9 types of faces and one rule: breaking patterns

In the 2000s, face types defined the ideal haircut, the design of the eyebrows, the shape of the glasses and even the chosen makeup. But these standards of beauty were left aside and visagism now works by composing an image respecting not only aesthetics, but what is inside people. Today, discovering the shape of the face is to understand the being itself.

How to identify my face type?

To help those who want to find the shape of the face, we talked to visagista Marília Sales, who has training at Academia Pivot Point and Academia Llongueras, in Buenos Aires. According to the expert, this is the step by step:

1. Start by measuring the length of the forehead;
2. Then measure the cheekbones;
3. Now take the measurements of the chin;
4. Finish this step by measuring the jaws;
5. With these measurements, trace the face to perceive the predominant shape, if possible on paper;
6. Take into account other traits such as the thickness of the eyebrows, the shape of the chin and nose, and the placement of the eyes and mouth.

“The face is not something flat and smooth, the whole set needs to be analyzed. During the consulting process, we cannot forget about hair color and strands, head shape and skin tone. The notions of visagism help in harmonizing the image, but cannot be a closed rule. The exceptions are very rich!”, explains Sales.

the face types

The Brazilian Philip Hallawell is one of the main scholars on visagism in the country. According to the works published by the specialist, there are nine shapes of faces, they are: round, rectangular, square, inverted triangle, heart, diamond, triangle, oval and long. Each of these types has striking characteristics that facilitate differentiation. Understand better below!

1. Round face

Marília Sales explains that despite being very confused with the oval, the round face has a very similar width measurement to the height measurement. This is one of the most easily noticeable face types, as a circle can be drawn almost perfectly over the face.

2. Rectangular face

Rectangular and square can cause confusion, as both have very straight lines. However, the visagista highlights the big difference between these formats: in the rectangular one, “the length is twice the width”.

3. Square face

As with the geometric shape, where the square has four equal sides, the horizontal line of the face is proportional to the vertical line. Unlike the previous type, the height and width of this one are very close. In addition, the lines that form the face are straight and the jaw is well defined.

4. Inverted triangle face

This is one of the most easily perceived face types, because the shape of an upside-down triangle is perfectly applied to the face. Sales explains that the chin in this shape is more pointed, unlike the forehead, which is usually wider.

5. Face heart

“The vertical line is longer than the horizontal line, the chin is prominent and there is a V-shaped entrance of hair through the forehead”, describes the visagist regarding the heart shape. According to the professional, this last aspect is what differentiates this type from the inverted triangle, because, in general, they are quite confusing.

6. Diamond face

This can be considered the most difficult shape to notice, as it is very similar to the heart type. People with this contour have long, uncurved jaws, but the chin is naturally pointed.

7. Triangle face

“It has very strong and defined characteristics, it literally resembles a triangle”, attests the visagism professional. In addition, the upper part of the face is narrower, but it increases in width as it approaches the base, in this case the chin.

8. Oval face

The horizontal stroke of this format is 2/3 of the vertical stroke. Another detail is about the angles that are almost non-existent in this type. The singers Beyoncé, Rihanna and Iza are some examples of artists who carry the characteristics of an oval face.

9. Long face

According to Marília Sales, “the horizontal line is much smaller than the vertical line”. In this case, it is common for the features to be more elongated, such as the forehead and chin space.

Is there something that suits each face type better?

You must have heard that round faces go well with layered cuts and side bangs, cuts with volume are more suitable for women with rectangular faces, and chin-length cuts look best on long faces.

You may have also seen that the oval type requires rectangular, asymmetrical cuts and defined bangs. Perhaps you’ve read in a magazine that a square face looks best with wavy and layered hair, while short, layered hair enhances the beauty of a heart-shaped face. But does all of this make sense?

According to the visagista, this concern with face types is dated, having its peak in the 2000s. In contemporary times, the pattern is not important! “Who are we working for? For what or what is the function of this new image? We need to consider something fundamental, the style”, emphasizes the professional.

Given this perspective, many empowered women and girls have gone beyond the notions of standards imposed on society and bet on cuts and colors that make them feel more like themselves. “The most wonderful example I can remember is Pina (daughter of Vanessa Rozan and Facundo Guerra), who always has her hair shaved with the machine”, says Marília Sales.

Check below a photo of Pina and other Brazilians who are not worried about the standards!

Pina, who from the age of 5 decided to shave her hair

Mallu Magalhães with her micro fringe

Tulipa Ruiz combines micro bangs with voluminous hair

Adriana Calcanhotto with super short hair

Karina Buhr always had freedom with the color of her hair

“The fundamental thing is to respect the style that is often founded exactly on breaking the pattern. Today, more and more, we can do everything”, concludes Sales. After so many inspirations, it becomes easier to let go of the rules. So, take the opportunity to check out some haircut options and be one more to break the patterns!