Triangle Face Shape: Your Complete Styling Guide

Gentlemen, if you’ve ever wondered why your face looks like it could slice cheese, then you might be sporting a triangle face shape. It’s a bit of geometry, but we can make it work for you. And fear not: no higher math needed.

But why should you care about your facial geometry? Well, knowing your face shape is like having a secret-style cheat code. It’s the key to choosing the most flattering hairstyles, beard designs, and eyewear that’ll make you look like you’ve got a personal stylist on speed dial.

Today, we’re diving into the world of triangular mugs and how to make the most of your geometrically gifted features. So buckle up, triangle-faced friends—we’re about to turn your angular assets into your greatest go-to style sheet.

Triangle Face Shape Essentials

For those who prefer their style tips as crisp and concise as their jawline, here’s the triangle face shape crash course.

What’s our ace hairstyle for a triangle face shape? Enter the pompadour, your hair’s way of balancing your face out with some gravity-defying volume.

And when it comes to shades, channel your inner Top Gun with some aviators. They’re not just for pilots and wannabe rock stars; these bad boys add width up top, creating the illusion of a more balanced face. It’s optical illusion meets fashion statement.

Quick Tips for Triangle Face Shapes

• Use contouring techniques to soften your jawline for special occasions.
• Opt for V-neck or scoop neck tops to elongate your face.
• Experiment with hair products that add volume, like sea salt sprays or volumizing powders.
• When trimming your beard, focus on adding length at the chin to offset a wider jaw.

What Is a Triangle Face Shape? 

A triangle face shape is defined by a jawline that’s wider than the cheekbones, which are wider than the forehead. If you were to draw lines connecting your jawline, cheekbones, and forehead, you’d create a triangle pointing upwards.

On the flip side, if you have an inverted triangle face shape, then your forehead would be wider than your cheekbones, which would then be wider than your jawline. So, if you connect those lines, you will find an upside-down triangle face shape.

And if you’re asking yourself whether having a triangle face shape will get you noticed, then consider that Harry Styles, Timothee Chalamet, and a host of other well-known celebrities have just your kind of face shape and they’re certainly making it all work in the real world.

How to Determine if You Have a Triangle Face Shape

To accurately identify your face shape, follow these steps:

1. Use a flexible tape measure for accuracy.
2. Measure your face length from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
3. Check your forehead width at the widest point, typically halfway between your eyebrows and hairline.
4. Measure your cheekbones at their widest point, usually just below the outer corner of your eyes.
5. Measure your jawline from the tip of your chin to below your ear, where your jaw angles upwards. Multiply this by two for the full jawline measurement. (That’s the heaviest math lifting you’ll have to do; the rest is simple comparisons.)

If your jawline measurement is the largest, followed by your cheekbones, with your forehead being the narrowest, then you have a triangle face shape. If your forehead is widest, followed by your cheekbones, then your jawline, then you have an inverted triangle face shape.

Triangle Face Shape Quick Style Guide

Category	Recommended Styles	Not Recommended Styles
Hairstyles	Pompadour, Textured Quiff, Side-Swept Undercut, Textured Crop, Medium Length with Layers	Buzz Cut, Slicked Back, Center Part, Flat Top
Mustache	Handlebar, Chevron, Pyramid, Walrus	Pencil Thin, Horseshoe
Beard	Full Beard, Circle Beard, Short Stubble, Ducktail, Bandholz	Chinstrap, Mutton Chops
Sunglasses	Aviators, Wayfarers, Round Frames, Clubmasters	Rectangle, Oversized Frames

Optimal Hairstyles for Triangle Face Shapes

All right, triangle-faced gents, when it comes to styling your hair, your best play is to add volume up top while keeping things sleek on the flanks. It’s like creating an optical illusion to distract from your jawline’s scene-stealing ways. Ready to transform your triangular terrain into a masterpiece? Here are several hairstyles that’ll do just that:

The Pompadour: A Classic Choice

The pompadour is an excellent option for triangle face shapes as it adds height and volume to the top of the head, balancing out a strong jawline. It worked for James Dean and David Beckham, and it can work for you, too.

Styling tips:

• Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse.
• Blow-dry your hair upward and backward, using a round brush for added lift.
• Once dry, use a matte pomade or clay to shape the style.
• For a modern twist, consider a side-swept pompadour.

Maintenance:

• Regular trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape.
• Use a heat protectant when styling to prevent damage.

Textured Quiff: Modern and Versatile

Similar to the pompadour but with a more contemporary feel, the textured quiff adds volume while maintaining a relaxed appearance. (You will have seen this hairstyle on Ted Lasso star Phil Dunster.)

Styling advice:

• Apply sea salt spray to damp hair for added texture.
• Blow-dry hair upward and forward, creating volume at the roots.
• Use fingers to style, rather than a comb, for a more natural look.
• Finish with a light-hold styling product for definition.

Key benefits:

• Adds height to balance facial proportions.
• Versatile enough for both casual and formal settings.

Side-Swept Undercut: Balanced and Stylish

This style, popularized by luminaries like George Clooney, keeps the sides short while leaving length on top, which is then swept to one side. It’s an excellent option for adding interest while maintaining a professional look.

