Triangle Face Shapes: How to Choose Flattering Hairstyles and Styling Tips

The triangle face shape is less common compared to round, oval, or heart-shaped faces. Characterized by a narrow forehead and a wider jawline, this face shape is sometimes known as a pear shape and contrasts sharply with the heart-shaped face.

If you have a triangle face shape, don’t worry about feeling limited in your styling options. The goal is to work with and accentuate your natural features. Here’s a guide to help you choose the most flattering hairstyles and styling techniques for your triangle face shape:

Key Characteristics of a Triangle Face Shape

If you have a triangle face shape, you might notice the following characteristics:

Your face tends to be longer rather than wide.

The forehead and temple areas are typically narrower.

Your cheekbones may be less prominent or flatter.

The jaw is either angular and robust like a square face or softer and slightly fleshy like a round face.

Your chin might have a squarish appearance.

Because a triangle face shape is bottom-heavy, the key to flattering your look is to balance out a broad, prominent jaw. Opt for styles that enhance your delicate forehead and avoid adding excessive volume at the sides.

In contrast, inverted triangle faces, which are more common and considered more feminine, feature a broad forehead and a face that narrows towards the jawline. Hairstyles for inverted triangles often aim to balance the hairline and add width towards the chin.

Best Styles for Triangle Faces

Want to have the most flattering hairstyle for your face? Check out these styles below.

Straight Haircuts

Straight haircuts are a fantastic option for those with a triangle face shape, as they can add volume and balance to the face’s proportions. This style helps to counteract the bottom-heavy nature of a triangle face by adding width where it’s needed, creating a more harmonious look.

Why Straight Hair Works

Straight haircuts offer a sleek, clean look that helps to balance the broad jawline and narrow forehead typical of triangle face shapes. By keeping the hair straight and avoiding excessive layering, you avoid drawing too much attention to the wider parts of the face. Straight hair also provides a uniform texture that visually elongates the face, giving it a more balanced appearance.

Ideal Lengths and Styles

To flatter a triangle face shape, opt for straight hair that falls no shorter than eye level. Hair that is too short can emphasize the width of the jawline and make the forehead appear even narrower. Medium to long straight styles are particularly effective, as they help balance out the face’s proportions. Consider classic one-length cut, straight lob (long bob), or long layers that start below the shoulders.

Adding Volume and Texture

If you want to enhance your straight hair further, use products that add volume and texture without adding bulk. A light mousse or volumizing spray can help create body and movement, preventing the hair from appearing flat and lifeless. Regularly using dry shampoo is also beneficial; it can refresh your hair between washes while adding extra volume.

Styling Tips

Avoid Heavy Layers: While layers can add movement to straight hair, heavy or choppy layers may accentuate the triangle face shape. Stick to subtle layering if you choose to go this route.

Side Parting: A side part can add balance by drawing attention away from the jawline and creating the illusion of a wider forehead.

Avoid Overly Short Cuts: Keep hair lengths at or below eye level to maintain balance. Terse haircuts might highlight the broader jawline and diminish the delicate forehead area.

Opting for straight haircuts that add volume and maintain balance can enhance your triangle face shape beautifully while keeping your style fresh and flattering.

Heavy Fringe

A heavy fringe, or thick bangs, is a fantastic styling choice for those with a triangle face shape, especially if your face is rounder and softer in appearance. This hairstyle can dynamically balance your features by adding volume and dimension to the forehead area.

Styling Tips for a Heavy Fringe

Length and Cut: Aim for a fringe that is cut straight across or slightly curved. This style helps to cover part of your forehead, giving the appearance of a more balanced upper face. Ensure the fringe is long enough to create the desired effect, but not so long that it overwhelms your features.

Volume and Texture: Use a texturizing spray or volumizing mousse to add body to your fringe. This helps prevent it from lying flat and keeps it looking fresh and lively. A bit of light styling gel or cream can help maintain the shape of your fringe throughout the day.

Maintenance: Regular trims are essential to keep your heavy fringe looking its best. As your hair grows, the fringe may lose shape or blend into the rest of your hair. Schedule frequent appointments with your stylist to maintain the perfect length and style.

