Heart face shape: measurements and style guide

A heart-shaped face has a wide forehead and cheekbones that taper to a narrower jaw and chin.

Also called: inverted triangle.

ForeheadCheeksJawLength

How to spot the heart face shape

  • The forehead is as wide as or wider than the cheekbones
  • The jaw narrows sharply toward a pointed or small chin
  • Cheekbones are often high and the face tapers below them

Calculator rule: Forehead at least 95% of the cheekbone width, with a jaw at 80% or less of the cheekbone width. The four measurements are taken as described on the calculator page.

How to style it

For a heart-shaped face, the aim is to balance the wide upper half with more volume near the jaw and chin. Styles that add width lower down, and fringes that soften the forehead, even out the proportions. Frames that are wider at the bottom do the same for glasses.

What works

  • Chin-length bobs, layers and waves that add volume at the jaw
  • Side-swept and curtain fringes that soften the forehead
  • Bottom-heavy, round, or aviator-style frames and rimless glasses
  • Drop and teardrop earrings that widen at the bottom, and fuller beards that add weight at the chin

Balance out

  • Volume on top of the head and slicked-back styles that emphasise the forehead
  • Very short, cropped sides that emphasise the narrow jaw
  • Top-heavy or decorative frames that add width at the brow
  • Wide studs and short, chandelier-style earrings that add width near the forehead

Style guides for the heart face shape

Common questions

How do I balance a wider forehead?

A side-swept or curtain fringe covers part of the forehead and breaks up its width. Adding volume around the jaw, with waves or a fuller beard, also balances it.

Does a heart-shaped face always have a pointed chin?

No. Some have a softly pointed chin, others a small, narrow one. What defines it is that the forehead is wide and the jaw is much narrower.

Other face shapes