
Diamond face shapes are defined by a narrow forehead, wide cheekbones, and a tapered chin. This unique structure creates a striking, angular look that many people love to accentuate.
However, if your goal is to create a more balanced appearance, the right haircut is essential. Selecting styles that add width to the forehead and chin can transform your look.
The following hairstyles are specifically curated to soften the prominent angles of your cheekbones. These professional recommendations focus on movement, volume, and strategic framing for a harmonious result.
1. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs are a classic choice for anyone looking to disrupt the horizontal line of wide cheekbones. By cutting the fringe at a diagonal, you draw the eye across the face rather than focusing on the widest point.
This style works by covering a portion of the forehead, which helps to balance the narrowness at the top of the head. It creates a soft, sweeping motion that blends seamlessly into the rest of your hair layers.
To get the best results, ensure the bangs end near the cheekbone or just below it. This placement ensures that the hair skims the face, masking the sharpness of the bone structure with soft, fluid movement.
2. Soft Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs have become a staple for diamond face shapes because of their incredible versatility. These bangs are parted down the middle and swept to each side, acting like a frame for the upper half of the face.
The key to softening cheekbones with curtain bangs is the length and the “flick.” When the ends are styled to turn slightly outward, they create an illusion of width at the temples and jawline.
This hairstyle is particularly effective because it bridges the gap between the forehead and the mid-face. The layered texture prevents the hair from looking too heavy, ensuring the overall aesthetic remains light and airy.
3. Chin-Length Bob

A chin-length bob is a strategic power move for those with diamond faces. By ending the hair exactly at the jawline, you add much-needed volume to the narrowest part of the lower face.
This cut works to counteract the prominence of the cheekbones by drawing attention downward. When the hair has a bit of a curve or a slight tuck at the ends, it creates a fuller silhouette.
Avoid bobs that are too blunt or heavy around the ears, as this can inadvertently highlight the width of the cheeks. Instead, opt for a bob with slightly graduated layers to maintain a soft and sophisticated finish.
4. Long Layers with Face-Framing

Long hair can sometimes drag down a diamond face if it is all one length. Adding strategic face-framing layers starting around the chin helps to break up the vertical line and add movement.
These layers work by hugging the jawline and neck, which fills in the “empty” space created by a narrow chin. This redistribution of volume makes the cheekbones appear less isolated and more integrated into the facial structure.
When styling, use a round brush to blow the layers inward toward the face. This creates a soft cocoon effect that minimizes the sharp angles of the face while maintaining the elegance of long hair.
5. Deep Side Part

Changing your part is perhaps the easiest way to soften a diamond face shape without a major haircut. A deep side part breaks up the symmetry of the face and reduces the focus on the widest points.
By shifting the weight of the hair to one side, you create an asymmetrical look that masks the angularity of the forehead. It adds an instant lift and a sense of volume that balances the overall proportions.
This style works exceptionally well with wavy or curly textures. The added height at the crown and the sweep of hair across the brow effectively diminish the visual impact of high, sharp cheekbones.
6. Shoulder-Length Shag

The modern shag is an excellent option because it is built on a foundation of messy, disconnected layers. These layers provide a lot of texture around the eyes and temples, where diamond faces need it most.
A shag typically features a lot of volume at the top and width at the sides. This helps to broaden the appearance of the forehead, making the transition to the cheekbones seem much smoother.
The “wash-and-wear” nature of the shag makes it a practical choice for a soft look. The choppy ends and fringe work together to create a cloud of hair that diffuses the sharp lines of the face.
7. Textured Pixie Cut

Short hair can be intimidating for diamond shapes, but a textured pixie is actually very flattering. The trick is to keep the sides relatively flat while adding plenty of height and texture on top.
By keeping the volume at the crown, you elongate the face and draw the gaze upward. Wispy pieces of hair around the ears and forehead help to blur the lines of the cheekbones rather than highlighting them.
This cut is all about the details and using products like pomade or wax to create “piecey” layers. This controlled messiness provides a soft frame that prevents the face from looking too “exposed.”
8. Wispy Fringe

Unlike heavy, blunt bangs, a wispy fringe allows a bit of the forehead to peek through. This lightness is crucial for diamond faces, as it avoids creating a harsh horizontal line across the face.
The soft texture of a wispy fringe creates a gentle transition from the hairline to the cheeks. It adds a touch of mystery and softness that rounds out the overall facial silhouette beautifully.
This style is perfect for those who want bangs but are afraid of them looking too “boxy.” The feathered edges blend into the side lengths, ensuring that the widest part of your face is beautifully complemented.
9. Voluminous Blowout

A blowout isn’t just a styling choice; it’s a way to manipulate the perceived shape of your face. By adding significant volume throughout the length, you create a soft “halo” of hair.
Volume is the enemy of sharp angles, meaning the more body your hair has, the softer your cheekbones will look. Focus the most volume at the roots and the ends to fill out the narrow portions of your face.
Use large rollers or a high-quality round brush to achieve maximum bounce. The rounded shapes created by the styling will contrast with the angularity of your face, resulting in a much more balanced appearance.
10. Blunt Lob (Long Bob)

