Wedding Hairstyles for Every Face Shape
Your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life, and finding the perfect hairstyle isn’t just about following trends, it’s about choosing a look that naturally complements your unique features. Understanding your face shape is the first step in this important decision, as the right hairstyle can accentuate your best features while creating balance and harmony.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most flattering wedding hairstyles for each face shape, providing expert advice on how to identify your face shape and select styles that will make you look and feel your absolute best as you walk down the aisle. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant updo, romantic waves, or a sleek, sophisticated style, this guide will help you narrow down the perfect options for your unique facial structure.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Before selecting your wedding hairstyle, it’s essential to identify your face shape accurately. Here’s a simple method:
- Pull your hair back completely from your face
- Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting
- Trace the outline of your face on the mirror using a washable marker
- Step back and observe the shape you’ve drawn
Alternatively, take a front-facing photo of yourself with your hair pulled back, then trace around your face on the photo. Common face shapes include oval, round, heart, square, diamond, rectangle, and pear.
Wedding Hairstyles for Oval Face Shapes
Oval faces are considered the most versatile shape, characterized by balanced proportions with the forehead slightly wider than the chin and prominent cheekbones.
Ideal Styles for Oval Faces:
- Classic Updos: Showcase your balanced features with elegant chignons or French twists
- Side-Swept Styles: Whether partially up or completely down, side-swept styles add romantic asymmetry
- Center-Parted Waves: Frame your face with soft waves cascading from a center part
- Sleek and Straight: Modern, sleek styles highlight your naturally balanced proportions
Oval-faced brides have the luxury of experimenting with virtually any wedding hairstyle. To make the most of this versatility, consider your dress style, wedding theme, and personal preferences rather than feeling limited by facial structure concerns.
Wedding Hairstyles for Round Face Shapes
Round faces feature soft angles with similar width and length dimensions, full cheeks, and a rounded chin.
Ideal Styles for Round Faces:
- Voluminous Updos with Height: Create the illusion of length with styles that add height at the crown
- Side Parts with Asymmetrical Styles: Break up the symmetry of a round face with side-swept bangs or tendrils
- Half-Up Styles with Volume: Maintain height at the crown while allowing length to elongate your face
- Long, Layered Styles: Create vertical lines that slim and lengthen the appearance of your face
Avoid hairstyles that add width at the cheeks, such as chin-length bobs or styles with excessive fullness at the sides of your face. Instead, opt for styles that create the illusion of length and angles.
Wedding Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces feature a wider forehead that tapers to a narrow, sometimes pointed chin, often with prominent cheekbones.
Ideal Styles for Heart-Shaped Faces:
- Chin-Length or Longer Styles: Add volume around the jawline to balance a narrower chin
- Side-Swept Bangs: Soften a wider forehead while maintaining an elegant look
- Low Updos with Face-Framing Pieces: Draw attention to your cheekbones while creating balance
- Deep Side Parts: Create the illusion of a more proportional forehead width
Avoid styles that add too much height or volume at the crown, as these can emphasize the width of your forehead. Instead, focus on styles that create the appearance of width at the jawline.
Wedding Hairstyles for Square Face Shapes
Square faces feature strong jawlines, broad foreheads, and straight sides, creating an angular appearance with similar width and length dimensions.
Ideal Styles for Square Faces:
- Soft, Rounded Updos: Contrast your angular features with curls and rounded shapes
- Side-Swept Styles with Soft Waves: Create diagonal lines that soften strong angles
- Layered Styles with Wispy Ends: Reduce the appearance of sharp angles with soft, feathered edges
- Off-Center Partings: Break up symmetry and create a softer overall impression
Avoid severe, sleek styles that emphasize the angular nature of your face. Opt instead for hairstyles with movement and softness that contrast with your natural angles.
Wedding Hairstyles for Diamond Face Shapes
Diamond faces feature prominent cheekbones with a narrow forehead and jawline, creating a diamond-like silhouette.
Ideal Styles for Diamond Faces:
- Side-Swept Bangs or Fringe: Add width to a narrower forehead
- Chin-Length or Longer Styles: Create volume around the jawline for balance
- Half-Up Styles with Volume at the Temples: Add width where your face is narrowest
- Layered Cuts with Fullness: Balance prominent cheekbones with volume at the forehead and jaw
The goal for diamond face shapes is to create balance by adding volume at the narrower areas while letting your striking cheekbones shine as a natural focal point.
