You know that feeling when you see a gorgeous haircut on a celebrity, run to the salon with a screenshot, and walk out looking... well, not like that? It happens. Most of the time, it isn’t the stylist's fault. It’s the geometry. If you have a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a chin that could practically cut glass, you’re rocking a heart-shaped face. It’s one of the most coveted shapes in the beauty world—think Reese Witherspoon or Rihanna—but it can be tricky to balance.
The goal isn't to hide your features. Why would you? Those cheekbones are basically built-in contour. Instead, the best heart shaped face hairstyles women choose are all about creating width at the bottom of the face to soften that pointed chin and narrowing the appearance of the forehead just enough to make everything look proportional.
Honestly, it’s a game of illusions.
Why Your Current Cut Might Feel "Off"
A lot of people think they have a round face when they actually have a heart. Here is the litmus test: is your forehead the widest part of your face? Does your jawline taper down to a distinct point? If yes, you're in the heart club. The mistake most people make is adding too much volume at the crown. When you pile hair on top, you’re basically making your forehead look even wider, which makes your chin look even narrower. It creates a literal triangle.
We want to flip that triangle.
You've probably noticed that some styles make you look "top-heavy." It’s a common complaint. If you have fine hair, this is even more pronounced because the hair tends to lie flat against the sides of the face, emphasizing the width of the brow. To fix this, we look for styles that "fill in" the area around the jaw and neck.
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The Magic of the Long Bob (The "Lob")
If there is one haircut that reigns supreme for heart-shaped faces, it’s the lob. Specifically, a lob that hits right at or slightly below the collarbone. Why? Because it puts the "weight" of the hair exactly where your face starts to narrow.
Standard bobs that end at the chin can be risky. If they are too blunt, they point right at your chin like a neon sign. But a lob with a bit of texture? That’s the sweet spot. According to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who has worked with almost every famous heart-shaped face in Hollywood, movement is key. You want pieces that flick inward or outward near the collarbone to create the illusion of width where you lack it naturally.
Bangs: The Great Forehead Debate
Bangs are usually a "love them or hate them" situation. For heart shapes, they are a powerful tool. But—and this is a big but—stay away from short, blunt-cut "baby bangs." They will make your forehead look like a billboard.
Instead, look at curtain bangs. They are everywhere right now for a reason. They start shorter in the middle and get longer as they sweep toward your cheekbones. This "V" shape in reverse perfectly counters the "V" shape of your chin. It’s balance. Pure and simple.
- Side-swept bangs: These are the classic choice. By breaking up the width of the forehead diagonally, they soften the entire look.
- Wispy fringe: If you don't want the commitment of heavy bangs, a few light, see-through pieces can do wonders.
- Bottleneck bangs: A 2024-2025 favorite that is narrower at the top and flares out, hugging the cheekbones.
The trick is ensuring the bangs aren't too thick. If they’re too heavy, they can overwhelm your eyes, which are usually a standout feature for heart shapes. Keep them light. Keep them airy.
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What About Long Hair?
Long hair is great, but it can be boring if it just hangs there. If you love length, you need layers. Specifically, layers that start around the jawline.
Think about Sarah Hyland or Scarlett Johansson. When they wear long hair, it’s rarely a single length. Long, straight hair without layers can actually make a heart-shaped face look longer and the chin look pointier. It’s like two straight curtains framing a narrow window. By adding layers that kick out at the bottom, you add that necessary volume.
Deep side parts are your best friend here. A center part is bold, but it highlights symmetry (or lack thereof) and can make the forehead seem wider. A deep side part shifts the focus. It creates a diagonal line across the face, which is incredibly flattering for heart shapes. It’s a simple trick you can do right now in front of the mirror. Try it. Flip your hair to the opposite side of where you usually wear it. Notice how it changes the angles of your jaw?
The "Don'ts" You Should Probably Know
I hate telling people what not to do—hair is about expression, after all. But if your goal is strictly "most flattering," there are a few pitfalls.
- High, Slicked-Back Ponytails: These show off every bit of your forehead. If you love a pony, try a mid-height one with some face-framing pieces left out.
- Short, Spiky Pixies: Unless they have some volume on the sides, very short pixies with height on top can make the face look unbalanced.
- Blunt Chin-Length Bobs: As mentioned, these can be "chin-pointy." If you go short, go for a "shob" (shaggy bob) instead.
Texture and Volume: Where to Put It
It isn't just about the cut; it’s about the finish. If you’re using a curling iron, don’t start the curl at the roots. Start the wave around the ear level. This keeps the top of your head relatively sleek and expands the hair as it reaches your shoulders. This "A-line" shape of the hair itself is what creates the harmony.
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Beach waves are literally perfect for this. They are messy, they have width, and they look effortless. If you have natural curls, embrace the volume at the bottom. Don't try to thin it out too much. That volume is doing the heavy lifting for your face shape.
Real World Examples and Celebrity Inspiration
Look at Reese Witherspoon. She is the poster child for heart-shaped face hairstyles women look to for inspiration. She almost always has side-swept bangs or a deep side part. Even when she wears her hair up, there is usually a bit of softness around the temples.
Then you have Halle Berry. She’s rocked everything from a pixie to long waves. Her pixie works because it’s usually textured and messy, not structured and tall. It breaks up the forehead line.
Kerry Washington often uses volume to her advantage. Her stylists frequently opt for styles that have a lot of body from the ears down. Whether it's a faux-hawk or a textured lob, the focus is always on creating a soft frame for the lower half of her face.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Salon Visit
Don't just go in and ask for "the usual." Hair evolves, and your face shape might even change slightly as you age or your weight fluctuates.
- Bring Pictures, But Not Just Any Pictures: Find photos of people who actually have your face shape. If you bring a photo of a woman with a square jaw, that haircut will look completely different on you.
- Ask for "Face-Framing Layers": Be specific that you want them to start at the jawline, not the cheekbones.
- Consider the Maintenance: Heart-shaped faces often benefit from bangs, but bangs require trims every 3-4 weeks. If you’re a "wash and go" person, curtain bangs are better than a full fringe.
- Talk About Texture: If your hair is pin-straight, ask your stylist for a cut that adds internal texture. This helps the hair "bulk up" at the bottom without needing a ton of product.
The most important thing to remember is that these are guidelines, not laws. If you love your forehead and want to show it off with a sleek top-knot, do it. Confidence actually does more for your look than any haircut ever could. But if you've been feeling like your hair is "wearing you," switching to a style that builds volume at the jaw and softens the brow will make a world of difference.
Focus on the lob, the side part, and the lower-level waves. These are the pillars of styling for your shape. They work because they respect the natural architecture of your bones while adding a little bit of softness where it counts. Go for a cut that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, not just a copy of a trend.