10 Medium Hairstyles That Make Square Faces Look Softer

1. The Long-Layered Lob

The long bob, or “lob,” is a modern classic, and when cut with strategic, long layers, it becomes a square face’s best friend. This style typically falls between the chin and the collarbone. The key is in the soft, face-framing layers that begin at the jawline or just below. These layers break up the solid line of the hair, directing the eye diagonally rather than following the square outline of the face.

Ask your stylist for layers that start around your mouth or chin level, blending seamlessly into the rest of your hair. A side part will further enhance the asymmetrical, softening effect. Style it with loose waves or a smooth, slightly curved-under blowout to add that crucial roundness around the jaw.

2. Soft, Face-Framing Curtain Bangs

Bangs can be intimidating, but curtain bangs are the exception. They are universally flattering and exceptionally effective for square faces. Unlike blunt, heavy bangs that can accentuate width, curtain bangs are parted in the middle and taper gracefully longer at the sides. This creates a soft, curved frame around the temples and upper cheeks, drawing attention to the center of your face and subtly rounding out the forehead’s corners.

Pair these bangs with any medium-length cut, from shags to blunt bobs. The result is a romantic, retro-inspired look that instantly softens your overall appearance. They’re also incredibly low-maintenance, growing out beautifully into longer face-framing layers.

3. Textured Shag with Wispy Ends

Embrace effortless cool with a medium shag. This cut is all about strategic texture and movement. With layers throughout—especially around the crown and ends—the shag removes weight and adds volume at the top of the head. This balanced volume helps to elongate the face, while the wispy, piece-y ends distract from a strong jawline.

The beauty of the shag for square faces is its inherent disheveled charm; it doesn’t aim for sharp, geometric lines. Ask for choppy, disconnected layers and a lot of texturizing. Style it with a texturizing spray for a “lived-in” look, or add loose curls for a softer, more bohemian vibe.

4. Side-Swept Waves

Sometimes, the style is just as important as the cut. If you have a one-length medium cut or simple layers, mastering the side-swept wave is a game-changer. A deep side part immediately creates an asymmetrical balance, which counteracts the symmetry of a square face. The waves themselves should be large, loose, and flowing, not tight or spiral.

Use a large-barrel curling wand to create these waves, focusing on directing the curls away from your face. Brush them out gently for a seamless, soft finish. This style draws the eye diagonally across your face, softening angles and adding a touch of glamorous, old-Hollywood softness.

5. Blunt Cut with Curved Ends

A blunt cut might sound counterintuitive, but the magic is in the detail of the ends. Instead of a razor-straight, horizontal line, ask your stylist to cut the ends with a slight curve—longer at the front and subtly shorter at the back, or vice-versa. This curved line mirrors the roundness you want to introduce, visually softening the jawline.

Keep this style healthy and shiny with regular trims. You can wear it sleek and straight to showcase the beautiful curved line, or add very loose bends for extra dimension. It’s a sophisticated, modern look that makes a strong, yet soft, statement.

6. Voluminous, Off-Center Part Pixie-Cut (Growing Out)

If you’re growing out a pixie or simply love a shorter-medium look, an off-center, voluminous style is perfection. The goal is to build height and volume at the crown, which elongates the face. An off-center or deep side part breaks up the squareness, while the longer, textured top layers can be swept across the forehead or tucked behind the ears to create softness.

Use a light mousse at the roots for lift and a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the piece-y texture in place. This look is edgy, feminine, and brilliantly directs attention upward toward your eyes and cheekbones.

7. Soft, Rounded Bob with Internal Layers

This is a bob that hugs the shape of your head in a gentle, rounded way. The exterior line is smooth and curved, but the secret lies in the internal or “underneath” layers. Your stylist will remove weight from the interior of the haircut, allowing the outer shape to naturally curve inward toward your jawline and neck, rather than sticking out.

This cut creates a beautiful, helmet-like silhouette that frames the face with a continuous, soft curve. It works beautifully on straight to slightly wavy hair and looks incredibly polished when blown dry with a round brush to enhance its innate shape.

8. Beachy Waves with Face-Framing Pieces

You can’t go wrong with the timeless appeal of beachy waves. For square faces, the technique is slightly adjusted. Create your waves as usual, but pay special attention to the sections that directly frame your face. Before curling, take these front pieces and twist them loosely away from your face, then apply heat. This creates a more open, flattering wave pattern.

Once all waves are set, gently tousle and separate them. The final look should be effortless, with the face-framing pieces naturally falling in a way that curves around your jaw, not cutting across it sharply. A spritz of sea salt spray enhances the texture and carefree feel.

9. The A-Line Bob (Medium Length)

The A-line bob is a geometric cut that works in your favor. In this style, the back is noticeably shorter than the front, creating a striking diagonal line from the nape of the neck up to the chin. This strong diagonal line counteracts the horizontal line of a strong jaw, leading the eye on an upward, softening journey.

For a medium-length version, the front pieces will likely graze your collarbone. Keep the ends smooth or add a slight bend. The dramatic shape of this cut does the softening work for you, making it a bold yet incredibly flattering choice.

10. Layered Cut with Feathered Ends

Feathering is a classic technique that involves tapering the ends of the hair to be wispy and light. On a medium-length cut with layers, feathered ends around the face and throughout the bottom perimeter prevent any harsh, heavy lines. This creates a feathery, soft halo effect that diffuses the edges of your jawline.

This cut is particularly good for fine to medium hair types, as it adds the illusion of fullness and body. Style it by blowing dry with a diffuser to accentuate the feathered texture, or flat iron with a slight flick at the ends to emphasize their wispiness.

Styling Tips to Remember

Beyond the cut, your daily styling routine can amplify the softening effect. Always aim for volume at the crown to elongate your face. Use a root-lifting spray and blow-dry your hair upside down for a few minutes. Embrace asymmetry—side parts are almost always more flattering than center parts for square shapes. When using heat tools, curl or wave your hair away from your face to encourage that outward, softening movement.

Finally, remember that confidence is the most beautiful accessory. A square face shape is powerful and striking. These hairstyles are simply ways to play with and enhance that natural beauty, offering a range of options from sleek and sophisticated to messy and carefree. Book a consultation with a trusted stylist, bring these photos, and find the medium-length look that makes you feel effortlessly softer and stunningly you.