33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (2024)

Round face shapes are complemented by myriad hairstyles, but if your goal is to create more definition and elongate the face, there are certain looks that will do just that. We turned to stylist Scott Ade and hair industry pros Adam Federico and Gretchen Friese for some rules about finding a flattering hairstyle for a round face and we’ve selected some of our favorite cuts and styles from rounder-faced A-listers.

Scroll through our gallery of 33 hairstyles that suit round faces.

Meet the Expert

Scott Ade is a hairstylist with more than a decade of experience at John Frieda and five years spent working at Hershesons along with countless fashion shows in London.
Adam Federico is the director of content at haircare line R+Co and the creative director at Federico Beauty Institute.
Gretchen Friese is a BosleyMD stylist and certified trichologist. She has over 20 years of beauty industry experience and is based in Denver.

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Face-Framing Layers; Kelly Clarkson's Long Blonde 'Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (1)

A center part can sometimes further round out a face but as Kelly Clarkson demonstrates, the addition of long, face-framing layers helps lean things out. We love how Kelly's shorter layers are feathered out around her face.

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Tousled Texture; Elle Fanning's Beach Waves

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (2)

Elle Fanning's beach waves help lengthen her face, particularly since the volume is concentrated in the middle of the hair. The center part keeps the look from veering too casual.

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Long Blunt Waves; Isla Fisher's Cut and Style

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (3)

Isla Fisher's long waves help add depth and dimension to her hair, but the blunt ends keep the look modern. To replicate the style, use a medium-barreled curling iron and brush the waves out with your fingers.

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Long With a Side Part; Hayden Panettiere's Loose Waves

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (4)

Long, side-parted hair is glam on its own, but add a loose, retro-inspired way and it's even more bold. Rather than tight curls, this look is about keeping the wave almost lived-in, so use your fingers to loosen it up.

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Texture Aplenty; Charlotte Church's Tousled Lob

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (5)

Charlotte Church's loose lob gets lots of texture in this air-dried look. After air-drying the hair, spritz texture spray through the ends and scrunch with the fingers.

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Long, Wavy Layers; Chrissy Teigen's Slight Quiff

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (6)

The ultimate red carpet hairstyle, long, glamorous waves are the perfect accompaniment to round faces. Chrissy Teigen's slight quiff boosts overall length even further by lifting and heightening the hair with help from a volumizing product like SexyHair Big Powder Play ($19) no doubt.

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Close Crop; Lupita Nyong'o's Volume

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (7)

Lupita Nyong'o's natural hair is a dream. She demonstrates how it's also possible to elongate the face withshort hair. The key is to go up and not out. Here, volume is added up top and sides are kept really close to reveal a fantastic shape overall.

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Bob With Deep Side Part; Michelle Williams’s Slimming Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (8)

You may have heard that round face shapes should steer clear of bobs, however, that's not entirely true. Michelle Williams’s bob works because the length sits just below her jawline to give the illusion of a longer face.Plus,the deep side-parting is super slimming.

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Long Bob; Taraji P Henson's Illusionary Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (9)

A long bob also gives the illusion of length, as seen on Taraji P Henson. The height lift at the roots and the side sweep make this a style that would suit anyone but does wonders for those with rounder features.

Shoulder-Length Waves; Mindy Kaling's Balancing Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (10)

Shoulder-length hairstyles are universally flattering no matter your face shape. Mindy Kaling's 'do has enough length to provide balance to her features and the face-framing waves slim her cheekbones ever so slightly. Apply a thickening mousse before blow-drying with a large round brush, instructs Friese. Then "follow with a large barrel curling iron if more texture is desired," she adds.

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Smooth and Sleek; Mila Kunis's Attitude

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (11)

Mila Kunis's long, straight hair is flattering because there's lift at the root and a sharp center part to add some edge. "To complete the look, mist lightly withtexture sprayto give the hair added texture, volume, and attitude," says Federico.

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Loose Updo; Emma Stone's Messy Bun

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (12)

Updos are another tricky area for anyone with a round face, but you can totally rock this look. Try a lowmessy bunwith—and this is key—a few tendrils left around the face to soften. And make sure to opt for a side-parting likeEmma Stone.

