20 Best Hairstyles for Square Faces – Flattering Cuts & Styles
For those with square face shapes, the right hairstyle can work wonders to enhance your features and soften angular lines. Whether you’re considering a daring pixie cut, luscious long locks, or face-framing bangs, your perfect look is just a salon visit away.
This guide will help you understand the unique characteristics of a square face, show you which styles to avoid, and offer 20 carefully curated hairstyle ideas designed to complement your look beautifully.
We’ll even throw in some styling tips and celebrity inspiration to leave you feeling confident about your choices.
What Defines a Square Face?
Square face shapes are characterized by strong, angular features. The width of your jawline is nearly equal to the width of your cheekbones, and your chin has minimal curve—creating a bold, structured look.
Think Keira Knightley or Angelina Jolie. While these features are striking and photogenic, the right hairstyle can beautifully balance and soften the overall appearance.
Hairstyles to Avoid for Square Faces
Not all hairstyles are created equal when it comes to square face shapes. Some cuts can accentuate the jawline, creating a boxy effect. Here are a few styles to steer clear of:
- Blunt Bobs that end exactly at the jawline.
- Sharp, Straight-Across Bangs with no layers or tapering.
- Slicked-Back Ponytails or Styles that expose the jawline without framing the face.
Instead, focus on soft, layered, or textured styles that minimize harsh lines while highlighting your best features.
The 20 Best Hairstyles for Square Faces
Short Hairstyles for Square Faces
1- Pixie Cut
A textured pixie cut is perfect for adding volume at the crown and creating a flattering look for angular jawlines, making it a great choice for square face shapes.
By incorporating wispy layers, this style softens sharp features and frames the face beautifully.
Avoid severe, slicked-down pixie styles, which can accentuate harsh angles, and instead opt for a playful, tousled finish like Zoë Kravitz’s iconic look. It’s a timeless, low-maintenance haircut that exudes confidence and charm.
2- French Bob
This classic Parisian hairstyle grazes the earlobes, creating an effortlessly chic and sophisticated vibe. The French bob works best with natural waves or a few wispy layers to soften the overall look, making it ideal for balancing a square-shaped face.
Pair it with bangs for additional softness, or keep it simple and sleek like Rosario Dawson’s stunning take on this haircut. It’s a versatile cut that adds a touch of elegance to any look, perfect for both casual outings and formal occasions.
3- Italian Bob
Slightly longer than the French bob, the Italian bob combines length with fullness, offering a polished yet bold appearance. With its fuller ends, this style creates balance for square faces by adding softness to angular features.
Chunky, polished ends enhance the structure of the cut, giving it a sleek and modern edge. This versatile haircut pairs well with straight or slightly wavy textures, making it a go-to choice for those who want a sophisticated look with a bit of volume and flair.
4- Rounded Bob
The rounded bob is all about soft layers that curve elegantly around the face, creating a balanced, elongated effect. This style is particularly flattering for square faces, as the curvature helps soften sharp angles while still maintaining a polished and refined finish.
Keira Knightley’s rounded bob is a great example of how this cut can be both modern and timeless. Whether worn sleek and straight or with a hint of texture, the rounded bob is an adaptable style suitable for any occasion.
Medium Hairstyles for Square Faces
5- Wavy Lob
A long bob with natural, beachy waves is a stylish and versatile choice that adds texture and movement to your hair. This cut enhances volume and subtly softens angular features, creating a balanced look.
Sandra Bullock frequently rocks this look with carefree elegance, proving that the wavy lob is both timeless and effortlessly chic.
6- Feathered Shoulder-Length Cut
A shoulder-length cut with light, feathered ends starting just below the chin creates a flattering frame for the face. This style draws attention to your hair’s natural movement while gently downplaying a strong jawline.
Mandy Moore’s classic, elegant take on this look highlights how it can add a touch of softness and sophistication to square face shapes.
7- Razor-Cut Lob
A razor-cut lob is a modern and edgy hairstyle that works wonders for square features. Gabrielle Union’s version showcases how this cut, with its slightly uneven edges, helps reduce bulk while adding softness and flow.
The razor technique gives the hair a light, airy feel, making it perfect for those who want a bold yet flattering look that complements their facial structure.
Long Hairstyles for Square Faces
8- Epic Length with Side Part
Long cascading hair, especially paired with a dramatic side part, is a timeless style that works wonders for square face shapes. The length softens sharp jawlines while the side part creates asymmetry, drawing attention away from angular features.
Jessica Chastain showcases this look flawlessly, exuding elegance and glamour with every red carpet appearance. It’s a go-to style for those seeking a sophisticated yet effortless vibe.
