Face shapes
- Daniel Neuhaus
- Feb 6
- 8 min read
The seven face shapes – an overview
Here you will find a quick overview of the seven face shapes – this allows you to identify your basic shape quickly and, if you like, choose a suitable hairstyle. And if you want to go deeper, each section will guide you to its own page with more detailed information.
SHORT & TO THE POINT: What you should know
There are seven basic face shapes: oval, round, square, rectangular, triangular/heart-shaped, trapezoid, and inverted trapezoid.
Each shape has its typical characteristics that make it easy to orient yourself.
Many people fall between two shapes – this is completely normal.
All you need is a mirror and a look at your outline to recognize your shape.
When you know your face shape, hairstyle or styling decisions become easier – simply because you know what supports your natural form.
And most importantly: This is never about putting you into a box. Every face shape has its own beauty and is exactly right the way it is. All tips are meant to help you make small adjustments and highlight what already belongs to you. So that you feel comfortable and enjoy seeing yourself in the mirror.
Contents at a glance
Which face shape do I have?
Whether you are planning a new haircut, want to try out glasses, or simply wish to see more clearly how your face is structured – knowing your face shape makes many things easier. It shows you which areas you can emphasize and where your face naturally lies in its own balance.
And that is exactly why you will find the seven basic shapes here – briefly explained and with a look at what makes each shape special.
Determining your face shape
Determining your own face shape is much easier than many people think. All you need are a few quiet minutes, a mirror, and good light on your outline.
Hair away from the face
Tie your hair back or use a headband so that your face is completely visible. Important: the hairline forms the upper boundary of your face shape – not the head or the ears.
Stand straight in front of the mirror
Find good lighting and stand directly facing the mirror. Your face should be fully visible.
Trace the outline
Take a washable marker or lipstick and trace the outline of your face directly onto the mirror. This makes the shape much clearer.
Take a step back
Look at the outline calmly. Does it appear more elongated, round, oval, square, heart-shaped, or trapezoidal? Take your time – your shape often becomes clearer when you look at it from a little distance.
Face shapes – the characteristics of the seven basic forms at a glance
Square face shape – the strength shape
How to recognize it:
Forehead and jaw are approximately the same width
Clear, defined contours
Pronounced jawline
Almost square proportions
Hairstyle recommendations:
Soft layers for more lightness
Gentle waves for softer-looking contours
A side fringe softens the line
What this shape reveals about you:
You carry a natural strength within you that allows others to feel they can rely on you.
In your face lies a quiet sense of “I move forward,” a presence that provides stability and opens paths.
→ Detailed page: Square face shape
Oblong face shape – the strategic shape
How to recognize it:
Longer than wide, almost as if you could place an A4 sheet vertically over the face
Straight side lines
Forehead and jaw of similar width
Often appears elegant and structured
Hairstyle recommendations:
Shoulder length or shorter creates harmony
Gentle waves visually shorten the length
A fringe can softly balance the length
What this shape reveals about you:
You appear like someone who brings clarity into spaces – calm, far-sighted, and with an eye for what truly matters.
In your manner lies a natural competence that gives others orientation and allows trust to grow.
→ Detailed page: Oblong face shape
Oval face – the balance shape
How to recognize it:
Cheekbones are the widest point
Forehead slightly wider than the chin
Soft, harmonious contours
Appears balanced and proportional
Hairstyle recommendations:
Almost all cuts work well
Gentle waves appear especially harmonious
A side part opens the shape even more
What this shape reveals about you:
You have an elegant, connecting presence that immediately gives people a good feeling and makes spaces more harmonious.
In your face lies a subtle sensitivity for others that creates closeness and allows relationships to flow easily.
→ Detailed page: Oval face
Round face – the relationship shape
How to recognize it:
Face is almost as wide as it is long
Full cheeks
Soft contours
Rounded hairline and soft chin
Hairstyle recommendations:
Height at the crown visually elongates
Asymmetrical cuts create tension
A clear side part opens the face
What this shape reveals about you:
You bring a warmth that immediately softens people and makes them feel welcome.
