that's been teased at the root, like Claire Danes's, will add height and length to your face for a more rectangular shape rather than square. An added perk: It's perfect for keeping cool in those sweltering summer months.

Shoulder-Length Softness

Because those with square faces have sharp features, look for a style that creates some softness. Angelina Jolie masters the look perfectly in this shoulder-length 'do.

Extra-Long Strands

Demi Moore's signature straight, black look has been taken to a new level lately — and she's killing it. Her extra-long strands also elongate her face.

Short and Layered

Layers are always a good idea for those with square face shapes — especially when they look like Reese Witherspoon's, which shows off her bone structure.

See more at: Redbook