Head Coverings and Face Shapes: How To Find a Look that Flatters
Christian head covering for women isn’t about looking glamorous (it’s actually about symbolizing our God-given role), yet we needn’t give up on looking pretty! Though it’s common to struggle with feeling awkward at first, this thankfully doesn’t have to characterize our whole head covering journey.
In this article, let’s take a look at how different hair and head covering styles can help bring out the best in different face shapes!
STEP ONE: WHICH FACE SHAPE DO I HAVE?
To start out with, it’s good to be aware of your face shape. Some of the most common face shapes are oval, oblong (long), round, square, triangular (heart shaped), inverted triangle (pear-shaped), and diamond. Generally speaking, all people will find themselves with one of those face shapes or will at least come very close in a unique combination of a couple of them put together.
To find out which face shape you have, here’s a quick tip: pull your hair back away from your face, then look at yourself in the mirror. (If you want, you can try using a dry-erase marker directly on the mirror to outline your reflection.) Observe the length of your face compared to the width. Also look closely at the shape of your jawline and forehead.
-If your face is longer than it is wide, you might have an oval or oblong face. An oval face has a jawline and forehead with soft, rounded corners, while an oblong face has a jawline and forehead which are about equal with each other in width and are not as rounded at the corners.
-If your face is about equal in length and width, you might have a round or square face. A round face has a jawline and forehead with rounded corners (similar to the oval face, but not as long), while the square face has more angular corners (similar to the oblong face).
-If your jawline is not as wide as your forehead, you might have a triangular (heart-shaped) face. This face type has a pointy chin and broad forehead. Similarly, if your jawline is wider than your forehead, you probably have an inverted triangle (pear-shaped) face. This face type has a broad jawline but narrow forehead.
-If you have a pointy chin and narrow forehead with full cheekbones, you probably have a diamond face.
STEP TWO: WHICH HAIR AND HEAD COVERING STYLES FLATTER MY FACE SHAPE?
Before we move on, please keep this very important point in mind:
Each of us is beautiful in our own way! In my opinion, there is no “ideal” face shape, only variations of what God Himself considers beautiful and interesting. We shouldn’t fall into the trap of thinking we’re ugly if we don’t look like someone else we admire. These tips are meant to function more as fun ideas which you can use if you want. If your favorite head covering style isn’t recommended for your face shape, don’t feel you have to change! Still, it might be worthwhile to try something fresh, since your next-favorite look may be just around the corner!
The trick to finding out which head covering style might be most flattering for each face shape is to think about how we can balance out the proportions.
QUICK TIPS FOR EACH FACE SHAPE
Here are a few, easy head covering and hair-styling tips for each of the main face shapes.
Oval
Try: Anything! This face shape is evenly proportioned and therefore very versatile, so there may be many styles which suit you. Be brave in trying a variety of different looks!
Oblong (long)
Try: Styles that soften the edges of the face and balance out the length by drawing attention to the sides of the face:
- Softly-draped infinity or rectangular scarves
- The tichel style (tightly wrapped scarf which covers most or all of the hair) with a simple decorative bow or knot to one side, at about eye level
- Headbands with a cloth flower near the side of the face
- Hair showing on the sides of the face and/or draped gently across the forehead (with a part that is in the middle or slightly to the side)
- Bangs
Round
Try: Styles that help create the illusion of more length:
- Head coverings with a thick, decorative headband near the crown of the head
- Rectangular scarves knotted at the side of the neck, with a long trail of fabric hanging over one shoulder
- Long hair left loose in the back and over the shoulders
- A deep part to one side
- Hair brushed away from the sides of the face
Square
Try: Styles that help soften the edges of the face and create the illusion of more length:
- Coverings which allow the hair to show near the jawline, such as the triangular scarf or wide headband with the hair kept down around the shoulders
- Scarves knotted near the jawline and draped softly over one shoulder
- Infinity scarves or rectangular scarves
- A deep part, brushing some hair across the forehead
- Soft, wispy bangs
Triangular (heart shaped)
Try: Styles that draw attention to your eyes while being full and soft near the jawline:
- Scarves with bows or knots tied at the jawline, with short fabric ends
- Rectangular or infinity scarves wrapped gently around the head and neck
- Hair brushed across the forehead diagonally
- Head coverings which are pulled down a little closer to the eyes
- Hair hanging loose around the shoulders
Inverted Triangle (pear shaped)
Try: Styles that draw the eye upward, to balance out the strength of the jawline:
- Hairstyles and head coverings with minimal fabric around the jawline, such as headbands with hair pulled back in a ponytail or neat bun
- Hair combed away from the forehead
- Head coverings which are pulled back to show the hairline
- Hair tucked behind the ears
- Fabric layered on top of the head, using a thick headband or simple decoration near the crown of the head (and slightly to one side)
Diamond
Try: Styles that draw attention away from the cheeks and create more fullness near the forehead and/or jawline:
- Tichel-type scarves with layers near the crown of the head
- Hair hanging loose around the shoulders but tucked closely at the sides
- Deep part
- Low, loose bun with a cowl-type covering
- Hair slightly puffed on top of the head in front of the head covering
LET’S GET STARTED!
So, now that you’ve figured out what your face shape is and have read a few ideas on which head covering and hairstyles to try, the next step is to experiment. Have fun, enjoy the process, and don’t let yourself get frustrated if you don’t find the perfect fit right away.
During the process, it’s worthwhile to remember that the purpose of wearing a head covering is to symbolize our feminine role and bring glory to God while worshiping together with other believers. In our efforts to be pretty, we don’t want to allow ourselves to get drawn away from the head covering’s primary purpose. The goal of finding a flattering head covering style isn’t to look as glamorous as we can, but to help ourselves feel more confident in what can sometimes be a challenging experience and to be a reflection of the loveliness of Christ in us.
Do you have any head covering tips to share with us? We would love to get your feedback on which head covering styles look flattering on different face shapes. Please leave your ideas in the Comments section below!
Links to helpful sites
Find easy-to-understand tips on how to find your face shape, accompanied by pointers on how to complement your face shape with makeup, glasses, and hairstyles – https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Face-Shape
Check out this article to get help in finding your face shape. It also gives makeup and hair styling tips for different face shapes – https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/know-your-face/#gref
This article is intended to help female cancer patients find head wraps that match their face shape but can be useful info for any woman wanting to wear a head covering – http://www.breastinvestigators.com/head-wraps-and-turbans-to-flatter-your-face-shape/
This site shows wig styles that fit different face shapes. It provides good general info on styling hair (though I don’t necessarily recommend any of the very short styles) and is especially useful for knowing how to style bangs while wearing a head covering – https://www.elegantwigs.com/face-shapes.html
View a slideshow which provides advice on how to part one’s hair to flatter each face shape – https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/hair-parting-face-shape?slide=471095#471095
- Covering Testimony: Allura Lightfoot - October 20, 2023
- Why I Cover My Head // plus Headcovering Tutorial - July 17, 2023
- Covering Testimony: Amy Larry - March 26, 2023
