As we have established earlier, haircuts for round faces need to be careful while picking a haircut due to their face shape. Soft curvatures define a round face, with the jaw forming the perimeter of the face and the cheekbones being the thickest area. Many people have been able to pull off round jaws; however, with the right haircut, you can give such people some angles.
Understanding the Importance of Face Shape in Choosing a Haircut
This facial understanding is important because it allows you to understand the styles that will work for you. A round face benefits from styles that give additional length and outline or angle to the cut, whereas styles that accentuate the breadth are best avoided. Most hair professionals, like those who work for Allure and Marie Claire, believe that the first step to success in styling is knowing the shape of your face. A great haircut will enable you to accentuate the most outstanding characteristics of your face, and thus gain confidence in your appearance.
The Best Haircuts for Round Faces
Long Layers
Long hair has many benefits, and one of them is long haircuts. Layers are a nice tool that can extend vertically and work with round faces. The cheekbones look broader, while the aim of the haircut is to elongate the face. Well-known hairstylist Chris McMillan, who has worked with Jennifer Aniston, has also recommended that his clients avoid long layers as it adds roundness to the face.
Side-Swept Bangs
Side bangs are a better option for a round face cut, explaining why many opt for this and why so many with a round face cringe at side bangs. Side bangs break symmetry and round sides, instead adjusting to the center parts of the face while also sloping toward an angle and giving the illusion of an elongated face. Ted Gibson, a hairstylist who speaks to Glamour, mentions that side bangs help with softer models and are appreciated as a modern fashion statement.
Angled Bob
A stylish bob cut is suitable for women with a round face as it is a cut with versatility. The cut features sharp ends that gradually slope shorter at the back, creating a longer, more sculpted face. Interestingly, this specific haircut angling is loved by many popular figures like Victoria Beckham, who have perfect bank accounts. It can also be achieved with a straighter texture or a wavy one.
Volumized Pixie Cut
If short hairstyles are your thing, a volumized pixie cut is the one for you as it is quite radical and definitely suits short hair. It places an emphasis on the upper side of the head while providing the illusion of a longer neck and an oval head shape. In the description, Vogue notes that this cut, once worn by the likes of Charlize Theron, does well to provide features to round faces.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are an option that stands out and frames the face perfectly. Their parted yet soft curtains provide additional vertical features to round face silhouettes. Add layered or wavy hair and it’s just the best modern fusion. A report by Byrdie mentioned that curtain bangs were quite popular in the past and have returned with more emphasis as you can style them however you want, and they completely fit your face shape.
How to Style Round Faces
Put More Volume on the Forefront
Adding hair onto the top of the head accentuates the entire structure of the face. Make use of volumizing mousses or root-lifting sprays for a good elevation. Similarly, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests resisting heavier styling products. In most cases, this weighs down hair as well as reduces the range or volume of the hair.
Experiment with Parting
Parting your hair at a deep side or even a center part can have a lasting effect in shaping your face. A deep side part adds asymmetry to the equation, while a center part balances the style to a certain extent.
Incorporate Highlights
Placed properly, the proper highlighting of the hair should be able to define the angles of the jawline and the cheekbones, adding to the reducing effect. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science also explains the importance of color and haircut styles in improving the dimension of the face.
Mistakes to Avoid
Of course, the right haircut can make a lot of difference, but one has to be careful not to go for cuts that can make the round face even rounder. Blunt bobs that hit the chin or other cuts that emphasize the width of the cheeks can only add to the roundness of an already round face. Likewise, one-length straight cuts without layering can give the impression of being rounder. This is consistent with what Habia, The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority, states: cuts and textures should be added to define balanced hairstyles for round face shapes.
Embracing Your Face Shape
When looking for solutions for your round face, the aim should not be to cover it but to style it with confidence. From long hair with layers to a short cute pixie cut, the choice is always yours, bearing in mind the options that suit your facial features.
Getting a haircut is more of an art than a science, and the most important opinion is yours. With a myriad of options available today, the sheer number of hairstyles you can sport is immense. All you have to do is follow a few guidelines of haircuts for round faces and choose the right style.
References:
- Allure: “How to Determine Your Face Shape”
- Marie Claire: “Celebrity Hair Stylist’s Guide to Haircuts by Face Shape”
- Harper’s Bazaar: “The Most Flattering Bob Haircuts for Every Face Shape”
- Byrdie: “Curtain Bangs Are Back – Here’s Why Everyone Loves Them”
- American Academy of Dermatology: “Hair Styling Tips for Volume”
- Journal of Cosmetic Science: “The Role of Hair Color in Facial Aesthetics”
- The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia): “Guidelines on Layering and Texturing Hair”