10 Short Hairstyles That Make Square Faces Look Softer

1. The Textured, Piecey Pixie

Forget the severe, boy-cut pixies of the past. The modern pixie for a square face is all about texture and strategic layers. This cut keeps the hair short on the sides and back but leaves length and volume on top. The choppy, piecey ends break up the solidity of the hair, creating a dynamic, soft look that distracts from a strong jaw.

Why it works: The height and texture on top elongate your face, while the wispy, unstructured ends around the forehead and ears soften the forehead and jawline. Ask your stylist for choppy layers, especially around the crown and front.

2. The Asymmetrical Bob

Asymmetry is a square face’s best friend. An asymmetrical bob, where one side is noticeably longer than the other, creates an off-center focal point that instantly disrupts the symmetry of a square jaw. This diagonal line is far more flattering than a blunt, horizontal one.

Why it works: The slanted line of the cut draws the eye diagonally across the face, away from the jaw’s corners. The longer side can also be used to sweep across the cheek, creating a curving effect. This style is both sophisticated and playful.

3. The Shag with Wispy Bangs

The shag is the ultimate texture-bringer, and for square faces, it’s a game-changer. This layered, feathered cut is designed to create movement and volume at the crown while using wispy, curtain bangs to soften the forehead and frame the eyes.

Why it works: The multiple layers of a shag remove weight, preventing the hair from forming a solid block that emphasizes the jaw. The wispy bangs, whether curtain or fringe style, break up the strong horizontal line of the forehead and draw attention to your cheekbones and eyes.

4. The Classic Chin-Length Bob with Layers

You can’t go wrong with a classic bob, but the devil is in the details. For a square face, a blunt bob that ends exactly at the jawline can accentuate it. The key is to ask for internal layers and a slightly graduated back.

Why it works: A bob that hits just below the chin helps to elongate the face. The internal layers add body and movement, preventing the hair from looking too heavy or “helmet-like.” This creates a soft, bouncy shape that complements your angles rather than competing with them.

5. The Softly Undercut Pixie

This edgy yet feminine take on the pixie combines closely shaved or tapered sides with a longer, soft top. The contrast is what makes it so effective for softening features.

Why it works: By keeping the sides very short, you eliminate bulk around the ears and jaw. The longer, textured top can then be styled with volume and swept to the side, creating height and soft, sweeping lines that balance the lower half of the face.

6. The Long Pixie (The Pixie-Bob)

If a full pixie feels too drastic, the long pixie or “pixie-bob” is the perfect compromise. This cut rests anywhere from the jawline to just above the collarbone and incorporates the textured, layered feel of a pixie.

Why it works: It offers the ease and volume of a pixie at the crown with the face-framing benefits of a bob. The length is ideal for tucking hair behind the ears to show off cheekbones while leaving soft pieces out to cascade along the jawline, effectively softening it.

7. The Blunt Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

If you love a blunt cut, you can still make it work with one crucial addition: side-swept bangs. A strong, straight-across bob can be harsh, but introducing a diagonal line through the bangs changes everything.

Why it works: The side-swept bangs create a long, diagonal line that visually narrows the forehead and adds a curve to the overall look. This single element softens the entire hairstyle, making the blunt ends feel chic and intentional rather than severe.

8. The Layered Lob (Long Bob)

The lob is arguably one of the most universally flattering haircuts, and for square faces, it’s a winner. Aim for a length that falls between your chin and collarbone, and ensure it’s packed with layers from the mid-lengths to the ends.

Why it works: This length draws the eye downward, lengthening the face. The layers introduce movement and body, which softens the jawline. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance style that can be worn straight, wavy, or curly, always with a softening effect.

9. The Curly Shag with Face-Framing Layers

For those with natural waves or curls, a curly shag is a dream come true. This cut uses the hair’s natural texture to its advantage, building volume at the crown and using defined, face-framing layers to carve out softness.

Why it works: The volume on top balances the jaw, while the curly layers around the face create a soft, cascading frame. It celebrates texture and movement, ensuring your curls look intentional, modern, and incredibly flattering.

10. The Wispy Fringe and Textured Crop

This style is a close relative of the pixie but often even softer. It features a short, overall length with a wispy, almost see-through fringe that lays softly on the forehead. The rest of the hair is cut with a textured, feathery technique.

Why it works: The wispy fringe immediately softens the forehead, while the overall textured crop adds a sense of lightness and airiness to the head. It’s a delicate, youthful look that makes strong features appear gentle and approachable.

Styling Tips to Enhance the Softening Effect

Choosing the right cut is half the battle; styling it correctly seals the deal. Here are some quick tips:

Embrace Texture: Use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray on damp hair to create piecey, separated ends. Avoid sleek, flat styles that can emphasize angularity.

Create Volume at the Crown: When blow-drying, flip your head upside down to lift the roots at the crown. This added height helps elongate the face.

Use a Curling Wand for Soft Waves: Even on a pixie, you can use a small-barrel wand to create soft, bendy waves in the longer pieces on top. Avoid sharp, geometric curls.

Part Your Hair Off-Center: A deep side part is almost always more flattering than a center part for a square face, as it creates an asymmetrical balance.

Your Guide to a Softer, Confident You

Your square face is a powerful asset, a canvas of striking angles and beautiful bone structure. The right short hairstyle doesn’t mask these features; it harmonizes with them, adding the perfect amount of softness and flow to create a look that is uniquely and authentically you.

When you visit your stylist, bring these photos and ideas. A great hairstylist will know how to tailor any of these cuts to your specific hair type, texture, and personal style. So go ahead, embrace the chop, and get ready to discover a softer, more confident version of your beautiful self.