Stylish Men & Women’s Hairstyles for Square Faces

A square face is categorised by a strong, broad jawline with sharp angles. The forehead, cheekbones and jawline are nearly equal in width with minimal curves, making the overall outline look straighter and more angular. Square faces are often perceived as bold and symmetrical, which can be accentuated or softened with the right haircut. This guide will focus on unisex hairstyles for those with square faces, ensuring the styles are flattering and trendy.

Understanding Square Faces: Characteristics and Considerations

Defining Features of a Square Face

The defining features of a square face is a strong, broad jawline, angular cheekbones and a wide forehead. These features make the face appear symmetrical but with sharp features. Square faces can look bold and structured but the right haircut can enhance and balance proportions. Understanding your face shape is the first step to choosing the most flattering style.

Styling Considerations for Square Faces

It is important to soften the angularity of a square face as it can add dimension to the face and draw attention to key features, this can be done by choosing specific cuts. Rounded and asymmetrical cuts work well by adding softness and breaking up the harsh lines of the face. Volume and texture can also help balance the strong jawline and forehead.

Top 30 Hairstyles for Square Faces

Top 10 Men’s Hairstyles for Square Faces

1. The Crew Cut

A crew cut is a timeless short hairstyle featuring closely cropped sides and with slightly longer hair on top. The length gently increases toward the front, allowing for a small quiff or a natural, laid-back finish. The hair on top is typically kept between 1-2 inches, giving enough room for subtle texture or a light, forward-facing style, while maintaining a neat, structured silhouette.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Reynolds.

Suitable hair types: Straight hair is ideal for a classic crew cut as it creates line and sharp silhouettes and is easy to style with minimal or no product.

Styling tip: Use a pea sized amount of matte clay or paste and lightly work it through the top of the hair, starting at the back and moving forward.

Maintenance: Schedule trims every 3-4 weeks. Because it is a short and precise look, consistent upkeep will have it looking its best.

2. Textured Crop

Characterised by its short to medium-length hair on top, the textured crop is a contemporary men’s hair style that balances low maintenance with a stylish, modern look. This cut allows the hair to fall naturally while creating movement and volume. The sides are typically tapered or faded, emphasising the textured crop and giving a clean silhouette. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Suitable hair types: This style works great for those with wavy hair as it naturally enhances the messy and effortless look.

Styling tip: Twist each section lightly with your fingers enough to encourage separation.

Maintenance: This is typically a low maintenance style when it comes to styling, it requires a quick finger style daily. 

3. Side Parted Undercut

A side-parted undercut is a sharp, modern hairstyle that combines a clean, disconnected shape on the sides with a structured, swept style on top. The sides and back are normally very short- often faded or buzzed, while the top is left longer, creating a bold contrast. The natural or styled side part separates the longer top section from the tight undercut, giving the hairstyle a crisp, defined look.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Tom Hardy.

Suitable hair types: This is a great option for those with fine hair as the undercut can give the illusion of thicker hair by contrasting the sides with the longer top.

Styling tip: Style the top with your fingers to add slight lift or texture.

Maintenance: The undercuts sides grow out quickly; frequent trims keep the contrast clean.

4. Pompadour

The pompadour is a classic haircut which features shorter sides and a voluminous top that is swept upward and backward. The hair on top is left long enough to create height and fullness, while the sides and back are usually tapered, faded or undercut to emphasise the contrast. The defining feature of a pompadour is its elevated front, which can be styled sleek and polished for a more formal look or textured and messy for a modern, casual look.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Zayn Malik and Bruno Mars.

Suitable hair types: The pompadour is a great choice for those with thick hair as it can hold the height and fullness easily.

Styling tip: Use a round brush and lift at the roots when blow-drying.

Maintenance: With this style the top can be left to grow slightly longer, but regular trimming helps keep it manageable and prevents it looking too heavy.

