When you have a square shaped face you may not know the potential you have for enhancing your look with whatever hair style you choose. A square shaped face is characterized by a strong jaw line and a wide forehead with broad cheekbones. There is a lot of room for variety as you explore the different styles in order to get the right compliments. In this post, we explore 15 different hair cut options that will help you decide on the best hair cut which will also compliment your square shaped faced.
Unfortunately, many people think that there is something wrong that needs to be hidden with a square shaped face. A few years back, I had a client with elegant bone structure and a very strong jaw and she showed me a picture of a very soft shag cut. I could tell that someone was saying she needed to soften her look. I had to talk to her and explain that instead of hiding, she was asking for movement.
The goal when talking about square face shapes is to soften structure or maybe disguise features. However, with enough texture, the right length, and movement, the structure of a square face shape will stand out and be accentuated. Some cuts focus on softening the structure while others bring focus to distinct features. In some styles, more emphasis is needed than some of us may particularly enjoy. Don’t worry, I’m going to tell you which styles to avoid. Let’s start.
#1: Layered Chestnut Transformation, Before and After
It’s all about the details, especially when assessed out of the cut itself. _Before the cut_, there was length, but no **direction**; the waves were free and the overall shape was doing **nothing**. After the cut the shape looks layered just _below the chin_. This is **spot on** for square jaws as it adds some curvature to those more angular areas. The chestnut tone with a hint of warmth does subtle work here by warming the skin. For finer hair, some level of commitment to styling is needed to achieve the body; a little mousse on damp hair goes a long way. Once the right cut is achieved, this will pretty much style itself, and that’s the case for **medium** to **thick** hair.
#2: Soft Balayage Waves for a Square Jaw
The ease and payoff of this style is great. With a balayage, starting with warm brown roots and going lighter and blonder on the ends, the color gradient effect creates a distraction from the width of the jaw. It is also, in a way, not dramatic and that is part of the reason it works. The texture provided y the waves is great as it prevents a flat or heavy appearance right in front of the face. You will definitely need touch ups every few months so that the hair looks integrated rather than grown out and with an all over color this is as forgiving as it gets.
#3: Soft Black Layers at the Shoulder
This cut has clean lines and will require less maintenance day to day. The deep black will provide nice thickness to your hair, which is an added bonus. I recommend this to a someone who does not want to spend a lot of time on hair every day. When the layers grow out this will be a complete different look and will need to be tended to every 6 weeks.
#4: Caramel Waves and Curtain Bangs
I believe curtain bangs are worth the hype. For square faces, bangs help frame the forehead and draw compliments toward the eyes, and they’re not shaggy or distracting. They also look great in combination with shoulder length hair that has soft waves and caramel highlights. I also think waves are a good way to create extra volume if you have fine hair. The color and bangs will require some maintenance, so keep that in mind. If you like the look, then it’s worth it.
#5: Rich Chestnut Cascading Waves
Long layered hairstyles are amazing for adding volume and texture. They also soften your jawline, and look great with thick, wavy hair. You won’t even have to style it because the layers and natural waves will create a beautiful look. This long layered style looks stunning in a chestnut brown color. It’s warm and adds dimension without taking away from the natural look. This look is not for you if you have fine hair. You will fight the cut because the waves and length will make the hair collapse. If you have the right texture, ask your stylist about a lightweight mousse or gel to keep the waves defined.
#6: Rich Brunette Layers with Curling Ends
What makes this cut unique compared with the other stylists is the way it curls at the ends. The way the ends of the hair cut curl towards the face ever so slightly is good enough to soften the look of a strong jaw without having to do anything too extreme. The mid-length layers are blended to perfection so the hair cut appears as one cohesive form rather than separate pieces. The deep brunette color adds richness which helps elevate it. Medium-thick hair is recommended but if your hair is very fine you might need some help from a round brush along with heat protectant to help those ends to curl. This is an incredibly versatile hair cut that you can wear to the office or to an evening out.
#7: Sleek Vanilla Blonde with a Dark-to-Light Gradient
I’ll be honest, this haircut is incredible, though it is quite the commitment. The silky straight finish paired with a vanilla blonde balayage gives the illusion of long vertical lines. This is perfect for elongating a square face. The dark to light contrast adds depth, but no harsh color block lines. If you have naturally straight or slightly wavy hair, this will really be stunning. You will also need to be committed to regular trims so the ends don’t look ragged, and upkeeping with toning because it will show the contrast even more. If your hair is really curly or coarse, you will end up spending a lot of time flat ironing your hair to get the look. I would consider a style that allows your hair to be more free. For all of those who chose this style, a lightweight smoothing serum will be a daily necessity.
