18 Hairstyles for Triangle Faces That Add Volume Up Top

Understanding the Triangle Face Shape

First, let’s be sure we’re on the same page. A triangle face (sometimes called a pear-shaped face) has a jawline that is the widest part of the face, with a narrower forehead and often a more pointed chin. The most flattering hairstyles for this shape aim to create the illusion of width at the temples and crown while gently softening the jawline. This creates a more oval-like balance.

The golden rule? Volume on top is your best friend. You’ll want to avoid styles that are flat at the roots or add width at the jaw, as these can exaggerate the triangle effect. Instead, we embrace layers, texture, and lifts that draw the eye upward.

Short Hairstyles for Triangle Faces

Short hair can be phenomenal for triangle faces, as it allows you to place volume exactly where you need it. The key is keeping length above or around the jaw to avoid emphasizing its width.

1. The Voluminous Pixie Cut

This isn’t a flat, sleek pixie. Ask for choppy layers throughout, with maximum height and texture at the crown. Keep the sides slightly longer and softer around the temples to add width there. A piecey, textured top draws all the attention upward.

2. Asymmetrical Bob

An asymmetrical bob that falls at or above the chin is a powerful tool. The shorter side (cut above the ear) creates an angular line that contrasts with the jaw, while the longer side sweeps across. Style with volume at the roots on the longer side for added effect.

3. Textured Shag with Bangs

A short, layered shag is a volume machine. The multiple layers create inherent body at the crown. Pair it with curtain bangs or wispy fringe that fall across the forehead; this breaks up the narrowness and adds horizontal width at the top of your face.

4. Side-Swept Short Crop

Think of a classic, polished crop but with a deep side part and volume swept across the forehead. This style creates a strong diagonal line that counteracts the horizontal line of the jaw. Use a light pomade to add separation and height at the part.

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Triangle Faces

Medium hair offers the perfect canvas for strategic layering. This length is ideal for creating balance without sacrificing styling options.

5. Long Layers with Face-Framing

The classic solution. Ask your stylist for long layers that start at the chin or above, specifically designed to frame your face. These layers should be light and feathered, starting at the cheekbone to draw the eye up. Ensure the crown has plenty of layers for lift.

6. Blunt Bob with Crown Volume

A blunt bob that hits at the collarbone can work if you commit to the volume on top. The blunt line itself is strong, so you must style with a round brush and blow-dryer to create significant lift at the roots. A center part can help distribute that volume evenly.

7. Modern Shag with Heavy Texture

Take the shag to medium length. This cut is all about disconnected layers, choppy ends, and a lived-in texture that naturally adds bulk to the upper half of your head. The more chaotic the layers at the crown, the better for balancing a strong jaw.

8. Voluminous Waves

Sometimes it’s not the cut, but the style. On a one-length or lightly layered medium cut, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, voluminous waves that start at the temple. Flip your part for the day to get extra root lift on the opposite side.

9. Half-Up, Half-Down with Height

This styling trick is a quick fix. When pulling the top section of your hair up, don’t just make a flat ponytail. Tease gently at the crown before securing it, or use a claw clip to create a intentional, voluminous puff. This instantly adds the needed height.

Long Hairstyles for Triangle Faces

Long hair requires careful layering to prevent it from dragging the face down and emphasizing the jaw. The focus remains on creating interest from the eyes up.

10. Layered Lob (Long Bob)

The lob is a universally flattering length. For triangle faces, opt for one that sits just on the shoulders with internal layers for movement and face-framing layers that start high. This prevents the hair from “widening” at the bottom.

11. Soft, Feathered Layers

Avoid harsh, heavy layers. Instead, ask for soft, feathered layers throughout the length, with a concentration around the face and crown. This creates a light, airy effect that adds volume where you need it without adding bulk near the jaw.

12. Deep Side Part with Volume

A simple but powerful technique. A deep side part automatically creates more hair volume on one side of your head. Blow-dry your hair in the opposite direction first, then flip it over to the deep part for lasting, dramatic lift at the roots.

13. High, Textured Ponytail

Skip the low ponytail. A high ponytail placed at the crown instantly lifts the facial features. Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and tease the base of the ponytail for extra fullness. This is an athletic yet elegant look that perfectly balances your face.

14. Braided Crown or Headband

Braids are a fantastic tool. A braid across the crown (like a headband) or a full crown braid adds visual weight and detail to the top of your head, pulling focus upward. It also keeps hair away from the jawline.

Essential Bangs for Triangle Faces

Bangs can be a game-changer, as they directly address a narrow forehead. The right bang style creates the illusion of width.

15. Curtain Bangs

The ultimate bang for triangle faces. Curtain bangs are parted in the middle and sweep to the sides, creating a soft, widening frame for your forehead and temples. They pair perfectly with almost any of the cuts mentioned above.

16. Wispy, Piece-y Bangs

Heavy, blunt bangs can sometimes make the forehead look shorter. Opt for wispy, piece-y bangs instead. They add texture and softness to the forehead area without creating a harsh, horizontal line that might contrast with the jaw.

Styling Tips & Tricks to Maximize Volume

The right cut is half the battle. Here’s how to style your hair to maintain that all-important volume up top.

17. Master the Blow-Dry

Always blow-dry your hair upside down for a few minutes to set volume at the roots. Use a round brush to lift the roots at the crown and temples as you dry. A volumizing mousse or root-lift spray applied to damp hair is non-negotiable.

18. Strategic Teasing (Backcombing)

Don’t be afraid of a little teasing. Gently backcomb the hair at the crown and under the top layer. Smooth the top layer over it, and you’ll have invisible, lasting volume that holds all day.

Embrace Your Beautiful Bone Structure

Having a triangle face shape is a gift—it means you have a striking, memorable bone structure that many models covet. The key to unlocking its full potential is simply understanding the principles of balance. By choosing hairstyles that add volume and width to your crown and temples, you’re not hiding your features; you’re framing them to perfection.

Take this guide to your trusted stylist, experiment with these styles and tips, and get ready to turn your hair into the ultimate balancing accessory. Your most flattering look is waiting right on top.