5. Buzz Cut

A buzz cut is a very short, low-maintenance style where the hair is clipped uniformly close to the scalp. Typically, the hair length ranges depending on personal preference. It features an even, consistent length all over the head, emphasising facial features- working especially well for those with strong jawlines. It is a clean, minimalistic style that requires little to no daily styling while maintaining a sharp, masculine appearance.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Channing Tatum and Adam Levine.

Suitable hair types: This style works best for those with straight hair as it lays flat against the scalp naturally. 

Styling tip: Use a trimmer or razor to define the edges around the forehead, temples and neck.

Maintenance: Shorter buzz cuts need trimming every 2-3 weeks to maintain the uniform length.

6. Ivy League Cut

The ivy league cut is a classic, versatile men’s style that combines short, clean cut on the sides and back with a slightly longer top, allowing for a side part or a neat combed-back look. It’s essentially a longer variation of the traditional crew cut, offering length on top to be able to be styled in a polished, professional manner while still being low maintenance. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Chris Evans and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Suitable hair types: This works well on those with thick hair as it holds the shape well. 

Styling tip: Use a small amount of pomade and use your fingers to lift and shape the front for more volume. 

Maintenance: This style can go longer in between cuts if you like a slightly relaxed look. 

7. Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut is a short, uniform style that is cut to the same length all around the head with a small, horizontal fringe brushed forward over the forehead. It is even in length on the top, sides and back and has minimal tapering or fading on the sides, though modern versions may incorporate a subtle fade for a contemporary look. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as George Clooney and Jude Law.

Suitable hair types: Straight hair is ideal for this look as it allows the hair to light flat, creating a crisp, forward fringe.

Styling tip: Using a light pomade and shaping the fringe will enhance the signature shape without making the hair look stiff.

Maintenance: The top and fringe can grow slightly longer but regular trimming keeps the forward fringe defined.

8. Faux Hawk

This modern, edgy hairstyle mimics a traditional mohawk but is less extreme and more versatile. Unlike a full mohawk, the sides are shorter but not shaved, creating a subtle contrast with the longer hair in the centre. The top section is styled upward and toward the centre, forming a ridge or a ‘hawk’ shape, while the sides gradually blend into the longer top or remain slightly tapered.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Robbie Williams.

Suitable hair types: Wavy hair is ideal for this look as it adds natural volume and movement to the top.

Styling tip: Apply a lightweight mousse to the top section and blow-dry upwards, use a round brush to create more lift.

Maintenance: Schedule trims accordingly, the faux hawk loses definition when the top becomes too heavy.

9. Side Swept Brush Back

The side swept brush back is a classic, sophisticated style that combines the sleek elegance of a brushed-back top with the natural movement of a side sweep. The hair on top is kept longer, allowing it to be combed back while sweeping slightly to one side, creating volume, flow and polished finish. The longer hair on top provides flexibility for styling backward and to the side. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Harry Styles and Ryan Gosling. 

Suitable hair types: Thick hair holds volume for a pronounced brush back.

Styling tip: Blow-dry backwards with a round or paddle brush to lift at the roots, direct airflow backward and towards your preferred side.

Maintenance: Wash the hair 2-4 times per week, depending on oiliness and product use, heavier creams or pomades may need a clarifying shampoo occasionally. 

10. Long Layered Hair

Long, layered hair for men is a versatile style where the hair is left long while strategically cut into layers to add movement, volume and dimension. The layers prevent thick hair from looking too heavy and help thinner hair appear fuller. The layers can often be face-framing, helping to soften facial features and enhance jawline definition. This hairstyle is ideal for those seeking a casual, stylish and low-maintenance look with natural flow. 

Celebrity inspo- Seen on celebrities such as Jared Leto and Keanu Reeves.

Suitable hair types: This is a great option for those with thick hair as it helps reduce bulk, making long hair more manageable.

Styling tip: Use a sea salt spray to enhance natural waves or add texture to straight hair. 

Maintenance: Trim the ends every 6-12 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain the shape of the layers.

