Finding the perfect haircut for a round face can feel like searching for a unicorn in a horse stable. Round faces need styles that add angles, create the illusion of length, or simply balance those fuller cheeks. I’ve spent years behind the chair transforming circular visages into masterpieces, and I’m here to share my top face-framing secrets.
1. Long Layered Cut with Side Bangs
Layers are your round-faced bestie! The vertical lines create an optical illusion that slims the face instantly.
Side bangs? They’re the secret weapon that cuts across your face diagonally, breaking up that circular shape. Trust me, I’ve seen this transformation hundreds of times in my chair!
2. Textured Pixie with Volume on Top
Whoever said pixies don’t work for round faces clearly hasn’t met the right stylist! Height at the crown creates vertical interest while short, textured sides slim the cheeks.
Though dramatic, this cut actually minimizes fullness by drawing eyes upward. My round-faced clients who dare to go short never look back!
3. Shoulder-Length Bob with Deep Side Part
If I had a dollar for every round-faced client who found their perfect match in this bob, I’d own my salon outright! The length hits that sweet spot—not too short to emphasize roundness.
Meanwhile, that dramatic side part? It’s practically magic for creating asymmetry that breaks up circular proportions.
4. Long Angled Bob (Lob)
Ah, the lob—where would round faces be without you? Slightly longer in front than back, this cut creates diagonal lines that slim the face beautifully.
Here’s my stylist secret: ask for subtle layers throughout to prevent the dreaded triangle shape. Your cheekbones will thank me later!
5. Curtain Bangs with Layers
Curtain bangs are the round face’s fairy godmother! They frame the eyes while creating a heart-shaped illusion that counteracts fullness in the cheek area.
When paired with face-framing layers? Absolutely chef’s kiss! I’ve seen clients literally gasp when they see how this combo transforms their face shape.
6. Shaggy Mid-Length Cut
Where my ’70s vibes lovers at? The modern shag is a round face miracle worker with its choppy layers and piece-y texture.
Those varied lengths create movement that distracts from facial fullness. However, the key is keeping some length—too short and you’ll emphasize rather than minimize roundness.
7. Bob asimmetrico
Nothing says “I’m not a circle” like an asymmetrical bob! The uneven lengths create angles where there were none, instantly sharpening round features.
While one side might graze your chin, the other might touch your collarbone. My clients with moon-shaped faces absolutely rock this architectural style.
8. Face-Framing Highlights
Sometimes it’s not just about the cut—it’s about the color! Strategic face-framing highlights create vertical lines that elongate round faces like magic.
Think about it: lighter strands draw the eye downward, creating the illusion of length. Hence my mantra: “Highlight where you want attention, shadow where you don’t.”
9. Wispy Bangs with Long Layers
Unlike heavy straight-across bangs (round face enemy #1), wispy bangs softly veil the forehead without creating a horizontal line. They’re like the perfect accessory!
When combined with long layers, they create a vertical flow that’s simply *chef’s kiss*. I’ve converted many bang-phobic round-faced clients with this combo.
10. High Ponytail with Volume
Never underestimate the power of a strategically placed ponytail! Height at the crown creates instant face-slimming magic for my round-faced clients.
Though simple, this style elongates facial proportions dramatically. If you’re feeling extra, add some face-framing tendrils for that softening touch around the cheekbones.
11. Textured Lob with Razored Ends
Blunt ends? Not for my round-faced beauties! Razored, textured tips create movement and break up the circular shape of fuller faces.
Whereas sharp lines can emphasize roundness, these soft, piece-y ends do the opposite. My clients are always shocked at how much slimmer their faces look with this simple texturizing technique.
12. Side-Swept Updo
Formal events got you stressing about your round face? Fear not! A side-swept updo creates asymmetry—the round face’s best friend.
Unlike center-parted styles that highlight facial symmetry, this elegant option plays with angles. Though sophisticated, it’s surprisingly easy to achieve with some strategic pinning and texturizing spray.
13. Voluminous Waves with Deep Side Part
Channel your inner old Hollywood starlet with this face-slimming classic! Voluminous waves starting at cheekbone level create width exactly where round faces need it.
Meanwhile, that dramatic side part? It’s the ultimate optical illusion, breaking up symmetry instantly. How many times have I used this trick for photoshoots? Countless!
14. Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs
The modern shag-curtain bang combo is round face nirvana! Those choppy layers create movement while disrupting the circular silhouette.
Meanwhile, curtain bangs open like theater drapes to frame your eyes and cheekbones. However, the key is keeping them longer at the sides—too short and you’ll emphasize rather than minimize width.
15. Sleek Center-Parted Lob
Wait—center parts for round faces? Absolutely, when done right! The key is length (at least chin-level) and sleekness that creates sharp lines.
Though conventional wisdom says avoid middle parts, this structured style creates vertical lines that elongate. My round-faced clients who rock this look exude confidence and edge!
16. Messy Top Knot with Loose Tendrils
Height is a round face’s best friend, and nothing delivers vertical lift like a perfectly imperfect top knot! The elevated bun draws eyes upward, creating the illusion of length.
Those face-framing pieces? They’re not just trendy—they’re strategic for softening jawlines. Though casual, this style is my go-to recommendation for round-faced clients between washes.
17. Chin-Length Bob with Textured Ends
Contrary to popular belief, short hair CAN work for round faces—with the right details! This chin-grazing cut creates a strong line that defines rather than emphasizes fullness.
Textured ends prevent the dreaded helmet look that can make round faces appear rounder. Moreover, this length hits the sweet spot—any shorter might emphasize width.
18. Braided Crown with Height
For my boho round-faced queens, this style is pure magic! The horizontal braid creates a halo effect that draws attention upward rather than outward.
Added volume at the crown? That’s the secret sauce for elongating proportions. Though intricate-looking, this style actually comes together quickly once you’ve mastered the basic technique.
19. Side-Parted Pixie with Long Bangs
Bold round-faced clients, listen up! A pixie can be your power move with these crucial elements: side-swept longer bangs and height at the crown.
Whereas a too-short pixie might emphasize fullness, this strategic version creates angles that slim instantly. Though daring, this cut has transformed countless round-faced clients into confident head-turners!
20. Half-Up Topknot with Volume
The half-up topknot is like contouring for your face—without makeup! Height at the crown creates vertical elongation while leaving length down maintains balance for round faces.
Though trending on social media, this style has timeless face-slimming properties. If your hair’s on the finer side, try teasing the crown before securing your knot.