The heart face shape is defined primarily by the forehead-to-jaw ratio (R2): the forehead is substantially wider than the jaw, typically by more than 25 percent. This creates a face that widens toward the top and tapers to a narrow, often pointed chin. Cheekbones may also be prominent, adding to the upper-face width.
- Forehead is the widest point. Chin tapers to a defined tip. Wide upper face.
- Primary identifying ratio: R2 above 1.25 (forehead more than 25% wider than jaw)
Best hairstyles for heart faces
Balance: add visual width to the lower face while reducing emphasis on the wide forehead. Length helps by drawing the eye downward.
For women
- Chin-length or longer bobs that add width at jaw level
- Side-swept bangs that visually reduce forehead width
- Long waves with volume in the lower half
- Low loose buns with face-framing pieces at jaw level
- Half-up styles that show jaw and neck area
- Short styles with significant crown volume that add height to the already-wide upper face
- Blunt straight-across bangs that draw a horizontal line across the forehead
- Very high updos
For men
- Textured medium-length styles
- Side parts that break forehead width
- Styles with volume at the sides rather than the crown
- Pompadours or very high crown volume
- Styles that add width at the temples
Why these work: R2 above 1.25 means the forehead is the dominant horizontal feature. Styling should redirect attention to the lower face and add width there to balance.
Best glasses for heart faces
Bottom-heavy frames add visual weight to the lower face, balancing the wide forehead.
- Cat-eye frames (wider at outer corners, draws attention outward)
- Oval frames with slight bottom width
- Rimless styles
- Light-colored frames
- Decorative or heavy browline frames that emphasize forehead width
- Very wide frames that are broader than the forehead
Complete styling guide for heart face
Necklines and clothing
Wide necklines (boat neck, wide scoop) add visual width to the chest and shoulders, balancing upper-face width.
Accessories and earrings
Statement earrings at earlobe level add visual weight exactly where it is needed. Chandelier and drop earrings are excellent choices.
The core principle: Your strategy is to redistribute visual weight from forehead to chin and jaw level.
Heart face shape FAQ
What is a heart face shape?
A heart face shape has a forehead substantially wider than the jaw (R2 above 1.25), creating a face that tapers from a wide upper section to a narrow chin. The forehead is the widest point. R1 (face length to width) varies and is not the primary defining ratio.
What is the difference between heart and oval face shapes?
The forehead-to-jaw ratio. Heart shapes have a forehead measurably wider than the jaw (R2 above 1.25). Oval faces have forehead and jaw widths within about 12 percent of each other. Both can have similar face length to width ratios.
What is the difference between heart and diamond face shapes?
In a diamond face, the cheekbones are the single widest point, with both forehead and jaw narrower. In a heart face, the forehead is the widest point. The key distinction is whether the forehead or the cheekbones carry the maximum width.
What hairstyles suit a heart face shape?
Styles that add width at jaw level and reduce emphasis on the forehead. Chin-length bobs, side-swept bangs, and long waves with lower volume all redirect visual weight toward the chin. Avoid styles with significant crown volume.
What defines a heart face shape
The heart face shape is defined primarily by the forehead-to-jaw ratio (R2): the forehead is substantially wider than the jaw, typically by more than 25 percent. This creates a face that widens toward the top and tapers to a narrow, often pointed chin. Cheekbones may also be prominent, adding to the upper-face width.
- Forehead is the widest point. Chin tapers to a defined tip. Wide upper face.
- Primary identifying ratio: R2 above 1.25 (forehead more than 25% wider than jaw)
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Hairstyles for a heart face
Balance: add visual width to the lower face while reducing emphasis on the wide forehead. Length helps by drawing the eye downward.
Works well
- Chin-length or longer bobs that add width at jaw level
- Side-swept bangs that visually reduce forehead width
- Long waves with volume in the lower half
- Low loose buns with face-framing pieces at jaw level
- Half-up styles that show jaw and neck area
Works well for men
- Textured medium-length styles
- Side parts that break forehead width
- Styles with volume at the sides rather than the crown
Approach with care
- Short styles with significant crown volume that add height to the already-wide upper face
- Blunt straight-across bangs that draw a horizontal line across the forehead
- Very high updos
Approach with care for men
- Pompadours or very high crown volume
- Styles that add width at the temples
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Glasses for a heart face
Bottom-heavy frames add visual weight to the lower face, balancing the wide forehead.
Frames that suit
- Cat-eye frames (wider at outer corners, draws attention outward)
- Oval frames with slight bottom width
- Rimless styles
- Light-colored frames
Frames to approach with care
- Decorative or heavy browline frames that emphasize forehead width
- Very wide frames that are broader than the forehead
Styling principle
Your strategy is to redistribute visual weight from forehead to chin and jaw level.
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Common questions
What is a heart face shape?
A heart face shape has a forehead substantially wider than the jaw (R2 above 1.25), creating a face that tapers from a wide upper section to a narrow chin. The forehead is the widest point. R1 (face length to width) varies and is not the primary defining ratio.
What is the difference between heart and oval face shapes?
The forehead-to-jaw ratio. Heart shapes have a forehead measurably wider than the jaw (R2 above 1.25). Oval faces have forehead and jaw widths within about 12 percent of each other. Both can have similar face length to width ratios.
What is the difference between heart and diamond face shapes?
In a diamond face, the cheekbones are the single widest point, with both forehead and jaw narrower. In a heart face, the forehead is the widest point. The key distinction is whether the forehead or the cheekbones carry the maximum width.
What hairstyles suit a heart face shape?
Styles that add width at jaw level and reduce emphasis on the forehead. Chin-length bobs, side-swept bangs, and long waves with lower volume all redirect visual weight toward the chin. Avoid styles with significant crown volume.