Top 10 Women’s Hairstyles for Square Faces

1. Long Layers with Waves

This flattering hairstyle combines length with movement and texture. The hair is cut into long layers, which create volume, prevent heaviness and add natural flow. When styled with waves, the hair gains a, flowing texture that enhances body and dimension. Waves can be styled natural, beachy or voluminous to enhance texture and create a soft, romantic look. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Blake Lively.

Suitable hair types: This style works well with straight hair as the layers prevent straight hair from looking flat or heavy.

Styling tip: Use straighteners to define the layers by turning inwards for definition.

Maintenance: Wash the hair 2-4 times per week, occasional deep conditioning masks will help maintain shine and prevent dryness.

2. Lob with Soft Curls

This chic hairstyle falls around the shoulders and combines the elegance of a long bob with gentle, flowing curls. Loose waves or curls add movement, volume and texture. This style is perfect for both polished and casual looks, ideal for women seeking a modern, feminine and effortlessly stylish haircut.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Emma Stone and Gigi Hadid.

Suitable hair types: This is a great option for those with curly hair as it adds volume and movement to the lob without extra effort.

Styling tip: Use a curling wand for natural-looking curls, gently finger-comb or tousle the curls to soften them. 

Maintenance: Schedule trims every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain the shape of the lob.

3. Side Swept Bangs with a Bob

This style combines the timeless elegance of a bob cut with soft, angled bangs that sweep across the forehead. The bob is typically chin-shoulder length with a structured, clean silhouette. The soft, angled bangs blend seamlessly into the layers of the bob, framing the face and adding softness. This is a great choice for those looking for a sophisticated, chic look that can be styled both casual and formal.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Anne Hathaway.

Suitable hair types: Thick hair holds the bobs shape and structure well, however layers may need to be added to prevent the bob looking too bulky.

Styling tip: Use a round brush and sweep the bangs to the side as you dry.

Maintenance: Trim the bob every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape and avoid the ends looking blunt or uneven. 

4. Textured Pixie Cut

A textured pixie cut is a short, chic hairstyle where the hair is cut close to the head but styled with layers and texture to create movement, volume, and dimension. This modern take on the classic pixie emphasises a messy, effortless look rather than a flat, uniform shape. It is typically cropped around the sides and back and slightly longer on top for styling versatility. Choppy or feathered layers add volume, movement and playful edge. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Halle Berry and Emma Watson.

Suitable hair types: This is a great option for those with straight hair as the choppy layers add volume and prevent the hair from looking flat.

Styling tip: Use a texturising spray and use your fingers to lift at the roots for volume.

Maintenance: Trims for the sides and back every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the short, clean shape.

5. Beachy Waves

Beachy waves are a relaxed, effortless hairstyle featuring soft, tousled waves that mimic the natural movement of hair after a day at the beach. This versatile look works on medium to long hair, with optional layers to enhance movement and frame the face, creating a carefree yet stylish vibe. Perfect for everyday wear or casual-chic occasions, beachy waves add texture, volume, and dimension without looking overly polished, making them a timeless and universally flattering choice for nearly every hair type.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Gisele Bundchen. 

Suitable hair types: Wavy hair naturally enhances the beachy wave look with minimal effort.

Styling tip: Use a sea salt spray and scrunch sections to the hair to encourage natural waves and volume.

Maintenance: Product build up may weigh the hair down, wash 2-4 times per week, condition regularly to maintain softness and prevent tangles.

6. Side Parted Straight Hair

Side-parted straight hair is a timeless and versatile hairstyle where sleek, straight strands are parted to one side, creating a flattering asymmetrical frame for the face. This style enhances natural shine, highlights hair length, and adds a polished, sophisticated look that works for both casual and professional settings. Ideal for medium to long hair, the side part can be subtle or deep, offering options to accentuate facial features, soften angles, and add dimension. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Zendaya and Scarlett Johansson.

Suitable hair types: Straight hair works best for this look as it naturally lies flat and sleek and minimal styling is needed to maintain smoothness and shine.

