Round face shapes are beautiful, period. Characterized by curves rather than angles, they’re practically the cheat code to eternal youth, often considered sweet and radiant. They’re the kind of look that has people shelling out for pricey serums and Botox to resemble the likes of Selena Gomez and Jenna Ortega. 

But even with a face that seemingly defies age, some women desire a more elongated, defined look. Instead of reaching for the gua sha or downloading a face yoga app, there’s a quick and easy fix for creating a more oval face shape: your hair. It's the ultimate shape-shifter, the natural facelift you’re craving.

The right cut can do wonders. It can elongate, it can slim, it can highlight your cheekbones and make your eyes sparkle. Long, short, curly, straight—there's a style out there that's basically a custom-made contour. It's time to let your hair do the talking; explore the best hairstyles for round faces below.

 

The best hairstyles for round faces (by category)

The right hairstyle can lend a flattering frame and accentuate your best features. Whether you're into long locks, short crops, curly textures, or dealing with thinning hair or even hair loss, we've got you covered.

 

Best long hairstyles for round faces

When it comes to teaming long hair with round face shapes, it's all about playing the angles. Think layers that cascade, face-framing pieces that gently caress, and a touch of asymmetry to take spherical to sleek.

 

Long shag with curtain bangs 

The long shag with curtain bangs is the ultimate cool-girl hairstyle, effortlessly blending a rock-and-roll edge with a touch of softness. The choppy layers add texture and movement, while the curtain bangs gently frame the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. To style, simply air-dry or use a diffuser for natural waves, then add a texturizing spray for extra volume and definition.

 

Old Hollywood waves

This timeless style oozes sophistication and adds a touch of red-carpet glamor to any look. The deep side part and sculpted waves create a flattering vertical line, elongating the face and accentuating the cheekbones. To achieve this style, use a large barrel curling iron and plenty of hairspray for long-lasting hold.

 

Half-up, half-down

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a versatile and universally flattering option. The top half creates a visual lift that elongates the face, while the remaining hair softens the features. It works for straight and wavy hair and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Simply gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a hair tie or clip, leaving the rest to flow freely. Add a few face-framing strands for a touch of softness.

 

Updo with face-framing bags

Channel your inner ballerina with a sophisticated updo, but keep it playful with face-framing bangs. This style adds height and draws attention upwards, elongating your face while the bangs soften the forehead and create a flattering frame. Style your hair into a sleek bun or a messy topknot, leaving a few wispy strands loose around the face.

 

Blunt, shoulder-length waves 

This chic and seemingly effortless style is a total crowd-pleaser. The blunt ends create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, drawing the eye downwards, while the gentle waves add just enough movement and softness to balance your features beautifully. Add some casual waves using a 2-in-1 styling tool. 

 

Soft, face-framing layers 

Soft, face-framing layers are a round face's BFF. They gently cascade around the face, creating a slimming effect and highlighting your cheekbones. The key is to start the layers below the chin to avoid adding width to the face. Style with a blow dryer and round brush for a polished finish or let it air dry for a more relaxed vibe.

 

Sweeping side bangs 

Side-swept bangs break up the symmetry of the face, creating an angled look that draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The sweeping motion adds a touch of drama and sophistication. To style, blow-dry your bangs with a round brush, directing them to the side, and finish with a light-hold hairspray.

 

Best short hairstyles for round faces 

Think short hair can't flatter a round face? Think again. It's all about finding the perfect balance of volume, texture, and asymmetry.  Think edgy pixies with strategically placed bangs, or textured bobs that create an illusion of length. The goal is to lift and frame, not overwhelm. 

 

Straight side part long bob

It’s a classic for a reason. The straight side part creates a dramatic diagonal line that draws the eye downwards, elongating the face, while the long bob length balances the fullness of the cheeks. To style, blow dry with a paddle brush and finish with a smoothing serum for a polished, glossy look.

 

Center-parted tousled lob

Think beachy waves met a Parisian café. The center part keeps things balanced, while the tousled waves add just enough volume and texture to soften your features without overwhelming your face. Achieve this look with a texturizing spray on damp hair and a little scrunch action.

 

Pixie cut with long bangs 

Feeling bold? A pixie cut is the ultimate statement-maker. And for round faces, it's all about those long, side-swept bangs. They create a flattering angle that draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones, making your face appear longer and more defined. Style with a bit of texturizing paste for a piecey, textured finish that's anything but boring.

 

Modern mullet 

Business in the front, party in the back—the modern mullet is a playful, head-turning style that's all about confidence. For round faces, the key is keeping the front layers slightly longer and textured to create a flattering frame around your cheeks. The shorter back adds a touch of edge and draws the eye downwards, creating the illusion of length. Style it with a texturizing spray for a lived-in, effortlessly cool vibe.