How to achieve:

• When styling, apply a pre-styling product to damp hair.
• Blow-dry hair to one side, using a round brush for volume.
• Finish with a medium-hold styling product, sweeping hair to the side.

Customization options:

• Adjust the length of the top to suit your preference.
• Consider a fade on the sides for a more dramatic look.

Textured Crop: Low-Maintenance Option

A textured crop is an excellent low-maintenance option that still adds volume and interest to your hairstyle. Leave it to Beckham to rock this one as well.

Styling guide:

• Apply texturizing product to damp hair.
• Use fingers to style hair upward and slightly forward.
• Allow to air dry, or use a diffuser for added texture.
• Finish with a light-hold product to maintain shape.

Benefits:

• Easy to style and maintain.
• Works well with various hair types and textures.

Medium Length with Layers: Softening Features

Medium-length hair with layers can help soften the angles of a triangle face shape while providing versatility in styling.

How to achieve:

• When styling, apply a volumizing product to damp hair.
• Blow-dry using a round brush to add volume and movement.
• Finish with a light-hold styling cream for definition.

Styling options:

• Can be worn tousled for a casual look.
• Can be styled more neatly for formal occasions.

Best Beard Styles for Triangle Face Shapes

Choosing the right beard style is like picking the perfect frame for a masterpiece—if that masterpiece could slice cheese. The goal is to soften your Superman-esque jawline and add equilibrium to your facial features. You need to strike a balance between your chin and your forehead.

Here are several beard styles that work particularly well for your geometrically gifted mug:

The Full Beard: Softening the Jawline

Think Jason Momoa. A well-groomed full beard can be an excellent choice for triangle face shapes. This style works by:

• Softening the angular lines of your jawline.
• Adding fullness to your cheeks, creating a more balanced appearance.
• Providing versatility in styling to suit your personal preferences.

To maintain a full beard effectively:

• Allow your beard to grow for 4–6 weeks before initial shaping.
• Regularly trim to maintain the desired length and shape.
• Use beard oil to keep the hair soft and manageable.
• Brush or comb daily to train the hair and evenly distribute oils.

Consider tapering the beard slightly toward the chin to avoid overemphasizing the width of your jaw.

The Circle Beard: Balancing Facial Features

The circle beard, a combination of a goatee and mustache, can help round out your face and balance an angular jawline. Just ask The Weeknd how it’s working for him. This style is beneficial because:

• It adds focus to the center of your face, drawing attention away from the jaw.
• It’s a versatile style that can be adjusted in fullness to suit your face.
• It’s relatively low maintenance compared to a full beard.

Maintenance tips:

• Keep the edges clean and well-defined.
• Trim regularly to maintain the desired shape.
• Consider allowing the mustache portion to be slightly fuller for added balance.

The Short Stubble: Subtle Definition

Short stubble can be an excellent option for those who prefer a more subtle approach, like Idris Elba. This style:

• Adds a touch of ruggedness without dramatically changing your face shape.
• Can help define your jawline without overemphasizing its width.
• Is relatively easy to maintain.

To achieve the perfect stubble:

• Allow your facial hair to grow for 2–5 days.
• Use a beard trimmer with adjustable length settings.
• Maintain clean, defined edges along the neck and cheeks.

The Ducktail Beard: Elongating the Face

A ducktail beard, fuller on the chin and tapered on the cheeks, can help elongate a triangle face shape. You might have seen this in recent years on the mugs of Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlie Hunnam. This style works well because:

• It adds length to the bottom of your face, balancing out a wider jaw.
• The tapered cheeks prevent adding excessive width to the sides of your face.
• It offers a stylish, contemporary look.

Grooming requirements:

• Grow your beard for at least two months before shaping.
• Regularly trim the cheeks to maintain the tapered look.
• Allow the chin area to grow longer, shaping it to a point.
• Use beard balm or wax to control and shape the longer hairs.

The Bandholz: For Maximum Impact

The Bandholz beard can be a bold choice if you can grow substantial facial hair. Named for the guy who invented it, this full, long beard style:

• Completely transforms your face shape, masking the triangular structure.
• Allows for creative styling and shaping.
• Projects a confident, masculine image.

Maintenance considerations:

• Requires significant growth time (3–6 months minimum).
• Needs regular trimming to maintain shape and prevent an unkempt appearance.
• Demands diligent care, including washing, conditioning, and daily brushing.

Complementary Mustache Styles for Triangle Face Shapes

The right mustache can add balance and character to your facial features faster than you can say “handlebars.”

The key is to choose styles that add width to the middle of your face, drawing attention away from your scene-stealing jawline. Here are several mustache styles that work particularly well for triangle face shapes:

The Handlebar: Adding Width and Sophistication

The handlebar mustache is an excellent choice for triangle face shapes, like multiple Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis. Its distinctive upward curve at the ends adds width to your upper lip, drawing attention away from the jawline. This style requires some maintenance:

• Allow the mustache to grow for several weeks before styling.
• Use mustache wax to train the ends to curl upward.
• Trim regularly to maintain the desired shape and length.
• Consider a slightly fuller handlebar for maximum impact.