In your face lies a lively, open-hearted energy that builds trust and connects spaces.
→ Detailed page: Round face
Heart-shaped face shape – the mind shape
How to recognize it:
Forehead as the widest area (but not necessarily)
Broad cheekbones
Wedge-shaped chin that tapers to a point toward the bottom
A heart-like contour is possible
Hairstyle recommendations:
A soft side part for balance
Light waves in the lower section
Curtain bangs can create harmony
What this shape reveals about you:
You carry an alert, curious mental energy within you that sees new connections and opens spaces for thought.
In your face lies this quiet spark of originality that shows you find paths others have not even begun to think of yet.
→ Detailed page: Heart-shaped face
Trapezoid face shape – the implementation shape
How to recognize it:
Narrower forehead
Broad cheek and jaw area
The contour appears stronger at the bottom
Often referred to as a “pear shape”
Hairstyle recommendations:
Volume at the crown creates balance
Medium lengths appear harmonious
Casual waves open up the upper area
What this shape reveals about you:
You have a lively, idea-rich nature that makes visible what others only think – a natural expression of creativity in motion.
In your face lies the strength not only to feel ideas, but to bring them into the world and make them tangible for others.
→ Detailed page: Trapezoid face
Inverted trapezoid face shape – the assertiveness shape
How to recognize it:
Narrower forehead
Broader toward the jaw area
Clear, almost dominant lines
Hairstyle recommendations:
Soft layers reduce hardness
Volume in the lower area creates harmony
Side sections can visually relax the forehead
What this shape reveals about you:
You radiate a calm, unwavering strength that gives others the feeling that someone is truly there and can be relied upon.
In your face lies a clear, determined groundedness that shows you are dependable – especially when it really matters.
→ Detailed page: Inverted trapezoid face shape
Still unsure which face shape your face shows?
Sometimes a face shape does not reveal itself immediately, as it can lie between two types – and that is exactly what often makes a face especially interesting. If you are unsure, simply notice which basic shape you feel most drawn to and try out the recommendations of the face shapes that come into question. The only important thing is that it feels right for you.
Also interesting:
Our lips tell stories. They show how we communicate, how we love, and how willing we already are to open ourselves emotionally. If you are curious about which lip shape you have and what it reveals about your expression, you will find a clear and helpful guide here.
Lips are deeply involved in our facial expression and therefore in what we feel. If you would like to explore this further, this article guides you step by step into this nonverbal language.
If you have already gone deep into face shapes, it is especially worthwhile to take a closer look at the philtrum. It connects nose and lips, heaven and earth – and shows how a person resonates internally. Here you will find a detailed, easy-to-understand introduction.
The cupid’s bow is one of the most subtle details of our face and one of the strongest indicators of how we live closeness, attraction, and resonance. It also says a lot about what we find attractive in other people.
If you would like not only to recognize your face shape but also to truly understand it, you have the opportunity here to book a personal Face Reading.
If you want to see deeper in recruiting than a résumé allows, Face Reading offers a clear assessment of attitude, stress patterns, social competence, and potential – factual, discreet, and reliable.
Video: A conversation about personality, empathy, and what faces reveal
In this episode of FlowGrade – For Life, I speak with Max Gotzler about what Face Reading can truly offer today. We go through the fundamentals – physiognomy, facial expression, body language – and discuss how personality shows itself in the face, where the limits lie, and why empathy is the core of this work.
At the end, I read a few facets of Max’s personality from his face – in the form of a small speed reading, as a live analysis.
Free Face Reading webinar – live every month
In my monthly live webinar, I show you how Face Reading works in practice.
You will learn how facial features are connected to personality, resources, and inner patterns – and how you can use this knowledge for coaching, communication, or your personal development.
The webinar is interactive and offers plenty of space for your questions.
Join for free here:
