The shapes, edge by edge
Each drawing shows one shape with its main edges numbered. The notes list where each edge sits most comfortably. These are common starting points. Any edge that feels smooth and comfortable on an area is fine to use there.
Heart
A common first tool. The shape is easy to hold and has an edge for most areas of the face.
- V notch: sits along the jawline and around the chin.
- Rounded lobes: the cheeks and the forehead.
- Long curved side: the side of the neck and the flat of the cheek.
Wing
Also sold as a fin or ear shape. The inward curve makes it a good fit for larger faces and jaws.
- Inward curve: hugs the jaw and the cheekbone.
- Long outer curve: the forehead, cheeks and the side of the neck.
- Narrow point: small areas such as beside the nose.
Wavy edge
Some people like the feel of the ridges. Use the lightest pressure with this edge, since ridges catch skin more easily.
- Wavy edge: the jawline and the side of the neck.
- Straight edge: the forehead and the flat of the cheek.
- Rounded corners: small curves such as the chin.
Comb
Made for the scalp more than the face. The teeth should be smooth and rounded, with no rough tips.
- Teeth: the scalp and hairline, worked slowly through the hair.
- Smooth top edge: the forehead and the back of the neck.
Pen tool
Useful for small spots the larger tools miss. Keep the pressure especially light, since a small tip concentrates it.
- Small rounded end: beside the nose and around the chin.
- Wider end: along the brow bone, well away from the eye itself.
Facial roller
Strictly a separate tool from gua sha, but often sold beside it. Rolling needs less technique than scraping strokes.
- Roller: the forehead, cheeks and jaw, rolled slowly with light pressure.
- Frame and handle: dry these well, since some metal frames rust.
How the edges work
Long, gently curved edges spread pressure over a wide area, so they suit broad, flat parts of the face such as the cheeks and forehead. Notches and inward curves wrap around rounded areas like the jaw and chin, so the tool stays in contact without you pressing harder. Small ends and points concentrate pressure into a small spot, which is why they need the lightest touch of all.
Wavy and toothed edges catch the skin more than smooth ones. Some people like how they feel. If your skin is sensitive, a smooth edge is the gentler choice.
Choosing a first tool
A heart or wing shape covers most of the face with one tool, which makes either a good first choice. A heart has a clear notch for the jaw and rounded lobes for the cheeks. A wing has a long inward curve that suits larger jaws and a point for small areas. Pick the one that sits better in your hand.
A pen tool or comb is a useful extra but rarely a good only tool. A roller needs the least practice, since you roll it instead of holding an angle, but it is a different tool with its own care needs.
Size and weight
- A tool about the length of your palm is easy to control on the face.
- Some weight helps, because the tool can rest on the skin instead of being pushed.
- Thick, rounded edges feel softer than thin ones. A very thin edge can feel sharp even when it is polished.
- If you have small hands, a smaller heart shape is often easier to hold flat.
Holding the tool
Hold the tool lightly between your thumb and fingers, with the working edge against the skin and the flat face of the tool almost parallel to it. Most guides suggest an angle of about 15 degrees, which means the tool is nearly lying on the skin. Holding it upright like a scraper puts all the pressure on a thin line. The technique guide walks through each area of the face, and the preparation page covers pressure in more detail.
Whatever the shape, check the edges before each use. A chip that you can feel with a fingertip can scratch skin, so set that tool aside. See when to replace a tool.