21 Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces That Add Width

The Heart-Shaped Face: Understanding Your Canvas

Before we dive into the styles, let’s confirm your face shape. A heart-shaped face typically features a broad forehead and wide cheekbones, which are the widest parts of the face. The face then gracefully narrows down to a delicate, pointed chin. The hairline may also be widow’s peaked. The styling mission is clear: we want to minimize the width at the top and maximize it at the bottom. This is achieved by adding volume, texture, and width around the jaw area, while keeping the hair around the temples and forehead softer and smoother.

Chin-Length and Shoulder-Length Bobs: Your New Best Friends

Bobs that hit at the chin or just below are arguably the most flattering haircuts for heart-shaped faces. This length perfectly adds the needed bulk and width right at the narrowest point of your face, creating an instant balancing act. The line of the bob draws the eye horizontally, counteracting the vertical taper of the chin.

The Blunt Chin-Length Bob: A sharp, blunt cut that ends precisely at the chin is a powerful statement. It creates a strong, clean line that visually widens the jaw area. Keep it sleek or add subtle texture.

The Textured Lob (Long Bob): A lob that rests on the shoulders with layered ends or beachy waves adds beautiful volume around the collarbone and jaw. This soft, textured approach is incredibly modern and forgiving.

The A-Line Bob: Slightly longer in the front and shorter in the back, the A-line bob naturally directs attention downward and outward, filling out the lower face. It’s a classic for a reason.

The Magic of Bangs: Softening the Forehead

Bangs are a heart-shaped face’s secret weapon for softening a broad forehead. However, the type of bang is crucial. You’ll want to avoid straight, heavy bangs that can box in the wide forehead. Instead, opt for styles that are piecey, side-swept, or textured.

Side-Swept Bangs: The ultimate flatterer. Long, side-swept bangs create diagonal lines that break up the width of the forehead and draw the eye across the face, creating balance.

Curtain Bangs: These face-framing, parted-in-the-middle bangs are perfect. They softly cover the corners of the forehead without adding heaviness, creating a beautiful frame that leads the eye to the center of your face.

Wispy, Piecey Bangs: Light, textured bangs that allow some forehead to peek through are a fantastic choice. They soften the hairline without creating a stark, horizontal line at the top of your face.

Long Layers and Face-Framing Highlights

If you love your long hair, don’t feel you need to chop it off. The key is in the strategic placement of layers and color. Long, face-framing layers that start at the chin or below are essential. They add movement and volume precisely where you need it.

Long, Face-Framing Layers: Ask your stylist for layers that begin at the jawline and cascade downward. These pieces will naturally curl or wave toward your face, adding width.

Balayage or Babylights for Dimension: Strategic coloring can also create the illusion of width. Lighter pieces or highlights concentrated around the lower half of your hair (from the ears down) will draw attention to that area, making it appear fuller.

Soft, Voluminous Waves: Style your long hair with loose, voluminous waves that are fuller from the mid-lengths to the ends. Avoid slicked-back styles or high ponytails that emphasize the forehead and chin.

Volume and Texture at the Jawline

This is the golden rule. Any style that adds body, curl, or texture between the chin and shoulders is a winner. Think of it as building a foundation of width to support the delicate chin.

Shag Haircut: The modern shag, with its choppy layers and tons of texture, is a dream for heart-shaped faces. The volume it creates through the mid-section is unparalleled.

Curly and Wavy Styles: Embrace your natural texture or use tools to create it. Curls and waves add inherent volume and width. A curly bob or long, bouncy curls are spectacularly balancing.

Pixie Cuts with Volume at the Sides: Yes, pixies can work! Opt for a pixie that is longer and textured on top with side-swept bangs, and has fullness through the sides, around the ears—avoid styles that are too spiky or tall on top.

Styling Tips and Tricks to Remember

Beyond the cut itself, how you style your hair makes all the difference. Here are some quick, professional tips to ensure your hairstyle is always working for you.

Parting is Key: Deep side parts are generally more flattering than center parts, as they create asymmetry and break up the wide forehead. Experiment with a deep side part to see the balancing effect.

Volume Placement: When blow-drying or teasing, focus volume at the nape of the neck and the mid-lengths, not at the crown. Root lift at the crown can make the forehead appear wider.

Accessorize Wisely: Headbands worn back on the head (not across the forehead) and clips or pins placed at the side, near your ears, can help draw the eye outward. Avoid tiny, tight updos that highlight the face’s taper.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Beauty

Having a heart-shaped face is a gift, offering a canvas that is both striking and romantic. The 21 hairstyle ideas and principles outlined here are designed to highlight your best features—those gorgeous cheekbones and elegant chin—by creating perfect proportional balance. The most important takeaway is to add width and volume around the jawline while softening the hairline and forehead.

Bookmark this guide, bring these photos to your next salon appointment, and communicate clearly with your stylist about your goal: to balance your heart-shaped face. With the right cut, color, and styling technique, you will not only add width where you desire it but also unlock a new level of confidence in your personal style. Now, go forth and find your perfect, balancing look!