 

Asymmetric bob

The asymmetric bob is all about angles and drama. The longer side sweeps across the cheek, creating a diagonal line that elongates the face, while the shorter side adds a touch of modernity and edge. It's a versatile style that can be sleek and polished or textured and tousled, depending on your mood. Style it with a flat iron for a sleek finish. 

 

Wispy bangs

Wispy bangs are a soft and feminine way to frame your face. They break up the roundness of your face and draw attention to your eyes. The key is to keep them light and airy, avoiding heavy, blunt bangs that can overwhelm your features. Style them with a round brush and a light-hold hairspray for a soft, fluttery effect.

 

Best curly/coily hairstyles for round faces

Round shaped face? Curly hair? It's a match made in heaven. Curls add volume and bounce, creating a gorgeous contrast that lifts and elongates your face. Whether you're embracing your natural texture or reaching for the curling iron, these hairstyles will soften your features with playful volume. 

 

Long voluminous curls

Long voluminous curls create a flowing mane of texture and movement that draws the eye downwards, elongating the face. The key is to ensure the curls start below the chin to avoid adding width around the cheeks. To style, use a curl-defining cream on damp hair and let it air dry or diffuse for maximum volume.

 

Curly long bob 

This is the curly girl's answer to effortless sophistication. The long bob, or "lob", when paired with curls, creates a dynamic frame that beautifully complements a round face. The length skims the shoulders, drawing the eye downward and creating an illusion of length, while the curls add volume and movement that soften any harsh lines. 

 

Curly pixie

This one’s all about confidence and attitude. The short, textured curls add height and dimension, drawing attention upwards and elongating the face. It's a low-maintenance style that's perfect for those who want to embrace their natural texture. To style, simply apply a bit of curl cream and let your curls do their thing.

 

Brushed-up, shoulder-skimming curls

The ultimate "I woke up like this" look—but with a dash of intention. Gently coaxing your natural curls into a halo of volume that rests just above the shoulders creates an effortlessly chic silhouette. This look elongates the face and accentuates your cheekbones, while still showcasing the carefree beauty of your natural texture. Simply apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and detangle gently. Then, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to create volume at the roots and let air dry for a touch of boho-glam.

 

Almost-afro

Bold, unapologetic, and brimming with personality, this style celebrates the tight coils and natural volume of your hair. The almost-afro frames the face with a cloud of texture, creating a striking balance that's both fierce and feminine. The height and fullness of this style visually lengthen the face, drawing attention to your eyes and smile. To achieve this look, keep your curls hydrated with a rich leave-in conditioner and avoid heat styling.

 

Best wig and extension hairstyles for round faces 

Hair loss can throw a wrench in your style plans, particularly when you're conscious of your face shape. But it's time to flip the script. Wigs and extensions aren't just a solution, they're your invitation to a world of limitless hair possibilities. Here are some of our top picks (which can be cut and styled as you please). 

 

Full volume human hair toppers

Think of these as your hair's very own Cinderella transformation. A full volume topper adds instant oomph to a thinning crown, lifting your look and creating a vertical illusion that slims a round face. Style it in soft waves for a romantic touch, or keep it sleek and straight for a boss-babe vibe. 

 

Lace front human hair short wig 

This isn't your grandma's wig. It's a ready-to-wear masterpiece with a natural hairline, thanks to the lace front. The pre-styled waves add just the right amount of volume and movement to balance a round face, without overwhelming your features. 

 

Lace front human hair long wig 

Unleash your inner goddess with this showstopper. The lace front guarantees a flawless blend, while the cascading curls create a mesmerizing flow that draws the eye downwards, sculpting your face like a work of art. It's the perfect mix of drama and romance, giving your round face a touch of Hollywood glam.

 

Length human hair extensions

Add length and volume to create face-framing layers that gently chisel your cheekbones, or experiment with long, flowing waves that soften your features. A side part can add an extra touch of asymmetry, further enhancing your natural beauty. The possibilities are endless, and the confidence boost? Priceless.

 

Which are truly the best hairstyles for a round face?

Okay, so maybe there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the "perfect" haircut for a round face. It's a bit more nuanced than that. Your bone structure, your hair type, your personal style—it all plays a role. But armed with these trending styles, you're ready to sit in that salon chair with confidence.

Remember, it's about creating angles, adding volume, and playing with lengths to balance your beautiful round features. Whether you're rocking a long, layered shag, a textured bob, or even a daring pixie cut, the key is to find a style that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.