Complementary Styles: Pair your heavy fringe with straight or lightly layered hair to maintain a balanced look. This combination avoids drawing too much attention to the sides of your face and keeps the overall style harmonious.

Avoid Over-Styling: While a heavy fringe can add volume and style, avoid over-styling with excessive products. This can lead to a heavy or greasy appearance, which might detract from the youthful, fresh look you’re aiming for.

Benefits of a Heavy Fringe

A heavy fringe helps to visually balance the proportions of a triangle face by creating the illusion of fullness at the forehead and cheekbone areas. This counteracts the broader jawline and adds a touch of softness to the overall appearance. It’s a great way to soften the angularity of a triangle face shape and bring a youthful, playful element to your look.

Chin-Grazing Layers

Chin-grazing layers are a fantastic choice for those with a triangle face shape. This hairstyle strikes the perfect balance by complementing the natural proportions of your face without adding unnecessary length. Here’s why chin-length layers work so well and how to style them to perfection:

Benefits of Chin-Grazing Layers

Balanced Proportions: A chin-length haircut stops right at the jawline, which prevents your face from appearing longer. This creates a more balanced silhouette and helps to counteract the bottom-heavy nature of a triangle face shape.

Softens Angular Features: By incorporating layers, especially around the chin area, you can soften the angularity of the jawline. The added texture and movement can divert attention from a broad jaw and provide a more harmonious overall look.

Versatility: Chin-grazing layers can be styled in various ways, making them versatile for different occasions. Whether you prefer a sleek, polished look or a more relaxed, tousled style, this haircut adapts well to your needs.

Styling Tips for Chin-Grazing Layers

Add Layers for Texture: Request layers throughout the chin-length cut to add movement and prevent the hair from looking flat. This technique also helps to reduce the emphasis on the jawline, making it less prominent.

Incorporate Volume: Use volumizing mousse or styling spray to add body and volume to your hair. This helps create a fuller look and prevents the chin-grazing cut from appearing too heavy or flat.

Consider a Bob: A chin-length bob with layers is an excellent choice for a light, trendy look. The bob shape complements triangle face shapes by providing structure without adding extra length. Ensure the bob is well-layered to enhance texture and movement.

Avoid Heavy Ends: Steer clear of blunt, heavy ends that can accentuate the width of your jawline. Opt for soft, tapered layers, creating a more balanced and flattering appearance.

Regular Maintenance: To keep your chin-grazing layers looking fresh, schedule regular trims. This helps maintain the shape and prevents the layers from becoming uneven or losing their definition.

Complementary Styling

Straight or Wavy: Chin-grazing layers work well with both straight and wavy textures. Straight hair can highlight the sleekness of the cut, while soft waves add a casual, relaxed vibe.

Side Part or Middle Part: Experiment with different parts to see what suits your face shape best. A side part can help balance the proportions, while a middle part offers a more symmetrical look.

Soft Jawline Styles

When choosing hairstyles for a triangle face shape, it’s crucial to consider whether your jawline is soft or angular. Understanding this can help you select styles that enhance your features and create a balanced look. Here’s a guide to styles that complement a soft jawline:

Recognizing a Soft Jawline

Characteristics: A soft jawline typically has rounded edges and lacks pronounced angles. The jawline may blend smoothly into the neck and chin, creating a gentle, less-defined outline.

Styling Considerations: Hairstyles should aim to add structure and definition while maintaining harmony with the softness of the jawline.

Recommended Hairstyles for a Soft Jawline

Textured Waves

Textured waves add volume and dimension to your hair, helping to balance the soft curves of your jawline.

Use a sea salt spray or curling iron to create loose, natural waves. This adds body and movement, drawing attention away from the softness of the jawline.

Layered Bob

A layered bob that falls just below the chin can provide structure and definition without emphasizing the softness of the jawline.

Opt for soft layers that add texture and movement. A side part can further enhance the balance and add a touch of sophistication.

Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs help frame the face and add angles, which can contrast nicely with a soft jawline.

Keep the bangs longer and styled to one side. This not only adds definition but also helps balance the proportions of your face.

Soft Layers with Volume

Adding volume to the top of your hair helps balance out a softer jawline by creating contrast and structure.

Use volumizing mousse or styling cream to lift the roots and create soft, layered layers. This adds dimension and prevents the hair from falling flat against your face.