9- Curtain Layers
Wispy layers that gently frame the face can work magic on square face shapes by softening strong angles and adding a touch of delicacy. This style helps to create a balanced, elongated appearance, particularly when the layers fall around the cheekbones and jawline.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s curtain layered locks perfectly demonstrate how this cut brings just the right amount of length, movement, and softness to her overall look, making it ideal for anyone seeking a chic and understated hairstyle.
10- Long Voluminous Layers
Long layers that begin at the jawline are an excellent choice for square face shapes, as they add movement, volume, and a sense of elongation. This style works beautifully to draw attention downward, subtly balancing the proportions of the face.
Maria Shriver’s long, voluminous layers showcase how this timeless haircut can complement square features while still looking modern and fresh. It’s a versatile option, whether you’re aiming for a casual, everyday look or something more polished.
Hairstyles with Bangs
11- Curtain Bangs
Looking to soften strong facial features? Curtain bangs are the perfect choice for square-shaped faces. These bangs gently graze the brows and angle out to frame the face, creating a flattering and balanced look.
For inspiration, check out Tessa Thompson’s chic and versatile style—effortlessly blending modern and classic vibes.
12- Side-Swept Bangs
Asymmetrical and stylish, side-swept bangs are ideal for opening up the face and drawing attention away from sharper angles like the jawline.
Olivia Wilde rocks this polished look to perfection, demonstrating how side-swept bangs add sophistication and dimension to any hairstyle.
13- Mid-Length Cut with Bangs
A mid-length cut paired with soft, side-swept bangs is a go-to option for timeless elegance. Kerry Washington’s shoulder-length hair strikes the perfect balance between refined and approachable.
The soft bangs add movement and make the overall shape ultra-flattering for square faces while maintaining an effortlessly chic vibe.
Fun and Bold Choices
14- Rounded Pixie
Transform a classic pixie cut by adding texture and volume for a playful yet flattering look.
Indya Moore’s rounded pixie, with its soft, curved shape, beautifully enhances the natural angles of square-shaped faces, offering a modern twist to this timeless style.
15- Braided Updo
Elevate your look with a high braided ponytail, similar to Michelle Obama’s iconic style.
Paired with a deep side part, this chic updo not only adds elegance but also softens the jawline, creating a sophisticated yet approachable vibe that’s perfect for formal events or everyday wear.
16- Modern Shag
Bring a retro-inspired look into today’s world with a modern shag haircut featuring choppy, textured layers.
Ciara’s shag combines effortless cool with a sense of polished balance, making it a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance yet eye-catching hairstyle.
17- Silky and Side-Swept Lengths
For a dramatic and polished look, go for long, sleek, and silky hair styled with a deep side part.
Joan Smalls showcases how cascading side-swept lengths can add a touch of glamour and sophistication, whether for a red carpet appearance or a night out.
Textured and Wavy Looks
18- Textured Layers
Kate Moss’s iconic mid-length waves are the perfect way to add softness to sharp facial features.
The effortless texture, combined with subtle highlights, creates a chic, timeless look that works for both casual outings and formal events. These layers also add movement, giving the hair a natural yet polished finish.
19- Curly Shag
Zendaya’s bold, voluminous curly shag is the ultimate inspiration for embracing natural texture and movement. This hairstyle not only enhances the beauty of square-shaped faces but also brings an edgy, youthful vibe.
The layers in the shag cut help frame the face beautifully while creating dimension and bounce.
20- Tousled Bob
Margot Robbie’s crinkled, textured bob effortlessly balances angular features with its relaxed and undone vibe.
This style combines sophistication with a touch of playfulness, making it perfect for anyone seeking an easy-to-maintain yet stylish haircut. The tousled effect adds depth and gives the hair a breezy, lived-in look.
Pro Tips for Styling Square Face Haircuts
- Add Volume: Use volumizing mousse and dry your hair upside down for maximum lift.
- Use a Curling Wand: Loose waves soften angular lines and add dimension.
- Prioritize Shine: Invest in a quality shine spray for long, sleek looks.
- Heat Protect and Style: Apply a heat protectant before styling for healthier, bouncy locks.
Celebrity Style Inspiration
Take cues from square-faced stars who’ve perfected their hairstyle game:
- Angelina Jolie for timeless long-layered cuts.
- Sandra Bullock for lob inspiration.
- Keira Knightley for bob versatility.
- Zendaya for curly, bold choices.
Your Perfect Style Awaits
Finding a hairstyle that complements your square face shape doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer a sleek bob, textured waves, or playful bangs, the key is balance and softness.
Need help choosing your next look? Bring this guide to your hairstylist or experiment with virtual styling apps to see what suits you best. Remember, the right haircut is one that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the world.
