The biggest do’s (and a few don’ts)
If you’ve ever Googled “hairstyles for round faces” at 11:37 p.m. after a particularly chaotic bang trim… you’re in good company. Because navigating haircuts when your face is giving soft, symmetrical, and sweet? It’s a whole thing.
But don’t feel bad, girl. If anything? You’re one of the chosen ones.
Sabrina Carpenter. Selena Gomez. Chrissy Teigen. All round-faced royalty. And if we get to claim that? Oh, we’ll absolutely take it.
Round faces have that naturally youthful glow—the kind people *literally* pay for—and the right haircut just takes it to the next level. We’re talking face-framing layers, flirty fringe, the type of texture that makes your cheekbones pop. The goal isn’t to hide your shape. It’s to work with it and make it shine.
So, whether you’re craving a fresh chop, flirting with a bob, or just tired of wondering if your current cut is really cutting it, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break down the most flattering hairstyles for round faces, with no gatekeeping, no hair math, and no more mirror meltdowns.
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What actually counts as a “round” face?
Okay, first things first: not every cute, symmetrical face is technically round—but if your face is about the same width as it is long, with full cheeks and a softer jawline, then you’re probably rocking the round-face club card. No sharp angles here, babe, just curves in all the right places.
Look in the mirror (no makeup, hair pulled back) and check these features.
– Are your cheeks the widest part of your face?\
– Is your jawline soft, not angular?
– Is your face roughly the same length as it is wide?
If that’s all a yes, congrats—you’re a round face girlie, just like Sabrina Carpenter, Chrissy Teigen, and Selena Gomez. Elite company, TBH.
But if you’re still not sure, here’s a quick guide to the other common shapes:
Oval: Balanced features, slightly longer than it is wide. Most styles work on you (lucky!).
Square: Strong, angular jaw and forehead. Think Keira Knightley or Olivia Wilde.
Heart: Wider forehead, narrow chin. A little Reese Witherspoon moment.
Long/rectangular: Longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line. Picture Sarah Jessica Parker.
Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with wider cheekbones. Think Rihanna.
Still on the fence? No worries. Hairstylists can help confirm your shape and suggest styles that bring out your best. But if you’ve read this far and nodded along to every round face detail, we think you’ve found your match.
The biggest do’s (and a few don’ts) for round faces
When it comes to hairstyles for round faces, the secret sauce is all about balance. You’re not trying to hide your face shape (because, hello, it’s gorgeous), but you are trying to create the illusion of a little more length and definition. The right haircut will flatter, elongate, and give that “damn, she did something different and it’s working” effect.
Here’s what to do:
– Add height at the crown
More volume up top draws the eye upward and helps visually lengthen your face. Think layered blowouts, top knots, or a soft lift at the roots.
– Go for face-framing layers
Layers that hit below the chin = instant elongation. They keep the sides from feeling too “full” and give your style that breezy movement.
– Try side parts or curtain bangs
A middle part can work, but side parts help break up the symmetry in a soft way. Curtain bangs also do this chef’s kiss thing where they frame your cheekbones while keeping things light and flattering.
– Longer lengths are your BFF
Hair that hits past the chin (even better if it’s past the collarbone) helps stretch the face visually. Bonus points for soft waves or a textured finish.
And what to steer clear of:
– Super blunt bobs that hit right at the chin
These cut your face off horizontally and make it appear wider. Same goes for chunky, straight-across bangs.
– Excessive volume at the sides
Fullness on the sides adds width—and not in a cute, cheekbone-enhancing way.
– Short layers above the jawline
This can add roundness right where you don’t want it. Think more “effortless length,” less “puffball chic.”
Face-framing cuts that *always* work
Long layers
A tried-and-true fave for a reason. Long layers help elongate the face while adding dimension and movement. They’re effortless, flattering, and look just as good air-dried as they do blown out.
Curtain bangs
Universally loved, but especially flattering on round faces. Curtain bangs break up the width of the face and draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. Style them soft and wispy, or blown out for full retro drama.
