Round Face Hair Styles

Do I Have a Round Face?

There are many ways to determine face shape, including drawing on a mirror, measuring from crown to chin and ear to ear, and outlining your face on a photograph. The key characteristic of a round face shape is that the face has nearly the same dimensions in both directions: width and length. Measurements do not need to be precise, but generally round face dimensions vary by no more than one-quarter to one-half inch. A round face typically has a soft, rounded chin, wider hairline, and the cheeks are as full as the cheekbones.

Most people’s faces are not perfect examples of any shape; a round face may have a somewhat pointed chin or slightly uneven dimensions, but if your face fits most characteristics of this shape, you should consider hair styles suitable for round faces.

Round Face Hair Styles: Short Hair

Short hair is easy to manage and style, and there are many short cuts that work well with round-shaped faces. The key is to add volume at the top of the head through a series of layers or heightened bangs. This will help elongate the face. Using an off-centered part with a short style helps break up a rounded look, and shags are particularly effective for round faces with shorter hair lengths.

Round Face Hair Styles: Long Hair

An offset part, tapered ends, highlights, and layers help slim a round face.

Long hair naturally helps lengthen a round face shape, particularly if you use a center part that draws the eye along the length of the face. The key is to avoid adding extra volume around the cheeks (the fullest part of the face). Keep longer locks sleek and narrow until they pass the chin for a smoother style, and feel free to add wispy tapered ends to help soften the face and add distinction. An offset side fringe, similar to an emo style, is another way to incorporate longer hair to help slenderize a round face. Highlights framing the face can also break up the style and create a narrower appearance.

Styles to Avoid if You have a Round Face

Medium length styles are not a wise choice for round faces; to elongate the face, the hair should continue past the chin or stop above the cheeks. Avoid these other style blunders if you wish to slim a round face:

• Chunky, heavy bangs only add weight to a round face.
• Curls next to the cheeks emphasize the roundness.
• Blunt ends near the cheeks add width to the face shape.
• Bobs are not recommended because they frequently emphasize cheeks.

To experiment with a new style before making drastic cuts or changes to your current look, consider investigating virtual style generators or trying on several wigs to get a feel for how a new look would blend with your face shape.

Beyond Face Shape

There are no concrete rules about hair styles for particular face shapes. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, and Drew Barrymore all have round face shapes, but they do not limit themselves to a particular style based only on facial dimensions. Round face hair styles will also factor in your daily styling preferences, hair texture, and lifestyle. The best style is one that brings a smile to your face, no matter what shape that face may be.