24 of the Best Haircuts and Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces

Full cheeks, high cheekbones, an angular, narrowed chin—if these words describe what you see when you look in the mirror, chances are good you have a heart-shaped face. The best haircuts for heart-shaped faces can help accentuate favorite features (like those enviable cheekbones) and create a balanced, harmonious look. But finding the right haircut to flatter your face shape can feel like a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. We’re here to help. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 24 of our favorite hairstyle and haircut ideas for heart-shaped faces, from long, layered cuts to choppy pixies (and everything in between). Keep scrolling to find inspiration for your next cut.

How To Tell If You Have a Heart-Shaped Face

A heart-shaped face is typically defined by a wider forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a narrower, more tapered chin. If you’re trying to figure out whether this is your face shape, start by assessing your face in the mirror: if your forehead appears to be the widest point and your jawline narrows down toward the chin, you’re likely in heart-shaped territory. Another clue is a subtle widow’s peak or a natural “V” shape at the hairline, though not everyone with a heart-shaped face has this feature.

It can also help to compare your features to other common face shapes. Oval faces are more balanced in length and width with softly rounded edges, while round faces have similar width and length with fuller cheeks and a softer jawline. Square faces are defined by a strong, angular jaw and forehead that are roughly the same width, and long or oblong faces are noticeably longer than they are wide. If your features don’t quite fit those categories—and instead emphasize a broader upper face that tapers at the chin—you’re likely looking at a heart-shaped structure.

If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place—heart-shaped faces look especially flattering with haircuts that balance a wider forehead while drawing attention to the cheekbones and jawline. Ahead, explore the best styles by length and texture: Short hairstyles, medium hairstyles, long hairstyles, curly & textured styles, and updos.

Best Bangs for Heart-Shaped Faces

Strategic fringe can be a great way to balance a wider forehead and accentuate prominent cheekbones. Ahead, discover a handful of the best heart-shaped face hairstyles with fringe.

Long, piecey bangs

Long piecey bangs help soften a wider forehead without the heavy feel of full fringe. The most flattering length usually sits between the brows and just below the lashes, providing natural-looking movement without overwhelming the face. To get the look, ask your stylist for soft, piecey fringe with light separation.

Long sideswept bangs

Side-swept bangs create flattering asymmetry, helping to offset the broader forehead typical of heart-shaped faces. They blend easily into layers, lobs, or long hair for a soft, face-framing effect. This style is especially well-suited for those with thicker hair, as thin strands can look stringy if not styled properly.

Blunt bangs

Blunt bangs can work for heart-shaped faces, but they need to be softened to avoid emphasizing forehead width. Opt for bangs that graze your brows and ask your stylist to lightly feather the ends for an airier feel. For added movement, pair your fringe with a textured cut, such as a layered lob. If you need to blow-dry your bangs to keep them in place, be sure to prep your hair with a heat protectant to minimize damage. We like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair+ Oil-in-Serum, which shields against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feathery fringe

Feathery fringe offers a softer alternative to blunt bangs. With this technique, your stylist will cut your bangs vertically at the ends, which helps to remove unwanted bulk and keeps the look light and airy. Anyone can rock feathered bangs, but it’s especially flattering those with wavy hair that already has a bit of texture.

Curtain bangs

If you typically wear your hair with a center part, try curtain bangs. This longer, softly tapered fringe usually falls around the cheekbones and parts down the middle, sweeping to either side to frame the face. The length highlights cheekbones while helping balance a wider forehead. Plus, the gradual, blended shape keeps the look soft, effortless, and easy to style. If your bangs tend to fall out of place—or you simply need help getting them to stay where you want them to be—finish your styling routine with a light misting of hairspray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray.

Best Short Heart-Shaped Face Haircuts

Short hair can be incredibly flattering on heart-shaped faces when it’s cut to balance a wider forehead and highlight the cheekbones. The key is choosing shapes with softness, texture, or width around the jawline so the overall proportions feel more even.

Piecey pixie

A piecey pixie puts your high cheekbones and full display, while balancing a wider forehead with a hint of fringe. Plus, the choppy, separated texture adds lightness and prevents the cut from feeling too structured.

