Hairstyles for Square Faces: 34 Ideas From Short Bob to Long Waves for Curly or Straight Hair
A square face shape, known for its strong jawline and angular features, can be beautifully balanced with the right hairstyle. From short bobs to long waves, the options are endless, but it’s essential to choose a style that softens the sharp angles and highlights your best features. Whether you’re a female looking for an easy everyday style or something more flattering for special events, this guide offers 34 stunning ideas. Let’s dive into the best hairstyles to enhance your shape.
Bob with Bangs
A bob with bangs is a classic style that works wonders for square faces. The soft fringe frames the forehead while the chin-length cut tapers the jawline, offering a flattering balance. This is a perfect look for both casual days and business settings, making it versatile for women over 50 or younger girls. Straight or slightly wavy hair complements this best, and it works well with lighter eye colors such as blue or green.
To achieve this look, ask your stylist for a blunt bob cut with side-swept bangs. Maintenance is simple; a flat iron can smooth out any waves, while products like a light hold spray will keep the bangs in place. Use a moisturizing shampoo, such as L’Oréal’s Total Repair 5, to maintain hair softness and shine.
Medium Shag with Layers
The medium shag cut is a trendy choice that adds texture and volume to your hair, perfect for thin hair types. The choppy layers soften the square jawline, while the messy, tousled look provides a carefree yet stylish vibe. This style is ideal for a casual day out or a low-key evening event. Pairing this cut with darker eye colors like brown or hazel will make it pop.
Achieving this hairstyle requires layers cut throughout the length, starting at the chin and continuing through to medium length. Use a volumizing mousse like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to boost volume and keep the layers bouncy. A weekly deep conditioning treatment will help maintain the texture and avoid split ends.
Long Waves with Side Part
Long waves with a deep side part soften the strong lines of a square face, creating a more elongated look. This long hair style is suitable for formal events like weddings or a date night, especially for women with curly hair or naturally wavy textures. The waves add movement, while the side part breaks up the symmetry of the square shape, making it a flattering choice.
To get this style, ask your stylist for long layers to maintain fullness at the ends. Use a large curling iron to create soft, loose waves, and a lightweight serum like MoroccanOil Treatment to keep your hair sleek and shiny. A leave-in conditioner will also help to protect your curly or wavy strands from frizz.
Pixie Cut with Side Bangs
For those who love short hair, the pixie cut with side-swept bangs is a bold and chic option. It’s particularly suitable for women with thick hair or asian features, as the side bangs soften the jawline, and the short back gives it a modern edge. This cut is great for active women or those looking for an easy-to-maintain, everyday style.
To maintain this pixie look, regular trims are essential. Style it with a lightweight pomade to add texture, and use a flat iron to smooth out the bangs. A volumizing dry shampoo like Batiste will keep the roots fresh between washes, ensuring the cut looks crisp all day long.
Shoulder-Length Layered Cut
A shoulder-length layered cut offers a balanced mix of volume and movement, ideal for black women or those with thick hair. The layers add dimension, and the length provides enough weight to keep the hair from becoming too voluminous around the face. This style is perfect for special occasions like parties or professional events, and it’s one of the best options for adding length without overwhelming the face shape.
This style is achieved by cutting layers throughout the hair, starting just below the shoulders. Use a curling wand to add loose waves and a shine serum for gloss. Products like Mizani’s Thermasmooth will help keep the hair smooth and frizz-free while adding heat protection.
Chin-Length Wavy Bob
The chin-length wavy bob is a modern twist on the traditional bob, adding softness and movement. This simple style flatters square faces by emphasizing the cheekbones and softening the jawline. It’s perfect for thin hair as the waves create more body. This look can be worn to casual brunches or semi-formal events, especially for women who prefer shorter hair.
This look requires a curling iron to create loose waves and a sea salt spray like Ouai Wave Spray for texture. Regular trims are needed to maintain the length and shape. A lightweight conditioner will ensure the hair stays hydrated and bouncy.
Short Curly Pixie
For women who embrace their curly hair, a short curly pixie is a fantastic way to highlight natural texture while balancing a square face. The curls add softness around the forehead and jawline, while the short length keeps the look modern and low-maintenance. This is ideal for a girl on the go, whether for work or social gatherings.
To achieve this style, use a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to enhance your natural curls. A diffuser will help dry the curls while keeping them voluminous. Regular trims are essential to maintain the pixie shape, and a lightweight hair oil can keep curls frizz-free.
Braided Crown
For a more elegant and unique style, the braided crown is a timeless option, especially for female events such as weddings or formal occasions. This hairstyle wraps the braid around the head, adding texture while softening the angular features of a square face. It’s an excellent choice for women with medium length hair, as the braid will have enough length to form a full crown.
