If you have a triangle-shaped face, you can see yourself alongside iconic celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Tyra Banks, and Rihanna. But while you're in good company, having a triangle-shaped face will affect which haircuts and styles complement your features best, so you'll want to learn about it before committing to a look you've only seen on someone with a different face shape.
How do you know if you have a triangle-shaped face? According to Aloxxi artist Sam LaBella, a triangle face shape will be widest at the cheekbones and more narrow along the jaw and chin. As with any face shape, you'll want to think about what you want to accentuate and what you want to balance, but by learning a few key tips, finding photo inspiration, and talking to your stylist, you'll be able to make a whole range of cuts work well alongside your features. LaBella is fond of lots of layers and texture and movement around the eyes, while Raven Hurtado, stylist at Chicago's Maxine Salon, loves a soft, angled bob or side part. "Layers around your chin look great with triangle face. It’s a lighter, softer and stylish look without being too long that’ll pull everything down," she adds.
Meet the Expert
- Sam LaBella is an Aloxxi artist, master colorist, and expert hairstylist located in Denver, Colorado.
- Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Illinois.
Ready for some major inspiration? Below, take a look at 10 of the best hairstyles for people with a triangle face shape.
Angled Bob
Is there anything more iconic than Victoria Beckham's angled bob? We don't think so. This cut is also a fave of LaBella's.
Asymmetrical Bob
Rihanna's angled bob era was one for the history books—and just so happens to be a fantastic hairstyle for people with a triangular face. To get the look super sleek, use ColorWow's Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum ($20) after flat-ironing your hair.
A Short Pixie Cut
Scarlett Johansson's short pixie is giving us boss vibes in the best way possible. This short haircut is great for those with a triangle-shaped face, because it doesn't make your face appear longer, Hurtado explains.
Face-Framing Layers
Don't worry, you don't have to chop all of your hair off to suit a triangle-shaped face. Tyra Banks's face-framing layers help show off her snatched jawline, a look we can all aspire to.
Bob with Bangs
A sleek bob + bangs = a vibe. "Bangs look great, but not a full bang," Hurtado advises. "You want bangs that are light and texturized, with movement that’ll draw attention towards the top of your face."
Half Up with Waves
To achieve Jessica Szohr's effortlessly sleek half-updo, use a comb to part your hair across the middle of your head. Clip the top half with a barrette of your choosing, and use Aloxxi's Texturizing Spray ($20), recommended by LaBella, on the bottom half for chic beach waves.
Deep Side Part
Gen Z might say the side part is out, but we say there's always a place for it, and the deeper the better. A side part can soften the face and complements strong face shapes, including triangle. "A side part is also good; it balances the width of the forehead without covering too much of your face," Hurtado says.
Short Beachy Waves
Another bob look? Of course! This time, instead of sleek pieces, style your hair with tousled, beachy waves like Jennifer Love Hewitt. if you really want a lived-in look with extra volume, try using the Aloxxi Strong Hold Mousse ($21) on day-old hair.
High Box Braid Ponytail
If you have box braids, pile them high like Kelly Rowland to show off your amazing face shape while creating a lifted silhouette. For a chic touch, you can wrap a few braids around your ponytail holder to create a super put-together look. Don't forget to slick down your baby hairs with the Pattern Edge Control ($12).
Sleek Low Fishtail
Ashley Simpson's low, sleek fishtail ponytail (and the big hoops) are... well, everything. To keep flyaways at bay and ensure your hair doesn't move even in humidity, wind, or rain, style with the Moco de Gorila Gorilla Snot Hair Gel ($3). And yes, that's the real name.