Jaw at the base
Triangle face shape
The widest line sits at the bottom.
A triangle face, also called a pear face, is widest at the jaw. The forehead is narrower, the cheekbones sit between the two, and the jaw often has a strong, square quality. The overall shape widens from the top down.
Styling usually adds width at the forehead and keeps the jaw from looking heavier. Volume on top, bangs that cross the brow, and frames with a strong upper line all help. The jaw itself is a feature, not a problem, so the aim is balance rather than concealment.
At a glance
The widest line sits at the bottom.
- Length to cheekbone width
- About 1.2 to 1.45
- Forehead to cheekbone
- About 0.78 to 0.9
- Jaw to cheekbone
- About 0.99 or above
- Jawline at the chin
- A broad angle at a wide jaw
Recognize it
What makes a triangle face
- The jaw is the widest part of the face, or very close to it.
- The forehead is clearly narrower than the cheekbones.
- The jawline is often strong and square at the corners.
- The lower face carries more visual weight than the upper face.
How the measurement works
The triangle rule fires when the jaw is at least as wide as the cheekbones, or when the jaw is nearly as wide and clearly wider than the forehead. That second condition catches the many faces where the jaw and cheekbones are close but the forehead is narrow.
Hair that builds the top
Volume at the crown, a side part with a lifted root, and bangs that cross the forehead all add width where the face is narrowest. A chin-length bob with volume at the top works well. Styles that are flat on top and wide at the jaw repeat the triangle, so avoid a tight, flat crown with a heavy, jaw-length cut.
Frames with a strong top line
Browline frames, a soft cat-eye, or a rectangle with a thicker upper rim put weight at the eye line and balance the jaw. Bottom-heavy frames and small, low-set lenses make the lower face look wider. Keep the frame wide enough to sit just past the cheekbones.
Styling
Pages for a triangle face
- Haircuts for womenLengths, layers and bangs chosen for the proportions of each shape.
- Haircuts for menFades, crops and longer cuts, with the volume placed where it balances the face.
- GlassesFrame shapes that contrast with the face, plus the widths that fit.
- EyebrowsArch height, thickness and tail length for each set of proportions.
- BeardsWhere to add or remove weight along the jaw, cheek line and chin.
Questions
Triangle face questions
Is a triangle face the same as a pear face?
Yes. Both describe a face that is widest at the jaw with a narrower forehead. Some systems call it a base-heavy face.
Which haircut suits a triangle face?
A cut with volume at the crown and softness around the jaw. Short layered cuts and chin-length bobs both work. Avoid a flat top and a wide, heavy bottom edge.
Which glasses suit a triangle face?
Browline, cat-eye and rectangular frames with a strong upper rim. These add width at the top of the face and draw the eye upward.
Do triangle faces suit short hair?
Yes, especially with texture on top. A short cut with a lifted crown and tapered sides can balance the jaw very well.
Which beard shape suits a triangle face?
A short, neat beard that follows the jaw without adding width, or a goatee that leaves the jaw corners clean. A wide, full beard emphasises the widest part of the face.