A round face is charming and youthful, often characterized by full cheeks, a soft jawline, and similar width and height dimensions. While this face shape exudes warmth and symmetry, the right hairstyle can enhance your natural features, create length, and bring out your best angles.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked 5 hairstyles that are perfect for round faces, each one tailored to elongate the face, highlight your cheekbones, and deliver a chic, flattering silhouette. Whether you prefer long locks or a bold bob, there’s a style here that suits your vibe.
1. Long Layers with Face-Framing Highlights
Why It Works:
Long layers are universally flattering but especially ideal for round faces because they create the illusion of length. When paired with face-framing highlights, this style adds vertical lines that break up the width of the face, subtly contouring your features.
Key Features:
- Soft, long layers that begin below the chin
- Light or caramel highlights around the face
- Middle part or soft side part
- Styled with subtle waves or straightened ends
Styling Tips:
- Use a large barrel curling wand to add soft waves from mid-length to ends — avoid volume at the cheeks.
- Add a root lift spray or volumizer at the crown to create height.
- Keep ends wispy, not blunt, to avoid harsh horizontal lines.
Best For:
- Medium to long hair lengths
- Women who want an everyday style that’s elegant and low-maintenance
- Hair types: straight, wavy, or fine with volume products
Why You’ll Love It:
This look enhances your face shape without demanding high styling upkeep. It’s versatile enough for work, brunch, or a night out.
2. Long Bob (Lob) with a Deep Side Part
Why It Works:
The long bob, or “lob,” is a timeless cut that ends just above the shoulders. For round faces, keeping the lob slightly longer in the front and adding a deep side part can elongate the face and create flattering asymmetry.
Key Features:
- Cut just past the chin, with subtle front lengthening
- Deep side part to break up the face’s symmetry
- Blunt or soft-textured ends
- Can be worn sleek or tousled
Styling Tips:
- Straighten the lob with a flat iron and curve the ends slightly inward.
- Use a smoothing serum to give it a glossy finish.
- Tuck one side behind the ear to enhance the asymmetry and showcase cheekbones.
Best For:
- Fine to medium hair
- Women who want a professional yet stylish cut
- Busy lifestyles — it’s low-effort but always looks polished
Why You’ll Love It:
The lob offers the structure of a short cut with the versatility of longer hair. It’s modern, effortless, and makes your face look narrower and more angular.
3. Curtain Bangs with a Textured Ponytail
Why It Works:
Curtain bangs are face-slimming fringe pieces that part in the middle and taper down the sides of the face. They create the illusion of high cheekbones and a longer face. When paired with a textured ponytail, this look is youthful, soft, and super flattering.
Key Features:
- Long curtain bangs that blend into layers
- Mid or high ponytail with texture or soft waves
- Volume at the crown for added height
- Loose strands pulled out for softness
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry curtain bangs with a round brush, curling away from the face.
- Tease the crown gently before securing the ponytail to give extra lift.
- Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to build body into the ponytail.
Best For:
- Medium to long hair
- Thick or layered hair
- Casual occasions, date nights, or even dressy events with accessories
Why You’ll Love It:
This combo gives you that “French-girl effortlessness” with a flattering structure for round faces. The curtain bangs alone can completely reshape how your face is perceived.
4. Angled Pixie Cut with Volume on Top
Why It Works:
If you love short hair, an angled pixie cut can be incredibly flattering for round faces. The key is to keep the top voluminous and the sides sleek or tapered, which draws the eye upward and adds vertical dimension to your face.
Key Features:
- Cropped sides and back
- Longer, textured top or side-swept fringe
- Asymmetrical angles or a slight undercut
- Polished or tousled finish
Styling Tips:
- Use a volumizing mousse or texturizing wax to create lift at the crown.
- Sweep the fringe to the side to break the roundness of your face.
- Keep sides slightly longer (not too close to the scalp) for better balance.
Best For:
- Women ready for a bold, confident look
- Straight or wavy hair
- Hot climates or low-maintenance routines
Why You’ll Love It:
This is the ultimate “statement” cut — bold, edgy, and shockingly flattering. The angles help carve out cheekbones and elongate your look, while volume on top adds height.
5. Soft Waves with a Center Part
Why It Works:
A center part with soft, flowing waves elongates a round face by drawing the eye downward in a vertical line. The waves add bounce and movement without widening the cheeks, making this an ideal everyday style.
Key Features:
- Middle part (or slightly off-center)
- Loose waves starting below the cheekbones
- Layers to add length and softness
- Can be air-dried or heat-styled
Styling Tips:
- Use a 1.25-inch curling iron to create soft waves away from the face.
- Keep volume at the roots and mid-lengths, not the sides.
- Use a salt spray or curl-defining cream to enhance natural wave patterns.
Best For:
- Medium to long lengths
- All textures: straight, wavy, or curly
- Women who want a romantic, soft aesthetic
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s feminine, flattering, and easy to maintain. This hairstyle is ideal for both everyday wear and more formal occasions when dressed up with accessories.
Extra Tips for Styling Round Faces
Do:
- Add volume at the crown to elongate the face.
- Try side parts and asymmetrical styles.
- Use long layers to draw the eye downward.
- Keep the focus above the cheeks (bangs, volume at the top, or statement earrings).
Avoid:
- Blunt bangs that sit straight across the forehead
- Chin-length bobs that widen the face
- Overly rounded curls around the cheeks
- Middle parts with too much volume at the sides
Bonus: Hairstyles to Avoid (and What to Try Instead)
| Avoid This | Try This Instead |
|---|---|
| Chin-length blunt bob | Angled lob or long bob with layers |
| Rounded bangs | Curtain bangs or side-swept fringe |
| Volume at the cheeks | Volume at the crown or ends |
| All hair pulled back tightly | Leave face-framing layers or soft tendrils |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should people with round faces avoid short hair?
Absolutely not! Round faces can rock short hair — the trick is to choose angled, layered, or asymmetrical cuts that add height and structure.
Q: Are bangs good for round faces?
Yes — curtain bangs, side-swept bangs, or wispy fringe are great for softening a round face. Avoid heavy, blunt bangs that cut straight across.
Q: Can middle parts work on round faces?
Yes! Especially when paired with long layers or waves that fall below the chin. They help elongate the appearance of the face.
Q: What hairstyles make a round face look longer?
Styles with height at the crown, long face-framing layers, or asymmetrical cuts help elongate the face beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Round faces are youthful, symmetrical, and naturally gorgeous — and the right hairstyle can take that beauty to the next level. From long layers and soft waves to bold pixie cuts and curtain bangs, there’s no shortage of stylish options tailored to enhance your facial structure.
With these 5 well-curated hairstyles, you can finally find the perfect look that flatters your face, fits your personality, and keeps you feeling confident every day.