To create this look, start by parting the hair down the middle and braiding both sides. Secure the ends with clear elastics and wrap each braid around the crown, pinning them in place. A flexible hold hairspray like Tresemmé Compressed Micro Mist will keep the braid intact throughout the event.
Shaggy Lob with Curtain Bangs
A shaggy lob with curtain bangs is a flattering choice for square faces, offering a modern, messy vibe. The shaggy layers create volume, while the curtain bangs frame the face and soften the angles of the jawline. This style is perfect for casual, everyday wear, and works best on thin hair or medium length hair.
This look is styled by adding layers starting from the top of the head, working down to the shoulders. Curtain bangs are cut to frame the face perfectly. Use a texturizing spray like Living Proof Dry Volume Blast for a tousled, undone look, and blow-dry the bangs with a round brush to keep them soft and bouncy.
Straight Long Layers
For women with long hair, straight layers are a sleek and elegant option that balances out a square face. The layers add movement and texture to prevent the look from being too severe, while still highlighting the natural beauty of long, straight hair. This style is great for formal events or even as a daily go-to for professional settings.
Ask your stylist for long layers starting at the shoulders, then use a flat iron to smooth out the hair. Apply a heat protectant like Redken’s Iron Shape 11 to keep your locks shiny and healthy, while a weekly keratin treatment will help maintain smoothness.
Soft Waves with Middle Part
Soft waves with a middle part can beautifully complement a square face by adding softness and balance. The waves provide volume and movement, creating a flattering contrast to the face’s angular structure. This style is great for both casual and formal occasions, making it versatile for events like weddings, date nights, or even brunch with friends. It suits most hair types, from medium to long lengths, and works well for asian or black women with thick or wavy hair.
To achieve this look, start by sectioning the hair and using a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Run your fingers through the waves for a natural look, and finish with a light-hold hairspray like Pantene Airspray for flexibility. A smoothing serum can help tame any frizz and enhance shine, keeping the waves sleek throughout the day.
Blunt Bob with Center Part
The blunt bob is a sharp, sleek look that works surprisingly well for square faces. By adding a center part, the hairstyle draws attention away from the jawline, balancing the strong features with a clean and modern look. This style is suitable for professional environments or stylish evenings out and is perfect for straight hair. It suits both young girls and women over 50 who want an elegant, low-maintenance cut.
To style this bob, use a flat iron to achieve a super-straight finish. Apply a heat protectant spray, such as Chi Iron Guard, before styling, and finish with a shine spray for that polished look. Regular trims are essential to keep the blunt edges sharp and maintain the overall shape.
Shoulder-Length Curls with Highlights
Shoulder-length curls add dimension and volume to a square face shape, while highlights can brighten the look, giving it a fresh and youthful vibe. The curls soften the face’s angular features, and the length helps maintain balance. This look is ideal for casual outings, family gatherings, or summer events. It works well with curly hair, especially for women with thin hair who want to add fullness.
To create this style, use a medium curling iron or hot rollers to define curls. A curl-enhancing product, like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, will add moisture and definition. Add highlights using a gentle, ammonia-free formula to maintain healthy curls. Finish with a lightweight curl refresher spray to keep curls vibrant and bouncy.
Textured Pixie Cut
For those looking for a bold, low-maintenance style, a textured pixie cut is a fantastic option. The layers provide movement and texture, breaking up the strong lines of a square face. It’s an ideal choice for busy lifestyles, making it suitable for both work and play. Women with thick hair will especially appreciate the ease of this cut, while thin hair can benefit from added volume with a texturizing product.
To style this cut, use a small amount of texturizing cream or pomade on damp hair to define the layers. Blow-dry with a diffuser to add body, or air dry for a more natural look. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the shape, and a quality conditioner, like OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil, will keep the hair soft and manageable.
Layered Cut with Side Bangs
A layered cut with side bangs is a flattering choice for square faces, as the layers add movement while the bangs soften the face’s angular lines. This hairstyle is perfect for daily wear or casual outings, and it’s easy to dress up for more formal occasions. The look works best on medium length hair and suits asian women or those with wavy textures.
Ask your stylist for layers that frame the face and start around the cheekbones. Style by blow-drying with a round brush, directing the bangs to the side for added softness. Use a lightweight mousse for volume, and finish with a shine spray to keep the hair looking vibrant.
Long Layers with Balayage
For women with long hair, adding layers and a balayage treatment can transform the look while enhancing natural features. The layers help elongate the face, balancing the jawline, while the balayage adds dimension and color. This style is perfect for beach days, evening events, or any occasion where you want to make a statement.
Ask for long layers with a subtle balayage that complements your natural hair color. Style with a large curling wand to create soft, flowing waves, and finish with a sea salt spray for texture. A sulfate-free shampoo will help maintain the balayage color, keeping it fresh and vibrant.