Face-Framing Layers

Face-framing layers help soften the jawline’s appearance and create a more balanced look.

Ask your stylist for layers that start around your face and gradually blend into the rest of your hair. This technique adds softness and structure, enhancing your overall appearance.

By understanding and embracing your soft jawline, you can select hairstyles that enhance your features and create a harmonious look. Experiment with different styles and techniques to find what works best for you.

Deep Side Part

A deep side part is a smart choice for triangle face shapes. Unlike a middle part, which can accentuate a wide jawline, a deep side part can help balance and complement your face shape. Here’s why a deep side part works well and how to style it effectively:

Why a Deep Side Part Works

Balance and Proportion: A deep side part creates the illusion of a more balanced face shape by drawing attention away from the wide jawline and focusing on the upper portion of the face.

Softening Effect: It softens the angles of the face and adds visual interest, breaking up the broader appearance of the jaw area.

Enhanced Facial Structure: This parting style can highlight the natural contours of your face, giving you a more defined look.

How to Style a Deep Side Part

Create the Part

Use a comb or your fingers to create a deep side part.

Start the parting just above your eyebrow on one side and let it extend back. The deeper the part, the more dramatic the effect.

Add Volume

Use a volumizing mousse or spray on the roots to add lift and body to the hair. This helps to emphasize the side part and adds dimension.

Apply the product to damp hair before blow-drying. Use a round brush to lift the hair at the roots and create a fuller look.

Style the Hair

Blow-dry your hair toward the part to set it in place. Use a styling brush to smooth out any kinks or bumps.

Apply a light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray to keep the part in place and add texture.

Adjust for Hair Type

For straight hair, ensure the part is clean and defined. Use a straightening iron if necessary to keep the hair sleek and smooth.

For curly or wavy hair, embrace the natural texture. Define the curls around the part with a curl-enhancing product and avoid flattening the volume.

Maintenance

Recreate the deep side part daily to keep your hairstyle looking fresh and consistent.

Too much product can damage your hair and make the part less defined. Use just enough to achieve the desired look.

Hairstyles to Avoid for Triangle Face Shapes

Cuts that Draw Attention to Your Chin

When considering hairstyles for a triangle face shape, especially if you have a wide jawline and a narrower forehead, choosing styles that create balance and don’t overly emphasize your chin is crucial. While straight hair can work well, specific cuts, like a bob, may not be ideal. Here’s why and what to keep in mind:

Why Bobs Aren’t Ideal?

Focus on the Chin: Bobs, particularly those that end at or near the chin, can accentuate the chin area, drawing more attention to it and potentially making the face look more bottom-heavy.

Lack of Balance: A straight bob doesn’t balance the forehead and jawline, which is essential for a triangle face shape. It can make the chin appear even more prominent without adding volume or interest to the top of the head.

Long Hair

Long hair extending beyond the chest can sometimes be challenging for those with a triangle face shape. However, if you love long hair, make sure there are layers and lots of texture to help bring the shape back to your face.

Why Can Long Hair Be Problematic?

Emphasizes the Jawline: Long, straight hair can draw attention to a broader jawline, which may not balance well with a narrower forehead.

Lack of Balance: Without proper styling, long hair can exacerbate the bottom-heavy nature of a triangle face, making the face appear more unbalanced.

Full Bangs

Full bangs, which cover the entire forehead and often fall straight across, can be less effective for those with a triangle face shape.

Why Full Bangs Do Not Work?

Emphasizes the Jawline: Full bangs create a solid horizontal line across the forehead, making your face look more rectangular or boxy. This can accentuate the already prominent jawline of a triangle face, drawing attention to the lower part of the face rather than creating a balanced look.

Hides the Forehead: By completely covering the forehead, full bangs can obscure the top of your face. A narrower forehead is a distinguishing feature of triangle face shapes, and hiding it with full bangs may make the face appear more bottom-heavy. The lack of visibility of the forehead can reduce the overall balance of your facial proportions.

Adds Bulk at the Bottom: Full bangs can add visual weight around the chin and jaw area. Since triangle faces are wider at the jawline, adding more bulk here can further exaggerate this width and create an unbalanced appearance.