Understanding the shape of your face can help you with many decisions, from how to style your hair to the jewelry you buy for a special occasion. While most people know of the standard face types (square, round, oval, etc.), pear-shaped faces are less commonly searched.
In fact, there are many similarities between pear-shaped and square faces, so many of the same rules apply when thinking about styling options and goals.
So, with this in mind, we asked our experts for their views on the best hairstyles for people with pear-shaped faces. Their feedback focused on reducing the angles present in pear-shaped faces, helping you to achieve balance and style at the same time.
Join us as we run through the best hairstyles for pear-shaped faces and some of those you should definitely avoid to look your best this year.
What is a pear-shaped face?
There are many similarities between pear-shaped and square-shaped faces, characterized by a strong and defined jawline. However, at the top of the head, a pear-shaped face features a narrower forehead, which is what defines the pear shape. Here are the main features of a pear-shaped face to be aware of, so you can check if you have this face shape:
✅ Similar width of jawline and cheekbones
✅ Strong and defined jawline
✅ Slightly narrow forehead that triangulates the face
For inspiration, check out celebrities like Renee Zellweger, Ali Larter, and Michelle Rodriguez, who all have pear-shaped faces. You can model your hairstyles on some of their most iconic looks if you’re struggling with where to begin.
Why do you need to know your face shape?
Knowing your face shape can help for numerous reasons. The first is that understanding the shape of your face can help you decide on the best hairstyle to go for. Some haircuts are much better suited to people with oval faces, while others are more appropriate for people with square faces.
This is due to the way your hair sits and whether your chosen style helps to bring out your best facial features. One example is that people with heart-shaped faces perfectly suit bangs, thanks to their natural face-framing nature and the fact they draw attention away from the width of the forehead.
Understanding your face shape can also help when you purchase reading or sunglasses, as you will need to work out how well the frames sit on your face. Many people also think about their face shape when purchasing jewelry like earrings and necklaces, so it’s definitely worth knowing.
What are the best hairstyles for pear-shaped faces?
Due to the narrowness of the forehead, people with pear-shaped faces often favor cuts that leave the hair slightly longer and more voluminous at the front so the fringe can be parted to either side. As a result, bangs work really well for people with pear-shaped faces, as do side-partings. With that in mind, here are some of our recommended haircuts for pear-shaped faces:
1: Side-part bob haircut
The bob is an iconic cut that suits women of various face shapes, but the addition of the side-parting is a winner for women with pear-shaped faces. It’s a glamorous and sophisticated look that maintains volume and depth at the front, with a length that goes just beyond the chin line. Though well suited to women with darker hair tones, the side-parted bob is a great look for practically any hair color. We also recommend it for women with medium to thick hair rather than people with slightly thinner hair on top.
2: The layered lob
The layered lob is a longer version of the bob, with your hair running down to or just beyond the shoulder line. As such, it’s an excellent look for women with medium to long hair and a pear-shaped face. Essential to the lob is the layers within it. The addition of the layers removes some of the weight and prevents your hair from looking too heavy. It also adds shape and volume, providing a much more complex style that is well-suited to both smart and formal occasions.
3: Loose waves
Loose waves are a stunning look and a popular curly hairstyle for women with pear-shaped faces. One of the main characteristics of loose waves is that they have a fuller body and more volume than tighter waves, helping your hair to look full and textured. Specifically in relation to your pear-shaped face, loose waves do a great job of framing your jawline and the waves can help to soften some of the angular features of your face. We recommend sweeping your waves to one side for a premium look.
4: Wispy bangs
Wispy bangs are superb for softening some of your face’s sharper features and they’re awesome for their face-framing nature. Many women go for wispy bangs because they soften the jawline, which is one of the most prominent features of pear and square-shaped faces. We prefer wispy bangs to blunt bangs because the former are more feathery and chic, delivering a timeless hairstyle that can help you look your best.
5: The short shag
Another hairstyle that works brilliantly for women with pear-shaped faces is the short shag. This deliberately thick and messy cut is a winner for its facial symmetry, helping to reduce some of the angular features of your face. We recommend running your shag down beyond the jawline to avoid accentuating width at your face’s widest point, but you have the final say on how long your short shag cut is.
Hairstyles to avoid for pear-shaped faces?
When styling your hair, you should avoid sharp, angular cuts if you have a pear-shaped face. The last thing you want is for your hairstyle to draw attention to your angular jawline, so super straight and sleek one-length hair doesn’t work. We also advise you to steer clear of blunt cuts, as these can add to the angular nature of your features. You can check in with your stylist for more inspiration, as well as cuts you should avoid to portray your face’s best features.
And what about guys?
Okay, so we’ve focused on the best hairstyles for women with pear-shaped faces, but what about the guys? Well, we recommend a hair and beard combo for pear-shaped faces to help you achieve a modern, sleek look.
This cut leaves enough length on top in the style of a quiff, enabling you to part your hair to one side. When you apply a holding wax or pomade, your hair will stay in place throughout the day, offering extra dimension to your look. Ask your barber to go short on the back and sides, or you can even choose a taper fade for something a little more daring.
We recommend pairing it with relatively short stubble for your beard and mustache, as this can help to hide some of the angular features of your lower face.
The verdict: The best hairstyle for a pear-shaped face
Key takeaways
- Pear-shaped faces are similar to square faces, but with a notably narrower forehead.
- The side-part bob, layered lob, loose waves, wispy bangs, and short shag are all great styles for women with pear-shaped faces.
- Avoid blunt hairstyles with angles to help soften your facial features.
- Look to celebrities like Renee Zellweger, Ali Larter, and Michelle Rodriguez for further inspiration, as they each have a pear-shaped face.
In our expert view, the best haircuts for pear-shaped faces are similar to those that work well for people with square faces. The goal is to choose a style that doesn’t add or draw attention to the angular features of your face. Therefore, avoid blunt and angular cuts and favor styles that add texture and dimension to your look.
If you’re looking for further inspiration and haven’t yet found your perfect hairstyle for a pear-shaped face, spend some time on Instagram and TikTok, where you will find daring styles and iconic looks from celebrities and influencers alike.
