Square Face Shape
A square face shape has a forehead, cheekbones and jaw of about the same width, and a strong, angular jawline with defined corners below the ears. The face is only slightly longer than it is wide.
Check if you have a square face
Square face shape measurements
| Face length vs width | About 1–1.3× longer than wide |
|---|---|
| Widest point | Even across forehead, cheekbones and jaw |
| Forehead | Wide and often straight at the hairline |
| Jawline | Wide, sharp, with clear angles |
| Chin | Broad and flat |
How to tell if you have a square face
- Your jaw turns a clear corner below your ears.
- Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw look about the same width.
- Your face is only a little longer than it is wide.
Square vs rectangle
A rectangle face has the same strong jaw but is noticeably longer. If your face length is well over 1.4× its width, see rectangle face shape.
Styling goal
For women the goal is usually to soften the angles: layers around the jaw, waves and curtain bangs. For men a square jaw is often a feature to show off, so short sides and a clean jawline work well.
Is a square face masculine?
A strong jaw is often described as masculine, but plenty of women with square faces (Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde, Keira Knightley) are known for it. Softer styling simply shifts the emphasis to the eyes and cheekbones.
Best hairstyles for square faces (women)
- Soft, face-framing layers: Layers that hit around the jaw soften its angles.
- Long waves: Curves contrast with straight lines and add softness.
- Curtain bangs: Wispy, parted bangs round off the corners of the forehead.
- Side-swept fringe: A diagonal fringe breaks up a broad forehead.
- Textured lob below the jaw: Ending past the jaw avoids drawing a line across its widest point.
Best haircuts for square faces (men)
- Crew cut: Short, neat hair shows off a strong jaw.
- Buzz cut: Square faces suit very short hair because the jaw provides structure.
- Side part with taper: Classic and sharp; it echoes the angular jaw.
- Textured crop: A messy, modern crop adds softness on top.
- Slicked back: Exposes the full face; works best with defined features.
Beard styles for square faces
- Stubble: Highlights the jawline without hiding it.
- Short boxed beard: Neat edges follow the natural jaw.
- Circle beard: A rounded goatee-and-moustache softens a very wide jaw.
Best glasses for square faces
- Round frames: Curves balance strong angles.
- Oval frames: Soften a wide jaw and forehead.
- Rimless or semi-rimless: Light frames don't add more hard lines.
- Cat-eye frames: Upswept corners draw attention to the cheekbones.
Frames to avoid
- Boxy square frames that repeat the jaw.
- Frames narrower than the jaw.
Makeup and contouring for square faces
Contour the corners of the forehead and the jaw angles to soften them. Blend blush in a rounded motion on the apples of the cheeks, and highlight the center of the forehead and chin.
Celebrities with square faces
- Angelina Jolie
- Olivia Wilde
- Keira Knightley
- Demi Moore
- Sandra Bullock
- Brad Pitt
- David Beckham
- Henry Cavill
Square vs similar face shapes
Square vs RectangleA rectangle face has the same jaw but is much longer.
Square vs RoundA round face has similar proportions but a soft, curved jaw.
Square vs TriangleA triangle face has a jaw clearly wider than the forehead.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my face is square?
Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width, your jaw has clear corners below the ears, and your face is only slightly longer than it is wide.
What hairstyle suits a square face?
Women: soft layers, waves, curtain bangs and side-swept fringes. Men: crew cuts, buzz cuts, side parts and textured crops.
What glasses suit a square face?
Round, oval, rimless and cat-eye frames soften the angles. Avoid boxy square frames.
Is a square face attractive?
A defined jawline is widely seen as attractive in both men and women. Many models and actors have square faces.
What is the difference between a square and rectangle face?
Length. Both have a strong jaw, but a rectangle face is noticeably longer than it is wide.