Shaggy bixie

A shaggy bixie is a great alternative to a classic pixie for anyone not ready to go super short, offering a bit more length and versatility while still keeping things light and textured. The layered, slightly undone shape softens a heart-shaped face and adds movement without feeling severe or overly structured. It also has an easy, forgiving grow-out phase, blending smoothly into a bob as it lengthens.

French bob

Unlike a classic bob, a French bob sits at or just above the jawline, adding width where heart-shaped faces benefit most. This helps visually balance a narrower chin while keeping the look soft and modern. Plus, French bobs pair beautifully with curtain bangs, making them a great option for those who want to experiment with fringe.

Best Bob and Lob Heart-Shaped Face Haircuts

Bob and lob cuts are ideal for heart-shaped faces because they add balance to the lower face while keeping the overall shape soft and versatile. The right length, texture, and styling can help even out proportions and highlight the cheekbones.

Long layered lob

A long layered lob offers the best of both worlds: It’s short enough to feel low maintenance on a day-to-day basis, but long enough that you can put it up if you want to wear an updo (or simply get your hair off of your face). For the most flattering effect, ask your stylist for a collarbone-length cut with face-framing layers. The layers will help emphasize your cheekbones, allowing you to put your enviable bone structure on full display.

Wavy lob

A wavy lob adds texture and movement that softens angular features and creates volume below the cheekbones. This helps create a more balanced silhouette for heart-shaped faces. If your hair tends to lose volume or falls flat throughout the day, try prepping your mane with a volumizing mousse, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Collagen Peptide + Lifter Big Lift Volumizing Mousse.

Choppy bob

Choppy bobs are a great option for those who prefer a little more edge. The textured, uneven ends add visual interest and help balance a narrower jawline, creating a harmonious silhouette. Another perk: Styling this look is usually pretty easy, especially if you have wavier strands. Just work a mousse or texturizing paste throughout your mid-lengths and ends and let your mane air-dry for an effortless, woke-up-like-this look.

Curly bob

You can absolutely rock short hair with curly strands—the key is customizing the cut to complement your natural curl pattern. A curly bob, in particular, flatters heart-shaped faces by adding balanced volume around the jawline. For best results, see a stylist experienced in curly cuts who can shape the layers to enhance definition and movement. This ensures your curls look bouncy, balanced, and easy to maintain.

Flipped-in lob

A flipped-in lob has a retro, ’90s-inspired feel, with ends that curl inward toward the jawline. This subtle bend adds softness and helps visually balance a narrower chin, which works especially well for heart-shaped faces. It pairs nicely with curtain or side-swept bangs for a cohesive, face-framing effect. To get the look, ask for a lob that can be styled with an inward flip and soft movement through the ends.

Best Medium and Long Heart-Shaped Face Haircuts

Long hair can be incredibly flattering for those with heart-shaped faces, especially when it’s styled to add softness and fullness around the jawline. The key is using layers, waves, or curls to balance a wider forehead while enhancing the cheekbones and lower face. Keep scrolling for a few ideas to consider.

Long wavy hair

Long, loose waves create the illusion of volume around the jawline, which helps balance out a narrower chin. If your hair is especially thick, ask your stylist for invisible layers around your face, which can help remove unwanted bulk and ensure your waves look full, not overly fluffy.

Butterfly cut

The trendy butterfly cut features cascading, airy layers around the face, which—when styled—flip inward to create a shape reminiscent of butterfly wings (hence the name). The face-framing layers accentuate prominent cheekbones beautifully, while the slightly longer length allows you to play with various styling options. To get the look, ask your stylist for a butterfly cut with soft, cascading layers that start around your cheekbones.

Long layers with bouncy curls

Long layers paired with bouncy curls create fullness right where heart-shaped faces need it most—around the lower face. The added volume helps balance proportions while keeping the look soft and dynamic. This style works best with naturally curly hair, though if you have straight or wavy strands, you can still rock it—it’ll just take a bit of styling.

Shoulder-length shag

A shoulder-length shag is the ultimate cool-girl cut and pairs beautifully with the delicate features of heart-shaped faces. To get the rock-and-roll look, ask your stylist for a shoulder-length cut with choppy layers cut throughout. This look demands lots of texture and volume—if you’re lacking in either area, spritz your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Peptide + Lifter Big Fresh Volumizing Shampoo while styling. It helps absorb excess oil at the roots while adding weightless texture and volume.