The handlebar mustache pairs well with casual and formal attire, adding a touch of vintage sophistication to your look.

The Chevron: Balancing Proportions with Classic Appeal

Made famous by icons like Tom Selleck, the Chevron mustache is a fuller style that can help balance out a strong chin. This style works well for triangle face shapes because:

• It adds bulk to the area between your nose and upper lip.
• The straight, wide shape counterbalances the width of your jaw.
• It’s a versatile style that suits various face sizes within the triangle shape category.

To maintain a Chevron:

• Allow your mustache to grow for 4–6 weeks.
• Trim the bottom edge along your lip line regularly.
• Keep the sides trimmed to maintain the characteristic wide, rectangular shape.

The Walrus: Making a Bold Statement

For those who can grow substantial facial hair, the Walrus mustache offers a bold option. You’ll join the likes of Kurt Russell (in Tombstone) and, much more recently, Super Bowl-winning coach Andy Reid by sporting this style. This full, thick mustache extends over the top lip and effectively balances out a strong jawline. Consider this style if:

• You have ample facial hair growth.
• You’re comfortable with a more dramatic look.
• You want to add significant visual weight to the middle of your face.

Maintenance tips:

• Allow for substantial growth time (2–3 months minimum).
• Trim the bottom edge periodically to prevent it from obstructing your mouth.
• Use mustache wax to control unruly hairs and maintain shape.

The Pencil Mustache: Subtle Sophistication

Johnny Depp and Jamie Foxx are more modern men who have rocked this thin-yet-distinctive style. The pencil mustache can be an excellent choice for a more understated look. Although it doesn’t add as much width as fuller styles, it does draw attention to the middle of your face, creating a focal point away from the jawline. This style works well because:

• It adds a touch of refinement without overwhelming your features.
• The thin line creates a contrast with your natural facial contours.
• It’s a versatile style that can be adjusted in thickness to suit your preference.

To maintain a pencil mustache:

• Keep it well-trimmed, aiming for a thin, precise line above your upper lip.
• Use a good-quality trimmer for accuracy.
• Consider slightly extending the ends beyond your mouth corners for added width.

The Pyramid: A Balanced Approach

The pyramid mustache, wider at the base and narrowing towards the nose, can provide a balanced look for triangle face shapes. This style:

• Adds volume to the center of your face.
• Creates a subtle inverse triangle, complementing your face shape.
• Offers a modern, stylish alternative to fuller mustache styles.

Maintenance considerations:

• Allow the mustache to grow fully before shaping.
• Trim carefully to maintain the distinctive pyramid shape.
• Keep the edges clean and well-defined for a polished look.

Flattering Sunglasses for Triangle Face Shapes

Selecting the right sunglasses is crucial for enhancing your triangle face shape. The goal is to offset your strong jawline by adding width to the upper part of your face. Here are five styles that work particularly well:

Aviators: The Timeless Choice

Aviators are an excellent option for triangle face shapes. Their teardrop lenses and thin metal frames add width to the upper face, effectively balancing out a strong jawline. The list of famous gents sporting these is a mile long.

Opt for larger lenses to maximize this effect. For a modern twist, consider aviators with colored or mirrored lenses.

Wayfarers: Classic Appeal with Balancing Properties

Wayfarer sunglasses, with their distinctive trapezoidal shape, add substantial width to the upper part of your face. This style works to create a more balanced look by drawing attention upward.

Choose frames that are slightly wider than your cheekbones for optimal effect. Bold colors or patterns can add an extra dimension to this classic style.

Round Frames: Softening Angular Features

Round frames provide a striking contrast to the angular features of a triangle face shape. By introducing curved lines, these sunglasses soften your overall appearance.

Look for frames that are proportionate to your face size—neither too large nor too small. Check out the Meller Siara. Metal frames can add a touch of sophistication, and acetate frames in bold colors can make a stylish statement.

Clubmasters: Enhancing the Brow Line

Clubmaster-style sunglasses, with their bold upper frame and minimal lower rim, draw attention to your brow line. This emphasis on the upper part of your face helps to balance out a wider jawline. Consider classic tortoiseshell patterns for a timeless look, or experiment with two-tone designs for added visual interest.

Product Recommendations

To help you achieve these looks, here are some of our top picks:

1. Hair: Hanz de Fuko Claymation—perfect for adding texture and volume.
2. Beard: Jack Black Beard Oil—keeps your facial hair soft and manageable.
3. Skincare: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel—because even triangles need hydration.
4. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators—a classic choice for triangle face shapes.
5. Grooming Tool: Wahl Stainless Steel Trimmer—for keeping that beard in check.
6. Mustache: Death Grip Mustache Wax—for when you want that mustache to keep its shape.

What’s Next?

Congratulations! You’ve graduated from the School of Triangular Faces with flying colors. Armed with this geometric wisdom, you’re ready to explore a world of complementary hairstyles, beard styles, and eyewear that’ll make your angles sing your praises.

But why stop there? Apply these triangular insights to your whole wardrobe—from shirt collars to neckties. Your unique facial structure is your secret weapon—now go forth and conquer the style world.