Finding the perfect updo that boosts your client’s confidence often hinges on one essential factor: their face shape. With seven distinct face shapes to master, this straightforward guide will walk you through the dos and don’ts for each type. You’ll learn how to craft stunning, personalised updos that highlight your client’s unique features, while keeping their hair looking and feeling healthy, glossy, and strong.
Updo Hairstyles for Oval Faces
With balanced proportions, a slightly narrower chin, and high cheekbones, the oval face shape is unique in how it suits almost any updo.
Styles like the sleek French twist elongate the neck, while braided crowns highlight cheekbones without overwhelming. Alternatively, soft, messy buns – complimented by loose tendrils – also keep the face looking balanced and relaxed, making it one of our go-to hairstyles for oval faces.
Tip: Always prep hair with a heat protectant, such as Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion, before styling with the Original Iron.
Avoid: Excessive bulk on one side, which can disrupt natural symmetry.
Inspired by: Beyonce and Charlize Theron.
Best Hairstyles for Round Face Shape
Characterised by full cheeks, a rounded jaw, and an equal width and length, the best hairstyles for a round face shape include looks that elongate and add height.
High top knots or ballet buns draw the eye upward, while a voluminous crown chignon with a side fringe holds the power to break the round silhouette. A half-up style with crown height or soft waves also adds definition without bulk, making them both go-to hairstyles for this softer face type.
Tip: Always prep the hair with a heat protectant, such as the Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion, and smooth sections using the Cloud Nine Wide Iron for a sleeker look.
Avoid: Flat low buns and centre parts that emphasise roundness.
Inspired by: Emma Stone and Ariana Grande.
Updo Hairstyles for Square Shape Faces
Identifiable by strong jawlines, broad foreheads, and angular contours, the square face is most complemented by styles that round out features while creating a vertical lift.
Loose, textured chignons with face-framing waves break sharpness, while side-swept low buns introduce softness and natural asymmetry. Voluminous buns at the crown are also a great option for adding height to the face.
Tip: When curling hair, create vertical sections and style with the Cloud Nine Wide Iron. Allow curls to cool naturally, then finish by lightly applying working hairspray and brushing out gently.
Avoid: Slicked, tight buns and severe centre parts.
Inspired by: Margot Robbie, Angelina Jolie, and Shalom Harlow.
Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
Defined by a long, narrow silhouette, straight cheek lines, and a defined jaw, oblong faces work well with hairstyles that add width and soften length. Focus on balancing the face by minimising vertical emphasis and adding fullness through shape and texture.
Low buns with horizontal volume are a great choice for achieving this, while side-swept curly updos and braided halo chignons smooth angles and add width. By experimenting with other braid techniques too, you can keep hairstyles for oblong faces looking fresh and tailored to your client’s individual style every time.
Tip: For natural, healthy-looking curls, apply a pea-sized amount of the Cloud Nine Magical Remedy before styling.
Avoid: Tall high buns (unless they are paired with a fringe to balance height).
Inspired by: Liv Tyler, Kelly Rowland, and Leona Lewis.
Heart Face Shape Hairstyles
For clients with a wide forehead, strong cheekbones, and a narrow jawline, the goal is to balance the forehead’s width by adding fullness to the jaw and nape.
Low nape textured chignons add volume where the chin tapers, while side-swept buns with loose fringes soften the forehead and temples. Textured ponytail updos also create balanced movement, which can be enhanced with the Cloud Nine Wide Iron for extra volume.
Tip: Alternate the side of the parting for a fresh look each time.
Avoid: Updos focused only on crown height, which emphasise the forehead.
Inspired by Reese Witherspoon, Gillian Grace, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Hairstyles for a Diamond Face Shape
With a narrow forehead and chin paired with wide cheekbones, flattering hairstyles for a diamond face shape involve softening the hairline and balancing the cheekbone width by adding fullness at the forehead or jawline.
Soft side buns with volume around the temples help to create a gentle look, while braided low updos with bangs help soften the face’s sharper angles.
Tip: Switch up between curls and waves using an iron that is best for your client’s unique hair type. Opt for the Cloud Nine Wide Iron for those with longer or thicker hair, or the Cloud Nine Slim Iron for those with shorter or thinner locks. Alternatively, the Original Iron is perfect for all hair types, with its 1-inch plates and 11 temperature settings.
Avoid: Severe slicked-back styles that draw attention to sharp cheekbones.
Inspired by: Eliza González, Garcelle Beauvais Nilon, and Keira Knightley.
Triangle Face Shape Hairstyles
With wide jawlines and narrow foreheads, base-up triangle face shapes suit styles that lift at the crown or temples – like high buns or a softly teased crown. Alternatively, low chignons and side buns that add volume at the nape effectively balance inverted triangle face shapes defined by wider foreheads and narrower chins, making them the perfect option every time.
If you’re new to styling based on face shape, textured, side-swept styles are a flattering go-to for both triangular types, working to soften angles and add in movement for a consistently flawless look.
Tip: Always begin with a smooth blow-dry before adding waves – the Cloud Nine Airshot hair dryer is perfect for all hair types.
Avoid: Styles that exaggerate imbalance, such as crown-only height for inverted shapes or jaw-heavy buns for those with base-up features.
Inspired by: Brooklyn Decker, Ningning, and Mallika Sherawat.