Ever walked out of a barbershop feeling like something’s off? You have a killer style in mind, but somehow the cut doesn’t suit you. In my experience, the secret often lies in face shape. A haircut that’s perfect for Tom Hardy might not flatter you if you have a different bone structure. Adelaide men know this well: copying a celeb hairstyle without considering your own face can be a gamble. Luckily, when you find the best haircut salon that understands face shapes (hint: we think Monarch of Barbery is it!), your haircut game changes entirely. This guide will help you nail the right style for your face.
Why Face Shape Matters: Think of your face as the frame for your hairstyle. A sharp, tailored cut is like a custom-tailored suit – it should fit you. One barber notes that a technically perfect haircut “does not necessarily mean it will look good on the client” if it doesn’t match facial proportions. In other words, a bad match can ruin an otherwise great cut. By choosing a style that balances your natural angles – adding width where needed or height where your face is shorter – you’ll always walk away looking confident and well-groomed.
Identify Your Face Shape: Before you grab the clippers, figure out your face shape. It’s surprisingly easy: stand in front of a camera or mirror, and note the widest and longest parts of your face. Measure or eyeball your forehead width, cheekbone width (the widest part across your cheeks), jawline, and face length (from hairline to chin). For example, if your face is about as long as it is wide with rounded edges, you’re probably round. If your jawline and forehead are nearly the same width and your angles are sharp, you might have a square face. An oval face is longer than it is wide, with gentle curves. A diamond (or inverted triangle) shape has a narrow forehead and jaw but wider cheekbones. Understanding your shape is the first step to the perfect cut – even pros will ask you to identify your shape or take a good photo before cutting.
Which face shape do you have? Trusted guides like HairFinder’s face shape guide explain how to determine your facial contours so you can choose a haircut style that truly flatters you.
| Face Shape | Key Features | Flattering Haircuts |
| Oval | Longer than wide; gentle jawline | Almost any style; try a quiff, pompadour or textured crop. Avoid heavy fringes that cut into the forehead. |
| Round | Full cheeks, rounded jaw; width ~ length | Pompadour or high quiff (adds height). Keep sides tight with a fade to elongate the face. Avoid poufy sides or long straight hair. |
| Square | Equal width jaw & forehead; sharp angles | Textured crop, side part, or crew cut to soften the jaw. Gentle fades keep lines clean. Avoid boxy, flat tops that emphasise angles. |
| Rectangular (Long) | Face significantly longer; forehead ~ jaw width | Medium layers, a natural fringe, or a pompadour with moderate height. Fringe can shorten the look. Avoid extreme height that lengthens your face. |
| Diamond / Inverted Triangle | Narrow forehead, wide cheekbones, pointed chin | Keep hair longer on top, shorter at sides. Try a fringe or side part to add width at the forehead. A high fade or textured top balances sharp angles. |
| Heart (Wide forehead, narrow chin) | Broad forehead, narrow jawline | Side fringe or forward-swept textured hair to reduce forehead width. Medium waves or curls add balance at the jaw. A short beard can also even out proportions. |
Consider this an at-a-glance cheat sheet. Each shape has loads of variations – the general idea is to add volume where you need width (for narrow chins) or add height and clean sides where you want to elongate a round face.
Round Face Shape
Men with round faces (imagine a fuller, softer jawline) typically need height. A high pompadour or quiff can lengthen the face and draw eyes upward. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio’s classic round shape looks great with a textured pompadour. Keep the sides very short (a skin fade or taper) to create a sharp contrast. This way, the top height is the focus, not the cheeks. Style tips: Ask your barber for extra texture on top – a textured crop or spiky fringe adds vertical volume. Avoid any haircut that puffs out at the sides (like long, flat layers) because that accentuates roundness. Even pairing a defined beard with the style can add edge and length to your look.
Square Face Shape
If you have a square face (strong jaw and almost equal width forehead and jawline), go for softening styles. Square faces already look very masculine. To avoid a “sturdy” look, add a bit of length or texture on top. A crew cut or textured crop works wonders by taking off volume at the sides and giving you a more rounded, refined profile. Side-swept fringes or a gentle taper can subtly round the face while still maintaining a sharp appearance. These styles prevent the jawline from appearing too boxy. As a rule, avoid super short boxy cuts or buzz cuts that make your face look extra angular – you want a little softness and flow at the top to balance that strong jawline.
Oblong (Rectangular) Face Shape
A long, rectangular face (longer from forehead to chin) needs balance. You don’t want to elongate it further. A fringe or bangs can shorten the perceived length, while medium layers add a little width. Think styles like a low pompadour or swept-back medium cut. Keep some hair falling forward or a gentle fringe – it breaks up the length. Taper fades are okay, but not so aggressive that they leave too much space on the sides. High-volume peaks on top should be avoided, because they only draw eyes along the length of your face. Instead, opt for natural, layered styles that sit close to the head or gently sweep back.
Oval Face Shape
Luckiest face of all – an oval face is a blank canvas. Men with oval faces (slightly longer than wide, rounded jaw) can rock almost any haircut. A haircut that lifts the hair off the forehead (like a slick back or quiff) usually looks great. Just avoid completely covering the forehead with a heavy fringe, as this can shorten your face too much. Since most styles suit you, this is a great chance to experiment: try anything from a modern fade to a classic undercut. When in doubt, ask a barber – they’ll have plenty of ideas for oval faces.
