Quick Answer
You have a diamond face shape if your cheekbones form the widest part of your face, with both your forehead and chin being narrower. Think of your face as having the proportions of a diamond – wider in the middle (cheekbones) and tapering to narrower points at both the top (forehead) and bottom (chin).
Key Identifying Features
Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face (creating the distinctive diamond angles).
Your face narrows both upward to your forehead and downward to your chin.
Your chin appears pointed and well-defined.
Your cheekbones create noticeable angles when viewed from the front.
Finding your face shape shouldn’t require complex measurements or scientific tools.
This guide will help you easily identify whether you have a diamond face shape through simple observations you can make using just your mirror and everyday objects as reference points.
How to Identify Your Diamond Face Shape (Easy Guide)
Looking straight in the mirror, your diamond face shape shows prominent cheekbones that form the widest part of your face.
Your face narrows both upward to your forehead and downward to your chin from these high, angular cheekbones.
The sides of your face create clear angles at the cheekbones, with distinct inward curves both above and below.
When you trace your face with your finger, you’ll notice definite angles at the cheekbones rather than soft curves.
From the side view, your cheekbones create a noticeable forward projection compared to your forehead and chin.
When you smile, your cheekbones become even more pronounced, emphasising the diamond-shaped proportions.
Your chin appears defined and pointed, creating a clear endpoint to your face’s diamond structure.
The areas above and below your cheekbones slope inward distinctly, creating the characteristic diamond angles.
Front View Test
Stand in front of your mirror and use your fingers to check three simple points on your face.
Place your index fingers at your cheekbones – this will be the widest measurement of your face.
Move your fingers to your temples – notice they’re narrower than your cheekbones.
Finally, place your fingers at the corners of your jaw – this should also measure narrower than your cheekbones, tapering to your pointed chin.
Profile View Test
Look at your face from the side using a second mirror or a side-view photo. Notice how your cheekbones create the most forward-projecting point of your profile.
Both your forehead and chin sit slightly back compared to your cheekbones when viewed from the side. The side view emphasises the prominence of your cheekbones.
Measurements and Proportions for Diamond Face Shape (Professional Analysis)
When we look at the proportions, a diamond-shaped face exhibits distinct ratios that set it apart from other face shapes.
The cheekbone width typically measures 1.5 times the width of both the forehead and chin, creating that characteristic diamond silhouette.
To put this in perspective, if your chin measures 4 inches across at its widest point, your cheekbones would measure approximately 6 inches across, while your forehead would match your chin width.
The overall length of your face plays an important role too. In a diamond-shaped face, the total length from hairline to chin typically measures about 1.4 to 1.5 times the width of the cheekbones.
This creates a balanced vertical proportion that complements the angular structure of the face. For example, with 6-inch cheekbone width, your face length would typically measure between 8.4 to 9 inches.
Your forehead and chin provide key measurement points. In a diamond-shaped face, both sit at approximately 65-70% of the cheekbone width, creating that distinctive narrowing at both ends.
For practical measurement at home, a standard credit card serves as an excellent measuring tool. A typical diamond-shaped face will measure roughly 1.75 credit cards across the cheekbones and approximately one credit card width across both the forehead and chin. The total face length generally spans about 2.25 to 2.5 credit cards.
The face can also be divided into vertical thirds, from hairline to eyebrows, eyebrows to nose tip, and nose tip to chin.
In a diamond-shaped face, these thirds remain relatively equal in length, with the middle third featuring the prominent cheekbones that define this face shape.
To get specific numbers, in a diamond-shaped face the cheekbones span between 5.5 to 6.5 inches (14 to 16.5 centimetres) at their widest point, while both forehead and chin measure between 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9 to 11.5 centimetres). The total face length usually falls between 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 centimetres) from hairline to chin point.
These measurements serve as guidelines rather than strict rules. Natural variation exists, and your face might show slight deviations while still maintaining an overall diamond shape.
