There are many things we should know about ourselves – skin type (for choosing skincare products), build & skin/hair color (when deciding what to wear), allergies (to avoid them) – but have you ever thought about your face shape? Knowing the shape of your face can help you decide on the perfect haircut, wear the most flattering makeup, and even pick out the right glasses! Finding your face shape is very simple; all you need is a mirror. Slick back your hair to get it off of your face, and let’s get to it!

1. Widest Part of Your Face

Forehead: Oval and heart shaped faces usually have a wider forehead that tapers down to the chin.

Cheekbones: When cheekbones are the widest, that generally points to a square or round face shape. One easy way indicator is that round/square faces are usually as long as they are wide.

Chin: A wide chin probably means you have a square or rectangle shaped face. Foreheads, cheeks, and chins on square and rectangular faces are generally all the same width, the difference being that square faces are shorter and rectangular faces are on the shorter side.

2. Jaw

Pointy: Pointier chins are often likened to the point of a heart. Therefore, if your chin is pointy, you probably have a heart or diamond shaped face.

Square: Those with stronger, more angular jaw lines tend to have a square or rectangular face shape.

Round: If your chin is rounder, your face shape is probably – you guessed it! Round or oval shaped!

3. Face Length

Short: If your face is on the shorter side, you’re probably one with a round or square face.

Long: Longer faces are usually oval, but can also be heart, rectangle, or diamond shaped!

Now that you’ve figured out your face shape, it’s time to put that knowledge to use!

Square

The sides of your face are straight, you have a strong jawline, and your face is almost as wide as it is long. A long, wavy bob that hits right below your chin may be the right haircut for you: the waviness will offset severe angles. Another option is long hair, like past the shoulders long, that is either completely straight or wavy on the ends. The long hair will lengthen your face and soften a harsh jawline.

Rectangle

Your face is very similar to a square shape, the difference being that your face is longer than it is wide. Layered hair is usually the way to go for rectangular faces, as are soft, side swept bangs or an a-line cut (the a-line helps add a different angle into the mix and makes the face look less boxy, and the layers/bangs help to soften harsh lines). Try to avoid super long hair, is this may make the face look a lot longer. If you want to accentuate the strong angles of your face, try a sleek, pulled back updo!

Round

Your face is a square shape, but with softer angles: your chin and the sides of your face are rounded, and your cheekbones are the widest part. Your face shape looks best with an asymmetrical hair cut – that could mean a dramatic side part with bangs, or an uneven bob. An angled bob also works well for round faces, the hair is longest in the front and gradually tapers to the back of the head. If you’re feeling brave, try a pixie cut with choppy ends; this will draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones.

Oval

Your face is on the longer side, and your forehead is a tiny bit wider than your chin. Oval faces are very similar to rectangular faces but with a more rounded chin and sides. A medium length hair cut with longer, blunt bangs will suit your face shape well. The bangs will create the illusion of some width and help make your face look a little less long. Another option is a bob with bangs, this will help break up the length and soften your face.

Diamond

You have high cheekbones, a pointed chin, and your cheeks are most likely the widest part of your face which creates a diamond shape. Because you have a narrow forehead, your best bet is to get a haircut with long, side swept bangs – this will emphasize your cheekbones and create the illusion of a more oval face shape.

Heart

You have a pointed chin and your forehead is the widest part of your face, creating the shape of a heart. A bob with straight bangs is a good haircut for you – hair that hits right at or below the chin will help fill in the area around your chin and de-emphasize the wider forehead. Medium length hair with a dramatic side part is also a good look. A side part with bangs will help close off your forehead and draw attention to your eyes and chin.