The right hairstyles for round face shapes will help balance the face. Whether you prefer a short, medium, or long look, with the right styling techniques, you can get a stunning style that works beautifully with your particular face shape.
Short Hair Styles for Round Faces
Short hair is easy to manage and style, and there are many short cuts that work well with round-shaped faces. The key is to add volume at the top of the head through a series of layers or heightened bangs. This will help elongate the face. When styling a short hairstyle, always use a volumizing product to help lift the root of the hair and add more color.
Shaggy Style
A shaggy hair cut with lots of layers will flatter round faces. Using an off-centered part with a short style helps break up a rounded look, and shags are particularly effective for round faces with shorter hair lengths, especially when choppy side swept bangs are added to this look. A shag cut that hits right at the jaw line or lower will help to elongate the face. Make sure to ask for choppy or razor cut layers, because these layers are far more likely to add the emphasis needed to break up a round face.
Swing Bob
The swing bob is another look that complements round face shapes. A swing bob is shorter in the back and longer in the front. Ideally, you will want your swing bob to hit at the chin or lower, so it frames the face. This will help balance out the face so it looks slightly longer and less round. When styling this haircut make sure to use a large round brush, so the front of the hair swings towards the face.
Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a short hair style that many women are afraid to try, but the cut can complement individuals with round faces. A very short, straight pixie cut will look best with round faces. Allow small wisps of hair to fall around the face, as this will help balance out a round face shape.
Suggestions for Medium Hair Styles
Many women with round faces choose to keep medium length hair. Medium length hair should generally hit around the shoulders or slightly below. With medium length hair cuts it is important to have frequent trims to keep the ends looking smooth and well manicured.
Layered Medium Style
A medium haircut with lots of layers can add length to a round shaped face and add balance. Longer layers should be around the face and hit between the chin and the shoulders. Curl the hair inward when styling so it frames the face and balance the face out. Shorter layers should be added near the top of the head to aadd extra volume to the style. Unlike the shag haircut, layers should be blended in with the cut to create an all-over smooth look.
Long Bob
The long bob is versatile hairstyle that works well for many different face shapes, including round faces. The long bob is generally worn straight and smooth, and while the hair is short in the back it gradually becomes much longer in the front. When styling this haircut, use a large round brush to create a smooth and polished-looking style. Using a volumizing mousse on the hair prior to blowdrying will give the hair the extra lift it needs.
Choices for Long Hair Styles
Long hair naturally helps lengthen a round face shape. Adding the right type of layers to long hair will make round faces seem longer and will accentuate the right features in the face.
Long Smooth Layers
The key is to avoid adding extra volume around the cheeks (the fullest part of the face). Keep longer locks sleek and narrow until they pass the chin. Feel free to add wispy tapered ends to help soften the face and add distinction. An offset side fringe or side swept bangs are other ways to incorporate longer hair to help slenderize a round face.
Center Part
Many hair styles incorporate a side part that will help shorten the face, and mask the forehead without making the face seem too round. Individuals with round-shaped faces, however, should be doing the opposite with their style, and styling their hair with a center part. A center part is especially flattering on those with long hair. Once the hair is parted in the center, layers should be no shorter than chin length; this will help add length to the face.
Hair Color for Long Hair
Women with longer hair can actually use color to help elongate their face. Highlights that frame the face can also break up long hair styles and create a narrower appearance. Do not get the highlights too much lighter than your natural hair color, or they can look too harsh against the face.
Special Occasion Styles for Round Faces
if you need to style you hair for a special occasion and still want to complement your round face shape, there are several options that will look stunning with your face.
- Low Side Bun: Put your hair in a low bun, off to the side of the head. Begin with a low, side ponytail and the wrap the hair into a bun. Make sure to leave pieces of hair down to frame the face. Add extra volume to your bun by teasing the hair first.
- Loose Pony Tail: A loose, romantic ponytail works with nearly any face shape. Begin by curling the hair into large, loose waves. Spray a generous amount of hairspray onto the hair so it stays in place. Carefully place the hair into a low or medium ponytail, allowing several strands of curls to hang along the face.
- Big Volume Style: Place your hair in large hot rollers, and let set for several minutes. This will give you long-lasting, big voluminous waves. Make sure to spray the hair with a flexible hold hairspray. Part the hair to the side. Pull the side with the least amount of hair back and secure with a barrette, so it is away from the face. This look is not only perfect for evenings but will also help elongate the face.
Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces
Men with round faces need to focus on adding balance to their hair. Hairstyles shouldn't be too full on top or it will make the head seem more round. The sides of the cut should be shorter, and height should be added to the top of the head if at all possible. The sides of the cut should be maintained every 6 to 8 weeks, as too much thickness around the side of the face adds unneeded bulk.
If you are interested in a longer hairstyle, keep the hair parted to the side. Have your hairdresser thin out the sides of the hair, while keeping the front and the back longer. This will make the face seem more narrow.
Styles to Avoid
Medium length styles are not a wise choice for round faces; to elongate the face, the hair should continue past the chin or stop above the cheeks. Avoid these other style blunders if you wish to slim a round face:
- Chunky, heavy bangs only add weight to a round face.
- Curls next to the cheeks emphasize the roundness.
- Blunt ends near the cheeks add width to the face shape.
- Bobs are not recommended because they frequently emphasize cheeks.
To experiment with a new style before making drastic cuts or changes to your current look, consider investigating virtual style generators or trying on several wigs to get a feel for how a new look would blend with your face shape.
Beyond Face Shape
There are no concrete rules about hair styles for particular face shapes. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, and Drew Barrymore all have round face shapes, but they do not limit themselves to a particular style based only on facial dimensions. Syles should also factor in your daily styling preferences, hair texture, and lifestyle. The best style is one that brings a smile to your face, no matter what shape that face may be.