The long bob, or “lob,” that hits just above the shoulders is a fantastic length for diamond shapes. While “blunt” may sound harsh, the length is what makes this style work by drawing the eyes down.
Because the lob sits below the chin, it creates a solid base that makes the lower half of the face appear wider. This helps to even out the width of the cheekbones so they don’t look overly prominent.
To keep it soft, consider adding a few internal layers that aren’t visible but add movement. This prevents the hair from looking like a heavy curtain and allows it to sway gracefully as you move.
11. Messy Top Knot with Tendrils

An updo can work wonders for a diamond face shape as long as it isn’t pulled back too tightly. A messy top knot provides height at the crown, which balances out the width of the mid-face.
The most important part of this style is leaving out “tendrils” or face-framing pieces. These loose strands should fall right over the cheekbones to break up the widest part of the face and add softness.
By allowing some hair to hang loosely, you avoid the “pinched” look that sleek updos can sometimes cause. It creates a relaxed, effortless vibe that is inherently flattering to angular features.
12. Sleek High Ponytail with Volume

If you prefer a sleek look, you can still make it work by focusing on the crown. A high ponytail should have a bit of a “bump” or lift at the front to add height to a narrow forehead.
The key to this look is not pulling the sides too tight, which can make cheekbones look even wider. Instead, use a light-hold hairspray to keep things in place while maintaining a natural, soft texture at the temples.
The tail of the ponytail provides a vertical element that elongates the neck and face. This elongation helps to distract from the width of the cheeks, creating a more oval-like appearance.
13. Half-Up, Half-Down with Height

The half-up, half-down style offers the best of both worlds: the height of an updo and the framing of loose hair. By pinning the top section back with volume, you create a taller facial profile.
The hair left down should be styled with waves or curls to add width near the chin and neck. This combination effectively “fills in” the narrow areas of a diamond face while providing a soft backdrop for the cheeks.
This is a versatile style that works for both casual and formal settings. It is specifically effective at softening the face because it breaks up the hairline while still showing off your bone structure.
14. Wavy Lob

A wavy lob is perhaps the most recommended style for diamond face shapes by professional stylists. The waves add lateral volume that sits right where the face begins to narrow at the chin.
The texture of the waves diffuses the light and creates shadows that soften the prominent peak of the cheekbones. It’s an easy, low-maintenance look that provides constant movement around the face.
When curling a lob, start the waves at the temple or eye level rather than the roots. This ensures that the bulk of the texture is focused on the lower half of the face, where the diamond shape needs more balance.
15. Off-Center Part

If a deep side part feels too dramatic, an off-center part is a subtle alternative that still offers great benefits. By moving the part just an inch away from the middle, you create a more flattering flow.
This slight shift prevents the hair from hanging like two heavy curtains on either side of the face. It allows the hair to fall in a way that naturally skims the cheekbones rather than highlighting their symmetry.
An off-center part is especially useful for those with natural volume. It allows the hair to settle more naturally, creating a soft, lived-in look that complements the diamond structure without trying too hard.
16. Long Waves with Tapered Ends

Long waves provide a romantic and softening effect for diamond shapes, but the ends are key. Tapering the ends prevents the hair from looking too heavy at the bottom, which can sometimes look disjointed.
The waves should be large and loose to provide a soft contrast to the angularity of the face. This creates a visual “cloud” that wraps around the head, making the cheekbones appear less sharp.
Ensure that the waves start around the cheekbone level to add a bit of width at the temples. This creates a more balanced “oval” illusion that is highly sought after for this particular face shape.
17. Bottleneck Bangs

Bottleneck bangs are a hybrid between a full fringe and curtain bangs, starting narrow at the top and widening out. This specific shape is perfect for adding width to a narrow diamond forehead.
As the bangs curve outward, they follow the line of the cheekbones and then tuck back in toward the jaw. This “C” shape creates a beautiful, soft contour that mimics and then softens the natural face line.
Because they are shorter in the middle and longer on the sides, they provide great flexibility. They allow you to show off your eyes while effectively “shrinking” the perceived width of the mid-face.
How do I know if I have a diamond face shape?
You likely have a diamond face shape if your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, while your forehead and jawline are both narrow and roughly the same width. Often, the chin is pointed, and the hairline may be narrower than that of an oval or heart-shaped face.
Can short hair work for diamond faces?
Absolutely, but the secret is in the volume placement. Avoid very short, slicked-back styles that expose the entire face; instead, opt for textured pixies or bobs that add volume at the crown or jawline to balance the cheekbones.
What should I avoid with a diamond face shape?
Generally, you should avoid heavy, blunt bangs that cut straight across, as they can make your face look shorter and wider at the cheeks. Similarly, flat, middle-parted styles with no layers can sometimes make the angles of your face look too severe.
How do bangs change the look of cheekbones?
Bangs act as a visual “break” for the face. Side-swept or curtain bangs can mask a narrow forehead and create a soft transition that blurs the sharpest point of the cheekbones, making the overall facial structure look more oval.
Is a middle part or side part better?
While middle parts are trendy, side parts are often more flattering for diamond faces. A side part creates an asymmetrical look that draws attention away from the widest part of the face and adds height to a narrow forehead.
How often should I trim my hair to maintain these looks?
To keep face-framing layers and bangs looking their best, a trim every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended. Since many of these styles rely on specific lengths to balance your features, regular maintenance ensures the “softening” effect remains consistent.





