Wedding Hairstyles for Rectangle Face Shapes
Rectangle (or oblong) faces are longer than they are wide, with minimal difference between the width of the forehead, cheeks, and jawline.
Ideal Styles for Rectangle Faces:
- Styles with Fullness at the Sides: Create the illusion of width with volume at the temples and cheeks
- Soft Bangs or Fringe: Visually shorten the face by breaking up its length
- Wavy Bobs or Lobs: Add width while maintaining an elegant bridal appearance
- Low, Full Updos: Create width at the jawline while maintaining sophisticated style
Avoid hairstyles that add height without width or very long, straight styles, as these can emphasize the length of your face.
Wedding Hairstyles for Pear-Shaped Faces
Pear-shaped faces feature a narrow forehead that widens to a broader jawline, essentially an inverted triangle.
Ideal Styles for Pear-Shaped Faces:
- Volume at the Crown and Temples: Balance a wider jawline with fullness above
- Side-Swept Bangs: Add the appearance of width to the forehead
- Updos with Height and Fullness: Create balance with volume at the top of the head
- Layered Styles with Volume on Top: Add dimension where your face is narrowest
Avoid styles that add width or volume at the jawline, such as chin-length bobs or excessive fullness at the bottom of your hairstyle.
Considering Your Wedding Style
While face shape is important, your wedding hairstyle should also complement:
Your Dress Neckline
- V-neck or plunging necklines: These pair beautifully with down styles or low updos
- High necklines: Consider updos that showcase the neckline detail
- Off-shoulder: Soft, romantic styles with some hair down complement this feminine style
- Backless dresses: Updos or side-swept styles that highlight the back design
Your Veil and Accessories
Your chosen accessories should work harmoniously with your face-flattering hairstyle:
- For round faces, consider tiaras that add height
- For square faces, opt for softer, more rounded accessory shapes
- For heart-shaped faces, low-placed accessories can balance proportions
- For oval faces, almost any accessory placement works well
Bridal Hair Trial: Testing Your Face-Flattering Style
Once you’ve identified styles that complement your face shape, schedule a hair trial with your stylist. Bring:
- Photos of your favorite face-appropriate styles
- Your wedding accessories and veil
- A photo of your dress
- A clear explanation of your face shape concerns
A good bridal hairstylist will assess your face shape in person and may offer additional suggestions based on your hair texture, length, and density.
FAQ: Wedding Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes
Q: What if I’m not sure about my face shape? A: Ask your hairstylist for a professional assessment during your consultation. They’re trained to identify face shapes and recommend flattering styles.
Q: Can I wear a style that’s not typically recommended for my face shape? A: Absolutely! These guidelines are starting points, not rules. If you love a particular style, your stylist can often modify it to be more flattering for your specific features.
Q: Should I choose my hairstyle before my dress? A: Ideally, select your dress first, as its neckline and overall style should influence your hairstyle choice.
Q: How can I ensure my chosen style will be flattering in photographs? A: During your hair trial, take photos from multiple angles to see how the style frames your face from different perspectives.
For brides seeking a sophisticated and timeless wedding day hairstyle that will stay picture-perfect throughout all your celebrations, explore our comprehensive guide to Elegant Bridal Updos: Timeless Hairstyles for Your Wedding Day which covers everything from classic chignons to romantic twisted buns with expert tips for making your style last.
Conclusion: Confidence is Your Best Accessory
While understanding your face shape provides valuable guidance in selecting your wedding hairstyle, remember that your confidence and comfort are paramount. The most beautiful brides are those who feel like the best version of themselves.
Work closely with your hairstylist to find a style that not only complements your face shape but also reflects your personal style, works with your hair texture, and makes you feel absolutely radiant. With the right balance of technical knowledge and personal preference, you’ll discover a wedding hairstyle that showcases your natural beauty and leaves you feeling confident throughout your special day.
Ready to find your perfect wedding day hairstyle? Start by determining your face shape, gathering inspiration photos of styles recommended for your features, and scheduling consultations with bridal hair specialists who can bring your vision to life.
