Hair Cut for Round Face: Flattering Lengths and Styles

If you’re like most people, you probably look at your face in a selfie or mirror image and decide “I have a round face.” But that’s not how it works. You can’t determine face shape by looking at the photo. You need to measure.

That’s why I created this site with free tools—including the FWHR calculator and face length-to-width calculator—to help you figure out what length and style of hair will flatter your face shape. If you’d rather skip the math, the rest of this guide walks you through the key proportions and haircut choices to look for.

What Defines a Round Face

So what exactly defines a round face? Well, there are several characteristics that define a round face shape. It has soft curves throughout, prominent cheekbones, and a wide face. The width is about equal to the length. Cheekbones are the widest part of the face, while the forehead and jawline are narrower. The hairline is rounded and the jawline is also rounded. A round face makes a circular impression.

Now that we know what defines a round face, let’s talk about what haircuts work best on a round face. Keep in mind that no one haircut works for everyone. That goes double for someone who has curly hair, fine hair, or straight hair. What looks great on one person might not be right for another. So these are just general guidelines based on proportions, texture, density, features, and routine.

To create visual length on a round face, the main thing to avoid is haircuts that add width around the cheeks. For example, a very short bob can actually broaden the cheeks. Instead, go for medium-length options that use front length and movement to frame the face. This helps visually elongate the face.

Avoid styles that make your face appear wider, such as those with blunt straight lines. Also avoid full sides, which can add volume where you don’t want it, or very short flat tops, which make the top of your head appear smaller than it really is. If you do choose a short haircut, keep the length or texture where it adds upward shape (e.g., high fade).

Long Hair and Layers

The longer the hair, the more important it is to control the weight so that it doesn’t hang down in a heavy, one-length panel. Long hair can still be flattering on a round face, but you’ll want to add direction to the ends, or add layers between your nose and mouth so that the weight isn’t all hanging down. Curtain-style bangs also help to visually elongate the face.

Shorter cuts can also be flattering on a round face. In fact, many of my favorite round-faced celebrities wear their hair very short. However, you’ll want to be careful to keep the length or texture where it adds upward shape. For example, pixies and bixies are great options because they keep the length or texture where it adds upward shape (e.g., slightly longer sides; slightly longer sideburns; longer bangs styled to the side). Textured top also adds height and structure, while keeping the rest of the cut short enough to maintain balance and dimension.

Round Face Cuts for Men

High fades, pompadours, quiffs, side parts, faux hawks, messy quiffs, and textured crops are all great choices for men with round faces. Just be sure to keep the length or texture where it adds upward shape. For example, if you have a crew cut, you’ll want to add some texture to the top to give it shape and volume. Crew cuts with side partings are especially great for round faces.

When choosing a fringe and parting style, remember that asymmetry adds interest and helps elongate the face. Side-swept bangs, textured fringes, and asymmetrical partings all add interest and dimension. Avoid straight-across bangs on a round face, and definitely avoid a center part if you want to add height on top.

Curly Hair Considerations

Curly-haired women may find that the rules aren’t quite as hard-and-fast when it comes to finding a flattering haircut for a round face. Curly hair naturally creates a lot of lift, so you won’t have to worry about adding too much height. But you’ll still want to avoid styles that add width around the cheeks, like those with very short flat tops, no volume on top, or no layering.

Curly-haired women will want to be especially careful with the length and placement of layers. Long layers can work beautifully, but the final length should reach at least the shoulders so the shape stays balanced.

Men with round faces should also consider their hair texture. Short haircuts that add width around the cheeks aren’t ideal for round-faced men either. Men with curly hair can get away with a shorter cut without worrying about the added weight. They can even try a crew cut with a side parting.

What to Say at the Salon

For those of you who aren’t ready to commit to a specific hairstyle, here are some concrete things you can say in your salon or barber chair:

“I’d like a haircut that visually elongates my face.”

“Please add some height and angles to my hair.”

“I’d like some layers from my nose to my mouth.”

“I’d like my bangs to be side-swept.”

“I’d like a textured top with controlled sides.”

“I’d like some layers on the top to preserve my natural curl pattern.”

“I’d like some movement at the ends.”

“I’d like something that doesn’t take a lot of styling time each morning.”

“I’d like something that I can manage on my own.”

And if you’re ever tempted to tell your stylist or barber, “I never wear my hair long,” please don’t! I’ve had plenty of clients over the years who told me that. But every single one of them was wrong.

Sources

• The Best Haircuts for Round Faces, As Seen on Celebrities | Vogue
• How to Choose a Hairstyle for Your Face Shape: A Barber’s Guide
• Best Hair Styles for Round Face Men: Top Picks for 2024 | GATSBY is your only choice of men's hair wax.
• Face Shape Calculator — What Shape Is Mine?