Feathered layers

If you prefer a softer look, try feathered layers. This style features softly-cut layers that cascade throughout the mid-lengths and ends, adding movement and volume without any unnecessary bulk. Because of its lightweight feel, it’s a great option for those with finer hair—though an experienced stylist can tailor the look for thicker strands, too.

Medium layered cut with side-swept bangs

A medium layered cut with side-swept bangs creates asymmetry that visually elongates and balances the face. The angled fringe draws attention to the eyes while softening the forehead. It’s a versatile option that works across a range of hair types and styles, from fine, straight hair to thicker waves and curls.

Best Updos and Styling Ideas for Heart-Shaped Faces

Finding the right haircut for your heart-shaped face is only part of the equation—learning how to style your strands properly is also a must. Ahead, we’re sharing some of our favorite hairstyles for a heart face shape.

Low bun

For days when you need a quick, versatile style, a low bun is an easy go-to. Keep it slightly relaxed and pull out a few face-framing pieces in the front to soften the look and draw attention to your cheekbones.

Slicked-back bun

For a sleeker take on your classic updo, try a slicked-back bun. While this elegant style looks high-maintenance, it’s pretty easy to achieve with the right styling products. Simply brush your hair back, twist it into a low (or high) topknot, and secure with a hair tie. If you’re prone to frizz or flyaways, smooth down baby hairs with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick Back Hair Styling Cream for a sleek, polished finish.

Wavy high ponytail

A high ponytail with loose, face-framing curls helps soften the angles of a heart-shaped face while adding volume around the jawline. The result is a balanced, eye-catching look that works just as well for day as it does for night.

Deep side part

If you have a heart-shaped face, a deep side part is an easy way to play up your naturally prominent cheekbones. The asymmetry adds a slightly sculpted effect, no haircut required—just switch from your usual middle part when you want a change. If your hair resists holding the style or you’re dealing with a cowlick, finish with a high-hold spray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Classic Hairspray to keep everything in place.

Bouffant updo

If you’re looking to soften sharper features while adding a touch of retro romance, consider a modern bouffant. This voluminous style creates height and fullness that help balance a heart-shaped face, typically achieved with a bit of teasing at the crown. If you’re new to backcombing, check out our article Teased Hair Is Your Secret for Long-Lasting Volume for a how-to.

Haircuts and Hairstyles To Avoid For Heart-Shaped Faces

While there are no strict “rules” where hair is concerned, there are some styles that may not be entirely flattering on those with heart-shaped faces.

Heavy, blunt fringe that sits straight across the forehead, for example, can make the upper face appear wider, especially without any softness or layering. Similarly, ultra-flat styles with no movement (think pin-straight, one-length hair) can draw attention upward rather than balancing the jawline. Overly slicked-back looks can have a similar effect by fully exposing the forehead and minimizing volume around the lower face.

That said, most of these styles can still work with a few tweaks. Softening blunt bangs, adding texture or waves, or incorporating face-framing layers can help redistribute volume and create a more balanced silhouette. It’s all about adjusting the details to complement your natural features rather than avoiding specific cuts altogether.

FAQs About Heart-Shaped Face Hairstyles

Can heart-shaped faces have short hair?

Yes, short hair can be incredibly flattering on heart-shaped faces when it’s cut with balance in mind. Styles like textured pixies, bixies, or jaw-length bobs work well because they add softness and volume around the lower face, helping offset a wider forehead.

Does long hair suit heart-shaped faces?

Long hair is especially flattering on heart-shaped faces when it includes layers, waves, or curls that create fullness around the jawline and below. The key is avoiding overly flat, one-length styles and instead adding movement to maintain balance.

What’s the best haircut for heart-shaped faces?

There’s no single “best” cut for a heart-shaped face, but the most flattering styles tend to balance a wider forehead and narrower chin. Think curtain bangs, layered lobs, textured bobs, and long styles with face-framing layers—all of which help highlight cheekbones while softening overall proportions.

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Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris