Finding the perfect haircut and style for your mane can be daunting. There are an endless amount of questions to consider—should you go trendy? Classic? Bold? And most importantly: Will it look good on you?
When trying to determine whether or not a cut or style will flatter your face, the first thing to consider is your face shape. Each face shape comes with its own set of obstacles, but round faces are often particularly tricky. While round faces tend to have a cherubic appeal, a bad haircut can make anyone look less than angelic. People with round faces tend to look younger than they actually are, which is great but often makes it harder to look as sophisticated and chic as they’d like.
To help us figure out the greatest haircuts and styles for round faces, we spoke with Shu Uemura Art of Hair artists Lauren Sill and Jasmine Galazka. They shared their favorite tips, tricks, and techniques to achieve the perfect haircut and style on a round face.
Put your fate (and face) in these well-trained hands, and you’ll come away with life-changing hair styling tricks.
How do I know if my face is round?
Figuring out your face shape is always a lot harder than it sounds, but it doesn’t have to be. Many women assume their face is round, but this is how to know for sure, according to Sill.
“A face is considered round if the width all the way around is fairly even and full,” the stylist explains.
As a general rule of thumb, when trying to decide which haircut is perfect for you, think about your favorite facial feature and choose a cut that highlights it.
“I generally like to highlight whatever I find beautiful about someone,” Sill explained. “So if she has great eyes, maybe a soft side-swept fringe to accentuate them.”
How to get a flattering haircut for a round face
Before you ever open those salon doors, think about your dream haircut as a visual game. Your face is a circle, so you’ll want a long, rectangular shape to create the illusion of a slimmer profile. According to Galazka, the only real rule of cutting hair for round faces is to never, ever go for a bob. Any look that goes past your jawline is ideal because it will visually narrow the shape of your face.
Lucky for you, Galazka has plenty of ideas about cuts that do look flattering. For starters, any cut you get should focus on volume at the crown and avoid it throughout the side sections of your hair.
If you’re seeing a new hair stylist, be sure to take small hair steps to avoid making a huge mistake. Galazka advises you to “play it safe.” Remember: You can always shorten long hair, but it’s impossible to undo too-short layers.
“It’s your first date together—you never want to do anything out of the ordinary. Minimal changes sometimes are most impactful,” Galazka says.
Hair is a process, so don’t feel discouraged if your first cut doesn’t turn you into a mega-babe. Keep working with your stylist, and you’ll get there.
Are bangs good for round faces?
Bangs look great on every face shape but opt for side-swept bangs if you’re concerned about them making your face look too wide. While blunt bangs tend to make your face look a little short and squat, side-swept bangs move the eyes diagonally across your face. The angled fringe makes your face appear longer and, therefore, thinner.
How do I know if I will look good with short hair?
We think short haircuts look stunning on absolutely everyone, but we understand how nerve-wracking it can be to make the leap and chop off your precious locks. If you’re contemplating a short cut but aren’t exactly convinced you can pull it off, give a short style a trial run by crafting a faux lob. All you have to do is loop the length of your hair up and under and secure it near the nape of your neck. A faux lob will allow you to see what you’d look like with short hair without having to get rid of any of your length.
If you’re thinking about going even shorter, it may be time to head to your local beauty supply store and pick up a wig. While a faux lob is easy to pull off, a faux pixie cut isn’t really an option. In that case, we recommend wearing a pixie cut wig for a week to see if you like the style.
Haircut and Styling Don’ts For Round Faces
“I would never cut a square, super short blunt bob on someone really round because it would draw the eye right to the fullest part of the face,” Sill replies when asked what haircuts people with round faces should avoid.
That being said, just because a haircut highlights the fullest part of your face doesn’t mean you can’t absolutely slay the style.
“Well, never say never,” Sill continued. “Some people are dead set on things that shouldn't work on them, but just somehow do. Confidence is sexier than the ‘perfect’ face shape.”
Whether you decide on a classic A-line, trendy lob, or an unconventional square bob, Sill recommends styling your hair with lots of volume, “so it doesn't look flat next to a fuller face.”
Still not exactly sure which cut or hairstyle is perfect for you? Let these flawless haircuts and styles inspire you!
Best Haircuts For Round Faces
Photo Credit: @creademic.
Lob With Curtain Bangs
Somewhere along the way, bangs got a bad reputation for making faces look squat and round. We’re here to tell you bangs are not the enemy, you just have to pick the right style. We love curtain bangs because they look great on literally every face shape.
Photo Credit: @flamcis and : @flavienprioreau.
Lob With Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are another style of fringe that’s perfect for anyone with a round face. Pair your bangs with a lob cut, and you’ve got a chic haircut that will always be in style.
Photo Credit: @flavienprioreau.
Face Framing Layers
Long locks are flattering on every face shape, but they’re particularly lovely on ladies with round faces. Unfortunately, not all princess-like hair is created equal. If your hair is lacking body and volume, it’s probably time to step up your style game.
When your hair falls flat, lying against your face, it brings attention to the shape of your face instead of your gorgeous strands. Ask your stylist to cut a few face-framing layers to elevate your look.
“If their hair is long, I just make sure it is layered enough at the crown and around the face, and then style it with volume,” Sill said.
Photo Credit: @brunodviana.
Shag
Shag haircuts are one of the hottest cuts of the year and for a good reason: They look great on every face shape, hair texture, and are totally rock and roll.
Photo Credit: @mikaatbhc.
A-Line Bob
If you like the face slimming effect of long locks but aren’t interested in actually having long hair, an A-line bob is perfect for you. It’s Sill’s go-to haircut when styling ladies with short hair.
“I generally suggest an A-line shape if their hair is short in order to elongate their face,” she explained.
Ask your stylist to allow the hair framing your face to hit just at your jawline and go as short as you’d like in the back.
Photo Credit: @kailaestrada.
Rounded Bob With Full Bangs
Blunt bangs aren’t a style that most people suggest for someone with a round face, but hear us out. By tweaking your fringe and cutting them a little shorter than usual, they can actually work to elongate your face. Paired with a chic bob, you’ll have a style that’s right off the streets of Paris.
Photo Credit: @timursta.
Side Swept Bangs
If you’re already satisfied with the length and shape of your hair but are looking for a styling solution to give the illusion of a slimmer face, consider bangs.
“I love a side fringe to give a little diagonal stretch to the face,” Sill remarked when asked what bangs are perfect for women with round faces.
Photo Credit: @makeuppro_hair_artist.
Layered Curls With Curly Bangs
Adding bangs to your layered curls will seriously amp up the volume of your hair. And as they say, the bigger, the better!
Photo Credit: @ewwerik and @chateausalon.
Blunt Lob
If you’re looking for a super trendy cut, a blunt lob is perfect for you. Many women with round faces tend to steer clear of cuts with harsh lines for fear that they’ll bring attention to the fullness of their faces, but Sill has the perfect solution.
“Just angle the blunt perimeter into an A-line, so it doesn't stack out sideways and increase width.”
Opting for a lob instead of a bob allows you to keep the face-framing length that flatters your face, while still slaying the popular cut.
“A layered, piecey lob with a little bit of an A-line will be short enough to get a lot of volume, and still elongate the face a bit,” Sill explained.
Photo Credit: @globalcurlz.
Rounded Afro
If you have larger-than-life curly hair, you need the perfect haircut to go with it. Allowing your curls to flourish with a rounded afro haircut will perfectly complement your face shape.
Photo Credit: @caitlintyczka.
Tapered Pixie
Many women with round faces rely on long locks to give the illusion of a slimmer face, but some short styles are seriously flattering. If you’re looking to go super short, consider a tapered pixie with lots of texture.
“I like wispy layers that aren't too heavy for someone with a round face,” Sill said.
The golden rule of haircuts for round faces is to remember you should have longer pieces that fall onto your face to lengthen your cheeks. Even though a pixie cut removes most of your length, you can still adhere to the golden rule.
“The key is to keep more length in the front and add some soft layers,” Sill explained.
Ask your stylist for longer, piecey bangs to frame your face and taper the sides of your hair above your ears to bring attention to the peaks of your cheekbones for a very slimming effect.
Photo Credit: @kittylane.
Vibrant Buzz Cut
Instead of masking your round face, shine a spotlight on it with an acid-hued buzz cut. If you’re concerned that you’ve been hiding behind your hair, just get rid of it and see what happens!
Best Hairstyles For Round Faces
Photo Credit: @taynarajoy.silvawolf.
Pineapple
If you’re hoping to make your face look less round, making your face look longer is the name of the game. By piling all of your hair at the very top of your head, the focus is redirected to the length of your face—not the width.
Photo Credit: @iammarielozano.
Low Ponytail With Face Framing Strands
This chic ponytail is perfect for any occasion from a wedding to a first date. To begin, use a fine-tooth comb to part your hair down the middle. Then, gather all of your hair at the nape of your neck and secure a ponytail with a hair elastic. Using your fingers, gently tug on the hair at the crown of your head to create volume all over. For a final touch, allow a few strands loose from the ponytail to frame both sides of your face.
Photo Credit: @alishaloachhair.
Textured Waves
If preserving length is the name of the game, then choose a hairstyle that sits below the shoulders. As with Galazka’s other favorite styles, this length will create the illusion of a longer, thinner face.
Ask your stylist for subtle long layers, the kind that are more about movement than volume. You’ll want to steer clear of anything that creates bulk on either side of your face. In keeping with the current trends, ask for beachy waves that are closer to “air-dried” than “swimsuit model on location.” You’ll want those curls to look natural.
“Any of the longer styles that are popular right now are also great for round faces,” Galazka agrees, adding that length is pretty much the solution to every round-faced girl’s woes.
Remember: When it comes to styling the look, opt for lift at the crown. The higher the hair, the closer to an elongated face shape. Is that how the saying goes?
Photo Credit: @cesar4styles.
Sleek And Straight
Of all the cut requests Galazka gets most frequently, the sleek lob is the newest. This style is center or side-parted, falling in blow-dried curtains around either side of the face. If it seems familiar, that’s because every celebrity you love has traded their beachy waves for it.
“This style really flatters someone with a round face because it helps to elongate the structure of the face,” Galazka tells us.
To master this look, ask your hairstylist for a blunt cut that ends just below the collarbones. The cut is prettiest when it’s “perfectly blown out,” according to Galazka, so be sure not to skimp on the blow-drying portion of your appointment.
To finish, ask for shine spray and a little frizz-fighting protection, we love Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil.
Photo Credit: @simonwebsterhair.
Faux-Hawk Pompadour
Why hide your beautiful round face when you can make it the center of attention? This faux-hawk pompadour is the perfect way to get your hair away from your face and allow your stunning eyes to take center stage.
To master this look, ask your hairstylist for a blunt cut that ends just below the collarbones. The cut is prettiest when it’s “perfectly blown out,” according to Galazka, so be sure not to skimp on the blow-drying portion of your appointment.
To finish, ask for shine spray and a little frizz-fighting protection, we love Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil.
Photo Credit: @mustafaavci.
Curled Updo With Side-Swept Bangs
If you’re looking for an elegant updo to wear to your next big event, look no further than this curled updo with side-swept bangs.
Side Part Afro
Much like side-swept bangs, a side part moves the eyes diagonally across your face making your face appear longer. As an added bonus, the deep side part also creates tons of envy-inducing volume.
Photo Credit: @petermazilu.
Top Knot
A top knot is a quick and easy style staple that should be in everyone's arsenal. All you have to do is gather all of your hair at the crown of your head and secure a bun with a hair elastic. If you want to elevate your top knot, add a cool hair accessory like gold hair cuff for a dazzling look ready for a night out on the town with your besties.
Photo Credit: @hairbyyvonnej.
Milkmaid Braids
We love how this braided updo can pair perfectly with jeans and a t-shirt or an elegant gown, just take your pick!
Photo Credit: @jessiestylist and @thefloralaw.
Half-Up Ponytail
This classic style is a go-to for anyone who loves half-up hairstyles—simply gather the top half of your hair in a ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic. If you want to take your half-up style to the next level, you’ll want to pick up a glamorous hair accessory.
Side Swept Fishtail Braid
To begin, gather all of your hair on the left or right side of your head and secure it in a loose ponytail. Next, divide the ponytail into two equal sections. To create the fishtail braid effect, take a section of hair from the outside of the left ponytail and cross it over to the right ponytail. Repeat the process on the opposite side, taking a section from the outside of the right ponytail over to the left.
Continue crossing the opposite sections of the hair until you reach the end of the braid, then secure it with an elastic. Pancake the braid for a voluminous effect.
Photo Credit: @ruthroche.
Voluminous Ponytail
Section off the hair at your crown and flip it over so that it hangs in front of your face. Then, lightly spray the section of hair with a medium-hold hairspray and backcomb to create volume at your roots. Flip the section back over and gently comb the top, then use a hair elastic to secure your ponytail.
Gently backcomb your ponytail for extra volume. For finishing touch, allow a few strands to hang loose and beautifully frame your face. Set your look with Redken’s Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Spray. The volumizing and texturizing dry finishing hairspray is designed to hold a full windswept effect.
Photo Credit: @ruthroche and @astylishsideproject.
Braided Pigtails
To begin, part your hair down the middle to create two even sections. Working with one section at a time, begin to craft a cornrow beginning at your hairline that travels all the way down to the nape of your neck. Secure the braid at the nape of your neck and repeat the same steps on the opposite section. Once both braids are secure, fluff your curls for a voluminous final look.
Photo Credit: @lashakeller and @cbensonhair.
Braided Bangs
We love a good fringe, but every once in a while, we just want to get our bangs out of our face. If you’re ready to give your fringe a break, braid it up and away from your face for an adorable style that will stay put all day long.
Photo Credit: @thailaayala.
Bouncy Blowout
“Smooth and sleek...works on any length hair when you have a round face,” Galazka explains. By straightening out the sides while boosting volume at the top of the head, your hair stylist will visually slim down your face shape. Add bouncy curls at the ends, and you’re ready for a night on the town.
There’s no need to hide a round face behind a curtain of hair. In fact, we’d even say you should be proud of it.
Photo Credit: @beautybybeccaj.
Headband Braid
One of the easiest styles to pull off in five minutes is the headband braid, which starts with a deep side part and tucks behind one ear. Use a teasing comb and Matrix Total Results High Amplify Proforma Frizz Control Hairspray to achieve volume at the top of your head, elongating your face.
Photo Credit: @dicasdecabeloficial.
Space Buns
Bringing the eye up can be a great way to manage a round face while still having fun with your look. For festival season or a day in the sun, part your hair down the middle and twist your lengths up into two matching buns.
Photo Credit: @olivialouise_hair.
Fantasy Hair Color
While many people with round faces struggle to find the right cut for their face, there is one element that’s guaranteed to look beautiful: fantasy hair. Whether you choose a lemon yellow or mermaid blue, nothing can make you fall back in love with your look like a new hair color.
Total Results High Amplify Proforma Frizz Control Hairspray
A flexible, strong-hold, frizz-control hairspray for wavy or curly hair.
