The Best Hair Part for Every Face Shape, According to the Internet
Ah, face shape. We've spoken at length about this particular anatomical feature at this point and called in top surgeons, eyebrow artists, and hairstylists to explain the ways each of us can work with the shape we've got. But believe it or not, there's even more to learn! Aside from just knowing the best bangs and haircuts for your face shape, photographic evidence also suggests that there are actually certain hair parts that look best on each face shape, too.
If you don't believe us, a quick scroll down your Instagram feed will reveal that celebrities with particular face shapes tend to stick with the same kinds of hair parts. Coincidence? We think not. So we put on our online sleuthing hats to get to the bottom of the art of the hair part.
Keep scrolling to see if the part you're currently rocking is the same one your celebrity face-shape doppelgänger would choose. And hey, when it really comes down to it, you should feel free and empowered to test-drive any hair part that speaks to you. Just consider this a jumping-off point for discovering your new favorite style.
Oval Face Shapes: Any Part
Celebrity examples: Beyoncé, Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian West, Alexa Chung
We've been told a number of times that those with oval faces have the most burden of choice for picking everything from eyebrow shape to haircuts. So it should come as no surprise that the same appears to be true for hair parts. From shallow side parts to middle parts to deep parts and curtain bangs, the oval-faced among us can pull off any look.
Round Face Shapes: Deep Side Part or Middle Part
Celebrity examples: Chrissy Teigen, Selena Gomez, Miranda Kerr, Mindy Kaling
We've seen the round-faced beauties online mostly sticking to two hair-parting options: the deep side part and the middle part. This makes sense considering the advice we've heard before that those with round faces should avoid creating volume at the cheeks or chin. Both parts allow for a flow of hair that's even and sleek.
Heart Face Shapes: Side Part
Celebrity examples: Kerry Washington, Reese Witherspoon, Emilia Clarke, Karlie Kloss
For those with heart-shaped faces, the side part appears to be the gift that keeps on giving. We were told that texture in the hair is also a top priority here, and the side part is one that easily lends itself to this by creating the perfect canvas to create more fringe and movement than would be possible with a middle part.
Long Face Shapes: Middle Part or No Part
Celebrity examples: Sarah Jessica Parker, Tracee Ellis Ross, Joan Smalls, Kelly Rowland
The elongated shape of those with oblong and rectangular face shapes is so regal and appears to be best supported by a middle part or no part at all. With the middle part, we get wonderful symmetry and equal amounts of face-framing on either side. On the other hand, there's truly nothing chicer than a slicked-back bun that shows off that long jaw.
Diamond Face Shapes: Side Part or Hidden Part
Celebrity examples: Vanessa Hudgens, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham
It's all about softening angles for those with diamond-shaped faces. We previously learned that movement in the hair is a solid approach, which explains why a bouncy side part looks so nice. And since the cheeks and jawlines are more prominent, it's never a bad idea to add a bit of volume to the chin area with face-framing layers or bangs that fall just so, independent of part placement.
Square Face Shapes: Face-Framing Side Part
Celebrity examples: Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Shay Mitchell
The stong, angular jawlines of those with squarer faces can support massive amounts of hair volume. Just look at the flowy, face-framing goodness created by these two side parts. They're just perfect.
Up next, these were the biggest hair trends of the 2010s.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.
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