Styling tip: Apply a smoothing serum for a sleek look.

Maintenance: Occasional thinning may be needed for very thick hair to avoid bulkiness.

7. Curtain Bangs with Medium Length Hair

This timeless and versatile hairstyle incorporates sleek, straight strands which are parted to one side, creating a flattering asymmetrical frame for the face. This style enhances natural shine, highlights hair length, and adds a polished, sophisticated look that works for both casual and professional settings. Ideal for medium to long hair, the side part can be subtle or deep, offering options to accentuate facial features, soften angles, and add dimension. Whether worn sleek and smooth or with a slight bend at the ends, side-parted straight hair is effortlessly chic, modern, and universally flattering.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Dakota Johnson and Alexa Chung. 

Suitable hair types: Thick hair holds the shape of curtain bangs well and supports volume in the medium-length layers.

Styling tip: Sweep the bangs outward on each side of the face to create the signature curtain effect.

Maintenance: The bangs may need to be trimmed more often to keep the shape.

8. Layered Shag Cut

The layered shag cut is a bold, textured hairstyle characterized by choppy layers, volume, and effortless movement. Key features include feathered layers around the crown and sides, often with textured ends and optional bangs, creating a lived-in, tousled look that adds volume and dimension. Ideal for medium to long hair, the layered shag can be styled sleek, wavy, or messy, offering a chic, edgy, and carefree vibe.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Kaia Gerber.

Suitable hair types: Wavy hair is ideal for this look as it helps enhance the shag’s natural, tousled texture.

Styling tip: When styling, scrunch hair with your hands to encourage natural movement and waves.

Maintenance: Trimming the layers every 6-8 weeks help maintain the shape and prevent ends from looking heavy or blunt.

9. Soft Curled Bob

The soft curled bob is a timeless, elegant hairstyle that combines the classic structure of a bob with gentle, flowing curls for a polished yet effortlessly feminine look. Typically cut to chin- or shoulder-length, this style features subtle curls or waves that add volume, movement, and texture without looking overly styled. Soft curls around the ends or throughout the hair create a face-framing effect, enhancing features and adding a touch of sophistication. Versatile and flattering for a variety of face shapes and hair types, the soft curled bob can be worn sleek and refined for formal occasions or tousled for a casual, modern vibe.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lawrence.

Suitable hair types: Thick hair holds the curls well and adds volume and dimension to the bob.

Styling tip: Use rollers to further enhance the curls, gently run your fingers through to soften and separate them.

10. High Ponytail with Loose Strands

A high ponytail with loose strands combines the sleek elegance of a classic ponytail with a relaxed, effortless vibe. Pulled up high on the crown, the ponytail creates height and elongates the face, while soft, loose strands around the face add a touch of softness and movement. The loose strands help frame the face, soften angular features, and add a modern, stylish edge to a timeless silhouette, making it a go-to hairstyle for both workdays and nights out.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian. 

Suitable hair types: This style works best for straight hair as it is easy to achieve a tidy, structured look with minimal styling.

Styling tip: Tame fly-aways with a tiny amount of styling cream or hairspray to maintain smoothness.

Maintenance: The style can lose its sleek, polished look if hair becomes oil or weighed down.

Top 10 Unisex Hairstyles for Square Faces

1. The Modern Shag

The modern shag is a stylish, updated take on the classic, 70s cut, designed to deliver effortless texture, volume, and movement with a fresh, contemporary edge. This haircut features soft, choppy layers, usually concentrated around the crown and framing the face, giving the hair a naturally tousled, lived-in look. Unlike the heavily feathered vintage shag, the modern version is more refined and customisable- ranging from subtle and soft to bold and edgy.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Jenna Ortega and Billie Eilish.

Suitable hair types: Wavy hair is the perfect match for a modern shag, the natural waves enhance the choppy layers and create effortless movement. 

Styling tip: To add extra definition, twist a few random sections and let them air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat.