The key lies in the relationship between these measurements, particularly the characteristic prominence of the cheekbones compared to both forehead and chin.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Diamond-Shaped Face
The distinctive diamond face shape results from specific bone structure characteristics.
The zygomatic bones (cheekbones) create the characteristic width at the middle face, while a more delicate frontal bone (forehead) and mandible (jawbone) form the narrower upper and lower face.
The temporal bones sit less prominently than the cheekbones, creating that distinctive narrowing at the forehead.
The underlying structure includes:
- Prominent zygomatic arches creating distinctive cheekbone width
- A more refined frontal bone structure at the forehead
- A tapering mandibular structure
- A defined but narrow mental protuberance (chin bone)
This combination of features creates the angular effect characteristic of diamond-shaped faces, where the cheekbone width stands out against both the temporal width and chin structure.
Facial Features and Bone Structure in Diamond Face Shapes
The diamond face shape isn’t just about the overall silhouette – it’s deeply influenced by the underlying bone structure and the way individual facial features work together.
Understanding these relationships helps create a more complete picture of your face shape.
Forehead and Temple Area
The narrower upper face of a diamond shape starts with the temporal bones. These bones create a more refined upper face, typically aligning with the inner corners of your eyes.
The frontal bone forms a moderate width, sometimes accompanied by slight angular temples, which contributes to the characteristic narrower forehead of diamond-shaped faces.
Eye Area
In diamond-shaped faces, the eye sockets are often slightly closer set due to the narrower upper face structure.
The brow ridge typically shows angular definition rather than soft curves, helping create that distinctive diamond-shaped transition from forehead to cheekbones.
The distance between your eyes usually measures slightly less than one eye width, appearing proportionally balanced against the prominent cheekbones.
Nose Structure
The nasal bridge in diamond-shaped faces typically shows a defined profile, complementing the angular nature of the face.
This balanced nose structure works with the face’s dramatic angles.
The width of the nose usually aligns well with the narrower forehead and chin, creating harmonious proportions between the facial features.
Cheekbone Architecture
Diamond-shaped faces showcase cheekbones that create the most prominent feature of the face, with clear definition and angles.
The zygomatic bones (cheekbones) create distinct points where the face reaches its maximum width, with clear angles rather than gentle curves.
This bone structure helps create the sharp, defined appearance characteristic of diamond shapes.
Jaw and Chin Formation
The mandible (jawbone) in diamond-shaped faces becomes progressively narrower, creating a defined but not overly strong angle.
The chin bone, or mental protuberance, is typically well-defined and pointed, created by a tapering mandible structure that forms the characteristic diamond shape point.
Styling Guide for Diamond Face Shapes
Hairstyle Recommendations
The ideal hairstyles for diamond-shaped faces create balance by adding width at the forehead and jawline while minimising width at the cheekbones.
A textured fringe adds volume at the forehead, helping balance the prominent cheekbones.
Side-swept styles soften angular features, while volume at the crown creates balance by drawing attention upward.
For more dramatic options, a layered cut with volume at the temples helps offset the narrow forehead, while keeping length past the chin softens the face’s angles.
Medium-length styles with strategic layering help create width where needed while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.
Beard Styling
A well-maintained beard can help add width to the lower face, balancing the prominent cheekbones.
Consider fuller growth through the sides of the face while keeping the chin area neat to avoid over-emphasising the pointed chin.
A short, well-groomed beard can help soften angular features while maintaining face shape definition.
Eyewear Selection
Choose frames that add width at the forehead and jawline while avoiding excessive width at the cheekbones.
Oval and rectangular frames work particularly well for diamond-shaped faces, as they help balance facial proportions.
Avoid frames that are too angular or that emphasise your cheekbones’ natural angles.
Collar Recommendations
Point collars work particularly well, as they create vertical lines that help elongate the face and draw attention away from the cheekbones.
Button-down collars offer versatility while providing balanced proportions that complement your face’s natural angles.
For casual wear, crew necks and v-necks work well, but avoid boat necks that can emphasise cheekbone width.
For formal occasions, opt for moderate point collars that create clean lines without competing with your natural facial angles.
