The Ultimate Guide to Face-Framing Layers for Each Face Shape

If you find yourself looking in the mirror wondering what you can do to spice up your haircut, it may be your time to get into some trendy face-framing layers. In case you didn’t already know, face-framing layers involve your hairstylist cutting your hair in varying lengths at the front of your face to define or “frame” your features. 

Face-framing layers, whether it be the ‘70s shag cut or the iconic ‘90s haircut that we all know and love, are always on trend in some capacity because they look so good on everyone. With that said, face-framing layers are not a one-size-fits-all deal and there’s a haircut that’s best suited for every face shape. 

To make identifying those styles easier, we’re breaking down the best face-framing layers for round faces, heart-shaped faces, oval faces and more. Take notes as we share the best face-framing layers for your face shape.

What Are Face-Framing Layers?

Face-framing layers are shorter pieces of hair, strategically placed around the face to help accentuate or soften your features. They’re very flattering, and the way the layers fall can even help to slim and contour your face. Curtain bangs are buzzing at the moment and those represent a shorter version of face-framing layers that help to balance the face by softening features. 

The best thing about face-framing layers is that they can work for everyone — all hair types, textures, lengths and face shapes. Because of this, there is not one way to do face-framing layers. The best version for you will be heavily influenced by your face shape, your features and your preferences.

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Oval Faces

If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky because there is no shortage of options when it comes to layered haircuts that will suit your face shape. Since your proportional shape gives you a bit of leeway, consider emphasizing its symmetry with some face-framing bangs like curtain bangs. Pair it with long, face-framing layers that start at the chin, and your hair is sure to have a certain bounce and style that everyone covets. 

To style your bouncy layers, a round brush and a blow dryer work best, so don’t forget to prime your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant. This leave-in protects against hot tool temperatures up to 450 degrees and leaves the hair smooth and shiny without weigh-down. 

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Heart-Shaped Faces

Those with a heart-shaped face have a wider forehead and a narrower chin. Your ideal face-framing layers will take attention away from your forehead, which is why side-swept bangs, wispy bangs or curtain bangs with long face-framing layers are ideal. This type of cut will help to balance out the bottom half of your face to offer a slimming effect. To really define and emphasize your already prominent cheekbones, ask your hairstylist for face-framing bangs that barely graze the highest points on your face.

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Square Faces

Square faces are equal in height and width and have sharp, defined features. Use your face-framing layers to help soften your features while adding a bit of length. You’ll want to ask your hairstylist for soft, wispy and long layers with side-swept bangs. Lightweight, wispy layers will soften your square-shaped face while adding volume and body to your style. 

To keep your wispy layers in place all day long, a few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented will do the job. This hairspray provides extra strong hold — no crunch or residue, and dissolves with the stroke of a brush. 

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Rectangular Faces

Much like square faces, rectangular faces look best with face-framing layers that help soften their chiseled features. Think wispy, mid-length layers that add texture, and stay away from long layers as they help to lengthen the face. If you have a long forehead that you’d like to minimize, face-framing short layers or French bangs can be a great option.

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Round Faces

If you have a round face, you likely already know that the goal of your haircut should be to add length. To create the illusion of an elongated face, ask your stylist for mid-length, face-framing layers that start below the chin. Pairing those layers with a blunt cut can also serve as a flattering contrast for your round visage. 

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Diamond Faces

Diamond faces feature a small forehead, defined cheekbones and a tapered chin. Since your cheekbones are sharp, you’ll want your face-framing layers to soften their appearance. The best way to do that is to opt for medium and long layers that fall past your cheeks, and create a cascading effect. Side-swept bangs are also a great addition that can help soften sharp features.

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Triangular Faces

Triangle faces feature a smaller forehead and a more prominent jawline, so naturally, your best face-framing hairstyle is going to be all about adding volume at the crown. Ask your stylist for face-framing bangs that will help add fullness around your forehead — styles like micro bangs and blunt bangs will be most flattering. When your hair is damp, focus the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse at the crown and blow dry your hair upwards to create long-lasting volume.

The Best Face-Framing Layers for Oblong Faces

If you have an oblong face shape (picture a rectangle shape with rounded edges), ask your hairdresser for face-framing strands that will help shorten your face and define your features. Shorter layers and face-framing layers that stop at your cheekbones are a great choice.

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Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Mirna Jose, Hair Assistant: Keila Rivera, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Zlata Semenko