Diamond/Heart Face Shape
Diamond and heart shapes are similar: a broad forehead or cheekbones tapering to a narrow chin. The trick is to widen the jawline or soften the forehead. Keeping hair longer on top and shorter at the sides is often recommended. Styles like a side-part or textured fringe can add weight to a narrower forehead and balance sharp cheekbones. For instance, a messy fringe or a modern undercut with volume on top is a great option. On heart-shaped faces (wide forehead, very pointy chin), a side-swept fringe or comb-over can mask some of the forehead width. Medium-length waves or curls at the bottom help even out the style. The goal is symmetry: draw attention away from a narrow chin by adding interest around the forehead and temples.
Trending Cuts for Men in Adelaide
Before we wrap up, let’s look at what’s in right now. Despite being many months into 2025, some staples remain hot. Tapered fades and skin fades are still king – they suit most face shapes and give a clean silhouette. I keep seeing Adelaide guys with textured crops (shorter sides, choppy top) because they’re easy to manage and look modern. Medium-length, messy waves or quiffs are also popular for a relaxed, youthful vibe. Even side parts are having a moment, bridging the gap between casual and professional.
Regardless of trends, remember: the best style is one that fits your face and lifestyle. A tutorial is no substitute for a skilled barber’s eye. As the Republic of Barbers reminds us, factors like face shape, hair type, and personal style are key when picking a cut. A good barber will ask about these and make suggestions. Don’t be shy – bring a photo of the look you want, or even pictures of yourself from different angles. Communication is half the battle to a great outcome.
How to Find the Best Haircut Salon in Adelaide
Alright, you know what kind of haircut you need. Now, where do you get it? Choosing the right place is almost as important as picking the style. When scouting the best haircut salon in Adelaide, keep an eye out for:
- Expert Barbers: Look for places with experienced staff who really listen. A barbershop for men should double as a style consultant. Read reviews, and see if clients mention the barber helping them pick cuts.
- Range of Services: The best salons don’t just cut hair. They offer styling, fading, beard trims, shaves, and advice on products. For example, Monarch of Barbery lists all these in their services – from precision haircuts to hot towel shaves and beard grooming.
- Atmosphere: A relaxed, welcoming vibe makes a huge difference. A great barber chair experience is one where you feel comfortable chatting (and sometimes, sipping a complimentary drink!). Places like KJ Barbers even have coffee bars for that “men’s grooming and chill” vibe. If you value a modern, masculine atmosphere, choose a shop that emphasises professionalism and fun together.
- Attention to Face Shape: Do they show an understanding of face shapes? The best haircut salons will, even if not explicitly stated. You could ask them outright: “What cut do you recommend for a (your face shape)?” A knowledgeable barber might say, “Let’s go with a textured pompadour,” or give insight, rather than just doing what you thought.
Honestly, when it comes to men’s grooming in Adelaide, Monarch of Barbery stands out. It’s often called one of the best haircut salons in Adelaide for men. Even though it’s in Pooraka (just outside the city), customers rave about its skilled barbers and friendly service. Their Fresha listing notes that they handle “Barbering, hair & styling, beard trimming, men’s shaving” – everything a modern guy needs. Many locals go there because the barbers really take the time to shape a cut to your face. (Pro tip: it’s walk-ins only, so pop by early to grab a spot!)
Conclusion
At the end of the day, finding the right haircut is like finding the right outfit – tailor it to you. By matching your face shape with a flattering cut, you ensure every glance in the mirror brings a grin. Adelaide has a great barber scene (even GQ noted some local styling stars!), but when I talk about the best haircut salon for men around here, Monarch of Barbery in Adelaide always gets top billing. Their barbers know how to cut and style for your unique face – just as Nick Hall of Man of Many put it, a great haircut should be tailored to the contours of your face.
So go on, take the plunge: figure out your face shape, pick a style (pompadour, fade, quiff, or textured crop – whatever fits your vibe), and book at the salon that treats you right. You’ve got the knowledge now. The next step? Walk into that chair with confidence and the best men’s haircut salon in Adelaide (that’s Monarch!) behind the scissors. You’ll walk out feeling like a new man. Want to share your look? Tag us or drop a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I tell my face shape?
Look straight in the mirror or at a photo. Compare your forehead, cheekbones and jawline widths. Measure or eyeball the largest and smallest points. Round (full cheeks), square (strong jaw), oval (balanced), diamond (narrow forehead/jaw, wide cheeks) and so on. A barber can help confirm. - Which haircut suits a round face?
Go for height on top. Styles like a pompadour or textured quiff with a skin fade will elongate a round face. Avoid puffy sides. - What’s the best hairstyle for a square face?
Soften those angles. A side-swept fringe or textured crop works well for square faces. Gentle fades and a little length on top will balance a strong jaw. - Are tapers or fades a good choice?
Absolutely. Taper fades are very versatile and suit many face shapes. They create clean sides that emphasise your chosen top style, whether quiff, crop or classic taper. - How often should men get a haircut?
Typically, every 3–4 weeks for a polished look. Regular cuts keep the shape sharp, especially if you have a fade or tight taper. Ask your barber for a personalised schedule. - Why choose Monarch of Barbery?
Monarch of Barbery is known as the best haircut salon in Adelaide for men because of its expert barbers and classic vibe. They specialise in men’s styles and will match your cut to your face shape. Check out their services on Fresha or drop in and see for yourself!