23 Hairstyles for Prominent Cheekbones That Show Them Off

The Power of Framing: Understanding Your Angles

Before we dive into the styles, let’s talk strategy. Hairstyles that highlight cheekbones typically work by creating contrast, exposing the face, or using strategic lines. A sharp, angled cut can mirror the angle of your cheekbone. Soft, face-framing layers can gently contour the area. An updo that pulls hair back fully illuminates the entire structure. The goal is to guide the viewer’s eye along the natural, beautiful lines of your face.

Remember, your hair is the ultimate accessory. It can either obscure your best features or present them on a silver platter. With prominent cheekbones, you’re starting with a fantastic canvas. The following styles are your tools to create a masterpiece.

Short & Chic: Bold Cuts for Maximum Impact

Short hair is a daring and brilliant choice for showcasing facial structure. It removes all distraction and puts your features front and center.

1. The Angular Bob: Cut sharply at or just below the jawline, this bob creates a parallel line that emphasizes the jaw and, by extension, the cheekbones above it. Ask for a blunt cut with no layers to keep the line severe and chic.

2. The Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs: A classic pixie keeps the focus on your face. Adding long, side-swept bangs that graze the cheekbone creates a diagonal line that leads the eye directly to your bone structure.

3. The Asymmetric Crop: Having one side significantly shorter than the other creates a dramatic, sculptural effect. The asymmetry highlights the contours of your face in a modern, fashion-forward way.

4. The Sleek, Side-Parted Bob: A chin-length bob with a deep side part and straightened to a glass-like shine. The severe part and clean line draw undivided attention to the symmetry and angles of your face.

5. The Textured French Crop: Short on the sides and back with slightly longer, textured hair on top. Style it forward with a bit of paste or wax to create piece-y texture that frames the forehead and cheekbones.

Medium-Length Magic: Versatile and Flattering

Medium hair offers the perfect balance—enough length for versatility but short enough to maintain structure and shape around your face.

6. The Shag with Curtain Bangs: This effortlessly cool cut is all about face-framing. The layered shag and curtain bangs naturally fall around the cheekbones, creating a soft, diffused frame that accentuates without overpowering.

7. The Blunt Lob: The long bob (lob) is a universal flatterer. A blunt cut that hits at the collarbone with a center part creates two clean vertical lines that frame the face and highlight the cheeks.

8. Deep Side Part with Waves: Create a deep side part and use a curling iron to make loose, flowing waves. The volume from the part and the wave pattern will contour the face, making cheekbones pop.

9. Face-Framing Layers: Ask your stylist for long layers that start at your cheekbones or jawline. These layers will naturally fall around your face, drawing light and attention to its best angles.

10. The Slicked-Back Ponytail: Not just for the gym. Apply gel or pomade to damp hair and pull it back into a tight, low ponytail at the nape. This ultra-sleek style is the ultimate cheekbone reveal.

11. Half-Up, Half-Down with Twists: Pull the top section of your hair back, but instead of a simple tie, create two small twists from the temple going back. This pulls hair away from the face while adding a delicate detail that points to your cheeks.

Long & Luxurious: Elegant Styles That Highlight Structure

Long hair provides endless opportunities for creating styles that complement and contour your bone structure.

12. Old Hollywood Waves: These deep, set waves are the epitome of glamour. The “S” shape of the wave curves around the cheek and jaw, creating a stunning contrast to sharp angles.

13. A High, Tight Bun: The ballet bun. Positioned at the crown of the head, it pulls the skin of the face slightly back for a natural “lift” and leaves every inch of your facial structure visible.

14. Long Layers with Face-Framing Money Pieces: Add bright, face-framing highlights (money pieces) around the front of your hair. The light-catching color will act like a highlighter for your cheekbones.

15. Sleek, Center-Parted Straight Hair: Sometimes simplicity is key. Bone-straight, long hair with a sharp center part is a graphic, clean look that makes strong features look editorial and striking.

16. The Low Braided Ponytail: A low ponytail with a braid wrapped around the base. It’s elegant and pulls hair neatly away from the face, ensuring nothing competes with your cheekbones.

17. Voluminous Old Hollywood Updo: Think vintage glamour—soft rolls, pinned curls, and plenty of volume at the crown. This style frames the face from above and sides, creating a majestic look.

Special Occasion Showstoppers: Prom, Weddings & Galas

When you really want to make an entrance, these styles are designed to turn heads and showcase your assets.

18. The Elegant Chignon: A low chignon at the nape of the neck, with a few delicate tendrils pulled loose to softly frame the cheekbones. It’s timeless, chic, and utterly focused on your face.

19. A Crown Braid: A braid that wraps around the head like a crown. This beautiful style completely exposes the face and acts as a literal frame, drawing the eye inward to your features.

20. Voluminous Side-Swept Curls: Create large, bouncy curls and sweep them all to one side. The asymmetry and volume create dramatic shadow and light play across your cheekbones.

21. The Textured Updo with Pull-Outs: A loosely pinned updo with intentional, face-framing pieces “pulled out” around the temples and cheeks. It’s romantic, soft, and strategically flattering.

22. Sleek High Ponytail with Hair Wrapped Around: The height of this ponytail gives an instant facelift effect. Wrapping a section of hair around the base adds polish and keeps all attention on your facial contours.

23. Half-Up Style with a Decorative Clip:

Pull back the top section of your hair and secure it with a beautiful, ornate clip at the back of your crown. This lifts the features and adds a touch of sparkle that points toward your face.

Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Highlight-Ready Look

Choosing the style is half the battle. Keeping it looking sharp is the other. Here’s how to ensure your hairstyle always works to highlight your cheekbones.

Invest in a Good Blow Dryer and Round Brush: Smooth, sleek styles start with a great blowout. Use a round brush to lift hair at the roots as you dry, creating volume that opens up the face.

Embrace Texture Products: For styles like the shag or textured updo, a sea salt spray or texturizing powder is your best friend. It adds grit and separation, allowing face-framing pieces to fall perfectly.

Keep Hair Healthy and Shiny: Well-moisturized, shiny hair reflects light, which naturally draws the eye. Use a weekly hair mask and a shine serum to keep your locks luminous.

Consult with Your Stylist: Always bring photos to your appointment. A skilled stylist can tailor any of these styles to your specific face shape, hair type, and cheekbone prominence.

Your prominent cheekbones are a gift. They give your face character, depth, and a naturally sculpted appearance. By choosing hairstyles that work with, not against, this incredible asset, you’re not just doing your hair—you’re crafting an image of confidence and beauty. So go ahead, experiment with these 23 styles, and get ready to see your stunning features in a whole new light.