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Medium-Length With Soft Waves; Gabrielle Union's Middle Part

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (13)

Long layers give Gabrielle Union's hair dimension. "[Her] lob has textured ends that fall on her shoulders, drawing attention to her jawline. The middle part also helps elongate her face, which is why middle parts are common on round face shapes," comments Friese. This choppy cut looks beautiful withrelaxed or natural hair.

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Wavy Bob; Miranda Kerr's Layers

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (14)

Miranda Kerr has everything working for her with this cut and style—just one of her many amazing hair moments. Layers allow for volume, which she's boosted with curls. For increased fullness and body, flip your hair upside down while you dry.

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Beachy Waves; Drew Barrymore’s Waves Around Her Face

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (15)

This hairstyle is not overly voluminous, but it has just enough height to give the impression that Drew Barrymore’s face is slightly longer. The waves around her face also give the illusion that it’s slimmer. To re-create this look, curl the hair (if it’s not naturally wavy) before misting with a texturizing spray like Sachajuan Ocean Mist Texturizing Spray ($36).

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Pixie; Jennifer Hudson's Sticks To The Round Face Rules

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (16)

We know, we know, if you have a round face, you have probably never even entertained the idea of a pixie cut, but Jennifer Hudson proves it can work. This is a super-cute way to stick to the round face rules. Piecey fringe? Check. Some height at the back to elongate the face? Check.

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Pompadour; Janelle Monáe's Head-Turning Curls

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (17)

Janelle Monáe's head-turning curly pompadour may look intimidating, but it actually works on most hair types and textures. If you have fine hair and are looking to fake volume, make your mane appear thicker by spritzing in some texturizing spray before styling.

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Curtain Bangs; Kirsten Dunst's Soft Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (18)

Kirsten Dunst's curtain bangs are soft and eyelash-skimming. The slight part in the middle keeps them from being too heavy for a round face. "A good volumizing mousse and a medium-sized round brush can achieve this style. Concentrate on creating volume and bend in the hair. If more curl is desired, a large barrel iron will get you there," says Friese.

Side-Parted Textured Lob; Selena Gomez's Height In The Crown

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (19)

Selena Gomez's textured lob is messy in the best way possible. "A little height in the crown will elongate the face shape perfectly, and a side parting will also help to complement your shape," says Ade. For this look, tease hair only slightly and use a product that will enhance dimension, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($49).

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Boho-Chic Waves; Zoe Saldana's Do Is Full Of Opportunities

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (20)

Long, wavy hair with or without bangs is a very boho-chic look that offers many opportunities to play with your style as Zoe Saldana does. For an at-home version of this look, flip your hair over while you roughly blow-dry using high heat. Once it's semi-dry, use a round brush to fully dry the hair, which will add volume.

If you've got fine tresses, use a ceramic brush when you blow-dry, as it will help hair to better hold volume.

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Half-Up, Half-Down: Gemma Chan's Loose Tendrils

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (21)

Gemma Chan's 'do is stylish and practical. A few loose tendrils keep things casual and conveniently out of the face. And when it comes to flattering looks for round faces, Ade says, "A good choice of style would be half-up, half-down; it allows for a little height, and the loose hair can be tonged to soften the look."

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Textured Bob; Lucy Hale's Textured Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (22)

Lucy Hale's bob is kept casual thanks to plenty of texture as seen here. When sprayed over dry hair, a product like It's a 10 Miracle Texture Fiber ($16) adds lightweight dimension and guards against flyaways.

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Long and Wavy; Olivia Munn's Centered Waves

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (23)

Olivia Munn's long, centered waves can streamline a round face. And when it comes to the proper hair routine, she knows what she's doing. "Every great style begins with what the hair was prepared with," notes Federico. He recommends misting the hair with a liberal amount ofR+Co One Prep Spray ($22) which "acts as a primer balancing the porosity of the hair."

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Natural Curls: Tatyana Ali's Youthful Energy

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (24)

Tatyana Ali's natural curls open up her face and add a youthful energy. The slightly off-centered part narrows her face and shows off her cheekbones. To keep frizz at bay, invest in a leave-in conditioner, like Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment ($42).

