The Most Flattering Hairstyles for Round Faces

Finding the best hairstyles for your face shape often hinges on determining which features you’d like to accentuate. Choppy, face-framing cuts can help accentuate your enviable cheekbones, while longer, wispier cuts can help visually elongate your face for a harmonious, balanced look. But those are far from the only styles that can complement a round face – and we’re here to prove it. Whether you’re looking to try a new cut or simply want to change up your daily look, keep reading.

Best Haircuts for Round Faces: Styles that Suit You

The key to choosing a flattering haircut is to create the illusion of length and structure to enhance your natural beauty with strategic lines and volume. So, whether you love timeless classics or prefer something edgier, these haircut techniques can beautifully complement round face shapes.

Long Layers with Face-Framing Angles

Long layers are, arguably, flattering on just about everybody, but they’re especially well-suited for those with round faces. The length helps visually elongate your face, while the layers add body, volume, and texture for an effortlessly chic look.

Shoulder-skimming bob

In our experience, some of the best haircuts for round faces are on the shorter side. If you’ve never tried a short haircut before, consider easing yourself in with a long bob (aka a lob) that stops right atop your shoulders. It’s trendy, flattering, and easy to maintain, and a great way to go shorter while still maintaining a bit of length.

Shag Cut with Curtain Bangs

The modern shag is a layered, tousled style that adds instant cool-girl texture. Paired with curtain bangs that softly frame the cheekbones, this cut helps balance the roundness and bring structure to the overall look. It’s especially flattering for medium-length to long hair and works well with natural waves or a styled blowout.

High ponytail

Let your prominent cheekbones take centre stage by rocking a high, bouncy ponytail. This classic updo is easy to achieve (even if you’re a hairstyling newbie) and helps create the illusion of length for a balanced, harmonious end result.

Angled bob

The classic blunt bob is chic and timeless but tends to complement more angular features better than round faces. If you’re looking to try a bob, try a slightly angled version - the sharper shape will flatter your rounded features beautifully.

Short Hairstyles for Round Faces: Chic and Easy to Maintain

Finding a haircut that looks good on a round face is easier when you know which styles suit best. With the right cut and a few simple styling techniques, short hair for round face types can enhance facial features, add definition, and exude confidence. From the bold pixie to the classic bob, these styles are as stylish as they are practical.

The Pixie Cut for Round Face: Bold and Flattering

A pixie cut for round face shapes is both daring and flattering. This cropped style draws attention upward, adding height at the crown and elongating the overall silhouette of the face. 

Opt for a pixie with soft, side-swept bangs or layers to introduce subtle angles and break up the roundness. Styling is refreshingly simple - just a touch of texturising cream or mousse can provide volume and shape in seconds.

Pro Tip: To achieve a polished finish, blow-dry using a small round brush to lift the roots and create height. A light-hold hairspray will keep the look in place.

Modern Bob: Sharp, Sleek, and Versatile

The bob is a classic example of short hairstyles for round faces that remains endlessly versatile. For a flattering effect, consider a slightly angled or asymmetrical bob that’s longer in the front and shorter in the back. 

This creates a lengthening illusion and draws the eye downward. A deep side part or sleek straight finish can further enhance the face’s natural contours.

Pro Tip: Use a pre-shampoo hydrating serum or hydrating hair mask or heat protectant before flat-ironing to maintain a glossy, frizz-free appearance with minimal effort.

Adding Layers and a Fringe for Dimension

When it comes to styling round face shapes, subtle structure and movement make all the difference. Strategic layers and the right fringe can add depth, frame the face, and transform simple cuts into statement styles.

Layers: Sculpting Shape and Movement

Layers are one of the most effective ways to add natural dimension to a round face. Long, graduated layers draw the eye vertically, making the face appear more oval and less wide. Soft, face-framing layers that begin below the cheekbones are especially flattering – they create gentle angles that contour the face without looking harsh.

Fringes for Round Faces: The Power of a Perfect Fringe

Choosing the right fringe style for round face shapes can truly redefine your look. Fringes (or bangs) help break up the circular symmetry of a round face and can draw attention to the eyes, cheekbones, or jawline - depending on the type you choose.

Side-Swept Fringe

Often considered the best fringe for a round face, a side-swept fringe creates diagonal lines that visually slim and lengthen the face. This fringe style adds asymmetry, balancing out soft curves with elegant angles. 

Pro Tip: Use a Glycolic Hair Gloss Treatment to maintain hair that’s both shiny and smooth with this style.

Curtain Bangs

A popular choice in recent years, curtain bangs gently part in the middle and frame the face on both sides. For round faces, longer curtain bangs that taper around the cheekbones can help elongate and soften the look.

Wispy or Feathered Fringe

For those who prefer a lighter look, a wispy fringe offers a soft, airy feel. This style flatters round faces by keeping the forehead partially visible and creating the illusion of more defined facial structure.