Maintenance: Wavy and curly hair may need a quick refresh with water and curl cream daily.

2. The Tapered Fade

The tapered fade is a classic and versatile men’s haircut that combines clean lines with a subtle graduation of length. Characterised by hair that gradually shortens from the top of the head down to the neckline and around the ears, this cut creates a polished, seamless appearance that works well with almost any hairstyle on top. The tapered fade is modern yet timeless, offering a sharp, professional finish while maintaining natural movement and volume above. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Zac Efron and Drake.

Suitable hair types: Straight hair is ideal for clean, sharp fades.

Styling tip: Use a pomade or wax for straight hair to create a sleek, polished look. 

Maintenance: Haircuts every 2-4 weeks are recommended to keep the fade sharp and clean.

3. Textured Quiff

This classic and versatile men’s haircut that combines clean lines with a subtle graduation of length. Characterised by hair that gradually shortens from the top of the head down to the neckline and around the ears, this cut creates a polished, seamless appearance that works well with almost any hairstyle on top. The tapered fade is modern yet timeless, offering a sharp, professional finish while maintaining natural movement and volume above. Its adaptability makes it ideal for men of all ages and hair types.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Liam Payne and Justin Timberlake.

Suitable hair types: Naturally wavy hair helps enhance the tousled, textured look.

Styling tip: Apply a volumising mousse or styling cream to the roots and mid lengths.

Maintenance: Product build up may weigh the hair down, wash 2-4 times per week.

4. Messy Top Knot

Typically worn high on the crown, this look gathers the hair into a loose knot or bun while allowing strands to fall naturally around the face, creating a carefree, effortless vibe. Perfect for medium to long hair, the messy top knot works for casual everyday wear, active lifestyles, or even more polished occasions with slight tweaks. Its versatility allows it to complement straight, wavy, or curly textures, and it can be paired with undercuts, fades, or natural lengths for added edge. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities Orlando Bloom and Harry Styles.

Suitable hair types: Straight hair can create a sleek base for the top knot while still allowing some loose, face-framing strands.

Styling tip: For extra texture, tug lightly at sections of the knot to loosen it without making it fall apart.

Maintenance: Hair may become damaged, use moisturising masks to help treat split ends.

5. Side Swept Undercut

The side-swept undercut is a bold, modern men’s hairstyle that blends edgy contrast with versatile styling. Characterised by short, faded or shaved sides and longer hair on top, the style allows the longer strands to be swept to one side, creating a sleek, dynamic silhouette. This haircut is highly adaptable, working with straight, wavy, or textured hair, and can be styled for a casual, tousled look or a polished, professional appearance. The side-swept undercut enhances facial features, adds volume and movement on top, and provides a contemporary edge while maintaining a clean, sharp finish around the sides and back. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake.

Suitable hair types: Thick hair works well for this style as it holds volume and structure well for the longer top.

Styling tip: Comb or run your fingers through the top to sweep it to one side.

Maintenance: Haircuts are recommended 3-6 weeks to maintain the clean undercut.

6. Bowl Cut with Soft Fringes

A bowl cut with soft fringes is a modern, versatile take on the classic bowl haircut, updated to feel fresh, stylish, and wearable. This hairstyle features a rounded, even shape around the head, while the front incorporates soft, face-framing fringes that soften the overall look and add movement. Unlike traditional, rigid bowl cuts, the soft fringes create a more relaxed, natural finish that works with a variety of hair textures.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Finn Wolfhard and Ezra Miller.

Suitable hair types: Straight hair maintains the clean, rounded lines of the bowl.

Styling tip: Use a round brush when drying to shape the fringe gently around the face.

Maintenance: Trimming the fringe regularly ensures it frames the face perfectly and doesn’t grow too long or uneven.