Short Curly Bob
The short curly bob is a fun and youthful style that adds softness and volume to a square face. The curls add dimension, helping to balance out strong features, while the short length keeps the look light and playful. This style is great for everyday wear and is ideal for black women or anyone with naturally curly hair.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair, then use a diffuser to dry. For extra definition, wrap sections around a small curling iron, and finish with a frizz-fighting serum to keep curls bouncy and defined. Regular conditioning is essential to keep curls hydrated and avoid frizz.
Sleek, Straight Long Hair
Sleek, straight long hair with a center part is a timeless look that enhances the angular features of a square face by adding a contrasting smoothness. This style is perfect for formal events or professional settings where you want to present a polished image. Korean women and those with naturally straight hair will find this style easy to maintain and versatile.
To style, use a high-quality flat iron for a sleek finish, and always apply a heat protectant spray. A shine serum, like Moroccanoil, can add a polished look and keep hair smooth throughout the day. Regular trims will ensure the ends remain neat and healthy.
Chin-Length A-Line Bob
An A-line bob that’s chin length provides a sleek, angular look that is both chic and flattering for square faces. The asymmetrical cut adds a bit of edge, while the chin-length finish draws attention to the cheekbones. This style is ideal for evening events or formal occasions and is well-suited for women with straight or wavy hair.
This look is created by cutting the bob slightly longer in the front and shorter at the back. Use a flat iron to achieve a smooth finish, and apply a lightweight serum to add shine. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape and keep it looking sharp.
Side Swept Braids
Side-swept braids offer a soft, romantic look that complements a square face by adding asymmetry. This style works beautifully for outdoor events, casual days, or even a bohemian-inspired wedding. It’s especially suitable for long or shoulder-length hair, and adds a whimsical touch to any outfit.
To style, part your hair to one side and create a loose braid, securing it with a clear elastic. For a more relaxed look, gently pull apart sections of the braid to add volume. A touch of flexible hairspray will help keep the braid in place, while a spritz of dry shampoo at the roots can add texture and hold.
Wavy Lob with Side Part
A wavy lob (long bob) with a deep side part is ideal for square faces as it creates a soft, flattering frame. The wavy texture helps break up the strong lines of the jaw, while the lob length provides versatility. This style is suitable for both everyday wear and more polished events, and it works particularly well with medium length hair. Women with thick or wavy hair will appreciate the natural movement and ease of this look.
To style, use a medium curling iron to create loose waves, then tousle with your fingers for a relaxed vibe. Finish with a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to add hold and volume. A smoothing serum can help reduce frizz, especially for those with naturally wavy or frizzy hair.
Straight Blunt Cut with Bangs
A straight blunt cut with bangs is a bold, fashion-forward choice that suits square faces beautifully. The blunt cut emphasizes the cheekbones, while the bangs soften the forehead, providing balance. This style is great for asian women or those with naturally straight hair, and it’s ideal for professional settings or formal occasions.
To achieve this look, use a flat iron to create a sleek finish. Apply a heat protectant, such as Chi Iron Guard, before styling, and follow up with a shine-enhancing spray for a polished appearance. Regular trims are necessary to keep the blunt edges sharp and maintain the overall shape.
Long Shag with Curtain Bangs
The long shag cut with curtain bangs is a trendy choice for square faces, offering both texture and volume. The curtain bangs frame the face, softening the angles, while the shaggy layers add a playful edge. This style is perfect for casual outings and is well-suited for women with long hair or medium length hair.
To style, blow-dry the bangs with a round brush to keep them soft and parted. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the shaggy layers and create a lived-in look. A conditioning mask once a week will keep the hair healthy and bouncy, ensuring the layers stay voluminous.
Short Curly Afro
A short curly afro is a stunning and natural choice that highlights the beauty of curly hair while balancing a square face. The rounded shape of the afro softens the jawline, creating a harmonious look. This style is ideal for black women with 4C or coily textures, making it perfect for those embracing their natural curls.
To maintain this style, use a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream and a leave-in conditioner to keep curls hydrated and defined. A regular trim will help maintain the shape, while a silk or satin scarf can protect the curls overnight, reducing frizz and breakage.
Textured Chin-Length Bob
A textured chin-length bob is a modern and versatile choice for square faces. The textured layers add volume and movement, which soften the angular jawline and create a flattering silhouette. This style is ideal for women with thin hair or those looking for a low-maintenance option that works for both work and social events.
To achieve this look, ask for choppy layers that fall around the chin. Use a styling cream or mousse to add volume, and blow-dry with a round brush to create a bit of lift at the roots. Finish with a lightweight hairspray for hold, and consider using a volumizing shampoo to keep the hair full and bouncy.
Choosing the right hairstyle for a square face shape can make all the difference in creating a balanced, flattering look. Whether you’re looking for something simple and everyday or something more suitable for formal events, there’s a style here for every woman. Try one of these ten ideas, and don’t forget to share your favorites or ideas in the comments!