Choosing the perfect wig can transform not just your look but also your confidence. However, with the multitude of styles out there, it can be overwhelming to find the one that best suits you. One effective way to narrow down your options is by considering your face shape.
The key to finding the right hairstyle for your face shape is highlighting the features you love while balancing and softening your stronger features or the features you’d like to distract from. With a hairstyle, you have the power to create an illusion that leads the eye to where you want it to go.
For example, if you have a strong, square jawline, you might want to avoid a chin-length bob or layers that hit at your jawline because it will draw attention to that feature. Similarly, if you have high cheekbones, you may want to avoid layers that fall right at your cheekbones. Instead, opt for a style with longer layers, which can help to balance, lengthen, and soften those prominent features. Have you ever noticed that Angelina Jolie typically wears long hair? She clearly knows how to flatter her strong facial structure!
Considering the measurements of the wig and where layers or bangs will fall on you is equally as important as the style itself. Make sure to have a tape measure on hand when searching for a wig style, especially online. An 8-inch bang or 16-inch side layer will fall differently on every person.
Here’s a guide to help you pick the right wig style based on your unique facial features and which styles to avoid.
Table of Contents:
- Identifying Your Face Shape
- Wig Styles for Each Face Shape
- Tips for Trying Out Wigs
- Measuring For the Perfect Fit.
Identifying Your Face Shape
First, let’s determine your face shape. Here are the main face shapes and their defining characteristics:
- Oval: Balanced proportions with a slightly narrower jawline than the forehead.
- Round: Full cheeks and a rounded chin, with the width and length of the face being roughly equal.
- Square: A strong jawline with a broad forehead and cheekbones.
- Heart: A wider forehead with a narrow, pointed chin.
- Long/Rectangular: A longer face with a straight cheek line and sometimes a prominent chin.
- Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with broad cheekbones.
Wig Styles for Each Face Shape
Have you determined your face shape? Now, let’s discuss which hairstyles will best suit you and the hairstyles to avoid.
1. Oval
Oval faces can pull off almost any wig style due to their balanced proportions. Here are some styles that can enhance your natural features:
- Chin-Length Bob with Volume: Perfect for oval faces, as it highlights your jawline while adding fullness.
- Long Layers: Adds volume and movement without overwhelming your face.
- Waves and Curls: Enhance your natural symmetry with waves or curls for a soft, romantic look.
Avoid: Wigs with too much volume on top, which can make the face appear longer.
2. Round
The goal for round faces is to add length and create the illusion of a more defined structure. Opt for styles that elongate your face:
- Long and Layered: Long, layered wigs help to elongate your face and create a slimmer appearance.
- Side Parts: A side part adds asymmetry, breaking up the roundness.
- Volume on Top: Wigs with height at the crown add length and balance.
Avoid: Chin-length bobs and styles with too much volume on the sides, which can make the face look wider.
3. Square
For a square face, you want to soften your strong jawline and add length to your face:
- Soft Curls and Waves: These add softness and roundness to your angular features.
- Layered Cuts: Layered or wispy ends help to soften your jawline. If it’s a long-layered style, be sure to check the wig’s measurements to ensure the layers don’t fall right at your jawline.
- Side-Swept Bangs: These can break up the width of your forehead and add softness.
Avoid: Blunt cuts that hit at the jawline, which can emphasize the square shape and bring attention to your jawline. Similarly, avoid layers that hit right at your jawline. Also avoid straight-across bangs that can make the face appear shorter.
4. Heart
Balancing a wider forehead and a narrow chin involves adding volume around the jawline and minimizing the forehead’s width:
- Chin-Length Bobs: These add fullness around the jaw, balancing your face.
- Side Parts and Bangs: Soft side-swept bangs or a deep side part help to reduce the width of the forehead.
- Wavy or Curly Styles: Add width to the lower part of your face.
Avoid: Super short pixie cuts that can make the chin appear sharper.
5. Long/Rectangular
To balance the length of a rectangular face, you need styles that add width and volume:
- Curls and Waves: These add width and soften the face’s length.
- Bangs: Straight across or side-swept bangs can shorten the face length.
- Layered Cuts: Layered cuts add volume and reduce the appearance of length.
Avoid: Long, straight styles without layers, which can further elongate the face.
6. Diamond
With a diamond face shape, the goal is to soften the cheekbones and balance the narrow forehead and jawline:
- Chin-Length Bobs: These add width to the jawline.
- Layered Cuts: Layered styles soften the sharpness of your cheekbones.
- Side Parts: Side parts add softness and reduce the width at the cheeks.
Avoid: Styles with too much volume at the cheeks, which can make the face look wider, and high ponytails that can exaggerate the narrowness of the forehead and jawline.
Tips for Trying Out Wigs
- Consult a Professional: A professional wig stylist can help you find styles that suit your face shape and personal style.
- Try Before You Buy: Always try on wigs before purchasing to see how they complement your face shape. Use our Store Locator tool to find a Jon Renau retailer near you.
- Consider Your Lifestyle: Choose styles that fit your daily routine and comfort level. Short, synthetic wig styles will typically be lower maintenance than long, human hair wig styles.
Measuring for the Perfect Fit
When ordering wigs online, it’s essential to know your measurements to ensure the wig fits and looks as expected. Check out our guide Wig Sizing 101 to learn how to measure for a wig.
Additionally, consider the length of the wig and where layers or bangs will fall on you. Use a tape measure to determine where an 8-inch bang or 16-inch layer will fall on your face.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect wig is about highlighting the features you love and balancing or distracting from the ones you might want to downplay. By considering your face shape and the wig’s measurements, you can discover a wig style that enhances your unique facial features and natural beauty. Happy wig shopping!
