Forehead Shapes: The Complete
Guide to All 6 Types
Forehead shape is classified by the hairline curve and whether the forehead has flat sections, corners, or a distinct peak. There are 6 primary types: round, square, straight, M-shaped, diamond, and oval.
Forehead shape vs. face shape: These are two different, complementary classifications. Face shape considers the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw together. Forehead shape looks only at the upper third — a round forehead can appear within an oval, heart, or diamond-shaped face.
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Types of Forehead Shapes — All 6 Explained
Round Forehead
Softly curved with a gently rounded hairline
- • Smooth, evenly curved upper contour
- • No flat plane or sharp corners
- • Hairline arcs gently temple to temple
A smooth, convex curve across the top with no flat sections or sharp corners, and a hairline that arcs evenly from temple to temple.
Read the full Round Forehead guideSquare Forehead
Broad and flat with strong, defined corners
- • Flat, broad plane across the top
- • Distinct temple corners
- • Width roughly consistent top to bottom
A flat, broad plane across the top with distinct corners where the hairline meets the temples at a near right angle.
Read the full Square Forehead guideStraight Forehead
Flat and even, with a level, low-curvature hairline
- • Minimal curvature across the width
- • Level, even hairline
- • No pronounced peak or dip at centre
Minimal curvature across the width, with the hairline running almost level from side to side.
Read the full Straight Forehead guideM-Shaped Forehead
A widow's peak with receding curves at the temples
- • Central hairline point (widow's peak)
- • Temples recede slightly on either side
- • Distinct "M" silhouette at the hairline
A central hairline point (widow's peak) flanked by two curves that recede slightly at the temples, forming an "M" outline.
Read the full M-Shaped Forehead guideDiamond Forehead
Narrow and tapered, widest through the temples
- • Narrower overall width
- • Tapers inward toward the top
- • Widest point through the mid-temple
A comparatively narrow forehead tapering inward toward the hairline, with the widest point through the mid-temple area.
Read the full Diamond Forehead guideOval Forehead
Balanced proportions with a gentle, even curve
- • Balanced width-to-height proportion
- • Subtle, even curvature
- • No dominant flat plane or sharp peak
Well-balanced width and height with a subtle, even curve — neither flat nor as pronounced as a fully round forehead.
Read the full Oval Forehead guideForehead Shape Chart — Quick Reference
| Shape | Defining feature | Most confused with |
|---|---|---|
| Round Forehead | Smooth, evenly curved upper contour | Oval Forehead |
| Square Forehead | Flat, broad plane across the top | Straight Forehead |
| Straight Forehead | Minimal curvature across the width | Square Forehead |
| M-Shaped Forehead | Central hairline point (widow's peak) | Diamond Forehead |
| Diamond Forehead | Narrower overall width | M-Shaped Forehead |
| Oval Forehead | Balanced width-to-height proportion | Round Forehead |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many forehead shapes are there?
This guide covers 6 primary forehead shapes: round, square, straight, M-shaped, diamond, and oval. The hairline curve and the presence (or absence) of flat sections or corners are the main distinguishing factors.
Is forehead shape the same as face shape?
No. Face shape considers the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw together. Forehead shape looks specifically at the upper third — the hairline curve and the forehead's width and contour — and can occur within several different overall face shapes.
How do I find out my forehead shape?
Pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror. Trace your hairline: does it curve smoothly (round, oval), run relatively flat with corners (square, straight), or have a distinct peak or dip in the center (M-shaped, diamond)? The free AI forehead shape detector measures this from a photo automatically.
Can forehead shape change over time?
The underlying bone structure stays fixed, but the hairline itself can recede or change with age, which can shift how the forehead shape appears visually even though the bone contour hasn't changed.
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