How to figure out your face shape – and what it means for your wig

While you may not have given it much thought, the shape of your face has a big impact on your look, your style, and what suits you.

As @WhoWhatWearUK says, “Face shape is one of those physical features we might not always be actively thinking about, but it contributes to so many parts of our lives. Everything from picking a hairstyle to determining the best makeup technique and even selecting the most flattering sunglasses hinges on this specific anatomical detail.”

Working out which face shape you have and understanding how that will impact on your style choices, is essential if you’re going to get the most out of your wig. Take a look at our guide to help you get started.

Measurements

The easiest way to work out which face shape you have is to take some measurements. Start by measuring your forehead from side to side. Make sure you take your measurements from the widest point of your forehead.

Next, measure your cheekbone. Start from your hairline above your cheekbone and measure the distance across your face to the same spot on the other side.

Once you’ve got the measurements for your forehead and cheekbones, move onto your jawline.

Start at the base of your jaw, underneath your ears, and measure the distance along the edge of your jaw until you reach the middle of your chin. Double this number to get the length of your entire jawline.

Last but not least, measure the length of your face, starting at your hairline and going down to the bottom of your chin.

Calculations

Now you’ve got your measurements, deciding which face shape you have should be easy. Start by looking at the numbers to see which measurement is the biggest.

For people with an oval face, the face length will be greater than the width of the cheekbones. People with a square face will find their measurements are all roughly the same.

In contrast, those with a round face will find their face length and cheekbones are similar while a diamond face will have a longer face and then, in descending order, cheekbones, forehead, and jawline.