The shag or wolf cut
Equal parts cool-girl and carefree, both cuts add volume at the crown and taper through the ends—hello instant length and edge. Bonus: they grow out effortlessly, so you can ride the wave for months.
Side-swept bob
This one’s all about angles. A slightly longer bob with a deep side part slims the face and brings all the cheekbone energy. Add a bend or wave for softness, and you’ve got a modern bombshell aura.
Butterfly cut
Fluffy, layered, and full of bounce. The butterfly cut adds volume where you want it (on top) and lightness through the ends. It’s especially good if you want the illusion of longer hair while still keeping your cut fresh.
The French-girl lob
Chic, timeless, and effortlessly flattering. A lob that grazes your collarbone with a soft, off-center part is perfection for round faces. It gives structure without feeling too harsh, and works with straight, wavy, or curly textures.
Let’s talk about what doesn’t work quite as well—and how to style it if you’re still tempted. Because, girlie, we don’t believe in rules. Just better ideas.
Styles that are tricky (but not off-limits)
Okay, let’s clear something up: no haircut is forbidden if it makes you feel amazing. That said, some styles can exaggerate roundness instead of complementing it, but that doesn’t mean they’re off the table. It’s all about the way you wear them.
Blunt bobs
Super sharp, chin-length bobs can make your face appear wider, especially if they end right at the jawline. But soften the edges, add a bit of wave or texture, and suddenly it’s more Parisian chic than pageboy.
Straight-across bangs
They can shorten the face and make your features feel boxed in. But a feathery fringe or slightly arched bang can give a way more flattering effect—think less helmet, more It girl.
One-length cuts
Uniform-length hair can fall flat (literally and figuratively) on a round face. The fix? Ask your stylist for hidden layers or face-framing pieces to add structure and movement without going full chop.
Mega volume at the sides
Big, wide curls or styles that add fullness at the cheeks can make roundness feel more dramatic. But if you’re craving curls, just focus the volume at the crown or ends to balance things out.
Bottom line? Anything can work with the right tweaks. Work with your stylist, trust your gut, and remember that confidence is the real key to pulling off ANY cut.
Should you add bangs to a round face?
We touched on styles earlier, but bangs deserve their own moment. Let’s be honest. Nothing sparks more debate than the ol’ “should I get bangs?” convo in the group chat. For round faces, the answer is YES… but the right kind.
Curtain bangs? Gorgeous.
Side-swept? Chef’s kiss.
Long face-framing layers? Obsessed.
But blunt, heavy bangs that stop mid-forehead? Might not be your bestie. They can make the face feel shorter, which is the opposite of what we want.
So if you’re bang-curious, go for soft, angled, or layered styles that elongate and lift the face. Think volume at the top, softness at the sides. Think Sabrina Carpenter.
Styling hacks that work with a round face
Once you’ve nailed the cut, the styling is what brings it to life. A few tricks:
– Add volume at the crown with a round brush or volumizing spray—this visually lengthens the face.
– Flip your part to the side for instant asymmetry and angles.
– Use a flat iron to flick the ends away from the face—it adds movement and shape.
– Avoid styles that sit super flat or tight to your head. Let your hair live a little.
The face shape isn’t the rule—do what works for you
Girl, your face shape isn’t a limitation—it’s a starting point. If you’ve got a round face, you’re in the same club as literal icons like Selena Gomez, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chrissy Teigen. Translation? You’re in elite company.
The truth is, the most flattering haircut isn’t just about angles or elongating your jawline—it’s the one that makes you walk out of the salon feeling damn FINE. It’s the one you catch yourself loving in random selfies or when the wind hits just right.
So yes, these styles are a guide. A glam squad in blog form. But if you’re vibing with a French bob or blunt fringe and it feels like you? Go for it. Your hair should be an extension of your confidence, not a box to fit into.
Ready to book that appointment? Screenshot your fave inspo, chat with your stylist, and make the cut. Round face? More like runway face.
