Best Locs Hairstyles for Every Face Shape

Choosing the perfect locs hairstyle can transform your entire look, but selecting the wrong style for your face shape can leave you feeling less than confident. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of identifying your face shape, selecting the most flattering locs hairstyles, and executing stunning looks that enhance your natural features.

Whether you’re new to locs or looking to refresh your current style, this practical guide provides everything you need to make informed decisions about your hair. From measuring techniques to styling methods, you’ll master the art of face shape analysis and loc styling like a professional.

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Time Required: 30-45 minutes for face shape analysis, 1-3 hours for styling
Tools Needed: Mirror, measuring tape, camera, styling products, and basic hair accessories

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before diving into face shape analysis and styling, gather these essential tools and materials:

Measurement Tools:

Flexible measuring tape or ruler
Hand mirror and wall mirror
Smartphone camera for reference photos
Washable marker (optional)

Styling Essentials:

Loc-specific shampoo and conditioner
Natural oils (jojoba, coconut, or argan)
Styling cream or gel designed for locs
Hair ties and bobby pins
Loc jewelry or accessories (optional)

Reference Materials:

This guide printed or bookmarked
Photos of desired styles
Notebook for tracking measurements

[Image Placeholder: Flatlay of all tools and products mentioned above]

Step 1: Determine Your Face Shape Accurately

The foundation of choosing the perfect locs hairstyle lies in accurately identifying your face shape. This step is crucial for all subsequent styling decisions.

1. Take Proper Measurements

Pull your hair completely back from your face and secure it. Stand directly in front of a well-lit mirror and take the following measurements:

Forehead Width: Measure across your forehead at its widest point, typically above your eyebrows from temple to temple.

Cheekbone Width: Measure across your cheekbones at their widest point, usually just below your eyes.

Jawline Width: Measure across your jawline from the widest points, typically at the angles of your jaw.

Face Length: Measure from your hairline at the center of your forehead down to the bottom of your chin.

💡 Pro Tip: Take measurements twice to ensure accuracy, and have someone help you for the most precise results.

[Image Placeholder: Diagram showing where to measure each facial dimension]

2. Analyze Your Measurements

Compare your measurements using these guidelines:

Oval Face: Face length is 1.5 times the width, with forehead and jawline being similar widths
Round Face: Face length and width are nearly equal, with soft, curved lines
Square Face: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar widths with angular features
Heart-Shaped Face: Forehead is the widest measurement, tapering to a narrow chin
Long Face: Face length is significantly longer than width, often with a high forehead

[Image Placeholder: Visual comparison chart showing the five main face shapes with measurement ratios]

3. Confirm with the Mirror Test

Stand in front of a mirror and trace your face shape with a washable marker, or take a straight-on selfie and outline your face digitally. The shape you create should match one of the five main categories identified in your measurements.

💡 Pro Tip: If you fall between two categories, consider yourself as having a combination face shape and look at recommendations for both types.

Step 2: Select Your Ideal Locs Hairstyle Based on Face Shape

Now that you know your face shape, it’s time to choose the most flattering locs hairstyles using these specific guidelines.

1. For Oval Faces: Embrace Versatility

Oval faces can wear virtually any locs hairstyle, so focus on personal preference and lifestyle needs.

Best Options:

Medium to long locs with subtle layers
High-top locs with shaved or faded sides
Voluminous updos and bun styles
Asymmetrical parting with flowing locs

Styling Approach: Experiment freely with different lengths and styles, focusing on what makes you feel most confident.

[Image Placeholder: Grid showing 4 different loc styles on oval face shapes]

2. For Round Faces: Create Length and Angles

Focus on styles that elongate your face and add angular elements.

Best Options:

Long, straight locs past the shoulders
High ponytails and topknots
Deep side parts with asymmetrical styling
Layered locs with length starting below the chin

Styling Approach: Avoid width at ear level and choose styles that create vertical lines.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a straightening cream on damp locs and air dry for maximum length enhancement.

[Image Placeholder: Before and after photos showing round face with unflattering vs. flattering loc styles]

3. For Square Faces: Soften Angular Features

Choose styles that introduce curves and soften your strong jawline.

Best Options:

Wavy or curled locs with natural movement
Face-framing layers that curve around features
Side-swept bangs or shorter face-framing pieces
Soft, low buns positioned at the nape

Styling Approach: Avoid blunt cuts at jawline level and incorporate curved, flowing lines.

[Image Placeholder: Step-by-step photos showing how to create soft waves in locs]

4. For Heart-Shaped Faces: Balance Proportions

Add volume at the jawline while minimizing forehead width.

Best Options:

Chin-length locs with fullness at the ends
Low chignons and nape-level updos
Styles with volume concentrated below the ears
Side parts that don’t emphasize temple width

Styling Approach: Focus on creating fullness from the ears down while keeping crown volume moderate.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a volumizing mousse on the lower portions of your locs before styling to create natural fullness.

[Image Placeholder: Comparison showing heart-shaped face with different loc lengths and their effects]

5. For Long Faces: Add Width and Horizontal Lines

Create the illusion of width and break up vertical length.

Best Options:

Voluminous locs at ear level
Blunt-cut locs ending at shoulder length
Bangs or fringe styles
Wide, horizontal braided elements
Full, round bun styles

Styling Approach: Emphasize horizontal lines and avoid excessive length or height.

[Image Placeholder: Tutorial images showing how to create volume at ear level]

Step 3: Prepare Your Locs for Styling

Proper preparation ensures your chosen style will look its best and last longer.

