10 Short Hairstyles That Look Amazing on Round Faces
If you have a round face, you might have heard a few “rules” about what you can and can’t do with your hair. Perhaps you’ve been told to avoid short styles altogether. We’re here to tell you to forget those rules! The right short haircut can be incredibly flattering for round faces, creating the illusion of length, highlighting your gorgeous bone structure, and framing your features perfectly.
The key is all about creating angles and adding height to balance the soft curves of your face. It’s not about hiding your face shape, but rather celebrating it with a cut that enhances your natural beauty. Ready to find your next signature look? Let’s dive into the ten most amazing short hairstyles for round faces.
1. The Asymmetrical Pixie Cut
An asymmetrical pixie is a powerhouse when it comes to flattering a round face. This cut uses uneven lines and lengths to disrupt the circular shape of the face, instantly creating definition and a touch of edgy sophistication. By keeping one side longer than the other, or by incorporating a deep side-swept fringe, you draw the eye diagonally across the face, which visually elongates it.
Why it works: The imbalance of the asymmetry is the secret weapon. It prevents the hair from framing the face in a uniform, circular way, which can emphasize roundness. Instead, it introduces sharp, interesting angles.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing paste or pomade to piece out the ends and enhance the separation, especially on the shorter side. A strong side part will further amplify the elongating effect.
2. The Angled Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
This is a classic for a reason. The angled bob, also known as an “A-line” bob, is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front. This graduated length creates a stunning slimming effect, as the longer front pieces frame the jawline and draw the eye downward.
Why it works: The diagonal line of the cut counteracts the roundness of the face. When paired with side-swept bangs, it adds another layer of diagonal interest, breaking up the forehead’s width and creating beautiful, cheekbone-skimming contours.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry the hair with a round brush, lifting at the roots for volume and curling the ends under slightly. This adds body and polish to the shape.
3. The Textured Shag with Layers
Embrace a carefree, rock-and-roll vibe with a textured shag. This cut is all about strategic, choppy layers that remove weight and create movement all around the head. For round faces, the layers should be focused around the crown (for height) and the cheeks/jawline (to soften and frame).
Why it works: The shag’s multiple layers prevent the hair from forming a solid, round shape around your face. The volume on top elongates, while the face-framing pieces create definition and distract from the width.
Styling Tip: Scrunch in a sea salt spray or a texturizing mousse while hair is damp, then let it air dry or use a diffuser for effortless, piecey texture.
4. The Classic Pixie with Volume on Top
Don’t underestimate the power of a classic, short pixie. The crucial element for a round face is ensuring there is plenty of volume and height on the crown of the head. This vertical volume is your best friend, as it literally adds inches to the appearance of your face length.
Why it works: By building height at the top, you shift the visual focus upward and create a more oval illusion. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective geometric trick.
Styling Tip: Work a volumizing mousse into wet hair. When blow-drying, use your fingers or a brush to lift the hair at the roots away from your scalp. A light-hold hairspray will keep the volume in place without stiffness.
5. The Blunt Bob with Wispy Bangs
A blunt bob that ends anywhere from the chin to just below the jawline can create a powerful, graphic line that helps to structure the face. To keep it from looking too heavy or helmet-like, the incorporation of wispy, see-through bangs is essential.
Why it works: The strong, horizontal line of the bob can help to make a round face appear more slender, while the wispy bangs soften the forehead and add a touch of lightness without adding width.
Styling Tip: For a super-sleek look, use a flat iron to perfect the blunt ends. To add softness, curl the ends under or out with a large-barrel curling iron.
6. The Long Pixie (The Pixie-Bob)
The long pixie, or “pixie-bob,” is the perfect transitional cut if you’re not ready for a super-short style. It combines the ease of a pixie with the length and framing ability of a bob. The hair is typically longer on top and at the front, allowing for versatile styling.
Why it works: This length gives you plenty of material to create those all-important face-framing angles. You can style it with a deep side part, sweep pieces behind your ears, or leave them out to graze your cheeks.
Styling Tip: This cut looks fantastic with a messy, textured finish. Use a small amount of wax to define the ends and create a piecey, separated look.
7. The Side-Parted Bob
Sometimes, the simplest change makes the biggest difference. A basic bob becomes exponentially more flattering for a round face when you introduce a deep side part. This immediately breaks the symmetry of the face and creates an off-center focus that is naturally slimming.
Why it works: A side part creates an immediate diagonal line and adds volume to one side of the head, which visually narrows the face. It’s a zero-effort trick with maximum impact.
Styling Tip: Use a tail comb to create a clean, sharp part. Blow-dry the hair with the direction of the part, ensuring the volume is on the larger section of hair.
8. The Curly Shag with Face-Framing Layers
For those with natural curls or waves, a curly shag is a dream come true. This cut is designed to enhance your curl pattern while using layers to add shape and remove bulk. The key for round faces is to have longer, face-framing layers that start around the chin to guide the eye downward.
Why it works: The volume is distributed vertically through the crown, and the defined curls around the face create beautiful, soft angles that complement—rather than compete with—your face shape.
Styling Tip: Apply a curl-defining cream or gel to soaking wet hair, scrunch, and then either air dry or diffuse. Avoid brushing curls when dry to maintain definition and prevent frizz.
9. The Wispy Pixie with Fringe
If you love a pixie but want something softer and more playful than a sharp, geometric cut, the wispy pixie is for you. This style features feathery, textured ends and often includes a soft, broken fringe that doesn’t cut straight across the forehead.
Why it works: The wispy, piecey texture prevents any hard lines that can make a round face look wider. The soft fringe draws attention to the eyes while adding texture and interest on top.
Styling Tip: Use a light-hold texturizing spray to enhance the wispy effect. Tousle the hair with your fingers to separate the ends and create an effortless, airy look.
10. The Layered Lob (Long Bob)
The lob is arguably one of the most universally flattering haircuts, and it’s a fantastic option for round faces when done correctly. Aim for a length that hits between your chin and collarbone. The addition of long, subtle layers throughout adds movement and prevents the hair from looking like a solid, widening block.
Why it works: The length alone helps to create a lengthening effect. The layers add softness and dimension, guiding the eye down the length of the hair and face.
Styling Tip: Style your lob with loose, beachy waves. This adds body and texture without adding width, keeping the overall silhouette long and lean.
Embrace Your Round Face with Confidence
The most important takeaway is that having a round face should never limit your hairstyle choices. It’s simply a guide to help you and your stylist choose a cut that highlights your best features. Short hair can be incredibly empowering and stylish, offering a low-maintenance routine without sacrificing an ounce of flair.
Remember the golden rules for round faces: seek height, embrace asymmetry, and use angles and layers to your advantage. Bring these ideas and inspiration photos to your next salon appointment, and get ready to fall in love with your reflection. Your perfect, face-flattering short haircut is waiting for you.