7. Pompadour with a Fade

The pompadour with a fade is a bold, stylish men’s hairstyle that blends classic sophistication with modern edge. This look features longer hair on top styled upward and back to create volume and height, while the sides and back are gradually tapered into a fade, ranging from subtle to sharp, depending on personal preference. The contrast between the voluminous top and the clean, short sides gives the style a striking, contemporary appearance. It emphasizes facial features, adds dimension, and exudes confidence, making it a go-to choice for men seeking a timeless yet modern haircut.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as David Beckham and Zayn Malik.

Suitable hair types: Thick hair holds the volume and structure needed for an elevated top.

Styling tip: Apply a root-lifting spray to the crown and top sections for extra volume.

Maintenance: Trims every 3-6 weeks keep the fade sharp and clean.

8. Long Waves with Centre Part

The long waves with a centre part is a timeless, effortlessly chic hairstyle that exudes natural elegance and movement. The hair is parted neatly down the middle, this style allows soft, cascading waves to frame the face symmetrically, creating balance and enhancing facial features. The centre part emphasises symmetry and sophistication, while the loose waves offer a relaxed, modern vibe, making this look versatile for casual outings, professional settings, or special occasions.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Shailene Woodley and Keira Knightley.

Suitable hair types: Wavy hair is ideal for creating natural, effortless long waves without much heat styling.

Styling tip: Apply a sea salt spray to add texture and hold.

Maintenance: Trims every 8-12 weeks help maintain healthy ends and prevent split ends.

9. Buzz Cut with Texture

A buzz cut with texture is a modern, low-maintenance men’s hairstyle that updates the classic buzz cut with subtle layers and movement. Unlike a traditional uniform buzz, this style incorporates slight variation in length or carefully added choppiness to give the hair dimension and a more dynamic appearance. The textured buzz cut works well for men seeking a clean, sharp look that still retains personality and style. It’s highly versatile, flattering a variety of face shapes, and suitable for straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair. 

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Tom Hardy and Liam Hemsworth. 

Suitable hair types: Thick hair holds the texture and layers well, giving a bold, defined finish. 

Styling tip: Use a trimmer to maintain consistent but slightly varied lengths for a modern finish. 

Maintenance: Daily styling is minimal, usually just using fingers and a light texturising product.

10. Long, Flowing Hair with Layers

Long flowing hair with layers is a versatile, timeless hairstyle that combines length with movement and dimension. Layers are carefully cut throughout the hair to create softness, volume, and natural flow, preventing long hair from looking flat or heavy. This style enhances facial features, adds texture, and works for a variety of occasions, from casual to formal. It’s ideal for those who want the elegance of long hair while maintaining an effortless, modern aesthetic.

Celebrity inspo: Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Zendaya.

Suitable hair types: This works well for those with straight hair as the layers add movement and prevent the hair from looking flat. 

Styling tip: Use a round brush when blow-drying to accentuate volume and layers.

Maintenance: Regular deep-conditioning treatments keeps the hair healthy, shiny and frizz-free.

Practical Styling Tips for Square Faces

Add Volume and Texture at the Crown

Add volume at the crown to elongate the face and create a balanced silhouette. Products like a volumising mousse or root-lifting spray help add height without overwhelming the face. Blow-drying the hair upwards at the roots will add natural lfit and enhance the hairs overall balance.

Embrace Soft Waves and Curves

Soft waves and curly styles can break up the straight lines of a square face and give it a more rounded shape by using specific styling techniques to create natural waves with curling wands or braiding damp hair overnight. Instead of tight curls, opt for  relaxed waves to keep the look soft and natural. 

Choose Asymmetry for a Modern Touch

Experiment with asymmetrical cuts or side parts to create contrast and soften angular features, these help add movement and allow for easy styling versatility, offering different looks for work or casual settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Hairstyles for Square Faces

When choosing the hairstyle for a square face, avoid anything with blunt cuts at the jawline or straight-across bangs. Opt for soft layers or side-swept bangs that create more volume and soften the sharp jawline.

Booking Your Appointment at Rush

Looking for the perfect haircut for a square face shape? Book into your closest Rush salon and stylists can tailor the appointment to your face shape.