1. Cleanse and Condition Properly

Start with clean, well-conditioned locs using these steps:

Cleansing Process:

Wet locs thoroughly with warm water
Apply residue-free shampoo, focusing on the scalp
Gently massage without disturbing loc structure
Rinse completely, ensuring no product remains

Conditioning Treatment:

Apply deep conditioner from mid-length to ends
Avoid getting conditioner on roots to prevent buildup
Leave on for 10-15 minutes
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal cuticles

💡 Pro Tip: Clean locs hold styles better and look more polished, so never skip the preparation step.

[Image Placeholder: Step-by-step photos of proper loc washing technique]

2. Apply Appropriate Styling Products

Choose products based on your desired outcome:

For Hold and Structure: Use a loc-specific gel or styling cream For Moisture and Shine: Apply natural oils like jojoba or argan For Volume: Use a lightweight mousse designed for textured hair For Definition: Try a curl-enhancing cream

Apply products evenly through damp locs, focusing on areas that need the most control or enhancement.

[Image Placeholder: Product application technique showing proper distribution methods]

Step 4: Execute Your Chosen Style

Follow these detailed instructions for creating your selected locs hairstyle.

1. Basic Styling Techniques

Master these fundamental techniques that apply to most loc styles:

Creating Parts:

Use the end of a rat-tail comb to create clean, straight parts
For curved parts, use your finger to create natural-looking divisions
Secure sections with clips while working on other areas

Smoothing and Shaping:

Gently palm roll any areas that need smoothing
Use light pressure to maintain loc integrity
Work products through with your hands rather than brushes

💡 Pro Tip: Work in small sections for more control and better results.

2. Updo and Bun Techniques

For styles that involve gathering locs up:

High Bun Creation:

Brush locs up to desired height using hands
Secure with a soft hair elastic
Wrap locs around the base to create fullness
Pin loose ends with bobby pins that match your hair color

Low Chignon Method:

Part locs to one side for asymmetry
Gather at the nape of the neck
Twist sections before pinning for added texture
Leave some pieces loose for a softer look

[Image Placeholder: Step-by-step photos showing updo creation process]

3. Flowing Styles and Length Emphasis

For styles that showcase loc length:

Creating Waves:

Apply curl cream to damp locs
Braid locs loosely while damp
Allow to air dry completely (4-6 hours)
Gently separate braids for natural waves

Enhancing Straight Styles:

Apply smoothing cream to damp locs
Gently stretch locs while blow-drying on low heat
Use a wide-tooth comb to maintain alignment
Finish with a light oil for shine

[Image Placeholder: Before and after shots of wave creation technique]

Step 5: Perfect Your Look with Final Touches

The finishing details make the difference between a good style and a great one.

1. Add Strategic Volume

Enhance your style with targeted volume:

Crown Volume: Gently backcomb at the roots for height Side Volume: Tease specific sections to balance asymmetry Overall Fullness: Shake out locs gently with your fingers

2. Incorporate Accessories

Choose accessories that complement your face shape:

For Oval Faces: Any style works—experiment freely For Round Faces: Vertical elements like long earrings For Square Faces: Soft, curved accessories For Heart-Shaped Faces: Items that add width at jawline level For Long Faces: Horizontal elements like wide headbands

💡 Pro Tip: Less is often more with accessories—choose one statement piece rather than multiple small items.

[Image Placeholder: Gallery showing different accessories on various face shapes]

3. Set Your Style

Ensure longevity with these finishing steps:

Mist lightly with a flexible hold hairspray designed for natural hair
Scrunch gently to maintain texture
Check all angles in the mirror for balance
Make final adjustments as needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from common pitfalls will help you achieve better results faster:

Measurement and Analysis Errors

Mistake: Measuring with hair not completely pulled back Solution: Ensure all hair is secured away from your face for accurate measurements

Mistake: Forcing your face into a category it doesn’t match Solution: Accept combination face shapes and draw from multiple categories

Mistake: Ignoring your hair’s natural characteristics Solution: Work with your hair’s texture and growth patterns, not against them

Styling Mistakes

Mistake: Choosing styles based on trends rather than face shape Solution: Use trends as inspiration but adapt them to flatter your features

Mistake: Over-manipulating locs during styling Solution: Use gentle techniques and minimal product to prevent damage

Mistake: Neglecting proportion balance Solution: Step back frequently while styling to assess overall balance

Product and Maintenance Errors

Mistake: Using too much product, causing buildup Solution: Start with less product and add more if needed

Mistake: Skipping proper preparation steps Solution: Always start with clean, well-conditioned locs

Mistake: Ignoring your locs’ maturity level Solution: Adjust techniques based on whether you have starter locs or mature locs

💡 Pro Tip: Take photos of your successful styles from multiple angles to recreate them easily in the future.

Summary of Benefits

Mastering the art of choosing locs hairstyles for your face shape provides numerous advantages:

Enhanced Natural Beauty

Emphasizes your best facial features
Creates visual balance and harmony
Boosts confidence through flattering styles

Versatile Styling Options

Provides a framework for trying new looks
Helps you adapt trends to suit your features
Offers professional styling guidance

Time and Cost Savings

Reduces trial and error with unsuitable styles
Minimizes need for frequent style changes
Maximizes the impact of professional salon visits

Long-Term Hair Health

Promotes proper care techniques
Encourages styles that work with your hair’s natural characteristics
Prevents damage from unsuitable styling methods

Personal Style Development

Builds confidence in your style choices
Creates a signature look that’s uniquely yours
Provides the foundation for experimenting with accessories and variations

By following this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you now have the knowledge and techniques needed to choose and execute the most flattering locs hairstyles for your unique face shape. Remember that the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and authentic while celebrating the beautiful tradition of locs.

Take your time with each step, be patient with the learning process, and don’t hesitate to consult with a professional loctician for personalized advice. With practice and the right approach, you’ll master the art of face-flattering loc styling and enjoy beautiful, confident hair days ahead.