What hairstyles should a round face avoid
So you've got a round face and you're trying to figure out what works. Honestly, it's not rocket science—you just gotta play tricks with angles. Round faces have those soft curves, wide hairline, full cheeks, and the width and length are practically the same. The whole game? Don't add width or volume at the sides or you'll look like a basketball. Here's the rundown on what to skip and why.
1. Blunt Bobs and Chin-Length Cuts
A blunt bob that lands right at your chin or jawline? Yeah, that's trouble. It creates this harsh horizontal line that screams "look at the widest part of my face." Makes everything look wider and shorter. What you want instead is a lob—you know, a longer bob that falls past your collarbone. That actually stretches things out.
2. Heavy, Straight-Across Bangs
Thick bangs that cut straight across your forehead? They chop off visual length and emphasize width. It's like drawing a line right where you don't want one. If you're dying for bangs, go with side-swept or curtain bangs—they create diagonal lines and add some vertical movement instead.
3. Center Parts with Flat Hair
>A strict center part combined with flat, straight hair? That's just emphasizing the circle shape. The symmetry is a killer. Throw in some volume at the crown or switch to a deep side part—breaks up the roundness and adds height, which elongates things.4. Rounded Layers and Curls
Curls can be great, but rounded layers starting at your cheekbones or jawline? That adds width exactly where you don't need it. Same with tight, uniform curls sitting at the sides—creates a spherical look. Ask for layers below the chin and go with loose, elongated waves that fall away from your face.
5. Very Short Crops (Pixie Cuts)
Ultra-short cuts like a classic pixie? Risky. They remove length from the top, making your face look rounder. If you want short, pick a pixie with serious height and volume on top—like a pompadour pixie—with longer, textured sides that graze the ears.
6. Excessive Side Volume (Mushroom Shape)
Styles that add too much volume at the sides—mushroom cuts, rounded wedges—make your face look wider. Keep the sides sleek or slightly tapered, pile the volume at the crown. Vertical lines are your friend.
Table: Hairstyles to Avoid vs. Recommended Alternatives for Round Faces
| Hairstyle to Avoid | Why It Is Problematic | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Blunt chin-length bob | Adds horizontal width at jawline | Long lob with soft waves |
| Heavy straight-across bangs | Shortens face, emphasizes width | Side-swept or curtain bangs |
| Center part with flat hair | Emphasizes symmetry and roundness | Deep side part with volume at crown |
| Short rounded pixie cut | Removes vertical length | Pixie with height on top and longer sides |
| Rounded layers at cheekbone | Adds width at widest part of face | Long layers starting below chin |
Expert Insights on Avoiding Round-Face Pitfalls
Mark Townsend, that celebrity hairstylist, says round-faced folks should "always look for ways to create vertical lines, not horizontal ones." Basically, avoid anything ending at the widest part. Jen Atkin adds that "texture is your friend," but you've gotta place it right—volume at the crown, less at the sides.
Checklist: What to Look for in a Hairstyle for a Round Face
- Length below the chin (at least 2-3 inches below jawline).
- Volume and height at the crown.
- Diagonal lines (side parts, side-swept bangs).
- Asymmetry (one side longer or different texture).
- Loose, elongated waves or curls (not tight, round ones).
- Sleeker sides with less volume at the cheeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have short hair if I have a round face?
Yeah, just pick a short style with height on top and longer, textured sides. Stay away from very short, rounded crops that sit at the jawline. A textured pixie with a side-swept fringe can actually work pretty well.
Are bangs completely off-limits for round faces?
Nah, just avoid blunt, straight-across bangs. Side-swept bangs, curtain bangs, or wispy, textured bangs that blend into the rest of your hair? Those are great choices—they create diagonal lines.
What about curly hair Should I avoid curls?
You don't have to avoid curls, but skip tight, uniform ones sitting at the sides of your face. Go for loose, elongated curls or waves that start below the chin. Use products that add vertical elongation rather than horizontal spread.
Is a middle part always bad for a round face?
It can be tough because it emphasizes symmetry. But if you've got long hair with volume at the roots and some face-framing layers, a middle part can work. The key is to avoid flat, straight hair with a middle part.
What is the most important thing to remember when choosing a hairstyle for a round face?
The big one? Create the illusion of length. Add height at the crown, keep the sides relatively sleek, and use diagonal or asymmetrical lines to break up the round shape.
Short Summary
- Avoid blunt ends at chin level: Blunt bobs and straight bangs add horizontal width, making the face look shorter and wider.
- Steer clear of center parts with flat hair: This emphasizes the round symmetry; a deep side part with crown volume is better.
- Skip rounded layers and tight curls: These add volume at the cheeks; choose elongated waves and layers starting below the chin.
- Be cautious with very short crops: Ultra-short cuts can remove length; if going short, ensure there is height on top and longer sides.