30 of the Most Flattering Hairstyles and Cuts for Round Faces

Soft angles, a rounded chin, wider cheekbones: If you’re reading those words and thinking, “That sounds familiar,” chances are good you have a round face shape. Finding the best hairstyles and cuts for round faces often hinges on determining which features you’d like to accentuate. Choppy, face-framing cuts can help accentuate your enviable cheekbones, while long, fluid layers can help visually elongate your face for a harmonious and balanced look. But those are far from the only styles that can complement a round face—and we’re here to prove it. 

Whether you’re looking to try a new cut or simply want to change up your daily look, keep reading. Ahead, we’re sharing 30 of the most flattering round face haircuts and hairstyles to consider next time you hit the salon. Plus, we’ll offer up some of our best tips on how to choose the right look for your unique features. 

How To Determine If You Have a Round Face

Before you commit to a new cut, you’ll want to make sure your face is actually round, rather than square or oval. Round faces are—you guessed it—circular in shape. Typically, this means that the cheekbones are the widest part of the face, while the forehead and jawline tend to be softer and slightly narrower. Circular faces also tend to be roughly as long as they are wide and often have a youthful, almost cherubic quality to them, regardless of your age.

If that descriptor isn’t enough for you to confidently identify whether or not your face is round, pick up a dry-erase marker and stand in front of a mirror. Use the marker to draw the outline of your face on the mirror (don’t worry, it will wipe right off). If the resulting shape is circular (or nearly circular), you likely have a round face.

What Hair Suits a Round Face?

When choosing a hairstyle for a round face, the goal is to create balance and subtle definition while highlighting your features—not hiding them. The most flattering styles tend to add structure, movement, or length, helping to elongate the appearance of your face while keeping your look soft and natural. 

Styling techniques that slim and define

Overall, hairstyles with plenty of body and movement tend to be especially flattering on round face shapes. If you prefer to wear your hair long, ask your stylist for soft, wispy layers or a choppy shag to add height at the crown and create a lengthening effect. These textured cuts help visually elongate your face while maintaining a balanced, effortless look. For shorter styles, layered lobs are a great choice—they’re full of movement and versatile enough to style in countless ways. And don’t overlook fringe: side-swept and curtain bangs both highlight your cheekbones while subtly defining the softer curves of your face. Just keep in mind that your hair type and texture play a major role in how a cut will look and feel day to day—what works beautifully on fine, straight hair may fall differently on thick curls. The most flattering style is one that complements your face shape and works naturally with your hair’s texture and volume.

Haircuts to avoid for round faces

A few styles can emphasize roundness rather than balance it. Blunt chin-length cuts tend to draw attention to the widest part of the face, while sharp center parts can accentuate symmetry and fullness if they’re not paired with softer layers. Instead, look for shapes and styling choices that add vertical movement or asymmetry—they’ll naturally enhance your features while complementing your face shape. 

What Hairstyle for a Round Face Is Best? 

There is no single “best” hairstyle for round faces—ultimately, it’s a matter of your hair type, texture, personal preferences, and what you’re looking to achieve. Below, we’re breaking down 30 of our favorite styles that cater to every need, whether you’re looking to highlight your high cheekbones or make your face appear longer and more angular. 

Cuts that lengthen and define

Hairstyles that add length and definition help balance the natural fullness of a round face by drawing the eye downward. This creates the illusion of a more elongated shape, perfect for those seeking a more sculpted, defined look. 

1. Long layers

Long layers are, arguably, flattering on just about everybody, but they’re especially well-suited for those with round faces. The length helps visually elongate your face, while the layers add body, volume, and texture for an effortlessly chic look.

2. Angled bob

The classic blunt bob is chic and timeless, but tends to complement more angular features better than round faces. If you’re looking to try a bob, try a slightly angled version—the sharper shape will flatter your rounded features beautifully.

3. Defined layers

Angular cuts flatter round faces well, as the sharper lines help create balance and harmony. To achieve this look, ask your stylist for long but defined layers that start around chin length and gradually cascade throughout your lengths.

4. Piecey shag

The classic shag is another haircut for round faces we love. The retro-inspired look has a slightly edgy vibe that contrasts beautifully with your naturally youthful-looking features. Plus, this low-maintenance cut is incredibly easy to style: just scrunch a volumizing mousse, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, throughout your hair, air-dry, and go. 

5. Long wolf cut

Think of the wolf cut as the shag’s slightly subtler cousin. Like the shag, this textured cut features plenty of layers for body and movement, but it’s a bit more blended. The end result is equal parts chic and edgy and flatters round faces beautifully—especially when paired with long, lived-in fringe.