Avoid extremely wide spread collars that might emphasise your cheekbone width, or very narrow collars that can make your chin appear more pointed.
Diamond Face Shape vs Other Face Shapes
When distinguishing a diamond-shaped face from other facial structures, understanding the key differences helps identify your true face shape.
Each comparison reveals distinct characteristics that set diamond shapes apart.
Diamond vs Square
Square faces maintain even proportions across the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw, creating a box-like structure with clear angles.
In contrast, diamond shapes show their greatest width at the cheekbones, with both forehead and chin appearing notably narrower.
While square faces create strong horizontal lines at each level, diamond shapes create their most dramatic angles at the cheekbones.
Diamond vs Oval
Though both shapes can appear elegant, their proportions differ significantly. Oval faces display balanced width transitions between forehead, cheekbones, and jaw, creating an egg-like symmetry.
Diamond shapes, however, show distinct angles at the cheekbones rather than the smooth transitions characteristic of oval faces.
The difference becomes most apparent at the cheekbones, where diamond shapes show notably more angular definition.
Diamond vs Heart
These shapes often get confused, but their differences lie in their widest points. Heart faces reach their maximum width at the forehead, creating a broad upper face that tapers down to the chin.
Diamond shapes, conversely, show their greatest width at the cheekbones, with narrowing both upward and downward. Think of it as inverting the heart’s proportions.
Diamond vs Triangle
Triangle and diamond shapes differ primarily in their widest points. Triangle faces show their greatest width at the jawline, creating a strong base that narrows upward to a smaller forehead.
Diamond shapes create their maximum width at the cheekbones, with both forehead and chin appearing narrower. These shapes demonstrate quite different proportional arrangements.
Diamond vs Round
Round faces maintain consistent curves from top to bottom, creating a soft, circular appearance with similar proportions throughout.
In contrast, diamond shapes show distinct angles, particularly at the cheekbones, breaking the continuous curve pattern.
Where round faces create soft, continuous curves throughout, diamond shapes display clear angular points at the cheekbones with distinct narrowing at both forehead and chin.
Diamond vs Rectangle
Rectangle faces keep parallel sides throughout their length, with similar width at the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw.
Diamond shapes break this parallel structure with their characteristic wide cheekbones and narrowing at both forehead and chin.
While rectangle faces maintain straight, even lines along their sides, diamond shapes create dramatic angles at the cheekbones with inward curves above and below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Face Shapes
Q: Can my face shape change over time?
A: While your basic bone structure remains constant, changes in weight, age, and muscle tone can affect how pronounced your diamond face shape appears. The characteristic cheekbone prominence might become more or less noticeable with these changes.
Q: How can I soften my angular features?
A: Strategic hairstyling with layers and soft fringe can help balance angular features. Additionally, well-groomed facial hair and appropriate eyewear can help create a more balanced appearance.
Q: Does facial hair help balance a diamond-shaped face?
A: Yes, maintaining even beard growth along the sides of your face can help add width to narrow areas whilst keeping the chin area neat to avoid over-emphasising the pointed chin.
Q: Can I wear my hair very short with a diamond face shape?
A: While very short styles can work for diamond shapes, they tend to emphasise your facial angles more strongly. If choosing a short style, consider maintaining some length on top and sides to balance your features.
Still Not Sure?
Try our quick and free face shape quiz designed specifically for men who want to confirm their face shape without complex measurements.
The quiz uses simple visual comparisons and easy-to-answer questions to determine your exact face shape.
Our face shape analysis considers multiple angles and features to provide you with accurate results.
Expert Style Guidance
Understanding your diamond face shape is just the first step towards optimising your appearance.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides an expert evaluation of your facial features, identifying exactly how to style your hair, facial hair, and accessories to complement your diamond-shaped proportions.
For a complete style transformation, our signature Complete Image Transformation Package includes face shape analysis along with personalised colour analysis, body shape evaluation, and comprehensive style recommendations tailored to your unique features.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.