#8: Classic Face-Framing Layers
They look like they’re made with ease, which is why they will suit your clients with square face shapes. The layered framing of the face is perfect for softening more robust jaw structures, while a voluminous crown layer balances everything out. With a length that sits mid-way between the shoulders and collarbone, it offers good versatility. This style is also adaptable for either a polished blown out look or a more casual, air-dried style. Medium density hair works best for this style. Regular trims are needed to keep the layers looking fresh and flowing, but it’s generally easy going between haircuts.
#9: Sleek Blonde Bob with Graduated Layers
A bob hair cut with soft graduated layers that sits above the shoulders works well for square face shapes as the layers soften the jawline but still keep the style structured. The light blonde colour with darker roots adds dimension and prevents the style from looking flat. This works best on medium to thick hair because the layers will show more, and you can expect to book regular trims and toners to keep it this neat. Day to day this cut is easy to style, and the colour requires maintenance to keep it looking this good.
#10 Luxurious Chestnut Waves with Soft Ends
If you have thick hair and a square face, this cut is perfect for you! The waves are great for adding movement and taking away from the strong look of a square jaw. It has soft tapered ends which keeps it from looking blunt and boxy. The chestnut color is warm, but not overwhelmingly so. This cut will require some work with good conditioners and styling products and you’ll need to use lots of heat protectant if you’re using heat to style! If you already have a good hair care routine, this cut will be great for you!
#11: Chocolate Layers with Feathered Ends
What helps make this style unique are the ends that have been feathered. Those tapered pieces help remove the hard line of a square jaw in a much more natural way. The layers also help start chin length and help frame the face without it looking too crowded. The rich and deep chocolate color is gorgeous and even simple styling looks intentional with this color. This style is as low maintenance as it gets for straight and thick hair. It won’t take a ton of effort, but it will be likely that the layers will lay a bit flat. If that is the look you want, you may have to put in some effort. Ideally, a quick round brushing after a wash is all you need.
#12: Retro Micro-Bangs with a Tousled Bob
I like that this look is not for everyone. Micro-bangs are a daring statement and draw attention to the eyes; this is most striking for square face shapes. The tousled bob adds balance at the jawline and helps soften the look. The vintage 60’s vibe is strong, yet it doesn’t look costumy. This cut will need a lot of maintenance and styling, so if you are a wash and go person, this isn’t your cut. But if you like to put together a look, this is a really one of a kind option.
#13: Chestnut Curls with Contouring Layers
This picture shows how layered curls are a great example of flattering hairstyles for square faces. The bob shape in this hairstyle creates a perfect jawline look. The hair falls in a way that lifts the face and provides a good shape to the style without looking bulky on the sides. The chestnut color is also very nice and warm. However, I must be honest with you. If you don’t already have a natural wave or curl in your hair, it’s going to take a lot of time and effort to accomplish this every day. For people with the right curl pattern, this cut requires little maintenance, and looks great. You can also wear it up in a ponytail because there is enough length to do that.
#14: Caramel Ribbon Highlights on Long Waves
The caramel ribbons along the long waves do nice things for a square face by adding warmth and brightness where it matters most, around the face and mid-lengths, which makes it easier to draw the eye along the hair instead of right across the jaw. This is a cut that is especially beneficial to those with thick hair. The layers give it movement and stop it from reading as a heavy curtain. A volumizing mousse will offer the body if you will be styling it like this, and of course there is a heat protectant that is a must. However, for the upkeep frequent appointments will be necessary and color maintenance is real and will be needed to keep those ribbons looking intentional.
#15: Polished Golden Bob at the Jaw
Nice golden bob! I see that it’s thin, straight, and without layers. For a square face, it works because the length gives a softening effect, and the golden tone looks fresh. I appreciate the simplicity for everyday upkeep. If your hair cooperates, it’s towel dry and go. My only worry is the maintenance and how smooth it is; that could mean a lot of flat-ironing, so expect heat damage. Definitely invest in a good heat protectant and take breaks from heat. Also, the neutral to warm hair tone is a nice detail that flatters the skin without competing.
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