6. Asymmetrical bob

An asymmetrical bob, as you may be able to guess, is slightly longer on one side than it is on the other. This funky, high-low cut is a great pick for those with round faces, as the angular asymmetry helps make your features pop.

7. Long and straight

Create the illusion of a longer face by sporting a sleek, straight style that draws the eye down. If you’re prone to greasy roots—which can be more noticeable when you’re rocking pin-straight strands—try adding the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair to your haircare routine. The pre-shampoo treatment helps reduce excess oil and remove residue for a fresh, clean-feeling scalp.

8. Shoulder-skimming lob

In our experience, some of the best haircuts for round faces are on the shorter side. If you’ve never tried a short haircut before, consider easing yourself in with a long bob—AKA a lob—that stops right atop your shoulders. It’s trendy, flattering, and easy to maintain, and a great way to go shorter while still maintaining a bit of length.

Fringe that frames

Bangs can be a great way to flatter a round face, especially when they’re soft and layered—they add gentle framing that enhances your features without overwhelming them. 

1. Wispy fringe

When you want to start rocking bangs, it’s important to find the bangs that suit your face shape. If you have a round face, we suggest steering clear of thick, blunt bangs and opting for a lighter, wispier fringe instead. The airiness is super flattering when paired with your softer features.

2. Side-swept bangs

Round faces are inherently symmetrical—opting for a hairstyle that isn’t can create a super cool (and ultra-flattering) contrast. We’re especially partial to side-swept bangs, as they work well with different hair types and textures and can be pinned back on days you don’t want your hair in your face. When getting your cut, ask your stylist to keep your bangs on the longer side—the lengthier fringe will frame your round face perfectly.

3. Curtain bangs

Curtain bangs that graze the tops of the cheekbones can help highlight your enviable bone structure for an ultra-flattering look. To style yours, spritz the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner throughout damp hair, then use a round brush and blow-dryer to give your fringe a bit of shape.

4. Long fringe

As we mentioned earlier, long bangs are a great pick for those with round faces, as the length helps create the illusion of a longer face. Wispy, brow-grazing fringe is especially flattering and pairs beautifully with other hairstyles for round faces, including high ponytails, messy buns, and effortless beachy waves.

5. Choppy bangs

Last but definitely not least, we have choppy bangs. This intentionally undone, messy style is great for those seeking an edgier chop to help balance out their softer, more delicate features. For added texture, work a hair pomade or paste (we love the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty) throughout your fringe when styling.

Textured looks that add dimension

Textured, wavy, and voluminous styles add movement and dimension, breaking up the roundness of the face and creating a naturally elongated, balanced appearance.

1. Wavy lob

If you want to embrace your natural texture, consider opting for a wavy lob. This flattering haircut for round faces is chic yet laid-back and takes hardly any time at all to style—just work a wave-enhancing mousse or cream throughout your damp mane, scrunch, and let your hair air-dry.

2. Bouncy curls 

You don’t have to opt for a haircut that makes your face look longer or more defined. If you want to play up your full cheeks and naturally youthful appearance, consider rocking bouncy, voluminous curls. The loose ringlets mirror the natural roundness of your face for a harmonious and flattering look that works well for day and night. Keep your curls shiny and frizz-free by working the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-In Conditioner throughout your strands before diffusing your hair (on low heat, of course).

3. Side-swept waves

Change up your look and add definition to your softer features by pairing a deep side part with long, loose waves. The deep side part helps create the illusion of a more angular face, while the waves add body, movement, and texture for an effortlessly flattering look.

4. Voluminous blowout

A bouncy, voluminous blowout is among our favorite hairstyles for round faces—all of that movement is incredibly flattering. You can hit the salon for a pro blowout, but if you want to do it at home, you’ll need the right products. We recommend raking a smoothing heat protectant, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In, throughout your hair before drying to ensure a sleek, frizz-free finish. 

5. Beach waves

Summer, winter, fall, spring: There’s never a bad time to rock beachy waves. This undone look pairs especially well with longer locks and face-framing layers—both of which also complement round faces beautifully.

Versatile updos and half-up looks

Certain updos, like high buns or voluminous ponytails, lift the hair away from the face and create vertical lines that help visually elongate and slim a round face.

1. Bouncy ponytail 

Let your prominent cheekbones take center stage by rocking a high, bouncy ponytail. This classic updo is easy to achieve (even if you’re a hairstyling newbie) and helps create the illusion of length for a balanced, harmonious end result.

2. Twisted top knot

A top knot is a classic, sophisticated, and gorgeous updo—and, like some of the other styles on this list, helps draw the eye upward, which can help visually balance your features. To keep frizz and flyaways at bay, work a small amount of L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Above It All Invisi Gel throughout your mane before pulling your lengths into a sleek bun at the crown of your head.