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Pixie With Bangs; Ginnifer Goodwin Rocks The Side-Swept Bang

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (25)

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin has sported a number of interesting pixie cuts, but this version—complete with a heavy, side-swept bang—highlights her face beautifully. "This pixie with the thick angled fringe helps to open up her round face. Apply BosleyMD Blowdry & Styling Gel to wet hair and use a flat or paddle brush to smooth the hair and create the separation at the fringe. Use a pomade or paste to piece out the style," instructs Friese.

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Lob With Razored Ends; Queen Latifah Upgrades The Standard Lob

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (26)

Queen Latifah's glossy look adds some pizzazz to a standard lob. Ask your stylist to use a straight-edgerazorblade, which will result in wispier strands. For some extra oomph, try Ghd Heat Protect Spray($28), which will keep hair smooth and free from damage.

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Curly Updo; Sarah Hyland's Fancy Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (27)

Updos, both casual and fancy, are ideal in showing off a round face. Tight tendrils help frame Sarah Hyland's face as part of this curly updo. Those with round faces might consider similar voluminous updos, which will add height and create balance.

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Modern Mullet; Miley Cyrus Brings The '80s Back

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (28)

The new version of the mullet is softer and more wearable than the mullet of the '80s. Miley Cyrus's modern take on this notorious style is elevated, thanks to varying lengths and layers. For a glossy look, Federico recommends R+Co Two Way Mirror Smoothing Oil ($37), "a smoothing oil that will add shine, keeping the hair looking luxurious."

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Loose Waves; Amy Adams' Do Can Be Worn At Any Time

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (29)

More proof that middle parts are flattering on round faces? Amy Adams. Her soft, loose waves are angled just slightly away from her face and left loose enough that they can worn by day or night. To style, "Use a volumizing mousse, blow dry with a large round brush and add some definition to the curls with an extra-large barrel curling iron," says Friese.

For beachy, relaxed waves, twist your hair in different directions as you curl in sections, so the look isn't too uniform.

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Blunt Bangs; Christina Ricci's Sense Of Balance

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (30)

Christina Ricci goes for lovely angular styles, and the piece-y texture here makes her huge eyes and round face look great. However, the heavy bangs are the star of the show. They sculpt and create a sense of balance, complementing a round face shape.

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Mid-Length With Long Layers; Octavia Spencer's Layered Do

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (31)

A medium-length, layered style like Octavia Spencer's works to complement her features. Friese explains: "The middle part and length of the hair makes the look symmetrical and draws attention to the jawline which elongates the face." Layers that hit just at or below the cheekbones, work like contouring (and they're much less messy than breaking out your bronzer).

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Long Layers: Kate Bosworth's Cut Frames Her Face Perfectly

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (32)

Another way to wear long layers: Kate Bosworth's side part and lightly curled ends. "Long layers are a great way to frame a round face," notes Friese. To get the look, "Start with BosleyMD Bos Volumize Volumizing & Thickening Nourishing Leave-In ($16). Blow-dry with a large round brush and gently curl with an extra-large barrel curling iron. Set with a light hairspray," she instructs, adding, "The key is to not weigh down the fine hair with too much product."

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Asymmetrical; Lana Condor's Mixture Of Lengths

33 Hairstyles for Round Faces, From Natural Curls to Loose Waves (33)

An asymmetrical style with a mixture of lengths brings sharpness and contour to rounder faces. Lana Condor sweeps hair in the front on one side only, drawing the eye down and slimming her face.To really open up this style and accentuate your eyes, consider a strong angular fringe.

FAQ

Is shorter hair better for a rounder face?
Not necessarily. In fact, some long styles work just as well. It's more about angles, the cut, and what you're comfortable with.
Should those with a round face get a layered cut?
A layered cut can serve to draw more attention to the face and create angles where there might not be any naturally (i.e. a rounder face).
Can those with a round face still rock curls?
Absolutely. Some curl cuts and styles can still play with angles and volume, to create the illusion of a face that isn't so naturally round.

