A diamond face shape is widest across the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and a narrow jaw and chin. The cheekbones are usually high and defined, which gives a diamond face strong natural contour. Styling it is mostly about adding a little width at the forehead and jaw, so the cheekbones sit in balance.
What a diamond face shape looks like
These signs usually show up together.
- Cheekbones clearly the widest point. The face is broadest at the cheekbones by a clear margin.
- A narrow forehead. The forehead is noticeably narrower than the cheekbones.
- A narrow jaw and a pointed chin. The face tapers below the cheekbones to a slim chin.
- High, defined cheekbones. They often sit close to eye level.
How to tell if you have a diamond face
Check in a mirror, with a tape measure, or with our free face shape detector.
The mirror trace
- Pull your hair back from your forehead and face a mirror with your head level.
- Trace your outline on the glass with a washable marker or soap.
- Step back. A diamond face traces like a diamond with softened points, narrow at the top, widest in the middle and narrow at the chin.
The tape measure
Measure across your forehead, your cheekbones and your jaw at the corners below your ears. If the cheekbone width is clearly the largest and both the forehead and the jaw are narrower by a similar amount, your face is diamond shaped. If the forehead is as wide as the cheekbones, look at the heart shaped face. If the differences are small and the outline is smooth, look at the oval face shape.
Best hairstyles for a diamond face
The aim is to add width at the forehead and the jaw, so the cheekbones are framed rather than exaggerated.
Short hair
A textured pixie with side swept bangs adds width at the forehead. A short cut with fullness around the ears balances the jaw. Very short sides with height on top make the cheekbones stand out even more, which some people love.
Medium hair
A chin length bob is one of the best choices for a diamond face, because it adds volume right at the jaw. A shoulder length cut with waves from the chin down works well too. Tucking the hair behind the ears shows off the cheekbones.
Long hair
Long hair with layers that add volume at the chin and below balances the shape. Wispy or side swept bangs soften the forehead. A center part with flat sides can make the face look narrower at top and bottom.
For men
A fringe or a textured cut worn forward adds width at the forehead. Medium length hair with some fullness at the sides suits a diamond face. A fuller beard balances the jaw.
Glasses for a diamond face
Oval, rimless and cat eye frames suit a diamond face. Browline frames add width at the forehead, and frames about as wide as the cheekbones keep the face in balance. Narrow frames that sit inside the cheekbones can make them look wider.
Makeup and contouring
Contour just under the cheekbones, not on top of them, to keep their shape soft. Highlight the center of the forehead and the chin to add a little width there. Blush on the apples of the cheeks, blended inward, softens strong cheekbones.
Beards and facial hair
A fuller beard at the chin and jaw balances high cheekbones. A full beard or a boxed beard adds width at the bottom of the face. Very thin beards that follow the jaw keep the diamond outline sharp.
Diamond, heart and oval compared
Diamond faces are most often confused with heart shaped and oval ones.
- A heart shaped face is widest at the forehead rather than the cheekbones.
- An oval face has a gentler taper, with a forehead only a little narrower than the cheekbones.
If your result sits between two shapes, try ideas from both pages.
High cheekbones and the diamond face
Diamond faces almost always come with high cheekbones, which catch light and give the face natural shape in photos. Learn more in our guide to high cheekbones. Like every other shape, a diamond face is not better or worse than any other. It simply sets a few starting points for hair, glasses and makeup.
Diamond face at a glance
| Hairstyles to try | Side swept or wispy bangs, A chin length bob, Tucking hair behind the ears, Fuller, textured short cuts |
|---|---|
| Go easy on | Center parts with flat sides, Lots of height on top |
| Glasses | Oval, rimless and cat eye frames suit a diamond face, and browline frames add width at the brows. |
| Makeup | Contour just under the cheekbones and highlight the center of the forehead and the chin. |
| Beard | A fuller beard at the chin and jaw balances high cheekbones. |