3. Messy bun

If you don’t have time to put together an intricate updo but need something that’ll keep your hair off your face, consider a tousled bun. Not only is this hairstyle flattering for your face shape, but it’s also a beautiful option for a special occasion. If your hair has trouble staying put, give your strands a quick mist with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hair Spray — Unscented to help lock everything in place.

4. Wispy side bun

For a romantic hairstyle that’s also flattering for round faces, pull your strands into a wispy side bun—and, yes, it’s okay if it’s on the messier side (in fact, we’d even say the messier, the better). After creating it, loosen a few face-framing strands to frame your face and draw attention to your prominent cheekbones.

5. Half-up top knot

A half-up bun is one of our favorite heatless hairstyles for round faces. It’s easy to achieve, versatile, and chic—not to mention, the perfect way to ensure your high cheekbones and naturally youthful features get all of the attention they deserve. 

6. Ballerina bun

If you want to draw attention to your high, prominent cheekbones, consider a ballerina bun. This polished look keeps all of your hair swept off of your face, so your cheekbones—and the rest of your features—can shine. For this style, you’ll want your strands to be super sleek, so we recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick-Back Hair Styling Cream to keep frizz and flyaways at bay.

Creative and edgy styles

Long layers and wispy bangs are classic, but don’t be afraid to break the mold. Edgy, creative styles can highlight your features in unexpected ways while still flattering a round face shape.

1. Choppy pixie

A textured, tousled pixie is perfect for those who are willing to go a bit shorter. Ask your stylist for a cropped cut that has lots of volume at the roots—the added height can help create balance and harmony. Keep in mind that this closely-cropped look is best for those with thicker hair; if your strands are on the thinner side, it’s usually best to maintain some length.

2. Faux hawk

Mohawks are undeniably cool, but the closely-cropped cut can be a pretty big commitment. If you’d like to experiment with the edgy style without shaving the sides of your scalp, consider a faux mohawk (in other words, a faux hawk). The unexpected updo keeps the hair off your face, allowing your enviable features to stay in the spotlight. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need plenty of help in the styling department to get this look to stay put. We recommend prepping your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Head Lock Mega Gel, which provides structure, shape, and definition for hard-to-hold styles.

3. Side braid

Rather than pulling your hair back to create a traditional braid, bring your hair to one side and create a side-swept braid. This is one of our favorite special-occasion hairstyles for round faces because it looks elegant but takes very little effort to achieve. We suggest letting some pieces fall out around your face to help draw attention to your prominent cheekbones.

4. Sleek middle part

Ask anyone what hair part is the best for a round face, and they’ll probably suggest a side part. But we’d beg to differ. While side parts are certainly flattering on softer features, a sleek middle part can be just as chic. The key is to pair the center part with layers to ensure your hair has plenty of texture and movement. 

5. Bubble braids

Bubble braids aren’t actually plaits—they’re ponytails in which the length of the hair is separated by evenly spaced elastics. The technique creates the illusion of “bubbles” cascading down the length of your pony, and the playful look echoes your face’s natural softness beautifully. If volume is an issue, lather up with a body-boosting system, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Thickening Shampoo and coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Thickening Conditioner.

How To Style Hair for a Round Face

Just as there’s no single answer to “what’s the best haircut for a round face?” there’s no universal guidance on the best way to style your strands after making the chop. Ultimately, your styling routine depends on your hair type, texture, and length, as well as how much time you’re willing to spend doing your hair. With that being said, here are a few tips to consider when styling your hair—be it long and straight or short and textured.

• Add height at the crown: Adding a bit of lift at the crown draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of a longer, more oval-shaped face. This simple adjustment balances the natural fullness of a round face and gives your overall hairstyle a more structured, flattering silhouette.
• Experiment with asymmetry: Shifting your part to the side or incorporating asymmetrical elements breaks up roundness and adds visual interest. By drawing attention away from the center of the face, these techniques create the impression of length and help define your facial features. 
• Avoid volume at the sides: Having lots of volume around your cheekbones and forehead can accentuate a round face. Instead, focus volume upward or at the crown to elongate the face while maintaining balance and proportion.
• Play with texture: Incorporating layers, waves, or feathered ends adds dimension and movement, preventing the hair from looking flat or heavy. Textured styles soften the face’s natural curves and help create a sculpted, visually slimming effect.
• Embrace styling aids: Texture-enhancing products such as hair pomades, salt sprays, and mousses can give your hair body and movement—flattering no matter how long (or short) your strands are. 

Next Up: What Are The Best Haircuts and Hairstyles for Square Face Shapes?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris