Definitions, ratios and styles
The seven face shapes
A face shape is a shorthand for a set of proportions. These seven are the ones the detector uses. Each page shows the ratio bands, what makes the shape recognizable, and the styling pages written for it.
Measure my faceHow a shape is decided
- 1. Face length divided by cheekbone width.
- 2. Forehead width and jaw width, each divided by cheekbone width.
- 3. The rule that matches those three ratios, in a fixed order.
The tool shows the confidence and the closest other shape, because most faces sit near a boundary.
- About 1.3 to 1.5
Heart face shape
The width is at the top, the point is at the bottom.
Read the heart guide
Questions
About the seven shapes
Can a face be two shapes at once?
Yes, very often. Most faces sit near a boundary: a round face with a strong jaw, or an oval face that is slightly long. The detector reports the closest shape and the runner up rather than forcing one answer.
Which face shape is most common?
Oval and round are the most common readings, followed by square and heart. That is partly because the oval rule covers the middle of the ratio range, not because oval faces are better.
Do face shapes change with weight?
The bone structure does not change, but fullness at the cheeks can move a reading across a boundary. The tool measures landmarks, so a face can read differently at different weights.
Is there a best face shape?
No. A shape is a description of proportions. Each of the seven has hairstyles, frames, brows and beard shapes written for it on this site.
35 styling pages across seven shapes, plus the free detector. Not medical or cosmetic advice.