Finding the perfect hairstyle for a round face can feel like a puzzle. The secret isn't about hiding your features, but understanding one key principle: the strategic placement of volume. It’s all about creating an illusion of length and balance.
Understanding the Round Face Shape
Before
diving into hairstyling, it helps to identify the characteristics of a round face. Typically, this face shape is defined by similar width and length, with softer, fuller cheeks and a rounded, less-defined jawline. The overall impression is one of softness and youthfulness. The goal of a complementary haircut is not to change your face, but to create visual balance by adding the illusion of length and subtle angles.
The Core Principle: Create a Vertical Illusion
The main objective when styling for a round face is to make it appear longer and slimmer. This is achieved by drawing the eye vertically, up and down, rather than horizontally across the widest part of the face, which is usually the cheeks. Any hairstyle that adds height at the top of the head or length below the chin will help create this elongating effect. Conversely, styles that add significant bulk or width at the sides can make the face appear rounder.
Crown Volume: Your Secret to Added Length
Adding volume at the crown is the most effective way to create that desired vertical illusion. Height on top of your head visually stretches your silhouette, making your face appear longer and more oval-shaped. This doesn't mean you need a dramatic beehive; even subtle lift can make a significant difference. Techniques like teasing the roots, using a volumizing mousse before blow-drying, or simply styling your hair in a high ponytail or top knot can achieve this. Short haircuts, like a pixie, are especially flattering on round faces when they incorporate height at the crown while keeping the sides tapered and short.
Side Volume: When to Be Cautious
While volume is often seen as a good thing, its placement is critical for round faces. Too much volume at the sides, especially around the cheek and jawline, can accentuate the face's width. This is why chin-length bobs with rounded ends or hairstyles with heavy curls that start at ear level are often advised against, as they can create a circular silhouette that mirrors the face shape. If you have naturally thick or curly hair, the key is to manage the bulk. This can be done with strategic layering that removes weight from the sides while maintaining length.
Finding the Perfect Balance in a Haircut
The most flattering hairstyles for round faces masterfully balance these principles. They often combine height at the crown with sleeker sides and length that moves past the chin. Long layers are a popular choice because they create vertical movement without adding width. For layers to be effective, they should ideally start below the chin or jawline. Other successful styles include the long bob, or 'lob', which elongates the face, and asymmetrical cuts with a deep side part. A side part breaks up the symmetry of a round face, creating flattering diagonal lines that slim its appearance.
Hairstyles That Get It Right
To put it all together, consider these popular styles that effectively use volume to their advantage:
- The Textured Pixie: Short on the sides with plenty of choppy volume and height on top. This draws the eye upward instantly.
- The Long Bob (Lob) with a Side Part: The length falling past the chin elongates the neck, while the side part adds a slimming, asymmetrical line.
- Long Layers: Soft, cascading layers that begin below the jawline create movement and a vertical focus, preventing the hair from appearing bulky at the sides.
- High Updos and Ponytails: By pulling the hair up, you automatically create height at the crown, which elegantly lengthens the face. Adding face-framing tendrils can soften the look.
