Curtains

What it is

Hair parted in the middle and sweeping outward, framing the face in two vertical columns. Those columns narrow a wide forehead and soften a heavy jaw, but they also lengthen the outline, so they suit a round face far better than an oblong one.

Who it suits

• Round

  Face length and width are close, with a soft jaw angle and full cheeks. Styles that add height on top and keep the sides tight will make the face read longer and more angular.

• Square

  Jaw, cheekbones and forehead are close in width, with a pronounced jaw angle. The structure is already strong, so the job is either to show it off or to soften its corners.

• Triangle

  A jaw wider than the forehead. Volume and width on top restore the balance; anything that adds bulk at the jaw works against it.

• Oval

  Slightly longer than wide, with the cheekbones as the widest point and a gently rounded jaw. The most forgiving shape — most cuts work, so the decision comes down to hair texture and how much effort you want to spend.

When to think twice

• long face
• fine hair
• professional dress code

Show this to your barber

Perimeter at jaw to collarbone. Face-framing layers starting at cheekbone height. Centre part, rough-dry away from the face, light salt spray.

Related styles

• Textured Crop

  Short, choppy top with a tight taper — the modern default.

• Low Taper with Textured Top

  Clean at the neck, volume on top — smart without being severe.

• Mid Fade Pompadour

  Serious height at the front, tight at the sides.

• Classic Side Part

  A hard-line part, combed over, nothing to argue with.