We’ve all been there — sitting in the salon chair, trying to explain a Pinterest photo to a stylist while secretly wondering: Will this actually suit me… or will I regret it in 48 hours?
Turns out, the key to a haircut that truly works isn't just trend-following — it’s understanding your face shape and finding a style that plays to your strengths. And if you live in London, there’s an extra layer: your cut has to work in humidity, drizzle, wind, and a 45-minute commute.
We spoke with some of the most in-demand stylists across Shoreditch, Notting Hill and Hackney to get their honest advice on which cuts to ask for — and which to skip — based on your face shape.
Let’s break it down.
1. Oval Face: Lucky You — Most Cuts Work
Oval faces are the universal fit — balanced proportions, softly curved jawline, and no sharp edges. According to Sam at Blo Bar in Chiswick, the trick is using this freedom wisely.
“People with oval faces can wear anything from micro-bobs to layered waves. What matters most is texture and lifestyle.”
Recommended cuts:
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Long layers with curtain bangs
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Mid-length blunt cut
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Modern shag
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Sleek lob (long bob)
Avoid: Overly voluminous styles that add width at the cheeks.
2. Round Face: Add Length & Angles
If your face is widest at the cheeks and shortest vertically, the goal is elongation and subtle structure.
Stylist Mia from STIL London recommends cuts that create visual length and frame the face — without adding bulk at the sides.
Recommended cuts:
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Long, face-framing layers
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Angled bobs
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High ponytail cuts (yes, that's a thing now)
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Pixie with volume on top
Avoid: Chin-length bobs with rounded shapes — they can make the face look fuller.
“A centre parting can help, too — it slices the roundness gently,” says Mia.
3. Square Face: Soften the Jaw
If you’ve got a strong, angular jawline, the goal is balance. You don’t want to hide your bone structure — just soften the lines around it.
Best picks:
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Soft side-swept bangs
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Long layers starting below the chin
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Textured lob with movement
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Loose beach waves
“Square faces photograph beautifully,” says Ahmed from Taylor Taylor London, “but a bit of asymmetry goes a long way in real life.”
Avoid: One-length straight cuts that stop at the jaw.
4. Heart Face: Balance the Forehead & Chin
Heart-shaped faces usually feature a wider forehead, defined cheekbones, and a narrow chin. The idea is to add weight at the bottom and draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
Try:
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Long curtain bangs
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Side parts with waves
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Textured bobs
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Collarbone-length layers
Skip: Short, choppy layers on top — they can make the forehead feel even wider.
5. Long Face: Add Width & Volume
Long or rectangular faces benefit from width at the sides and styles that visually shorten the length of the face.
Best choices:
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Chin-length bobs
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Volumised curls or waves
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Blunt bangs
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Shoulder-length with flipped ends
Avoid: Super long, flat hair — it only exaggerates the vertical lines.
Bonus: What If You Don’t Know Your Face Shape?
Don’t worry — most of us are some combination of two. One quick trick from stylist Nina at Larry King Salon:
“Take a selfie, trace your outline with your finger — what shape do you see most clearly?”
Or better yet, ask your stylist directly. A good one will not only tell you, but tailor your cut to highlight the features you already love.
Final Word:
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” face shape — only perfectly chosen styles. The right haircut makes mornings easier, selfies sharper, and confidence skyrocket.
In London, your hair has to work hard — just like you. So choose smart, keep it practical, and most of all, make it feel like you.
?♀️ Need a stylist recommendation in your postcode? Our London Salon Guide is coming soon — stay tuned in the MYLONDON BEAUTY newsletter.