How to Choose the Perfect Haircut For Your Face Shape, According to Stylists

As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or expertise. However, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in the article you shared. Here are some key points related to choosing a flattering hairstyle for a round face shape:

Hairstyles for Round Faces

Round face shapes can be complemented by various hairstyles that create definition and elongate the face.
Face-framing layers can help lean out a round face. Kelly Clarkson demonstrates this with her long, face-framing layers [[1]].
Tousled texture, like Elle Fanning's beach waves, can help lengthen a round face [[2]].
Long blunt waves, such as Isla Fisher's cut and style, add depth and dimension to the hair [[3]].
Long hair with a side part, like Hayden Panettiere's loose waves, can be glamorous and bold [[4]].
Adding texture to a lob, like Charlotte Church's tousled lob, can create a flattering look for round faces [[5]].
Long, wavy layers, as seen on Chrissy Teigen, are a popular red carpet hairstyle that can elongate the face [[6]].
Short hair can also work for round faces. Lupita Nyong'o demonstrates how volume on top and close-cropped sides can create a fantastic shape [[7]].
Bob hairstyles can be flattering for round faces if the length sits just below the jawline, as seen on Michelle Williams [[8]].
A long bob, like Taraji P. Henson's, can give the illusion of length and works well for rounder features [[9]].
Shoulder-length hairstyles, such as Mindy Kaling's balancing do, can provide balance to round features [[10]].
Sleek, straight hair with lift at the roots, like Mila Kunis's, can be flattering for round faces [[11]].
Updos, like Emma Stone's messy bun, can be worn by those with round faces. Leaving a few tendrils around the face can soften the look [[12]].
Medium-length hair with soft waves, like Gabrielle Union's middle part, can add dimension and draw attention to the jawline [[13]].
Beachy waves, like Drew Barrymore's, can give the impression of a slightly longer face and slimmer appearance [[15]].
Pixie cuts, such as Jennifer Hudson's, can work for round faces by incorporating piecey fringe and height at the back [[16]].
Pompadours, like Janelle Monáe's curly pompadour, can add volume and work on various hair types and textures [[17]].
Curtain bangs, like Kirsten Dunst's soft do, can be flattering for round faces when paired with volumizing mousse and a medium-sized round brush [[18]].
Side-parted textured lobs, like Selena Gomez's, can add height and complement round face shapes [[19]].
Boho-chic waves, like Zoe Saldana's, offer many opportunities to play with style and can be achieved by flipping the hair over while blow-drying and using a round brush [[20]].
Half-up, half-down hairstyles, like Gemma Chan's loose tendrils, can provide a little height and softness to round faces [[21]].
Textured bobs, like Lucy Hale's textured do, can add casual style and dimension to round faces [[22]].
Long, centered waves, like Olivia Munn's, can streamline a round face and benefit from using a primer spray to balance hair porosity [[23]].
Natural curls, like Tatyana Ali's, can open up the face and add a youthful energy [[24]].
Pixie cuts with bangs, like Ginnifer Goodwin's, can highlight a round face when styled with a thick, side-swept bang [[25]].
Lob hairstyles with razored ends, like Queen Latifah's, can add pizzazz to a standard lob by using a straight-edge razorblade for wispier strands [[26]].
Curly updos, like Sarah Hyland's fancy do, can frame the face and add height for round faces [[27]].
Modern mullets, like Miley Cyrus's, can be softer and more wearable than the mullets of the '80s, with varying lengths and layers [[28]].
Loose waves, like Amy Adams', can be angled away from the face to streamline a round face shape [[29]].
Blunt bangs, like Christina Ricci's, can create a sense of balance and complement a round face shape [[30]].
Mid-length hairstyles with long layers, like Octavia Spencer's layered do, can draw attention to the jawline and create symmetry [[31]].
Long layers with a side part, like Kate Bosworth's, can frame a round face and add volume without weighing down fine hair [[32]].
Asymmetrical styles with a mixture of lengths, like Lana Condor's, can bring sharpness and contour to rounder faces [[33]].

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shorter hair better for a rounder face? Not necessarily. Some long styles can work just as well. It's more about angles, the cut, and personal preference [[34]].
Should those with a round face get a layered cut? A layered cut can draw more attention to the face and create angles where there might not be any naturally. It can be a flattering choice for round faces [[35]].
Can those with a round face still rock curls? Absolutely. Some curl cuts and styles can play with angles and volume to create the illusion of a less round face [[36]].

Please note that the information provided is based on the concepts mentioned in the article you shared and the search results.