Types of Head Shapes
Head shape is the outline of the whole skull, not just the face. The most commonly described head shapes are round, oval, long (dolichocephalic), wide (brachycephalic), square, flat at the back, egg-shaped and pointed at the crown. Head shape matters most for very short haircuts and buzz cuts, where the outline shows.
Find yours with the head shape detector
All head shapes at a glance
Round HeadA round head is about as wide as it is long and curves evenly at the back and crown..Read more 
Oval HeadAn oval head is slightly longer front-to-back than it is wide, with a smooth curve at the back..Read more 
Long HeadA long (dolichocephalic) head is noticeably longer front-to-back than it is wide..Read more 
Flat Back of HeadA flat back of head drops more steeply behind the crown instead of curving outward..Read more 
Square HeadA square head has a flat top and fairly straight sides..Read more 
Egg-Shaped HeadAn egg-shaped head is wider at the top or back and narrower toward the jaw, like an egg..Read more How to check your head shape
- Wet or slick your hair down, or look at your head with your hair pulled back.
- Take a photo from the side and from the front.
- From the side, check whether the back of your head curves out (round/oval) or drops straight down (flat).
- From the front, compare the width of your head above the ears with its height.
Use our head shape detector for a guided check.
Head shape in babies
Many babies develop a flat spot (positional plagiocephaly) from lying on their back. It usually improves with tummy time and position changes. Speak to a pediatrician if you're worried. This guide isn't medical advice.
Head shape and haircuts
If the back of your head is flat, avoid skin fades at the back; keep some length at the crown for a rounded outline. If your head is long, avoid tall styles.
Round Head
A round head is about as wide as it is long and curves evenly at the back and crown.
- Even curve
- Similar width and length
Oval Head
An oval head is slightly longer front-to-back than it is wide, with a smooth curve at the back.
- Slightly longer than wide
- Smooth curve
Long Head
A long (dolichocephalic) head is noticeably longer front-to-back than it is wide.
- Long front to back
- Narrow
Flat Back of Head
A flat back of head drops more steeply behind the crown instead of curving outward.
- Little curve at the back
- Straight drop from crown
Square Head
A square head has a flat top and fairly straight sides.
- Flat crown
- Straight sides
Egg-Shaped Head
An egg-shaped head is wider at the top or back and narrower toward the jaw, like an egg.
- Wider at top
- Narrower at jaw
Frequently asked questions
How many head shapes are there?
Guides usually describe 6–8: round, oval, long, wide, square, flat at the back, egg-shaped and pointed.
Does head shape change?
Adult skull shape is stable. Babies' heads are soft and can change shape in the first year.